Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma said India is eager to advance relations with Bangladesh’s new government based on mutual respect, shared interests, and the aspirations of both peoples. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 22, after a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.

Verma emphasized India’s commitment to a forward-looking, people-centric approach to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He described people-to-people exchanges as a vital component of the relationship and reiterated India’s desire to work together in a positive, constructive, and future-oriented manner. He also reaffirmed India’s support for Bangladesh as a democratic, progressive, and inclusive society and expressed readiness to enhance engagement with the new government.

Addressing a question on visa issues, Verma did not specify a timeline but indicated optimism about resolving the matter soon to improve connectivity between the two countries.

Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid has emphasized the need to initiate organic farming in Bangladesh’s char areas. He made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with ministry and departmental officials at the Ministry of Agriculture. The minister said the vast char regions have fertile soil and ideal conditions for producing export-oriented organic crops. He stressed that prioritizing agricultural development in these areas is essential for achieving industrial-scale agricultural exports.

Rashid added that strengthening the agricultural sector would reinforce the national economy. He outlined government plans to restructure the sector by reducing fertilizer use, improving soil quality, and excavating irrigation canals. State Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said efforts are underway to ensure genuine farmers receive incentives, agricultural loans, and other support. He also mentioned that the government has started work on issuing farmer cards.

The meeting was chaired by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan said teachers will no longer need to take to the streets to realize their legitimate demands. Speaking on Sunday at the Ministry of Education during a meeting with the Teachers and Employees Unity Alliance, he stated that the government is giving top priority to the education sector and will gradually implement the logical demands of teachers and staff.

The minister acknowledged existing budget constraints but said other teacher demands would be presented to the Prime Minister. He noted that not all issues could be addressed immediately due to budget limitations, though the government remains sincere. He also promised to review complaints against ministry officials, discuss school management and governing body issues, and ensure transparency in the education sector. Reforms in the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) will be reviewed for necessary corrections.

State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj said written demands from teachers have been taken seriously, and long-term solutions will be pursued through dialogue to prevent future unrest. He emphasized ensuring proper recognition of teachers’ contributions in classrooms.

A major reshuffle has taken place in the top ranks of the Bangladesh Army, according to an order issued from Army Headquarters on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Lieutenant General Mainur Rahman, previously the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of ARTDOC, has been appointed as the new Chief of General Staff (CGS), the second most important position after the Army Chief. The post had been vacant since January 17. Former Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, has been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador.

Major General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman, formerly GOC of the 24th Infantry Division, has been appointed as the new PSO. Major General Ferdous Hasan, previously Commandant of the East Bengal Regimental Centre, will now serve as the GOC of the 24th Infantry Division. The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) has also seen changes, with Major General Jahangir Alam reassigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Brigadier General Kaiser Rashid promoted to Major General and appointed as the new DG.

Additional changes include Major General J M Imdadul Islam’s transfer to the East Bengal Regimental Centre and Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman’s promotion to Major General and appointment as GOC of the 55th Infantry Division.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Principal Asadul Habib Dulu visited his constituency in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila on Friday afternoon after assuming office. During his three-day visit, he met with party members, social organizations, and local residents. On Saturday night around 9:30 p.m., two district Awami League leaders—Treasurer and Union Parishad Chairman Habibur Rahman Habib and Education and Research Secretary and former Principal Sarwar Alam—visited the Circuit House to present him with flowers.

Photos and videos of the nighttime floral greeting quickly went viral on social media, triggering widespread discussion and criticism. Several district Awami League leaders alleged that the two had shifted political allegiance and previously campaigned for the BNP’s election symbol during the February 12 national polls. Anonymous sources suggested that opportunists across the country were becoming active ahead of upcoming local government elections, intensifying grassroots political tensions.

BNP leaders, however, stated that Minister Dulu now serves all citizens and that anyone may greet him. They added that determining any legal wrongdoing is the responsibility of the authorities.

