The Iranian government has rejected international claims about the scale of killings during last month’s nationwide protests, insisting that “terrorists” were responsible for the deaths. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran had released a list of 3,117 people described as victims of “recent terrorist operations,” including about 200 security personnel. He challenged critics to provide evidence disputing the figures, after US President Donald Trump claimed that 32,000 people were killed and said Iranians had “lived in hell” under the current establishment.

UN special rapporteur Mai Sato and 30 other human rights experts said more than 20,000 civilians may have been killed, though they noted that information remains limited due to heavy internet restrictions. The US-based HRANA reported documenting over 7,000 deaths and investigating thousands more. The experts urged Iran to reveal the fate of those arrested or missing and to stop executions linked to the protests, warning that the true scale of the crackdown remains unclear.

Meanwhile, tensions persist across Iran, with student clashes at Tehran’s Sharif University and teachers striking over the killing of children. Families continue to hold independent memorials for victims, defying official mourning events promoted as symbols of “unity and empathy.”

A shop in Charfassion, Bhola, that had been seized by miscreants using the name of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was recovered following the intervention of Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan, the BNP Member of Parliament for Bhola-4 (Charfassion and Monpura). The operation took place late on Friday, February 20, at Tulatuli Bazar in Jahangpur Union, near the Meghna River. The shop, long under illegal occupation, was returned to its rightful owner, local businessman Mahe Alam.

According to the report, Mahe Alam had been running his business at the site for several years. Before the 13th National Election, a group of local miscreants allegedly branded him as an Awami League supporter and took over his shop while demanding extortion money in the name of BNP. After Alam informed MP Nayan by phone, the lawmaker instructed local party leaders to act. Youth front members verified the complaint, broke the lock, and handed the shop back to Alam.

The recovery has brought relief among local traders, who have demanded strict action against those involved in the illegal occupation.

A clash broke out between two factions of the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Fatullah, Narayanganj, on Saturday afternoon, leaving one activist named Arafat injured. The incident occurred on Gulshan Road in the area. Arafat alleged that the attack was carried out by Siam, Biplob, Noman, Russell, and Sabbir at the instigation of NCP leader Alif Dewan, claiming it was a planned assault.

According to Arafat, the dispute stemmed from his donation of 50,000 taka directly to Shapla symbol MP candidate Abdullah Al Amin before the election. He claimed Alif Dewan was angered because he wanted the donation to go through him. However, Alif Dewan denied the allegations, asserting that Arafat was not an NCP member and had been extorting money using the party’s name after the election. Dewan also claimed that Arafat and his associates attempted to assault their worker Biplob at a rolling mill before locals intervened.

Local NCP leader Tarikul Islam has taken responsibility for mediating the matter. Arafat stated he would pursue legal action if justice is not ensured.

At Islamic University in Kushtia, student leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) protested late Friday night after the name of former president Ziaur Rahman was not mentioned during a prayer and supplication held to mark Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. The event took place around 12:30 a.m. at the university’s central Shaheed Minar, following floral tributes and a minute of silence for the martyrs.

According to reports, the prayer included references to language martyrs and other national heroes but omitted Ziaur Rahman and his family. JCD activists objected immediately, arguing that Zia was not only a former president but also the university’s founder. They demanded an explanation from university officials. A second prayer was later conducted by the central mosque’s imam, who then included Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, Arafat Rahman Koko, and Tarique Rahman by name.

The incident led to heated exchanges between student groups and university administrators, including the pro-vice-chancellor and leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement. The confrontation continued near the Diana Chattar area before subsiding.

On February 21, 2026, Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, faced public criticism after comments he made during a Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day event in Sirajganj. Speaking as the chief guest at the District Shilpakala Academy auditorium, he said that to truly embrace Bengali as the mother tongue, the slogan 'Inquilab Zindabad' should not be used, as it is not part of the Bengali language.

