The central committee of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has suspended Atiqur Rahman Atiq, joint convener of the Comilla University unit, for two months following allegations of involvement in a violent clash over hall seat allocation and bringing outsiders into the dormitory. The incident reportedly left a party activist injured, with his nose fractured. The decision was announced in a press release issued by the JCD central committee on Friday, February 20, 2026.

According to the statement, Atiqur Rahman was suspended on specific charges of violating organizational discipline. The decision was approved by JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. Other accused individuals include joint convener and former student Mohammad Saiful Islam, as well as students Tarikul and Sifat from later academic sessions.

The injured activists were identified as Mazharul Islam Abir from the Anthropology Department, Tofayel Ahmed Nibir from the Economics Department, and Saurav Kabya from the Accounting and Information Systems Department. All are reportedly involved in JCD politics at the university.

A video showing the hoisting of party and national flags at the banned Awami League city office adjacent to Faridpur Kotwali police station went viral on social media on Friday, February 20, 2026. Several leaders and activists of the district’s Jubo League and Chhatra League reportedly took part in the event around 7:30 a.m. The video shows former city Jubo League general secretary Asibur Rahman Farhan, former Rajendra College Chhatra League VP Kawsar Akand, district Jubo League members Himel and Mahfuz, and former district Chhatra League vice president Debashish Nayan raising the flags and chanting slogans.

Witnesses said a brief gathering followed the flag-raising. All participants are listed as fugitives in a murder case related to the July Movement. In the video, Debashish Nayan is heard saying the office was reopened under the direction of Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury Nixon and leadership of Farhan and Kawsar.

When contacted, Faridpur Kotwali police officer-in-charge Mohammad Shahidul Islam said he was unaware of the incident, despite the office being located next to the police station.

Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim called Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday, February 20, at 3 p.m. to convey his congratulations and best wishes. During the phone conversation, the Malaysian leader expressed his commitment to working together with Bangladesh on various bilateral issues in the future.

In response, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked Anwar Ibrahim for his warm greetings and emphasized his determination to advance the development and prosperity of both nations through mutual cooperation. The exchange highlighted a shared intention to strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia.

The conversation underscored both leaders’ willingness to deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest, signaling continuity in friendly ties between the two countries.

Bangladesh Health Minister Sardar Sakat Hossain Bokul announced that the government will work to free the healthcare sector from syndicates and corruption. He made the statement on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists at his home in Monohardi, Narsingdi, after a meeting with local administration officials and party leaders. The minister emphasized that medical services must reach people’s doorsteps so that citizens no longer have to chase doctors; instead, doctors should reach out to patients.

Bokul said the government bears equal responsibility toward all citizens, regardless of whether they voted for the ruling party. He called for unity beyond political divisions to build a prosperous Bangladesh aligned with the spirit of the Liberation War. The minister also announced plans to establish medical colleges in Narsingdi and other areas where needed, and expressed his intention to set up two ICU units in Narsingdi.

This was his first visit to his constituency, Narsingdi-4, after assuming office as health minister. Local residents, party members, freedom fighters, and administrative officials welcomed him with flowers.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman has warned that any attempt to cause public suffering or hold citizens hostage in the name of protests or demands will be strictly prevented. He made the statement on Friday, February 20, during a briefing at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, ahead of International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Day. The RAB chief emphasized that ensuring citizens’ freedom of movement and normal life remains the top priority of law enforcement agencies.

Rahman noted that law and order had been somewhat fragile in the past year and a half, particularly after July and August, but said the situation was brought under control and a fair election was successfully held. He assured that law and order will continue to improve and that crime control efforts will be strengthened.

Regarding security preparations for February 21, he said intensified patrols, intelligence surveillance, and technology-based monitoring began on the night of February 20 across the country. Multi-layered security perimeters, observation posts, CCTV monitoring, and bomb disposal units have been deployed to ensure safety at Shaheed Minars nationwide.

