Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has directed that electricity supply remain uninterrupted during sehri, iftar, and tarawih prayers in the upcoming Ramadan. The instruction came on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, during the first cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat under his chairmanship. After the meeting, State Minister for Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque Nur briefed reporters about the decisions.

According to the state minister, the Prime Minister reminded cabinet members that the government enjoys strong public support and must uphold good governance and accountability. He urged ministers to perform their duties free from influence or favoritism and to maintain a firm stance against corruption. The Prime Minister also emphasized keeping commodity prices stable during Ramadan and ensuring law and order.

Additionally, the meeting discussed implementing visible progress on government commitments such as family cards, farmer cards, and health cards, which were highlighted during election campaigns.

The government has relieved Sheikh Bashir Uddin from his position as chairman of the board of directors of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited. The decision was formalized through a gazette notification issued on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, by order of the President. The notification was signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Mosammat Shakila Parvin of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

According to the notification, Sheikh Bashir Uddin was released from his duties at his own request. The government exercised its authority under Section 30(g) of the Bangladesh Biman Order, 1972 (reinstated and amended by the Bangladesh Biman Order Reinstatement and Amendment Act, 2023). The order was issued in the public interest and took effect immediately from the date of issuance.

The announcement marks an official change in leadership at the national flag carrier, though no successor or further administrative details were mentioned in the government order.

Dr. Reza Kibria, the BNP candidate who won the Habiganj-1 (Nabiganj-Bahubal) constituency by a large margin, has not been included in the newly formed cabinet, causing disappointment among his supporters and local residents. The absence of his name, despite his reputation as an internationally recognized economist, has sparked widespread discussion on social media. Many had expected him to be appointed as a minister, particularly in a key economic role.

Local BNP leaders expressed frustration, saying that the people of Nabiganj-Bahubal had voted with the hope of seeing Dr. Kibria in the cabinet. Gajnaipur Union BNP president Safiul Alam Bajlu described the exclusion as a setback for both the constituency and merit-based leadership. Upazila BNP general secretary Majidur Rahman and senior joint secretary Oliur Rahman echoed similar sentiments, urging the party leadership and the prime minister to reconsider the decision.

The disappointment reflects broader expectations in Habiganj district, where no representative was given a cabinet position, leaving voters disheartened after their strong electoral support.

International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam stated that Sajib Wazed Joy, son of the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and former State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak were among the masterminds of the July genocide. He made the remarks on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, during a press briefing at the tribunal premises, where the prosecution presented its opening statement in the crimes against humanity case against Joy and Palak.

According to Tajul Islam, the genocide took place during the July–August 2024 student uprising, when protesters were allegedly massacred after internet services were shut down. He said both Joy and Palak, who were responsible for ICT affairs at the time, played key roles by facilitating the internet shutdown that enabled the killings.

The Chief Prosecutor further claimed that Palak had consulted with then–Prime Minister’s Adviser Salman F Rahman regarding assistance in the genocide, and that the prosecution had presented evidence of their alleged conspiracies and planning in court.

Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that Bangladesh’s current education curriculum will not be changed but will undergo a review. He made the statement on Wednesday, during the new government’s first working day, at a press conference held at the Secretariat. State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj was also present at the briefing. Responding to journalists’ questions, Milon emphasized that the curriculum would be reviewed rather than replaced.

The minister recalled his previous tenure as state minister for education during the BNP–Jamaat coalition government, noting that measures taken then had curbed exam malpractice and question paper leaks. He expressed confidence that such problems would not recur. His comments came a day after his oath-taking, when he drew attention for energetically entering the National Parliament premises by jumping over an iron boundary.

When asked if similar bold moves would be seen in the education sector, Milon replied that the sector would need not just a “high jump” but a “pole vault jump,” signaling his intent for ambitious reforms through review rather than overhaul.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that the newly elected government will work toward three main goals: controlling commodity prices, ensuring stable electricity, fuel and gas supply, and improving law and order to ease public safety concerns. He made the statement on February 18, 2026, emphasizing that these priorities are central to the new administration’s agenda.

The minister said the government will take swift measures to address the major challenges it faces. He highlighted that maintaining price stability during the upcoming Ramadan, keeping essential utilities affordable, and restoring public confidence in security are immediate objectives.

Earlier that morning, the Prime Minister and cabinet members paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing flowers at the National Memorial in Savar.

India and France have upgraded their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership' following a high-level meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai. During Macron’s three-day official visit, the two nations finalized over 20 agreements across defense and civilian sectors, including joint production of 'Hammer' air-to-ground missiles and a deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets. The leaders also inaugurated an H-125 helicopter assembly plant in Karnataka, built jointly by Airbus and Tata Group.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the new agreements extend existing defense cooperation by another decade. The H-125 facility, India’s first private helicopter manufacturing plant, will assemble aircraft capable of operating at Mount Everest’s altitude. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the project involves an investment of about 10 billion rupees and will generate significant employment. Modi emphasized that the partnership will advance global stability and progress, while Macron highlighted the deepening cooperation over the past eight years.

The Rafale and missile deals mark India’s largest recent defense acquisitions and align with its 'Make in India' initiative to boost domestic production of advanced military equipment.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held his first cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday, directing ministry and department heads to prioritize three key issues: controlling essential commodity prices, improving law and order, and ensuring stable electricity supply during Ramadan and the upcoming summer season. The meeting marked his first official engagement after taking office as Bangladesh’s 11th prime minister.

The meeting was attended by 25 ministers, 24 state ministers, and 10 advisers. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters that the cabinet’s initial focus would be on maintaining price stability, public safety, and uninterrupted power supply. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said relevant ministries and agencies would soon submit progress reports on implementing the prime minister’s directives.

