Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that the newly elected government will work toward three main goals: controlling commodity prices, ensuring stable electricity, fuel and gas supply, and improving law and order to ease public safety concerns. He made the statement on February 18, 2026, emphasizing that these priorities are central to the new administration’s agenda.

The minister said the government will take swift measures to address the major challenges it faces. He highlighted that maintaining price stability during the upcoming Ramadan, keeping essential utilities affordable, and restoring public confidence in security are immediate objectives.

Earlier that morning, the Prime Minister and cabinet members paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing flowers at the National Memorial in Savar.

India and France have upgraded their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership' following a high-level meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai. During Macron’s three-day official visit, the two nations finalized over 20 agreements across defense and civilian sectors, including joint production of 'Hammer' air-to-ground missiles and a deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets. The leaders also inaugurated an H-125 helicopter assembly plant in Karnataka, built jointly by Airbus and Tata Group.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the new agreements extend existing defense cooperation by another decade. The H-125 facility, India’s first private helicopter manufacturing plant, will assemble aircraft capable of operating at Mount Everest’s altitude. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the project involves an investment of about 10 billion rupees and will generate significant employment. Modi emphasized that the partnership will advance global stability and progress, while Macron highlighted the deepening cooperation over the past eight years.

The Rafale and missile deals mark India’s largest recent defense acquisitions and align with its 'Make in India' initiative to boost domestic production of advanced military equipment.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held his first cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday, directing ministry and department heads to prioritize three key issues: controlling essential commodity prices, improving law and order, and ensuring stable electricity supply during Ramadan and the upcoming summer season. The meeting marked his first official engagement after taking office as Bangladesh’s 11th prime minister.

The meeting was attended by 25 ministers, 24 state ministers, and 10 advisers. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters that the cabinet’s initial focus would be on maintaining price stability, public safety, and uninterrupted power supply. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said relevant ministries and agencies would soon submit progress reports on implementing the prime minister’s directives.

Tarique Rahman urged secretaries to implement the pledges made in the BNP’s election manifesto and assured that merit and competence would be valued in the administration. The new BNP-led government, formed after the 13th national election, began its first day with tributes at the National Memorial and the graves of former leaders before convening at the Secretariat.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharply criticized India’s Election Commission, urging it to take lessons from Bangladesh’s recently concluded 13th national parliamentary elections, which she described as peaceful and fair. Speaking at a press conference in Nabanna on Tuesday, she said that despite fears of unrest, Bangladesh’s election was conducted smoothly and without violence. She added that any weakness in conducting elections in a democratic country like India would be a matter of shame for the commission.

Banerjee labeled the Election Commission as a “Tughlaqi Commission,” accusing it of acting under the direction of a particular political party and undermining democracy through what she called “politics of intimidation.” She claimed such behavior was unprecedented even in monarchies and posed a serious threat to democratic governance. With assembly elections approaching in West Bengal and four other Indian states, Banerjee alleged that the commission was interfering unnecessarily in state affairs, disrupting constitutional balance and weakening the federal structure.

Her remarks have sparked fresh political debate in India, intensifying verbal clashes between ruling and opposition parties ahead of the upcoming state elections.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has expressed his expectation to develop a modern and time-appropriate education system through a comprehensive curriculum review. He made the remarks on Wednesday while exchanging views with journalists at his office in the Secretariat, where State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj was also present.

Earlier in the day, ministry officials welcomed the minister and state minister with flowers upon their arrival at the Secretariat. During the discussion, Minister Milan emphasized the need for significant progress in education, stating that the sector requires continuous leaps forward rather than small steps. He also mentioned plans to work closely with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, describing him as someone who values education deeply.

State Minister Bobby Hajjaj added that the Prime Minister’s vision for the nation includes major improvements in education. He stressed the necessity of rebuilding every part of the education system and implementing plans with the help of skilled officials.

Residents of Jamalpur erupted in celebration after Nazrul Islam Khan was appointed as the Prime Minister’s Adviser and M Rashiduzzaman Millat became the State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism in the new government. The news sparked widespread joy among BNP leaders, activists, and people from various professions across the district, with processions, sweet distributions, and prayer gatherings held in multiple locations.

According to local reports, BNP supporters in Jamalpur city and surrounding areas organized thanksgiving prayers and shared sweets with the public. The celebrations intensified after Millat took his oath as state minister, and later, when Khan’s name appeared on the list of ten advisers to the Prime Minister. People from Dewanganj, Bakshiganj, and Islampur also joined the festivities, expressing gratitude to party leadership for honoring local leaders with key government roles.

Many residents voiced optimism that having two prominent figures from Jamalpur in the government would accelerate the district’s development under the new BNP administration.

The government of Bihar, India, has decided to prohibit the open sale of fish and meat across the state. The policy decision, approved under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership, was reported by Indian media on February 17. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha stated that once the new rule takes effect, fish and meat can only be sold in licensed, designated shops. He added that the restriction will apply to everyone, and strict action will be taken against violators. However, the government has not yet announced when the rule will come into force or what penalties will apply.

The report noted that the move follows a similar 2025 decision by Uttar Pradesh to ban meat sales within 500 meters of religious sites. Central Minister Giriraj Singh has expressed support for Bihar’s decision and urged district administrations to take prompt action. The state already enforces a ban on alcohol sales, and this new measure extends its regulatory approach to food sales.

The decision marks another step in Bihar’s tightening of public commerce regulations, though details of implementation remain pending.

The Dhaka College Journalists’ Association (Dhaksas) has completed its executive committee election for the 2026–27 session. Farhad Bin Noor, a reporter and presenter at Ekhon Television, was elected president, while Faisal Ahmed, a reporter at Daily Janakantha, became general secretary. Imran Hossain of Daily Amar Desh was elected vice president. The voting took place on Wednesday, February 18, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Dhaksas office, with nine positions contested. The newly elected committee will serve for one year.

