Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that the government has planned to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across Bangladesh. He made the statement on Sunday while inaugurating a canal re-excavation program at Sharikal Union in Gournadi upazila of Barishal. The initiative is part of the Barishal, Bhola, Jhalakathi, and Pirojpur district irrigation development project. The minister said the program aims to ensure tidal water reaches farmers’ lands directly, improving agricultural productivity.

Swapan recalled that the canal excavation program initiated by Shaheed Ziaur Rahman had previously increased food production, but lack of maintenance later reduced its benefits. He said the new program, launched under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, seeks to restore those gains. Alongside canal re-excavation, a tree planting campaign has also begun as part of the broader environmental effort.

The minister emphasized that the government would not be partisan and that bureaucrats and police should be enabled to serve the public effectively. He added that the nationwide canal excavation program would be formally inaugurated soon, with local administration officials present at the Barishal event.

Libya’s Ramadan festivities, marked by fireworks and family gatherings, have been dampened by soaring inflation, currency devaluation, and deep political divisions. Fifteen years after the fall of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi, the country remains split between eastern and western administrations. Despite vast oil and gas reserves, shortages of fuel and essential goods have disrupted daily life, with supermarkets rationing products and ATMs running out of cash in Tripoli.

Residents report worsening economic conditions, blaming currency traders for the dinar’s sharp decline. Prices of cooking oil have doubled, while meat and poultry costs have risen by about 50 percent. Gas cylinders, officially priced at 1.5 dinars, are selling for up to 75 dinars on the black market. The western central bank recently devalued the dinar by 15 percent for the second time in less than a year, a move Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah admitted has increased public hardship.

UN envoy Hanna Tetteh warned that rising poverty and social pressure could combine with fragile security to create new political and security challenges. Analysts say the lack of a unified budget and reduced oil revenues continue to strain Libya’s divided economy.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) said the Prime Minister has given instructions to expedite the opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. She made the statement on Sunday afternoon after a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the terminal project. When asked about the possible opening date, the minister said no specific timeline could be given yet, as discussions and investigations are ongoing to determine how to accelerate the process.

The third terminal project was initiated in 2017 by the then Awami League government, with construction beginning on December 28, 2019, at an estimated cost of about Tk 21,398 crore. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina partially inaugurated the terminal on October 7, 2023, and the Civil Aviation Authority had expected full operations in 2024, which did not happen. The interim government also attempted to launch the terminal but failed due to unresolved issues over ground handling, operational decisions, and technical faults inside the building.

The Prime Minister’s latest directive aims to overcome these obstacles and ensure the terminal becomes operational soon, though no date has been confirmed.

Member of Parliament for Bagerhat-2, Manjurul Haque Rahad, led a large-scale cleanliness campaign across important areas of Bagerhat municipality on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The drive covered busy locations including the court premises, Bagerhat Sadar Hospital compound, and several municipal roads and public spaces. Local dignitaries, municipal workers, and residents participated, distributing leaflets and delivering short speeches to raise public awareness about cleanliness.

During the event, MP Rahad emphasized the importance of maintaining order and hygiene in society, stating that a clean city is a shared responsibility. He highlighted that keeping hospitals and public gathering places clean is vital for public health. Rahad announced plans to improve waste management, ensure regular cleaning, and enhance civic awareness to transform Bagerhat into a modern and healthy city.

Local residents welcomed the initiative, noting that the direct involvement of their elected representative had given new momentum to cleanliness efforts. They expressed hope that consistent monitoring and coordinated action would bring visible improvements to the municipal environment.

At least 72 tigers have died from a viral infection at a zoo in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand, according to a statement issued Friday by the provincial livestock department. Tests confirmed that the animals were infected with the highly contagious canine distemper virus and also suffered from bacterial respiratory infections. The zoo, known as Tigers Kingdom, has been temporarily closed following the mass deaths.

Somchuan Rattanamungklanon, director of Thailand’s national livestock department, told local media that detecting illness in tigers is more difficult than in domestic animals such as dogs or cats, and by the time symptoms become apparent, it is often too late. The zoo, a popular tourist attraction, allowed visitors to hug and take photos with tigers.

Animal rights group PETA said in a statement to AFP that the tigers lived and died in distressing, confined, and fearful conditions. The organization added that if tourists stayed away, such facilities would quickly become unprofitable and tragedies like this would not occur.