Several suspended leaders of the Jubo Mohila League placed a national flag and a portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the gate of the Awami League president’s political office in Dhanmondi on Friday morning. Around 8:30 a.m., about 10 to 12 activists were seen in front of the building located at 51 Road 3/A, Dhanmondi.

The three-storey building has served as the Awami League president’s political office since 2002. It previously housed rooms for the party president, general secretary, office secretary, and presidium members. The second floor contained the office of the party’s publication “Uttaran,” while the third floor was used by the party’s election management committee.

The report also recalls that the Awami League’s 15-year rule ended on August 5, 2024, following a student and public uprising.

Fisheries, Livestock, Agriculture and Food Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that ensuring the welfare of marginal farmers is one of the main election commitments of the current government. Speaking on Friday at a meeting with officials from the fisheries, livestock, agriculture and food departments at Cumilla Circuit House, he said improving the livelihoods of the majority population is possible through this commitment.

The minister emphasized that the government gives top priority to agricultural development since about 70 percent of the population is directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. He urged field-level officers to raise awareness among farmers about soil health, pH levels, fertilizer efficiency and modern technology. He noted that maintaining proper soil pH can reduce fertilizer use and production costs. Rashid also highlighted efforts to integrate agriculture, food management, fisheries and livestock sectors under a coordinated structure to address previous gaps.

He added that establishing the Cumilla division and stopping illegal soil extraction from the Gomti River are among his priorities, announcing a zero-tolerance policy on illegal soil cutting and calling for strict administrative enforcement.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologized for the suffering caused by his imposition of martial law in 2024. His apology came a day after the Seoul Central District Court sentenced him to life imprisonment for treason. The court ruled that Yoon led a rebellion in December 2024 aimed at paralyzing parliament, an act deemed treasonous under South Korean law.

In a statement issued through his lawyer, Yoon acknowledged the public anger and frustration resulting from his attempt to impose military rule but insisted that his actions were taken entirely in the national interest. He expressed regret for his lack of foresight and the hardship caused to citizens. The 65-year-old former leader said the verdict was difficult to accept but did not clarify whether he would appeal.

According to the court, Yoon deployed troops to the parliament building to silence political opponents and disrupt legislative functions. His declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, was revoked within six hours by lawmakers through an emergency vote. The timing of any potential parole remains uncertain.

Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu MP directed administrative officials to perform their duties with honesty, efficiency, and constitutional responsibility during a meeting with divisional and district officials in Rajshahi on Friday. Speaking at the Rajshahi Circuit House, he emphasized that the law is equal for all and stated that even his own child should face legal action if found guilty of wrongdoing.

The minister urged officials not to tolerate negligence in duty and to ensure respectful, service-oriented behavior toward citizens. He instructed them to take special preparations to prevent public suffering during Ramadan and to coordinate efforts in market monitoring, law enforcement, and public services. He also called for strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against drugs.

Minu highlighted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, the government is working to implement a 31-point development agenda. He stressed that all government offices will operate within constitutional frameworks and that development initiatives such as canal excavation and tree planting will be prioritized.

India’s Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking a nationwide ban on constructing or naming any mosque or religious site after Mughal emperor Babur or the Babri Masjid. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, declined to entertain the plea on Friday, after which the petitioner’s lawyer withdrew it, leading to the case’s dismissal.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that Babur was an ‘invader’ and that no religious structure should bear his name. The petition followed a recent announcement by former Trinamool Congress member and legislator Humayun Kabir to build a mosque in West Bengal’s Murshidabad modeled after the Babri Masjid. In response, the petitioner sought a directive preventing authorities across India from allowing such naming or construction.

As the Supreme Court showed no interest in admitting the case, the petitioner ultimately withdrew the plea, resulting in its rejection.

Former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released after being arrested on suspicion of abusing his official position. Authorities confirmed that investigations will continue. Following the arrest, King Charles III stated that the law must take its own course and assured full cooperation with the police. Andrew is the younger brother of King Charles.

