Bangladesh’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will begin his first full day in office on Wednesday by paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. He took the oath of office on Tuesday as the country’s 11th prime minister, alongside newly elected members of parliament and cabinet ministers. According to the Cabinet Division, Rahman will lay a wreath at the memorial at 10 a.m. before heading to the Secretariat at 12:30 p.m. to begin his official duties. His first day will include meetings with senior officials, an introductory session with Cabinet Division staff, and a special meeting with new cabinet members at 3 p.m. Although no specific agenda has been set, the meeting will serve as the government’s first formal policy discussion. Later, at 4 p.m., he will meet secretaries from various ministries to outline the new administration’s priorities. The 13th parliamentary election results show the BNP winning 209 of 297 seats, forming a clear majority to lead the new government.

Muslims in Saudi Arabia began fasting on Wednesday after the country's authorities confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon on Tuesday evening. The announcement followed sunset at 6:41 p.m. local time, when officials in the Eastern Province reported the start of the 1447 Hijri Ramadan moon sighting. Observation teams monitored the sky to verify the beginning of the holy month before the confirmation was made. According to a report published by the English-language outlet Gulf News from the United Arab Emirates, most Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, also began fasting on Wednesday after eating their pre-dawn meal the previous night. The confirmation marked the official start of Ramadan across much of the region. The synchronized start of fasting across Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries underscores the shared religious observance and coordination among Islamic authorities in the Middle East during the holy month.

Eighteen sealed ballot papers were discovered at Islmapur Malipara Government Primary School in Baraigram, Natore, during post-election cleaning. The acting head teacher, Champa Begum, burned the papers without informing authorities, mixing them with other documents. The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, became known in the area the following day, causing local commotion. Champa Begum confirmed the discovery and said the ballots included six marked with the scale symbol, one with the hand fan, one with the paddy sheaf, four 'yes' votes, two 'no' votes, and four invalid ballots. She stated that she burned them thinking they were of no further use. Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Assistant Returning Officer Laila Jannatul Ferdous said she was aware of the matter and that action would be taken after investigation. Local authorities have initiated a review of the incident to determine how the sealed ballots remained at the school after the election and whether any procedural lapses occurred.

The Election Commission (EC) has temporarily suspended Kallol Biswas, the Upazila Election Officer of Daulatpur in Kushtia, following allegations of embezzling government funds. The suspension order, signed by EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Tuesday, stated that a departmental case had been filed against Biswas, and an investigation found the allegations to be true. Based on the committee’s recommendation, the EC suspended him under the Government Service Act, 2018. Despite the suspension, he will continue to receive subsistence allowance and other legal benefits. According to EC sources, the allegations involve misappropriation of VAT and tax funds related to the 12th National Parliamentary Election. The report also noted that the EC recently dismissed Faridpur’s Additional Regional Election Officer Mahfuzur Rahman and terminated Senior Assistant Secretary Sudhanshu Kumar Saha for irregularities and bribery during his tenure in Cumilla. The EC’s recent disciplinary actions indicate a continued effort to address corruption and irregularities within the election administration.

Activists of the banned Awami League have reopened several closed party offices across Bangladesh, including in Chattogram and Barishal, defying restrictions on their political activities. In Chattogram, party members were seen reopening an office near a police station, cleaning a sculpture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and chanting slogans. In Barishal, Chhatra League activists entered the district and city Awami League offices late at night, hung banners with pro-party messages, and left quickly. By the next morning, the banners had been removed by unknown persons. Videos of these incidents circulated on social media, sparking widespread reaction. In Chattogram, student groups later set fire to the reopened office building after protests. Opposition figures and civic groups questioned how banned party activists could gather near police offices without intervention. Police said no arrests had been made but that they were working to identify those seen in the videos. Political observers cited in the report said the incidents suggest renewed Awami League activity nationwide following the national election, raising concerns about potential instability if authorities fail to act decisively.