The government of Bangladesh has reduced the price of furnace oil used in power plants and heavy industries by Tk 15.90 per litre. Starting from midnight on Sunday, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) will sell furnace oil to public and private power plants, industrial units, and other customers at Tk 71.10 per litre, down from the previous rate of Tk 86. The new price was announced in a notice signed by Md. Nazrul Islam Sarkar, Secretary of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).

According to BERC, the price revision followed a proposal submitted by BPC on 20 January 2025 to adjust the consumer-level price of heavy fuel oil (HFO). Meghna Petroleum, Standard Asiatic Oil, Jamuna Oil Company, and Padma Oil Company also submitted proposals to revise their marketing and transport charges. A public hearing on these proposals was held on 29 January. After detailed review and analysis, BERC redefined the consumer price, marketing charges, and integrated transport costs.

BERC stated that the marketing charge for the oil companies has been set at Tk 0.71 per litre and the integrated transport charge at Tk 1.20 per litre.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has declared that no form of corruption will be allowed in the Ministry of Education. Speaking on Sunday, February 22, at the Secretariat after a meeting with the Teachers and Employees Unity Alliance, he said that teachers would no longer need to visit the ministry to press their demands. He emphasized the government’s sincerity in improving the education sector.

The minister stated that issues such as teacher evaluation, salary scales, and other legitimate demands would be presented to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj, who was also present, said that the government aims to ensure a corruption-free education system and prevent the politicization of education. He added that steps would be taken to harmonize the curricula of the three existing education categories.

The meeting reflected the ministry’s commitment to transparency and reform, with both ministers highlighting the goal of creating a fair and quality-driven education environment.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has announced that citizens aged 16 or 17 can now apply for national identity cards (NID). According to a circular issued on Sunday by the National Identity Registration Wing of the EC Secretariat, eligible applicants will receive their NID, and their names will be automatically added to the voter list once they turn 18.

The circular stated that the decision was made under Section 5 of the National Identity Registration Act, 2010, as amended in 2013. It clarified that any Bangladeshi citizen who has reached or will reach the age of 16 or 17 on the date of application may now register for an NID.

The directive, signed by Khan Abi Shahanur Khan, Director (Registration and Expatriates) of the National Identity Registration Wing, instructed all regional, district, and upazila election officers to implement the order immediately.

A legal notice has been sent to the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the Local Government Division, and the secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) demanding immediate action to control mosquito infestation. The notice, dispatched by lawyer H. M. Rashdul Islam (Rashed) on Sunday, February 22, 2026, through postal mail, requires effective measures within seven days. Failure to comply will lead to a writ petition under Article 102 of the Constitution.

The notice cites the lawyer’s own dengue infection in September 2025 and the death of advocate Jannati Rehana (Joya) from dengue in October 2025 as examples of the worsening mosquito-borne disease situation in DNCC areas. It alleges that the unchecked spread of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes has caused widespread dengue, chikungunya, and other vector-borne diseases, posing a direct threat to public health and safety.

The notice further states that the city authority’s inaction constitutes gross negligence of statutory duties and a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights, warning of legal action if no steps are taken within the stipulated period.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will take place during the first session of the 13th National Parliament. He made the statement on Sunday after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat. According to the minister, the President will convene the first session of the new Parliament on March 12, following the Prime Minister’s advice.

The Home Minister also stated that ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government will be presented in the same session. In addition, he mentioned that reshuffles have begun at the higher levels of the police administration.

The announcement marks a key step in initiating the activities of the 13th National Parliament, setting the stage for leadership selection and administrative adjustments within the government.

Newly elected NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain announced his first post-election visit to his constituency in Rangpur after winning the 13th parliamentary election. His visit to Haragachh has drawn protests and a strike call from the local municipal BNP, led by Emdadul Bhorsa. In a Facebook post early Sunday, Hossain warned that if anything happened to him during the visit, responsibility would lie with Bhorsa and the BNP high command. He stated that he would continue working for the oppressed workers of Haragachh.

