Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has directed police to question teenagers found wandering unnecessarily at night. He made the statement on Friday, February 20, 2026, during a meeting with local administration officials in his electoral area, Kachua of Chandpur. Milan said that if any constitutional violation occurs due to such questioning, it will be addressed later.

During the same meeting, the minister instructed government officials and employees to maintain a corruption-free environment. He emphasized his personal commitment to integrity, stating that he would neither engage in corruption nor allow others to do so. Those unwilling to uphold this promise were advised to seek transfers elsewhere. Milan added that he intended to keep his administrative area “pure.”

The meeting was attended by Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nazmul Islam Sarkar, Superintendent of Police Robiul Hasan, Kachua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan Rasel, and Officer-in-Charge Borhan Uddin, among other officials.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced its new central leadership for the 2026–2028 term. The appointments were made during a virtual meeting of the party’s Majlis-e-Shura held on Friday morning at the central office in Moghbazar. The session, presided over by party Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, included the oath-taking of newly elected leaders. Four Naib-e-Ameers were selected: ATM Azharul Islam, Professor Mujibur Rahman, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, and Maulana ANM Shamsul Islam. Mia Golam Porwar was appointed Secretary General, with seven Assistant Secretary Generals named.

A 21-member Central Executive Council and an 88-member Central Working Committee were formed, including 21 women. The national Majlis-e-Shura now has 59 members, 17 of whom are women. A five-member Central Election Commission was also constituted, headed by Maulana ATM Ma’sum. Additionally, directors were appointed for 14 regional zones across the country.

The new committees were formed following the earlier decision to restructure leadership after the national election, continuing the leadership of Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who was re-elected as Ameer in November of the previous year.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly criticized the Road Transport Minister for describing extortion on roads as a form of negotiated transaction, calling it an attempt to legitimize a serious crime. In a statement issued on Friday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the minister’s remarks contradict the government’s declared anti-corruption stance and the ruling party’s election manifesto. He described the comments as deeply disappointing and harmful to the government’s credibility.

TIB warned that legitimizing extortion under the guise of mutual understanding could encourage similar practices across other public sectors, including health, education, and law enforcement. The organization urged the prime minister to reject the minister’s statement and ensure accountability through proper procedures. It also called for prioritizing internal party reform to prevent self-destructive tendencies among party members.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further reminded that a similar attempt to justify road extortion in 2012 had drawn strong condemnation from TIB. He expressed concern that the newly formed government might be repeating the same mistake and urged immediate corrective action to uphold public trust.

Authorities in Cumilla have launched an investigation after members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League and Jubo League were reportedly seen rallying and chanting slogans at the Brahmanpara Upazila Awami League office on Friday, February 20, 2026. Witnesses said the group gathered in front of the office in the upazila headquarters and shouted slogans supporting the Awami League. A one-minute, twelve-second video circulating on social media appeared to show several individuals inside the office chanting.

Local leaders of the Brahmanpara unit of the Chhatra Dal questioned how the banned groups could hold a rally in the town center and urged the administration to take action against those involved. Brahmanpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Selim Ahmed confirmed that the activities of the Chhatra League were prohibited and said the matter was under investigation. Cumilla Superintendent of Police Md. Anisuzzaman stated that legal action would be taken against any banned organization conducting activities and that instructions had been given to the local police to act accordingly.

Road Transport, Bridges and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has issued directives to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable Eid-ul-Fitr travel for people across Bangladesh, including the southwestern region. He made the announcement on Friday during an inspection of the Padma Bridge and its toll booths, noting that the Prime Minister has instructed authorities to make road travel safe and hassle-free for the public.

According to the minister’s guidance, officials have been asked to implement a 45-day coordinated program starting from the beginning of Ramadan until 15 days after Eid. The plan includes keeping all toll lanes and electronic toll collection systems operational, deploying sufficient manpower, and maintaining discipline and efficiency in toll collection. Emergency services such as wreckers and fire vehicles are to remain on standby, with strengthened fire safety and continuous monitoring.