Tarique Rahman urged secretaries to implement the pledges made in the BNP’s election manifesto and assured that merit and competence would be valued in the administration. The new BNP-led government, formed after the 13th national election, began its first day with tributes at the National Memorial and the graves of former leaders before convening at the Secretariat.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharply criticized India’s Election Commission, urging it to take lessons from Bangladesh’s recently concluded 13th national parliamentary elections, which she described as peaceful and fair. Speaking at a press conference in Nabanna on Tuesday, she said that despite fears of unrest, Bangladesh’s election was conducted smoothly and without violence. She added that any weakness in conducting elections in a democratic country like India would be a matter of shame for the commission.

Banerjee labeled the Election Commission as a “Tughlaqi Commission,” accusing it of acting under the direction of a particular political party and undermining democracy through what she called “politics of intimidation.” She claimed such behavior was unprecedented even in monarchies and posed a serious threat to democratic governance. With assembly elections approaching in West Bengal and four other Indian states, Banerjee alleged that the commission was interfering unnecessarily in state affairs, disrupting constitutional balance and weakening the federal structure.

Her remarks have sparked fresh political debate in India, intensifying verbal clashes between ruling and opposition parties ahead of the upcoming state elections.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has expressed his expectation to develop a modern and time-appropriate education system through a comprehensive curriculum review. He made the remarks on Wednesday while exchanging views with journalists at his office in the Secretariat, where State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj was also present.

Earlier in the day, ministry officials welcomed the minister and state minister with flowers upon their arrival at the Secretariat. During the discussion, Minister Milan emphasized the need for significant progress in education, stating that the sector requires continuous leaps forward rather than small steps. He also mentioned plans to work closely with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, describing him as someone who values education deeply.

State Minister Bobby Hajjaj added that the Prime Minister’s vision for the nation includes major improvements in education. He stressed the necessity of rebuilding every part of the education system and implementing plans with the help of skilled officials.

Residents of Jamalpur erupted in celebration after Nazrul Islam Khan was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Adviser and M Rashiduzzaman Millat became the State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism in the new government. The news sparked widespread joy among BNP leaders, activists, and people from various professions across the district, with processions, sweet distributions, and prayer gatherings held in multiple locations.

According to local reports, BNP supporters in Jamalpur city and surrounding areas organized thanksgiving prayers and shared sweets with the public. The celebrations intensified after Millat took his oath as state minister, and later, when Khan’s name appeared on the list of ten advisers to the Prime Minister. People from Dewanganj, Bakshiganj, and Islampur also joined the festivities, expressing gratitude to party leadership for honoring local leaders with key government roles.

Many residents voiced optimism that having two prominent figures from Jamalpur in the government would accelerate the district’s development under the new BNP administration.

The government of Bihar, India, has decided to prohibit the open sale of fish and meat across the state. The policy decision, approved under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership, was reported by Indian media on February 17. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha stated that once the new rule takes effect, fish and meat can only be sold in licensed, designated shops. He added that the restriction will apply to everyone, and strict action will be taken against violators. However, the government has not yet announced when the rule will come into force or what penalties will apply.

The report noted that the move follows a similar 2025 decision by Uttar Pradesh to ban meat sales within 500 meters of religious sites. Central Minister Giriraj Singh has expressed support for Bihar’s decision and urged district administrations to take prompt action. The state already enforces a ban on alcohol sales, and this new measure extends its regulatory approach to food sales.

The decision marks another step in Bihar’s tightening of public commerce regulations, though details of implementation remain pending.

The Dhaka College Journalists’ Association (Dhaksas) has completed its executive committee election for the 2026–27 session. Farhad Bin Noor, a reporter and presenter at Ekhon Television, was elected president, while Faisal Ahmed, a reporter at Daily Janakantha, became general secretary. Imran Hossain of Daily Amar Desh was elected vice president. The voting took place on Wednesday, February 18, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Dhaksas office, with nine positions contested. The newly elected committee will serve for one year.

Other elected members include Al Zobayer Badsha as joint general secretary, Saidur Rahman Noman as finance secretary, and Mahadi Hasan as office, publicity, and publication secretary. Executive members are Walid Hasan, Obaidul Islam, and Rabbi Al Rahid. Chief Election Commissioner Delwar Hossain, senior reporter of Samakal, oversaw the election, assisted by Kefayet Shakil of Banglavision and Delwar Hossain Dolon of Channel 24.

Established on December 18, 1999, the Dhaka College Journalists’ Association has been promoting objective journalism and advocating for journalists’ rights. The organization holds annual elections to form new executive committees.

Sri Lanka’s parliament has voted to abolish pension benefits for its members, fulfilling a key election pledge of the ruling leftist government. The vote took place on Tuesday, with 154 lawmakers supporting the bill and only two opposing it, while the rest were absent. Previously, legislators were entitled to a pension after serving a five-year term. Under the new law, payments to those already receiving or eligible for pensions have also been halted.

The reform follows President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s 2024 election victory, which was based on promises of economic restructuring amid a prolonged financial crisis. Since taking office, Dissanayake has successively removed housing, vehicle, and security privileges for members of parliament. The pension cancellation marks another step in his administration’s effort to reduce state expenses and demonstrate fiscal discipline.

The move is presented as part of the government’s broader plan to overcome the economic crisis and restore public confidence in political accountability.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally began his official duties a day after being sworn in as the head of the new government. On Wednesday at around 12:30 p.m., he arrived at the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat and presided over his government's first cabinet meeting. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A. B. M. Abdus Sattar welcomed him upon arrival.

According to the state news agency BSS, the meeting began at 3 p.m., where the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with cabinet members and instructed them to align their work with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) electoral commitments. The meeting marked the formal start of the new administration’s activities under his leadership.

The event signaled the beginning of the new government’s policy direction, with emphasis on implementing the pledges made during the election campaign.