A new teachers’ organization named 'Sonali Dal' was launched at Sylhet Agricultural University (Sikribi) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The group, composed of teachers who identify with nationalist ideals, announced its formation during a meeting at the university library. Professor Dr. M. Rashed Hasnat was elected president and Professor Dr. Md. Mashudur Rahman general secretary, with several other professors appointed to key positions. During the meeting, the committee leaders alleged that teachers associated with the 'Sada Dal' group had instigated mob violence that injured the vice-chancellor, proctor, a hall provost, and security staff. They said the new group was formed in protest against these incidents and to uphold the university’s values. The leaders condemned recent events as premeditated and harmful to the institution’s reputation. The statement also claimed that the long-standing 'Sada Dal' leadership had ignored calls for democratic renewal after its committee’s term expired in December. The founders of 'Sonali Dal' said their initiative aims to ensure quality improvement in education, research, and the overall academic environment at the university.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has accused the ruling party of disregarding the July reform oath, saying it reflects a stance against public aspirations. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday after the oath-taking of Jamaat and 11-party alliance MPs, he said the ruling party took only the parliamentary oath, ignoring the reform oath linked to the July referendum. He described this as disrespect toward the July movement and its ideals. Dr. Rahman stated that the February 12 national election and referendum followed the July uprising, which had raised hopes for a fair and festive vote. He expressed disappointment that those expectations were not fully met. He added that Jamaat members took both oaths out of respect for the July mandate and democratic continuity, despite receiving late notice about the ceremony. NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam also criticized interim government member Dr. Khalilur Rahman’s inclusion in the new cabinet, calling it unethical and alleging election engineering to prevent reforms.

On the first day of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh’s (TCB) discounted product sales for Ramadan, long queues and chaotic scenes were observed across multiple points in Dhaka. Crowds gathered behind TCB’s mobile trucks, with reports of pushing, shoving, and even scuffles as people tried to buy goods. Many customers left empty-handed after waiting for hours. The sales began at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and will continue until March 12, excluding Fridays and public holidays. Witnesses at Topkhana Road, Suritola School, the Secretariat area, and Karwan Bazar reported disorderly lines and alleged favoritism in distribution. Several buyers complained that influential individuals and associates of local leaders were purchasing multiple packages, while ordinary citizens struggled to obtain any. A newspaper vendor described the process as lacking proper regulation and urged government action to restore order. According to TCB, each truck serves 400 buyers daily, offering a package of five essential items—edible oil, lentils, sugar, chickpeas, and dates—for 590 taka. The program operates through 450 mobile trucks nationwide, including 50 in Dhaka and 20 in Chattogram.

High-level delegations from several countries met with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, on Tuesday at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. According to party sources, the meetings were held in a cordial and sincere atmosphere. Delegation members conveyed congratulations from their respective governments on Dr. Rahman’s appointment as opposition leader and expressed hope that his leadership would play a historic role in Bangladesh’s democratic progress. The visiting foreign representatives included Bhutanese Prime Minister Shering Tobgay, UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Affairs Seema Malhotra, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister A. Beris Ekinci, Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal Chowdhury, and Nepalese Foreign Minister Lt. Gen. Bala Nanda Sharma. The delegations held separate meetings and discussed matters of mutual interest. Present with Dr. Rahman were Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and MP ATM Azharul Islam, Assistant Secretary General and Opposition Whip Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Central Executive Member and MP Saiful Alam Khan Milon, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Md Aminur Rashid Yasin has been appointed minister in charge of three ministries—Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries and Livestock—despite being denied nomination in the recent 13th national election. The appointment, confirmed by a phone call from the Cabinet Secretary on Tuesday morning, sparked widespread celebration in Cumilla, where supporters described it as a deserved recognition of his long political service. According to party sources, Yasin had previously contested elections in 2008 and 2018 from Cumilla Sadar but was unsuccessful, though he was elected MP from Cumilla-9 in 1996. After withdrawing his independent candidacy following a meeting with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on January 19, he coordinated election efforts in six southern Cumilla constituencies, helping the party secure five seats. Yasin expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and pledged to serve with honesty and intelligence. Following the announcement, Cumilla city witnessed spontaneous celebrations, including fireworks and sweets distribution. Supporters said Yasin’s appointment healed the disappointment caused by his earlier nomination exclusion.