According to data from the Air Quality Index (IQAir) released on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 9:18 a.m., Lahore, Pakistan, recorded the highest level of air pollution in the world. The city’s air quality score reached 390, placing it in the hazardous category. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked second with a score of 250, indicating very unhealthy air conditions. Kolkata, India, followed in third place with a score of 218, also classified as very unhealthy.

The IQAir index categorizes air quality based on numerical scores: 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 moderate, 101–150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 unhealthy, 201–300 very unhealthy, and above 301 hazardous. The latest readings highlight severe air pollution across major South Asian cities, with Lahore’s air quality reaching a dangerous level and Dhaka’s remaining critically poor.

The report underscores persistent air quality challenges in the region, signaling ongoing health and environmental risks for urban populations if pollution levels remain high.

The once-mighty Padma River in Rajbari has turned into a narrow channel as vast stretches have dried up, exposing numerous sandbars across nearly fifty kilometers. The shrinking river has reduced navigability and created acute water shortages for hundreds of families living in the char areas. Locals report that the river has become so shallow that crossing it on foot may soon be possible.

Residents recall that three decades ago, the river maintained strong flow even in dry seasons. Now, farmers struggle to transport crops and goods from the opposite bank, often resorting to walking or using animal carts. Livestock owners travel long distances to bathe and water their cattle as nearby ponds have dried up, and tube wells no longer yield water.

According to Subrata Kumar, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board’s Rajbari Sadar Division, reduced upstream flow and lower surface-level capacity have caused the drying. He added that decreased water release from the Farakka Barrage is a major factor. A survey is underway to determine the full extent of the problem.

Farmers in Panchagarh have intensified Boro rice cultivation this season, encouraged by stable paddy prices in recent years. The district, which typically plants Boro seedlings later than other regions, is now witnessing widespread transplanting activity. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, the target for this year’s Irri-Boro season covers 33,994 hectares across five upazilas, including 9,021 hectares of hybrid and 24,973 hectares of Ufshi varieties. So far, seedlings have been transplanted on 14,490 hectares, with completion expected within two weeks.

Boda and Debiganj upazilas have seen the largest cultivation areas, totaling over 21,000 hectares. Farmers report favorable weather and manageable pest conditions, raising hopes for another bumper harvest. Some, however, have shifted portions of their land to maize and peanut cultivation due to previous losses from Aman rice. Agricultural officials noted that last season’s Boro crop achieved high yields despite pest attacks, and similar conditions this year could lead to strong production again.

If current weather patterns persist and proper care continues, the district’s farmers anticipate a productive harvest season ahead.

A severe shortage of drinking water has gripped Charfassion in Bhola as groundwater levels have fallen sharply, leaving thousands of deep tube wells dry. According to the report published on February 22, 2026, water is no longer coming from about 12,000 deep tube wells across Charfassion municipality and 21 unions. Residents are now forced to collect water from ponds, canals, and ditches, causing widespread suffering. The lack of clean water has disrupted daily life, including prayer activities in mosques, and raised health concerns due to the use of contaminated surface water.

The Department of Public Health Engineering in Charfassion stated that around 10–12 thousand government-installed deep tube wells exist in the area, along with over a hundred thousand privately owned ones. Of these, about 2,500 government-funded and more than 40,000 private tube wells are currently nonfunctional. Officials said the groundwater level has been dropping by about two feet each year, worsened by irrigation-related extraction. The Upazila administration has advised contacting the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation to address the issue.

The crisis has heightened risks of waterborne diseases, particularly among children, as residents rely on unsafe water sources.

Bangladesh’s long-held strong position in the European Union apparel market has weakened, according to recent Eurostat and Export Promotion Bureau data. Despite overall EU apparel imports rising 2.10% in 2025 to reach USD 90 billion, average unit prices fell 10.27%. Bangladesh’s exports to the EU totaled USD 9.46 billion in the first half of fiscal year 2025–26, down 4.14% from the same period a year earlier. In December 2025 alone, export earnings dropped 12.05% year-on-year as prices fell despite stable shipment volumes.

Analysts attribute the intensified competition to exporters from several countries redirecting goods to Europe after the United States imposed higher tariffs on multiple nations. This surge in supply has driven down prices and increased pressure on Bangladeshi exporters. The situation is further complicated by the newly announced India-EU free trade agreement, which will eliminate around 12% tariffs on Indian apparel once it takes effect in 2027, giving India a cost advantage.

Industry leaders from BGMEA and EAB warned that without timely policy support, efficiency upgrades, and product diversification, Bangladesh risks losing market share in Europe to more aggressive competitors such as China, India, and Vietnam.