The minister also emphasized close coordination among local administrations, highway police, fire service, and civil defense agencies. During his visit to the Mawa end of the bridge, officials welcomed him and noted that the introduction of bus bays would further improve passenger management and reduce congestion.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has criticized a new minister from the BNP government for allegedly legitimizing extortion in the transport sector. In a statement sent to the media on Friday, the association’s secretary general, Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, said that such an approach mirrors the footsteps of a fallen autocrat. The statement accused the minister of seeking favor from transport mafias by endorsing such practices.

According to the association, during the period of the fallen autocrat, extortion in the transport sector had turned into an industry. Some transport owners and labor leaders became extremely wealthy, while certain corrupt police officers were also involved, leaving ordinary citizens too fearful to protest. The association said the minister’s remarks have disappointed the public.

The statement added that extortion in transport increases bus fares for low-income people and raises commodity prices, creating embarrassment for the government.

Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohinul Islam has come under criticism after allegedly sending a cake to a man who had previously made derogatory remarks about current Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tareq Rahman. The incident became public on the day of the Prime Minister’s oath-taking, sparking strong reactions in local political circles.

According to local sources, in 2013, a man named Forkan Abu made offensive comments about Tareq Rahman’s birth identity during a Victory Day event in Sitakunda, attended by the then Member of Parliament. Although the remarks drew widespread criticism at the time, no legal action was taken. Local BNP leaders claim they could not act due to the political situation and fear of legal harassment.

The recent controversy arose when OC Mohinul Islam reportedly sent a cake to Forkan Abu on the anniversary of a local newspaper. The OC stated that the gesture was for the newspaper’s founding anniversary, not for any individual. However, BNP leaders argue that Forkan Abu personally received the cake, creating confusion and dissatisfaction among party members.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to consolidating the progress of democracy in Bangladesh. In a message issued on Friday ahead of the observance of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day 2026, he said that democratic values, people’s rights, and equality were the core spirit of the 1952 Language Movement, through which democracy has now been reestablished in the country.

Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, including Abul Barkat, Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, and Abdul Jabbar, whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the liberation of then East Bengal. He noted that the movement not only secured linguistic rights but also strengthened the basis of Bengali self-determination, democracy, and cultural identity. He highlighted that UNESCO’s recognition of February 21 as International Mother Language Day honors this legacy.

Calling for the preservation of linguistic diversity and proper use of Bangla, the prime minister urged all to uphold the dignity of all languages and cultures. He also wished success for all programs marking the national observance.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will place a floral wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar at 12:01 a.m. on Friday to honor the language martyrs on the occasion of Shaheed Dibosh and International Mother Language Day. The information was confirmed by Mujibul Alam, senior publicity assistant of Jamaat’s central publicity department.

Newly elected members of parliament from the 11-party alliance will accompany Dr. Rahman during the tribute. Following the ceremony, he will visit the Azimpur graveyard to pay respects at the graves of the language martyrs and offer prayers for their souls.

The event marks Jamaat-e-Islami’s formal participation in the national observance of the day, reflecting the party’s acknowledgment of the historical significance of the language movement.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s new government has assigned specific portfolios to eight advisers holding ministerial and state minister ranks. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Friday, February 20, 2026, confirming the distribution of responsibilities. Earlier in the week, ten advisers had been appointed to the new administration.

According to the notification, Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed were named political advisers with ministerial rank. Md. Ismail Jabiullah was assigned to the Ministry of Public Administration, while Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir received the Ministry of Finance portfolio. Among advisers with state minister rank, Brigadier General (Retd.) Shamsul Islam was given the Ministry of Defence, Mahdi Amin was assigned to the Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment ministries, and Rehan Asif Asad was given responsibility for the Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology ministries.

The order is expected to make the administrative and policy functions of the respective ministries more dynamic, according to the announcement.

