Tensions between Bangladesh and India have escalated recently due to the controversial deportation of a former fascist leader and the demolition of a house in Dhanmondi. In response, Oman’s capital, Muscat, will host a meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Touhid Hossain, and Indian Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar. The meeting, scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference on Sunday, holds significant importance amid the ongoing political tension between the two nations. Prior to this, discussions have been held between India’s Foreign Secretary and Bangladesh on issues including border security, water distribution, flood management, and trade. It is expected that the current diplomatic tension and the situation surrounding the former leader of Bangladesh may also be discussed during this meeting.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has announced that police verification will no longer be required for obtaining passports. Speaking at the District Commissioner Conference 2025, he urged officials to ensure that government decisions are effectively communicated to the public. The three-day conference, which began in Dhaka, includes discussions on law and order, public services, infrastructure, and governance. Unlike previous years, there will be no courtesy meeting between DCs and the President. Over 1,200 proposals have been submitted, with law enforcement reforms taking priority.

The government’s success or failure is directly tied to maintaining law and order, said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during the formal inauguration of the three-day Deputy Commissioner (DC) Conference.

Speaking at Shapla Hall in his office at 10:30 AM on Sunday, Dr. Yunus emphasized the need for effective administration in all 64 districts. He also announced that police verification will no longer be required for obtaining passports and introduced a ranking system to encourage quality improvements in government services.

A total of 1,245 proposals were submitted for the conference, of which 354 have been included in the official agenda.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has arrested a man in the Tahirpur border area of Sunamganj for smuggling foreign liquor and beer. The arrested individual has been identified as Jalal, a resident of the Badaghat Union in the border region.

Lieutenant Colonel A.K.M. Zakaria Kadir, commander of the Sunamganj-28 BGB unit, confirmed that a BGB patrol team apprehended Jalal along with a consignment of 10 bottles of foreign liquor and beer. He was later handed over to the Tahirpur Police Station, and a case has been filed against him.

Two people lost their lives in separate road accidents in Gobindaganj, Gaibandha. The accidents occurred on Saturday night in the Chapriganj and Fasitola 18-Mile areas. One of the deceased has been identified as 38-year-old Tara Mia.

According to local sources, a collision between a motorcycle and an auto-rickshaw at Fasitola 18-Mile led to the first fatality. In a separate incident in Chapriganj, a vegetable-laden pickup truck overturned and was subsequently hit by a bus coming from behind, resulting in another fatality. The identity of the second victim has yet to be confirmed.

Rail communication between Sylhet and the rest of Bangladesh resumed after a nine-hour disruption. On the night of February 15, a fuel-laden train derailed in South Surma, halting railway operations. Services resumed on February 16 at 8:30 AM. The overnight suspension caused severe hardship for passengers, many of whom had to stay at the station. Railway authorities confirmed that the derailment prevented the Upaban Express from departing for Dhaka. Passengers have been refunded their ticket fares.

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman spoke with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the phone on Sunday, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. Prince Khalid congratulated Hegseth on his appointment and discussed Saudi-US relations, strategic cooperation, and ways to enhance bilateral ties. The conversation also covered efforts to establish international peace and security. The controversial proposal to relocate Gaza residents to Egypt and Jordan has sparked widespread backlash, with both countries strongly opposing the plan.

Amid ongoing strikes by CNG auto-rickshaw drivers protesting fare enforcement and demanding the removal of pro-Hasina officials from BRTA, the government has withdrawn the order allowing police to fine drivers for overcharging. On Sunday (February 16), the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) officially informed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police about the decision.

February 15 marked the 6th death anniversary of renowned poet Al Mahmud, famous for his work "Sonali Kabin." The Al Mahmud Research Center and Memorial Council in Brahmanbaria organized a three-day commemorative festival. The event was held at Niaz Muhammad High School field, inaugurated by former mayor Hafizur Rahman Molla Kochi. The program commenced with a visit to the poet’s grave and prayers. Poets, literary figures, locals, and organizers participated in the event.

After the Reform Commission's final arrangements, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has urged the interim government to promptly prepare for elections. Central Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher stated, "Today, we held discussions with the Chief Adviser and Commission members on achieving a consensus. We welcome this initiative. A detailed report will be reviewed, and after further meetings with their team, we will announce our final decision. Elections will take place swiftly following the necessary reforms."

In response to the government’s strict enforcement of metered fares, CNG auto-rickshaw drivers went on strike in the capital, gathering in front of Residential Model College. The strike has worsened the transportation crisis, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. The drivers are demanding the withdrawal of penalties for overcharging passengers, the removal of pro-Hasina elements from the BRTA, and the fulfillment of their previous 13-point demand.

The United Nations recently exposed the brutality of dictator Sheikh Hasina against students and citizens during the July uprising. As a result, Hasina's political career has come to an end, said Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. In a Facebook post, he wrote, "When the Chief Adviser called for a UN investigation at the end of August, many feared it would backfire. However, due to his steadfast decision, the world has now witnessed Hasina's true nature." The press secretary described this as a testament to the Chief Adviser’s political foresight.

In an interview with Anadolu, veteran Malaysian leader Mahathir Mohamad harshly criticized U.S. and EU support for Israel. "America and Europe, aiming to be great again, have backed Israel's genocide. This is nothing short of barbaric behavior," he stated. Earlier, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), he remarked that ignoring all moral values associated with modern civilization disqualifies nations from claiming to be civilized. Recent Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in 48,000 deaths, including a significant number of women and children.

Nasiruddin Patwari, convener of the Citizen Committee, informed journalists after attending a meeting of the National Consensus Commission that they have officially launched the fight for drafting a new constitution and holding Constituent Assembly elections. He mentioned that public opinion surveys are ongoing and a new political party will be announced this month. "In today's (Saturday) meeting, we stated that our party's political agenda will be the fight for a new constitution. We have freed Bangladesh from fascism, and we are beginning the battle for the Constituent Assembly elections to ensure that no new form of fascism takes hold in the country," he stated.

Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, announced that they have formally proposed canceling the registration of the Awami League as the first step toward banning the party. He stated that this would render the party politically dysfunctional, aligning with the public mandate of August 5, which is expected to be institutionalized.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting of the National Consensus Commission, he said that all anti-fascist parties have reached the conclusion that the Awami League has become politically irrelevant. He urged the government to take legal steps to officially ban the party.