Nine people, including six female skiers and three professional guides, were killed in a massive avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, described as the most deadly avalanche in the United States in 45 years. The victims were on a three-day backcountry skiing expedition under the supervision of experienced guides when the avalanche struck on Tuesday morning as they prepared to return. A snow layer the size of a football field collapsed suddenly, burying them within seconds.

Rescue teams faced severe wind and near-zero visibility, delaying operations. Six people were rescued alive, but nine others could not be saved. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether negligence played a role. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reported that the site remains dangerous, with one person still missing.

The tragedy has cast a shadow of grief over the community. Psychologist Sara Boylen said the incident has caused deep emotional trauma for mountain enthusiasts, turning a place of peace into one of loss.

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will raise global tariffs on imported goods to 15 percent after the United States Supreme Court struck down his previous trade measures. The ruling has triggered widespread concern and responses from governments and markets, as countries assess the legal and economic implications of the decision and Trump’s new tariff plan.

In South Korea, the presidential office said it would review its trade deal with the US, while India faces uncertainty over a recently signed framework agreement that includes major purchases in defence, energy, and artificial intelligence. China’s response was muted, though analysts said the ruling could ease tariff pressure on its exports. Canada and Mexico both welcomed the court’s decision but noted that some tariffs remain in place. European leaders, including those from France and Germany, emphasized the importance of legal checks and signaled coordinated responses within the European Union.

Legal experts described the Supreme Court’s ruling as a landmark moment, asserting that the court acted to reaffirm constitutional limits on presidential authority rather than to decide on economic policy.

In Tanore upazila of Rajshahi, potato prices have dropped sharply this season, with new potatoes selling for Tk 8 to 9 per kilogram, and in some places even lower. Farmers report being forced to add an extra 5 kilograms per sack as ‘dholon,’ increasing their losses. One farmer, Raihan Kabir, said he harvested 40 to 45 sacks per bigha, selling each for Tk 550 to 650, earning Tk 22,000 to 28,000 per bigha against production costs of Tk 60,000 to 65,000, resulting in losses exceeding Tk 30,000 per bigha. Another farmer, Mejbaul, said his expenses were Tk 45,000 per bigha, but he earned only about Tk 25,000.

Farmers allege that although each sack weighs 70 kilograms, they are paid for only 65 kilograms, losing about 250 kilograms per bigha. Traders claim the extra weight compensates for natural loss during transport and storage. The local agriculture officer, Saifullah Ahmed, said 12,190 hectares were cultivated this year, with 150 hectares already harvested and yields satisfactory. He added that coordination is underway to help farmers with storage and marketing, expressing hope that prices will improve soon.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman secured a two-thirds majority in the 13th national election held on February 12, 2026, following the 2024 student-led uprising. With the Awami League barred from participation, Rahman was sworn in as prime minister on February 17. Analysts note that his political success will depend on reviving the struggling economy amid youth discontent over jobs and corruption.

BNP has pledged to double the economy by 2034, raising GDP from USD 460 billion to USD 1 trillion, requiring 9% annual growth. The party also promised major increases in education and health spending but lacks a credible revenue plan. Economists warn that high interest rates, structural distribution issues, and weak private investment pose serious risks. Agriculture employs 44% of the workforce, and Rahman must ensure fair prices for farmers while controlling food costs.

Remittance inflows have surged to USD 30 billion in 2025, but dependence on Gulf labor markets and corruption in overseas employment remain concerns. Economist Khan Ahmed Sayeed Murshid urged pragmatic reforms and reliable energy supply. Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from LDC status in November 2026 adds further pressure on exports and economic stability.

The Bangladesh Government Employees Demand Implementation Alliance has announced new programs and issued an ultimatum to the government for the implementation of the ninth pay scale. According to a press release signed by Member Secretary Md. Mahmudul Hasan and Chief Coordinator Md. Warez Ali, if the demand is not met by March 15, the organization will announce further programs on March 28. The plan includes submitting memorandums to the Prime Minister through local MPs and ministers, holding representative assemblies, and organizing activities in divisional cities during Ramadan.

The statement said that since the introduction of the eighth pay scale in 2015, employees in grades 11–20 have faced discrimination, and repeated appeals to successive governments have gone unanswered. The alliance noted that despite the formation of the eighth pay commission in 2025 and its report submission, the interim government did not implement the promised pay scale. It emphasized that rising living costs have made it difficult for employees to support their families.

If no visible government action is taken by March 15, the alliance will announce its next steps at a press conference on March 28, after Eid-ul-Fitr.