Senior officials linked to the so-called ‘Police League’ forced Bangladesh’s Narcotics Department to change its newly introduced uniform, citing similarities with police attire. Despite a government committee’s ruling that the colors were distinct, high-ranking police officials pressured the department to comply. The uniform switch cost the government over Tk 4 crore, with the contract awarded to a company linked to an ex-Awami League MP. Further controversy arose as lab tests revealed the new uniforms were of substandard quality, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among officers.

The press secretary of the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, announced that the media’s role during the July 1–August 5 period will be thoroughly documented. He emphasized the need for an in-depth review of media coverage in major incidents over the last 15 years. The interim government aims to create a space where all voices are heard, including media critical of the government. A robust environment for accountable journalism will be established, ensuring that all governments remain answerable for their actions.

The Border Security Force (BSF) has obstructed the repair work of a railway bridge located at the Hili border in Dinajpur. Frustrated locals have expressed dissatisfaction after the issue could not be resolved in a meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF. Sources reveal that a railway line runs through the Hili border, and the repair of the bridge became necessary after stones beneath the bridge shifted. Authorities began repairs, but BSF halted the work just hours later. Following a flag meeting, when railway authorities resumed the repairs, BSF blocked them once again. In response, BGB has stated that the BSF has no right to stop the work and has urged railway authorities to proceed with the repairs.

BNP Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi criticized the demand for local government elections before the national elections, calling it a malicious attempt by certain political parties. Speaking after paying respects at the grave of Ziaur Rahman, Rizvi stated, “Sheikh Hasina has a sinister plan in place, and we must thwart this conspiracy by holding the national election swiftly.” He also accused the Yunus government of delaying elections and emphasized that the nation is waiting for free, fair, and impartial elections. Rizvi called for immediate electoral reforms and demanded a fixed election deadline.

The Dhaka City Drama Festival, which was scheduled for February 15, was canceled due to internal conflicts. Convener of the Drama Council, Thandu Raihan, confirmed that an order to cancel the event came from the police. In response, Cultural Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooki clarified on Facebook that the police had not canceled the event but were prepared to provide security. The main issue stemmed from allegations that some theatre workers, who had made statements during the July popular uprising, were using the festival for rehabilitation. This raised public outcry, and as a result, the Women’s Association canceled the event’s funding. The Advisor expressed regret over the situation, calling it a diversion from the original purpose.

Chief Adviser Mohammad Yunus addressed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) at a recent conference, stating that there is no need to work under pressure or threats from anyone. “You should do what is right for the country, based on the law, as per your own judgment,” he said. Yunus further emphasized that each DC should strive to be number one in their respective districts through creative initiatives, encouraging healthy competition, as no one would want to be ranked last. He also announced the cancellation of the verification process for passports, deeming them as basic civil rights like the National ID and birth registration.

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.