Two newly elected members of parliament from Sylhet, Khondkar Abdul Muktadir and Ariful Haque Chowdhury, were sworn in as full ministers at the South Plaza of the National Parliament on Tuesday. Muktadir, representing Sylhet-1, received the portfolios of Commerce, Industry, and Textiles and Jute, while Chowdhury, from Sylhet-4, was assigned to the Ministries of Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Their appointments have sparked celebration across Sylhet, though the exclusion of Dr. Reza Kibria has drawn local discussion. Both ministers serve as advisers to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. In the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12, the BNP alliance won 18 of 19 seats in the Sylhet division, with 16 first-time MPs. The inclusion of two newcomers as full ministers has added a new dimension to the political landscape. Muktadir, from a political family, reclaimed his father’s former constituency after nearly three decades, while Chowdhury rose from ward councillor to mayor before entering parliament. Their elevation has raised new expectations in Sylhet’s politics.

Widespread allegations have emerged in Sitakunda, Chattogram, that large areas of farmland are being filled with sand extracted from the sea under the pretext of establishing factories. Locals claim that during the national election on February 12, when the administration was occupied, a group destroyed hundreds of acres of arable land. Residents accuse individuals linked to industrial interests of cutting soil from croplands and using excavators to raise the land by 40–50 feet. Despite repeated media reports, locals say no visible administrative action has been taken, fueling anger in the community. In Syedpur Union’s Paschim Syedpur area, locals allege that sea sand is being used to fill farmland for future industrial projects. Advocate Hossain Ashraf warned that such activities are disrupting agricultural production and threatening environmental balance. Similar complaints have surfaced in Bashbaria Union’s Magpukur area, where a company named Automation Engineering has reportedly begun filling about 100 acres, raising concerns about waterlogging and risks to nearby institutions. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that the matter will be investigated and legal action taken if violations are found. Residents are demanding immediate measures to stop illegal land filling and protect the coastal environment, warning of severe long-term impacts on agriculture and biodiversity.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka Metropolitan North has announced a 'Clean Dhaka Metropolitan' campaign to be held today, Wednesday, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. across all wards under its jurisdiction. The program will begin at 7:30 a.m. from the mosque in Uttara Sector 7, where Muhammad Selim Uddin, a central executive council member and the Dhaka North Ameer of Jamaat, will attend as the chief guest. The announcement was made by the organization’s publicity and media secretary, Md. Ataur Rahman Sarkar. According to a press release, the cleaning activities will cover areas around mosques, madrasas, schools, colleges, and markets. Jamaat has called on all levels of its members and city residents to participate spontaneously in the initiative. The campaign is part of the party’s broader civic engagement efforts in the capital. Earlier, on February 14, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman inaugurated a program to remove his own election banners and festoons in the Dhaka-15 constituency, signaling a continuation of cleanliness and civic responsibility drives.

Tareq Rahman formally assumed office as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on Tuesday afternoon, following his party BNP’s victory in the recent parliamentary election. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent congratulatory messages, expressing readiness to work closely with Rahman’s government. Modi also invited Rahman to visit India at a convenient time and emphasized shared priorities in trade, connectivity, and development. In his message, Modi described Rahman’s appointment as a reflection of the Bangladeshi people’s trust in his leadership and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties based on shared history and cultural bonds. Li Qiang highlighted the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between China and Bangladesh, pledging to advance cooperation under the Belt and Road framework. Takaichi welcomed Bangladesh’s democratic progress and expressed Japan’s intention to deepen strategic partnership. Foreign dignitaries from several countries attended the cabinet’s oath-taking ceremony in Dhaka, including leaders from the Maldives, Bhutan, India, and the United Kingdom, underscoring broad international engagement with Bangladesh’s new government.

Police in Sitakunda, Chattogram, have launched an anti-drug operation, arresting three members of the same family from Kolabaria Adarsha village in Baraiahdala Union. The detainees are Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, 24, his father Bahar Uddin, 55, and mother Bibi Mariam alias Kohinur Akter, 45. Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a special raid on the night of February 17 and recovered 52 pieces of yaba from Hridoy, who was known locally as a top drug dealer. The family allegedly ran the operation under CCTV surveillance for a long time. Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohinul Islam said initial information suggests the entire family was involved in drug trading and that Hridoy faces multiple criminal cases, including murder, robbery, and narcotics charges. Legal action is underway, and police have pledged to continue the anti-drug drive under a zero-tolerance policy. Local residents, who had previously organized human chains demanding tougher action, expressed relief at the arrests and hope that continued enforcement and community awareness will help make the area permanently drug-free.