In his post, Hossain accused Bhorsa’s supporters of election-day irregularities, intimidation, and post-poll violence against NCP activists. He described incidents of obstruction, threats, and attacks at polling centers, alleging that Bhorsa’s men attempted to manipulate votes in Haragachh. Hossain claimed that despite repeated appeals, authorities took no action to stop the violence or vandalism.

Hossain said he planned to visit damaged homes and meet displaced supporters, adding that he had secured special allocations worth 6.5 crore taka for Haragachh’s development. He reiterated that any harm to him during the visit would be the responsibility of Bhorsa and the BNP leadership.

Five leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were injured in an alleged attack by Awami League activists at Pattashi Bazar in Indurkani upazila of Pirojpur on Friday night. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., leaving the presidents of the local Matsyajibi Dal and JASAS among the injured. The victims, identified as Nazrul Islam Fakir, Zahid Hossain, Nahid Hossain, Nasir Uddin Fakir, and Naim Hossain, were first treated at Indurkani Upazila Health Complex and later transferred to Pirojpur District Hospital.

According to locals, they found the victims bleeding and two of them unconscious when they arrived at the scene after hearing cries for help. Injured Zahid Hossain alleged that the attack was led by Nasir Uddin Tuku, joint secretary of the local Awami League, along with his son Raihan and brother Alaudin, claiming it was retaliation for their involvement with the BNP. However, Nasir Uddin denied the allegation, saying he was injured while trying to stop the fight and was being falsely accused.

Indurkani Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Shamim Hawlader said they received reports of the clash and would take legal action upon receiving a written complaint.

Detective Branch (DB) police detained Ferdous Ahmed Chowdhury Toshar, president of Bahubal upazila BNP in Habiganj, taking him into custody on Sunday. In protest, local BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal activists held a rally and blocked the Mirpur section of the highway around 2 p.m., halting traffic for about half an hour. The demonstrators demanded Toshar’s unconditional release within 24 hours.

Police sources said Toshar was detained following allegations of using abusive language and issuing threats to Bahubal Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Saiful Islam. A leaked phone call recording of the incident had circulated on social media. The dispute reportedly began after police arrested Masuk Mia, identified as a member of the 2019 Union Jubo League committee, whom some BNP leaders claimed was a BNP activist.

Toshar later went live on social media, accusing the OC of involvement in illegal cigarette seizures, drug trade, and other irregularities, which he said he verbally reported to the district police superintendent.

Auto-rickshaw drivers in Trishal, Mymensingh, blocked the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway on Sunday morning demanding an end to extortion allegedly collected under the name 'GP'. The protest began around 10:30 a.m. near the Eva Filling Station, about one kilometer from Trishal bus stand. The drivers expressed anger over an increase in the amount of money being collected and staged the blockade to press their demand.

Police later arrived at the scene and explained the public inconvenience caused by the blockade. Following this, the drivers withdrew from the highway, allowing traffic to resume. Trishal Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Firoz Hossain confirmed that the protest was organized by local drivers who alleged extortion in Mymensingh city and that vehicular movement on the highway has since returned to normal.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between transport workers and alleged extortion groups in the region, though no further action or resolution was reported in the source.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Joint Secretary General Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi issued a statement on Sunday calling for widespread public use of the words “Inquilab, Insaaf, and Azadi,” describing them as the language and heritage of the July mass uprising. He criticized what he called “defeated cultural fascists” for opposing these historically significant Arabic-Persian terms, which he said had inspired rebellion during the uprising. Islamabadi also expressed concern that a minister from the ruling party had spoken against the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad.”

In his statement, Islamabadi argued that Arabic, Persian, and Urdu words have enriched the Bengali language and played a vital role in anti-colonial and popular movements. He accused certain “secular cultural elites” of attempting to undermine the revolutionary spirit of the July movement by attacking these words while ignoring other politically charged terms. He urged students and the public to respond peacefully to any attempts to distort the historical slogans.

He further called on intellectuals and media professionals to strengthen their skills and strategies to counter what he described as fascist and hegemonic narratives, emphasizing the need for continued cultural resistance.