Police said they are examining allegations concerning Andrew’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and possible exchanges of confidential information. Recently released U.S. government files on Epstein revealed communications involving Andrew. Earlier in February, claims surfaced that Epstein had arranged a meeting between Andrew and a woman in 2010, though Andrew was not directly accused of any sexual crime.

Andrew served as the UK’s trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, during which he gained access to high-level government and business contacts. Documents indicate he shared reports on investment opportunities and official trips with Epstein. Despite repeated allegations, Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing and has not commented on the newly released files.

Citizen organization Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) has expressed deep concern over reports that private television channel Ekhon TV issued show-cause notices to four of its journalists. According to SUJAN’s Thursday statement, the journalists were reportedly served notices and forced to take a seven-day leave after expressing opinions on social media in favor of reform and referendum. The organization also noted that security guards were shown the journalists’ photos to restrict their entry into the TV office.

SUJAN stated that the show-cause letters referenced Facebook posts and warned the journalists to delete them or face consequences. The group questioned whether Ekhon TV management could impose censorship on employees’ freedom of expression. It emphasized that institutional discipline should be maintained transparently and fairly, without infringing on individual rights.

SUJAN urged Ekhon TV’s owners and editors to clarify the basis and policy behind these actions and called on the Information Ministry and relevant authorities to ensure a fair resolution and restore the journalists’ newsroom access.

Venezuela’s National Assembly on Thursday unanimously approved a long-awaited amnesty law, raising hopes for the release of hundreds of political leaders imprisoned for anti-government activities. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed office after Nicolás Maduro’s detention in a U.S. military operation on January 3, signed the bill at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas. The law covers incidents dating back to 1999, including the coup attempt against Hugo Chávez, the 2002 oil strike, and unrest following Maduro’s disputed 2024 re-election. However, those accused or convicted of inciting or participating in military actions against the state are excluded.

Public concern remains that the government might use the law to pardon its own supporters while denying freedom to genuine political prisoners. The law’s Article 9 specifically excludes anyone involved in armed actions against Venezuela’s sovereignty with foreign assistance. UN human rights experts from Geneva urged that the law’s scope be limited to victims of rights violations and exclude perpetrators of serious crimes. According to rights group Foro Penal, around 450 detainees have been freed since Maduro’s fall, but over 600 remain imprisoned, with families continuing protests outside prisons.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has implemented extensive security measures across Bangladesh, including at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, ahead of Shaheed Dibas and International Mother Language Day. RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman announced the arrangements on Friday morning during an inspection of the security setup at the Central Shaheed Minar. He said that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure the event proceeds smoothly, with coordination among law enforcement agencies and the establishment of inner and outer perimeters.

According to Rahman, over 300 RAB members will be deployed in the area, supported by bomb disposal units, dog squads, and plainclothes intelligence officers. The entire area has been brought under CCTV surveillance, divided into several sectors with foot patrols, vehicle patrols, and striking reserves. He added that there is no specific security threat at present, but all precautions have been taken to handle any situation.

Rahman emphasized that law enforcement agencies have successfully stabilized the country’s security situation and will continue to maintain vigilance to prevent public disruption or unrest during the observances.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has said there is no security concern surrounding the observance of February 21, marking Shaheed Dibas and International Mother Language Day. Speaking after inspecting security arrangements at the Central Shaheed Minar on Friday morning, he confirmed that SWAT, dog squads, bomb disposal teams, and the crime scene unit will remain on standby, with enhanced intelligence surveillance and cyber monitoring.

The commissioner stated that around 15,000 police personnel will be deployed in a multi-layered security plan centered on the Central Shaheed Minar, where large crowds are expected to pay tribute to the language martyrs. Alongside the police, other law enforcement agencies and volunteers will assist in maintaining order and the sanctity of the monument. He urged the public to show respect in a disciplined manner.

Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali added that the security measures extend beyond the Shaheed Minar area, covering the entire city of Dhaka to ensure overall safety during the commemorations.