The National Revolutionary Council’s convener, Khomeni Ihsan, announced a six‑month ultimatum to ensure the trial and punishment of those accused in the July massacre. Speaking after Friday prayers at a protest rally near the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, he also demanded the abolition of what he called the fascist constitution and a legal ban on the Awami League and similar organizations. Ihsan warned that if justice was not delivered within six months, nationwide protests and parliamentary blockades would follow.

During the rally, Ihsan accused the ruling BNP of betraying the July revolution’s martyrs by allowing the Awami League to reopen offices and by avoiding constitutional reform. He alleged that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Law Minister Asaduzzaman had shown reluctance to outlaw the Awami League. Other speakers, including Naeem Ahmad and Syed Kutub, criticized the 1972 constitution as an obstacle to democratic progress and called for a new people‑oriented charter.

The council urged all pro‑democracy groups to unite for a mass movement to draft a new constitution, warning of intensified street action if their demands remain unmet.

A mass signature campaign demanding that Qadianis be declared non-Muslims by the state was launched in Dhaka on Friday. The event took place at the north gate of the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, organized by religious groups including the Sammilito Khatme Nabuwat Parishad. Various clerics such as Maulana Mohiuddin Rabbani, Maulana Rashid Ahmad, and others attended the inauguration, where participants from different professions joined the initiative.

Speakers at the event stated that public opinion on this issue has existed for a long time and that the collected signatures will be formally submitted to the relevant government authorities. They emphasized that the campaign will continue across different districts of the country, with plans to submit all collected signatures within a set timeframe.

Religious leaders at the event argued that declaring Qadianis as non-Muslims would protect the core identity of Islam and end long-standing religious and social confusion. They cited examples of other Muslim-majority countries where similar declarations have been made.

State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahmed Sohel Manzur Suman has directed the local administration to take strict measures against extortion and ensure that prices of essential commodities remain stable during Ramadan. He emphasized that no dishonest group should be allowed to create an artificial crisis to increase public suffering. The instructions were given on Friday morning at a discussion meeting held at the Pirojpur Circuit House, focusing on law and order, market monitoring, and ongoing development activities.

During the meeting, the minister announced integrated initiatives for infrastructural development, road repairs, government building construction, and river erosion prevention across the seven upazilas of Pirojpur district. He said visible development would be ensured through coordinated planning, with special emphasis on education, health, and communication sectors.

The meeting was attended by the Pirojpur Superintendent of Police Mohammad Manzur Ahmed Siddiqui, Deputy Commissioner Abu Sayeed, and local political leaders. The Deputy Commissioner assured stronger market monitoring and mobile court operations, while the Superintendent of Police pledged maximum vigilance to maintain law and order.

Opposition Chief Whip of the National Parliament, Nahid Islam, will pay tribute to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar on the occasion of Shaheed Dibas and International Mother Language Day. According to the announcement, he will place a floral wreath at midnight on Friday, marking the beginning of the observance.

Following his tribute, the National Citizen Party (NCP) will lay another wreath on behalf of the party at 12:30 a.m. Party leaders and activists are scheduled to proceed from Palashi intersection to the Shaheed Minar at that time. The information was officially released by the NCP on Friday evening.

The event is part of the nationwide observance of the historic day, which honors those who sacrificed their lives for the Bengali language. The NCP’s participation underscores its respect for the martyrs and commitment to preserving the spirit of the language movement.

Jaima Rahman, daughter of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, shared an emotional post on Facebook on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 4 p.m. In her verified page post, she described her father as the most hardworking and dedicated person she has ever known, calling him her first and greatest role model in life.

In the post, Jaima reflected on childhood beliefs about fathers being capable of everything and said her father embodies that ideal. She expressed deep trust in him, stating that he is the one person she can always rely on in any situation. Toward the end of her message, she expressed hope that the people of Bangladesh would soon witness his exceptional qualities and that his love and patriotism for the country had brought him to his current position.

Jaima concluded by expressing her belief that these qualities would establish Tarique Rahman as a true Prime Minister of the nation, reflecting her admiration and confidence in his leadership.