Following his remarks, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Nasiruddin Patwari posted Facebook statuses protesting the minister’s statement. Asif Mahmud questioned whether the minister felt discomfort hearing 'Inquilab Zindabad' but not 'Bangladesh Zindabad', while Nasiruddin Patwari wrote a post supporting the disputed slogan and criticizing extortion. Earlier, Hasnat Abdullah had also posted a similar protest on Facebook.

The incident drew attention on social media, highlighting differing opinions on linguistic expression and national identity during the observance of International Mother Language Day.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee called for collective efforts in nation-building despite political differences. Speaking as the chief guest at a civic gathering organized by the Lakshmipur Press Club at the Town Hall auditorium on Saturday, he emphasized that opposing every issue for the sake of opposition hinders progress. He warned that those who create mobs and chaos, obstructing Bangladesh’s development, would become enemies of the country.

Anee, the newly elected Member of Parliament from Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar), took oath as a full minister on February 17. He serves as Joint Secretary General of the BNP central committee and convener of the Lakshmipur district BNP. Although previously elected to parliament twice, this is his first time joining the cabinet.

His remarks highlighted a call for cooperation across political lines to ensure stability and progress, reflecting his new ministerial role following the 13th parliamentary election.

Dhaka University’s nationalist teachers’ group, Sada Dal, has strongly protested a tribute paid at the Central Shaheed Minar under the banner of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association. In a statement issued on Saturday, Sada Dal leaders Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, and Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar denounced the act as unethical and audacious, arguing that the association currently has no functional committee.

The statement alleged that a few teachers, rejected by most colleagues after the July 2024 mass uprising, used the association’s name to lay wreaths in honor of language martyrs. Sada Dal leaders claimed these individuals lack moral and legal legitimacy, accusing them of opposing student movements during the uprising and playing controversial roles in that political period. They further noted that after the August 5 political change, the group was labeled “publicly discredited,” and a high-level university investigation is ongoing.

Sada Dal urged the university administration to take exemplary disciplinary action based on the inquiry report and to prevent politically controversial teachers or groups from using sensitive university spaces for political activities.

Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan and Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday. The meeting was disclosed through a post on the verified Facebook page of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

During the meeting, the chiefs of the air and naval forces discussed key issues related to the overall security of the country's airspace and maritime boundaries, the blue economy, protection of marine resources, and the modernization and capacity enhancement of both forces. The Prime Minister praised the professionalism, patriotism, and tireless efforts of the Bangladesh Air Force and Navy in safeguarding the nation’s maritime areas.

The discussion highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening defense capabilities and ensuring the security of national resources, as reflected in the Prime Minister’s appreciation of the armed forces’ contributions.

Hasnat Abdullah, the newly elected Member of Parliament from Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) and chief organizer of the NCP, posted a short message on his verified Facebook account on February 21, 2026. The post contained only two words, which quickly drew attention and spread rapidly across social media platforms.

Following the post, widespread discussion emerged online, with both supporters and critics reacting to the message. The brief statement became a viral topic, generating significant debate and engagement among users across different political and social circles.

The incident highlights how even minimal social media activity by political figures can trigger large-scale public discourse in Bangladesh’s digital space.

Former coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement and Habiganj district secretary Mahdi Hasan was questioned by Indian officials in New Delhi after being identified at a visa processing center. He had traveled to India to apply for a Portuguese visa and was recognized by someone who recorded a video that later spread on social media. Following this, Indian intelligence officials began monitoring him. According to two sources cited by BBC Bangla, Hasan was not physically harmed but was told that anyone making anti-India remarks or claiming to have killed a Hindu police officer would not be allowed to stay in India.

The sources said Hasan’s Indian visa was canceled the same night, and he was advised to leave the country. He departed for Dhaka on an IndiGo flight on Wednesday afternoon. Hasan later told journalists at Dhaka airport that he had been harassed and felt unsafe in India. He denied rumors about cryptocurrency possession and confirmed that he was also questioned upon returning to Bangladesh.

