Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has emphasized the need to ensure that Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims do not face any form of harassment. She said this during a review meeting on Hajj management progress held on Sunday, February 22, at the conference room of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. The minister also stressed that it is the moral duty of state employees to make every effort to help pilgrims complete their Hajj smoothly.

State Minister for Civil Aviation M. Rasheduzzaman Millat stated that the ministry will ensure that suitable individuals are assigned to appropriate responsibilities. Both the minister and the state minister expressed their intention to visit the Hajj camp to observe the overall situation firsthand. The meeting also discussed increasing the frequency of Hajj flights.

Senior officials, including Civil Aviation Secretary Nasrin Jahan and Religious Affairs Secretary Md. Kamal Uddin, attended the meeting, which focused on improving coordination and service quality for the upcoming Hajj season.

Bangladesh’s Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan said the country must move beyond outdated thinking to make its education system modern and effective. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 22, during an introductory meeting with ministry officials at the Secretariat. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj was also present at the meeting.

Dr. Milan emphasized that fulfilling public expectations requires ensuring transparency and accountability not only within the Secretariat but also across all departments and agencies under the ministry. He said the goal is to bring visible change in the education sector through good governance. State Minister Bobby Hajjaj noted that the quality of education has not improved to the desired level for a long time and stressed that sustainable development of the overall education system is impossible without improving primary education.

During the meeting, Joint Secretary Nurunnahar presented a PowerPoint on the ministry’s overall activities, ongoing projects, and future plans. Secretary Abu Taher Rana and other senior officials were also in attendance.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced the formation of its new central executive council comprising 88 members. The council was constituted on Friday during a virtual session of the party’s central Majlis-e-Shura, presided over by Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Among the 88 members, 21 are women, marking their inclusion in the party’s top decision-making body.

The list of members includes senior leaders such as ATM Azharul Islam, Professor Mujibur Rahman, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, and Professor Mia Golam Parwar, among others. The women’s council includes Nurunnisa Siddika, Saeeda Rumman, Marzia Begum, Khondkar Ayesha Khatun, and several others. The announcement was published by Amar Desh Online on February 22, 2026.

The formation of the new council reflects the party’s internal organizational restructuring under the leadership of Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, with a notable representation of women in key positions.

MPO-listed teachers in Bangladesh have submitted 13 demands, including a call for full festival bonuses before Eid, to Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan. The delegation, led by Teachers and Employees Unity Council Chairman Principal Selim Bhuiyan, met the minister on Sunday at the Ministry of Education. State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj and senior ministry officials were also present at the meeting.

Selim Bhuiyan urged that non-government teachers receive their full festival allowance and salaries before Eid-ul-Fitr to ease financial pressure and allow them to focus on teaching. In response, the education minister said the proposal for full festival bonuses would be reviewed. He added that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given top priority to the education sector, noting that 90 percent of a recent cabinet meeting was devoted to education issues.

The minister assured teachers that they would not need to take to the streets for their demands, as the ministry would work on addressing them.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that approval has been granted to withdraw 1,006 politically motivated cases filed against opposition leaders and activists over the past 17 years. The decision was disclosed in a press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Earlier, on February 8, the interim government had withdrawn nearly 24,000 similar cases, following recommendations to drop 23,865 cases filed during the previous administration’s tenure. These cases had targeted members of various political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, and Gano Adhikar Parishad, reportedly affecting around half a million people.

The interim government had formed a district-level committee led by deputy commissioners and an inter-ministerial committee headed by Law Ministry adviser Asif Nazrul on September 22, 2024, to review petitions from political parties. The law ministry stated that the review process remains ongoing.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said that China is ready to begin work on the Teesta project as soon as the Bangladesh government gives its approval. He made the remarks on Sunday after a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid in Dhaka. Yao emphasized that the project now depends entirely on Bangladesh’s decision and expressed optimism about its future.

