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.

State Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, and Food Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced that work on the promised farmer card program will begin soon. He made the statement on Wednesday afternoon at the Secretariat during the first working day of the new government, speaking to journalists about his ministry’s upcoming plans.

Tuku said he would hold meetings with officials from the three ministries under his responsibility to plan and initiate future activities. He also sought cooperation from members of the press in carrying out the ministry’s work. The announcement marks one of the first policy steps under the new administration.

The farmer card initiative was mentioned as a commitment, and the minister’s remarks indicate the government’s intention to move forward with its implementation in coordination with relevant departments.

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.

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) became tense again on the anniversary of the 2025 campus violence. Late on the night of February 17, 2026, unidentified youths vandalized the 'Bloodied KUET Corner' exhibition, which had been set up by injured students with university approval to commemorate the previous year’s attack. CCTV footage reportedly showed a group led by a student leader from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal entering the exhibition room at 12:32 a.m. and leaving five minutes later. The incident followed earlier unrest, including the blockade of the vice-chancellor’s residence and banners declaring him unwelcome on campus.

KUET’s Student Welfare Director, Professor B.M. Ikramul Haque, said the same group involved in the February 13 disturbance appeared in the footage and accused them of trying to destabilize the campus again. He announced a meeting to decide next steps. Vice-Chancellor Professor Maksud Helali said he had only been verbally informed about the commemorative program. Chhatra Dal leader Safwan Ahmed Ifaz denied involvement, claiming the exhibition space had been misused and that students had merely “freed” it.

The renewed unrest has raised concern among students and staff just weeks after the national election, with fears of further instability on campus.

Bangladesh women’s cricket team finished the group stage in commanding fashion, defeating Malaysia by 90 runs in Bangkok on Wednesday. The victory, powered by Lata Mondol’s all-round performance, ensured Bangladesh’s third consecutive win and confirmed their place as group champions with six points. The team will face Pakistan in the semifinals on Friday.

Bangladesh’s campaign began with narrow wins, edging Sri Lanka by four runs in the opener and beating hosts Thailand by three wickets in a dramatic finish. Against Malaysia, however, the team displayed complete control. After early setbacks, Lata Mondol and captain Fahima Khatun built a 55-run partnership that set up a strong total near 150. Mondol scored 58 off 44 balls, while Sadia Akter’s quick 19 runs boosted the innings.

In reply, Malaysia faltered early as Fatema Jahan took two wickets in the third over, finishing with three for ten. Sharifa Khatun claimed two wickets, and Mondol added one more, sealing Bangladesh’s dominant win and momentum heading into the semifinals.

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.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized a large consignment of Indian Tapentadol tablets worth approximately Tk 3.12 crore from the border area of Haldegram in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur. The operation was conducted early Tuesday night based on secret intelligence by patrol members of the Mymensingh Battalion (39 BGB) under the Haldegram Border Outpost. The seizure was confirmed in a press release issued by the battalion on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the report, smugglers attempted to bring the Indian Tapentadol (100 mg) tablets into Bangladesh through an innovative method. Acting on the tip-off, BGB personnel launched a raid around 4:30 a.m. When the smugglers realized the presence of the patrol team, they fled the scene, leaving the drugs behind. No arrests were made during the operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Nurul Azim Bayezid, commanding officer of the 39 BGB Battalion, stated that BGB remains vigilant around the clock to protect the international border and prevent illegal activities. He added that strict measures against drug trafficking and illegal infiltration will continue.

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.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Awami League announced the resumption of activities at the party’s Habiganj district office early Wednesday morning. Around 10 to 12 activists gathered in front of the office in the town hall area of Habiganj city, chanted party slogans, and entered the premises to mark the reopening.

According to the report, the office had been vandalized and set on fire on August 4, 2024, during student and public protests. Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the office remained abandoned, and no party activities were conducted as many leaders went into hiding. This marks the first time since the formation of a BNP-led government after the 13th national election that Awami League activists have resumed operations at the district office.

Habiganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Delwar Hossain said he was not aware of the incident when contacted.

Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin, adviser to the BNP chairperson, has been appointed minister for agriculture, food, and fisheries and livestock. He took oath on Tuesday evening at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, administered by President Md. Shahabuddin. Yasin, a former MP from Cumilla-9, received the position under the technocrat quota despite not being an elected member of parliament.

In a phone interview, Yasin said the three ministries are interrelated and that improving agriculture is key to strengthening Bangladesh’s economy. He emphasized that 70 percent of the population depends on agriculture and that better agricultural performance would improve living standards. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for entrusting him with the responsibility and vowed to work hard to fulfill expectations.

Yasin previously served in various BNP leadership roles and withdrew his independent candidacy for Cumilla-6 at Rahman’s request to support the party’s nominee. Observers believe his loyalty and long service to the party led to his ministerial appointment.

Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman stated that the trials for crimes against humanity related to the July massacre will continue at a normal pace. He made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to journalists after joining his ministry.

The minister emphasized that the sacrifices of those who gave their lives during the July uprising for the establishment of democracy will be honored. He also pledged to strengthen the foundation of democracy in line with the aspirations of the July uprising.

The statement underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining the judicial process concerning the July massacre while upholding democratic values and recognizing the contributions of those involved in the movement.

A group of Awami League-affiliated activists broke the lock of the Noakhali District Awami League office, hung a banner on the main gate, chanted slogans, and quickly fled the scene on Wednesday morning, February 18, 2026, in Maijdee’s Town Hall area. The incident caused local commotion, and a video of the event was later shared on social media. Police reported that the banner was removed shortly afterward.

According to local accounts, the event revived memories of the July 2024 mass uprising, during which armed groups linked to the then-ruling party and law enforcement allegedly carried out widespread repression against protesting students and citizens across Noakhali. The same party office had reportedly been vandalized and locked by protesters just before the fall of the previous government.

Police from Sudharam Model Station later detained five individuals connected to the incident, stating that they were already facing multiple cases. The detainees were sent to court on Wednesday afternoon.