BBC Bangla reported that attempts to reach Hasan for further comment after his return were unsuccessful.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with longtime employees of the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday morning at Tejgaon. According to his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, the Prime Minister personally called several staff members by name who had served during former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s tenure 19 years ago. He spoke with them, inquired about their families, and shook hands with one employee who approached him after being recognized from afar.

Before entering the office, the Prime Minister planted trees in the garden. Upon his arrival, officials and employees lined up to greet him. Witnesses described the moment as emotional, noting that the Prime Minister remembered staff who had aged since their earlier service but still recognized them by name. Many were reportedly moved by his gesture and demeanor.

After the meeting, the Prime Minister entered the Red Block, his official chamber, and took his seat to inaugurate a commemorative postage stamp marking the observance of Shaheed Dibosh and International Mother Language Day.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, announced that strict legal action will be taken against extortionists, regardless of their political affiliation. He made the statement on Saturday during a meeting in his constituency, Sirajganj, emphasizing that the government will not tolerate extortion or drug trafficking. The meeting was held at the Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner’s conference room with officials from the district administration, police, and various energy sector agencies including Palli Bidyut, PDB, Petrobangla, NESCO, Nowapjeco, and PGCB.

The minister urged officials to perform their duties with honesty, efficiency, and dedication, noting that citizens expect tangible results rather than promises. He stated that the government has launched a 180-day program aimed at bringing visible changes for the people. Mahmud added that the administration seeks to move beyond traditional practices and build a truly development-oriented society, calling on all stakeholders to contribute actively.

The remarks reflect the government’s commitment to accountability and its focus on curbing corruption and criminal activities within all political circles.

Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Food Minister Amin-ur-Rashid Yasin announced that he will not accept any government salary or allowances during his tenure. Speaking at a press briefing at Comilla Circuit House on Saturday, February 21, 2026, he stated that since becoming minister, he has been using his own car and personally purchased fuel, avoiding the use of government vehicles and related expenses.

Yasin highlighted his role in establishing Comilla’s first export-oriented factory and credited local encouragement for sparking an industrial transformation in the region. He also emphasized Comilla’s pioneering role in modern agriculture, referencing Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan’s irrigation projects and the internationally recognized “Comilla Model.” Yasin described himself as a farmer and pledged to prioritize agricultural development across the country.

The minister further announced plans to build cold storage facilities to help Comilla’s farmers preserve their crops and expressed his commitment to maintaining the city’s historic reputation as the “city of tanks and banks.”

Members of the banned student organization Chhatra League entered the central Shaheed Minar of Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) on Saturday afternoon, carrying floral wreaths and chanting slogans. Among them were two women wearing burqas. The group placed flowers at the monument while singing a song associated with February 21. Police later arrived at the scene but did not detain anyone.

A video posted by a Chhatra League leader named Khalid Hossain Antor showed 15–20 activists walking toward the CVASU Shaheed Minar with a wreath labeled “Pushpastabok Concert from Metropolitan Chhatra League.” In a separate incident, some Chhatra League members attempted to pay tribute at the central Shaheed Minar near the city’s public library, but police reportedly prevented them because their wreaths lacked name tags.

Khulshi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Islam said he inspected the CVASU site but found no flowers from the group, suggesting they might have left earlier. He confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Member of Parliament ATM Azharul Islam stated that the government’s disregard for the July Charter will be discussed in parliament once the session begins. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while speaking to journalists at Saidpur Airport after receiving a floral reception from party activists. Azharul Islam said that during the referendum following the July movement, the public had supported the charter with a ‘yes’ vote, and several political parties had pledged to implement it. He warned that if any party in power denies that commitment, necessary measures will be taken through parliamentary discussion.

He argued that without the July movement, many people would not have enjoyed freedom of expression in the current political context. Rejecting the July Charter, he said, would mean rejecting the election itself. Azharul Islam also expressed gratitude to his supporters in Badarganj and Taraganj and pledged to work for local development without discrimination. He emphasized that government officials must remain neutral and serve all citizens equally, while the administration should act firmly against drugs.

He further stated that he represents both voters and non-voters alike and vowed not to exert any undue pressure on the administration.