During the meeting, discussions covered Bangladesh-China relations and the Rohingya crisis. The ambassador stated that Beijing would not accept interference from any third country in its relations with South Asian nations, including Bangladesh. He also said China supports the new government’s “Bangladesh First” policy and wishes to work toward stable governance.

Yao Wen added that China has invited Tarique Rahman for an official visit, which he expects to take place soon. He noted that the foundation of Bangladesh-China relations was laid by Ziaur Rahman, strengthened by Khaleda Zia, and that China hopes Tarique Rahman will elevate the relationship to new heights.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has decided to verify the list of genuine freedom fighters and preserve the accurate history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The decision was made on Sunday, February 22, 2026, during a meeting at the ministry’s conference room with members of the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA). The meeting was chaired by Liberation War Affairs Minister Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (Bir Bikrom), according to an official press release.

During the meeting, several key decisions were adopted to ensure the authenticity of the freedom fighters’ list and to safeguard the true historical record. The minister emphasized that the Liberation War is the fundamental basis of the country’s independence and should not be conflated with other movements. He expressed concern over the political misuse of the Liberation War’s spirit, noting that such misuse has deprived younger generations of learning the true history.

The minister further stated that the immense sacrifices and endurance of the freedom fighters remain unknown to many in the new generation, underscoring the importance of preserving the Liberation War’s legacy as the foundation of the nation.

U.S. Ambassador Steve Witkoff said President Donald Trump is questioning why Iran has not yielded despite Washington’s show of military strength. Speaking in a Fox News interview with Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump on Saturday, Witkoff noted that the president remains curious about Tehran’s stance rather than frustrated.

According to Witkoff, the United States has deployed two aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and other weapons in the region to increase pressure on Iran. At the same time, nuclear deal discussions have resumed in Geneva under Oman’s mediation to avoid potential military conflict. Washington has warned that Iran will face severe consequences if no progress is made in the talks.

Witkoff also confirmed that, under the president’s directive, he met with Iran’s former crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who has not returned to Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He did not disclose details of that meeting.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen stated that Beijing will not accept interference from any third country in its relations with Bangladesh or other South Asian nations. He made the remarks on Sunday after a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid in Dhaka. Yao affirmed that China stands by Bangladesh under the new government’s “Bangladesh First” policy.

During the meeting, the ambassador discussed the Teesta project, saying that the initiative now depends on Bangladesh’s decision, while China remains ready and optimistic about its progress. The discussions also covered bilateral relations and the Rohingya crisis, with China expressing willingness to work with the new government to ensure stable governance.

Yao Wen added that China has invited Tarique Rahman for an official visit, which is expected to take place soon. He noted that the foundation of Bangladesh-China relations was laid by Ziaur Rahman, strengthened by Khaleda Zia, and that China hopes Tarique Rahman will elevate the partnership to new heights.

Hundreds of CNG drivers in Trishal, Mymensingh, blocked the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway on Sunday morning after the daily levy for operating CNGs was abruptly raised from 10 to 70 taka under the leadership of a local labor party figure. The protest near Eva Filling Station caused a complete halt in traffic and several kilometers of congestion, severely affecting passengers and transport workers.

The drivers said that after August 5, 2024, they had temporarily been exempted from paying any levy, but collections resumed at 10 taka and were later increased multiple times. Following the national election, labor leader Dukol, along with Rafik and Modon, reportedly set the daily fee at 70 taka and imposed an additional mandatory monthly payment of 1,000 taka. Drivers alleged that refusal to pay led to harassment and being barred from using stands.

Trishal police chief Md. Firoz Hossain confirmed that the drivers blocked the road after the sudden increase and withdrew the blockade following assurances of action against those responsible. Authorities pledged to investigate the allegations and take necessary measures.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman continued his official duties at the Secretariat for the third consecutive day on Sunday, February 22, 2026. During his visit, he reviewed the attendance of cabinet members and senior officials and emphasized the importance of arriving at the office on time. According to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister reached the Secretariat at 9:05 a.m., surprising many with his early arrival.