Other elected members include Al Zobayer Badsha as joint general secretary, Saidur Rahman Noman as finance secretary, and Mahadi Hasan as office, publicity, and publication secretary. Executive members are Walid Hasan, Obaidul Islam, and Rabbi Al Rahid. Chief Election Commissioner Delwar Hossain, senior reporter of Samakal, oversaw the election, assisted by Kefayet Shakil of Banglavision and Delwar Hossain Dolon of Channel 24.

Established on December 18, 1999, the Dhaka College Journalists’ Association has been promoting objective journalism and advocating for journalists’ rights. The organization holds annual elections to form new executive committees.

Sri Lanka’s parliament has voted to abolish pension benefits for its members, fulfilling a key election pledge of the ruling leftist government. The vote took place on Tuesday, with 154 lawmakers supporting the bill and only two opposing it, while the rest were absent. Previously, legislators were entitled to a pension after serving a five-year term. Under the new law, payments to those already receiving or eligible for pensions have also been halted.

The reform follows President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s 2024 election victory, which was based on promises of economic restructuring amid a prolonged financial crisis. Since taking office, Dissanayake has successively removed housing, vehicle, and security privileges for members of parliament. The pension cancellation marks another step in his administration’s effort to reduce state expenses and demonstrate fiscal discipline.

The move is presented as part of the government’s broader plan to overcome the economic crisis and restore public confidence in political accountability.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally began his official duties a day after being sworn in as the head of the new government. On Wednesday at around 12:30 p.m., he arrived at the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat and presided over his government's first cabinet meeting. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A. B. M. Abdus Sattar welcomed him upon arrival.

According to the state news agency BSS, the meeting began at 3 p.m., where the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with cabinet members and instructed them to align their work with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) electoral commitments. The meeting marked the formal start of the new administration’s activities under his leadership.

The event signaled the beginning of the new government’s policy direction, with emphasis on implementing the pledges made during the election campaign.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat announced plans to stop harassment at airports and dismantle the syndicate formed around airline ticketing. He said necessary measures would also be taken to ease passenger suffering related to luggage handling. Rashiduzzaman made these remarks on Wednesday at the Secretariat.

He had taken oath as the State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism on Tuesday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, administered by President Md. Shahabuddin. Rashiduzzaman Millat, a BNP candidate, was elected from Jamalpur-1 (Dewanganj-Bakshiganj) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, securing 173,656 votes. He serves as the treasurer of the BNP’s central executive committee.

His nearest rival, Advocate Mohammad Nazmul Haque Sayeedi of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, received 96,783 votes. The ministry’s new leadership aims to address long-standing issues in the aviation sector, focusing on transparency and passenger convenience.

In Chattogram city, activists of the banned Awami League have once again hung a signboard and party flag at their office in Darul Fazal Market. Several individuals gathered, displayed banners, and recorded videos of the act, which were later shared from the social media account of fugitive former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel. The videos were subsequently circulated online by others. Police reportedly became aware only after the incidents occurred.

According to the report, Nowfel posted a video on Wednesday morning claiming that the Chattogram Metropolitan Awami League office had raised party and national flags after 18 months. The banners were reportedly placed by members of the banned Chhatra League. Similar incidents occurred earlier at the North District Awami League office near Kotwali Police Station and at Mirsharai Upazila Awami League office. Police have yet to arrest anyone involved.

Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Aftab Uddin said the activists appeared suddenly, hung banners, and left quickly. He added that police are trying to identify those seen in the videos.

Bangladesh has launched an official Facebook page titled 'PMO Bangladesh- প্রধানমন্ত্রীর কার্যালয়' to share updates from the government led by the country’s 11th Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman. The page was inaugurated on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marking the first working day of the new administration. The display picture of the page features the Prime Minister’s photograph.

According to the report, the launch followed the swearing-in of newly elected members of parliament in the morning and the cabinet in the afternoon on February 17. Later that night, a gazette notification formally dissolved the interim government. On the morning of February 18, a post from the ‘Chief Advisor GOB’ page announced the closure of all its previous activities.

The new Facebook page is intended to serve as the official digital platform for disseminating government information and updates directly to the public.

Advocate Yunus Ali Akand has filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking suspension of the July National Charter, claiming it is unconstitutional and invalid. The petition, filed on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, names the Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary, National Consensus Commission, and Chief Election Commissioner as respondents. The hearing on the petition may take place next week before a bench led by Justice Rajik Al Jalil.

The filing follows another petition submitted a day earlier by Supreme Court lawyer A B M Ataul Majid Touhid, who challenged the legality of a referendum held on February 13 and requested cancellation of its results. Both petitions question the legitimacy of recent political and constitutional developments surrounding the July National Charter.

The High Court’s upcoming hearing will determine whether the July National Charter’s implementation will remain in effect or be temporarily halted pending judicial review.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the government will uphold its commitments to the people and focus on public service. He made the remarks on Wednesday after joining his office at the Secretariat. Expressing gratitude to the interim government, he stated that the new administration’s main task is to strengthen democracy and advance the country by prioritizing public needs.

Responding to questions from journalists, Mirza Fakhrul said the law and order and economic situation are not as bad as perceived. He emphasized that the government’s focus now is to move the country forward. When asked whether the new government would take action regarding alleged irregularities by some members of the interim administration, he replied that it was unnecessary since they had served under special circumstances and completed their duties successfully.

The minister reiterated that the government remains accountable to the people and committed to building an inclusive economy with participation from all citizens.