Atikur Rahman stated that the Prime Minister personally inquired about which ministers, state ministers, and advisers were present at their offices. He also issued verbal instructions for all officials to ensure punctual attendance. Tarique Rahman had taken oath as Prime Minister on February 17 and began his official work at the Secretariat the following day, maintaining a consistent presence since then.

Despite the previous Saturday being a public holiday, the Prime Minister worked from his Tejgaon office, signaling his focus on discipline and administrative efficiency within the government.

Home Affairs Adviser Salauddin Ahmed has said that changes are coming soon at the top level of the Bangladesh Police. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 22, after a meeting at the Secretariat chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Responding to questions from journalists, Ahmed confirmed that some changes in police leadership are expected and will take place soon.

During the briefing, the adviser also addressed a recent incident of alleged terrorist activity in Dhaka’s Adabor area, saying he had ordered an investigation and asked for a report. He assured that strict action would be taken if the incident proved true. In the same press interaction, Ahmed discussed preparations for the upcoming parliamentary session, which is scheduled to be convened on March 12 following the President’s approval.

The adviser said the session would include the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, presentation of ordinances issued during the interim government, a condolence motion, and the President’s address, along with regular parliamentary business.

Bangladesh’s ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, has accused former foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain of creating obstacles and showing non-cooperation during his official duties. In a Facebook post on February 22, Ansari alleged that Hossain hindered his participation in several diplomatic activities, including his appointment process and involvement in UN sessions. He specifically claimed that Hossain blocked his attempt to apply for the post of UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights.

Ansari stated that he decided to apply for the UN position after encouragement from a foreign colleague, as the post became vacant following the end of a Latvian official’s term. He informed Prime Minister Professor Muhammad Yunus, who advised him to contact the foreign affairs adviser. Although Hossain initially agreed, Ansari claimed he later received a “not to proceed” message after submitting his application and that his calls were subsequently ignored.

Ansari expressed disappointment at not receiving his country’s support and said the newly elected prime minister was surprised by the situation. He added that he plans to reveal more details later and is writing a book about his experiences.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis has strongly condemned what it described as false, fabricated, and politically motivated allegations and threats of a murder attempt case against its Amir and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Joint Secretary General Allama Muhammad Mamunul Haque. In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, party Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad criticized recent remarks by Education State Minister and MP Bobby Hajjaj, calling them part of a deep political conspiracy aimed at hiding the people’s true verdict.

The statement alleged that after visible public support for the rickshaw symbol in Dhaka-13, a powerful group manipulated results through vote invalidation, tampering, and rewriting of result sheets. It further claimed that despite written complaints to the Election Commission, the final gazette was hastily published. The party also linked current actions to past attempts to suppress Mamunul Haque through false cases and harassment.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis demanded a neutral and transparent judicial investigation into the alleged election result manipulation and warned that continued misinformation and result distortion could lead to political consequences for the government.

Nearly two years after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian government, Bangladesh has delivered a historic electoral verdict. Voters have chosen Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who led his party to a landslide victory and pledged political reconstruction and a new regional strategy. The election follows years of unrest and the 2024 uprising that toppled Hasina after a deadly crackdown that killed about 1,400 people. Hasina fled to Delhi, where she was later sentenced to death in absentia by an international tribunal, straining relations between Dhaka and New Delhi after India refused extradition.

Analysts view the result as a rejection of years of repression and of India’s perceived backing of Hasina’s rule. Her tenure was marked by economic stability but also by allegations of arrests, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Critics say her foreign policy leaned heavily toward India, prioritizing its strategic interests while leaving key bilateral disputes unresolved. The new government faces the challenge of recalibrating ties with both India and Pakistan while maintaining balance in regional diplomacy.

Observers suggest Bangladesh’s new leadership aims to assert a more independent foreign policy, reducing overreliance on any single power and emphasizing national interests first.