Top leaders and senior representatives from several South Asian countries attended the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh’s newly elected government, held at the National Parliament Building in Dhaka. According to the state news agency BSS, the event took place on Tuesday, with the presence of dignitaries from Maldives, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muiz arrived in Dhaka in the morning and was received by Foreign Affairs Adviser M. Touhid Hossain. Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay joined the ceremony at Bangladesh’s invitation, with Bhutan’s embassy noting that his visit reflects continued support and long-term friendship. India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented his country, while Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chowdhury attended as Pakistan’s delegate. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma and Sri Lanka’s Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa also participated. The participation of these regional leaders underscores South Asia’s interest in Bangladesh’s political transition and signals a commitment to deepen cooperation with the new government led by Tarique Rahman.

Twenty-five members of parliament were sworn in as full ministers following Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament election. The oath-taking ceremony took place on Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, administered by President Md. Shahabuddin. The newly appointed ministers include Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives; Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury for Finance and Planning; Salahuddin Ahmed for Home Affairs; Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed for Liberation War Affairs. Other portfolios were distributed among 20 additional ministers, including technocrat appointees for Foreign and Agriculture-related ministries. The formation of this new cabinet marks the beginning of the government’s administrative term following the 13th parliamentary election, with responsibilities spanning key sectors such as economy, education, health, infrastructure, and technology.

Bogura is set to regain ministerial representation after nearly 35 years, as Mir Shahe Alam, the BNP-nominated candidate from Bogura-02 (Shibganj), is expected to take oath this afternoon as State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives in the newly formed government. Earlier in the morning, he was sworn in as a Member of Parliament. Mir Shahe Alam serves as the vice-president of the Bogura District BNP and president of the Shibganj Upazila BNP. He previously held the position of chairman of the Shibganj Upazila Parishad. Local sources confirmed that his appointment ends a long-standing absence of ministerial posts from the district. The last minister from Bogura was Advocate Mojibur Rahman, who became State Minister for Finance following the 1991 election. Since then, residents of Bogura had not seen any ministerial appointment, a matter that had long been a source of disappointment for them, according to local BNP leaders.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman, previously serving as the National Security Adviser to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, has been appointed as the new Foreign Minister in the BNP-led government. The appointment was confirmed by a reliable BNP source. The Cabinet Division began inviting new cabinet members following the swearing-in of Members of Parliament, with 49 leaders called to join the new cabinet. The oath-taking ceremony for the ministers is scheduled to be administered by President Md. Shahabuddin at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building on Tuesday afternoon. Dr. Rahman had earlier been appointed in November 2024 as the High Representative for Rohingya issues and priority affairs under the Chief Adviser. In April 2025, he became the Chief Adviser’s National Security Adviser. He also played a significant role in recent trade agreement negotiations with the United States. The formation of the new cabinet marks a key step in the BNP government’s transition from the interim administration, with Dr. Rahman’s appointment signaling continuity in foreign and security policy leadership.

Former adviser to the interim government and one of the leaders of the July uprising, Mahfuz Alam, has sharply criticized the recently concluded 13th National Parliament election, calling it a 'divided election'. On Tuesday, February 17, he expressed his anger in a verified Facebook post, where he appeared to refer to the BNP and opposition alliances regarding whether newly elected members of parliament should take their oaths. In his post, Mahfuz Alam urged political actors to stop what he described as the 'drama of protest' after accepting a 'divided election'. He accused both those who arranged and those who accepted the election of betraying the people, expressing sorrow for students whom he claimed were 'sold out cheaply'. He further alleged that the people's rightful struggle would be suppressed through public relations campaigns and media manipulation. The comments reflect Mahfuz Alam’s discontent with the post-election political stance of opposition groups and his concern about the erosion of public trust following the 13th national election.

Unidentified assailants detonated a crude explosive device at the home of Mofizul Islam Munna Dhali, chairman of Ekhlaspur Union Parishad and a local leader of the Swechchhasebak Dal, in Matlab North, Chandpur. The incident occurred late Monday night, when a loud explosion was heard near his residence. Police later recovered two chocolate bombs, a burial shroud wrapped in polythene, and other materials from the scene. A note containing death threats directed at the chairman was also found, warning of severe consequences. Police officials, including Assistant Sub-Inspector Moniruzzaman Monir and Officer-in-Charge Md Kamrul Islam, confirmed that the recovered items were being examined and that an investigation was underway to identify those responsible. They stated that the matter was being treated seriously, with additional patrols deployed in the area to maintain order. Local residents reported panic following the explosion, with many leaving their homes in fear. Authorities said efforts to uncover the motive and apprehend the perpetrators are continuing, while the overall law and order situation remains stable under increased police surveillance.

At least six people were killed in a severe road accident in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province on Monday. The crash occurred in Naushahro Feroze district when a speeding car heading toward Karachi lost control and collided forcefully with a trailer. Rescue officials reported that the impact was so intense that the private car was completely crushed, killing all six passengers on the spot. Rescue teams transported the bodies to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed their deaths. Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Following the collision, local authorities carried out emergency rescue operations and arranged to send the injured to hospitals. Traffic on the national highway was temporarily suspended during the rescue efforts. The incident has once again highlighted the importance of road safety and controlling high-speed vehicles to prevent such fatal accidents in the future.

Dhaka College, established on November 20, 1841, stands as one of the subcontinent’s earliest centers of modern education. Founded through the efforts of Dr. James Taylor and Magistrate Mr. Grant, it became the nucleus of English education in East Bengal. The college’s first principal was J. Ireland, a Cambridge graduate and former Hindu College teacher. Over time, Dhaka College evolved through several names and affiliations, contributing significantly to the region’s academic and intellectual development. The institution played a key role in the establishment of the University of Dhaka in 1921, donating its buildings, books, and equipment. It also pioneered science education in East Bengal in 1875 and produced many renowned scholars and writers, including Akhtaruzzaman Elias and Humayun Ahmed. The college’s campus moved several times before settling permanently in Dhanmondi in 1955. Currently, Dhaka College offers higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs across 20 departments, serving around 22,400 students. Principal Professor A.K.M. Elias emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality, infrastructure, and digital learning integration.

Tarique Rahman took oath as the 11th Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, where President Md. Shahabuddin administered the oath. Rahman entered the ceremony at 3:55 p.m., accompanied by his wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman and their only daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman. Following the Prime Minister’s oath, 24 full ministers and 24 state ministers were sworn in. The full ministers include Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salah Uddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, AZM Zahid Hossain, and others. Among them, Khalilur Rahman and Aminur Rashid took oath as technocrat ministers. The state ministers include M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Anindya Islam Amit, Shariful Alam, Shama Obaid Islam, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, and several others. The event marks the formal beginning of Tarique Rahman’s tenure as the country’s 11th Prime Minister, with a newly formed cabinet comprising both political and technocrat members.

Three leaders from Cumilla have been invited to join the cabinet of the BNP government. They are BNP Vice Chairman Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s adviser Aminur Rashid Yasin, and BNP Labour and Employment Affairs Secretary as well as Cumilla South District BNP President Zakaria Taher Suman. Aminur Rashid Yasin will serve as a minister under the technocrat quota. The Cabinet Division informed them by phone at 11:20 a.m. on Tuesday, according to close sources. Earlier in the day, at 10:40 a.m., members elected to the 13th National Parliament took their oaths, while the cabinet’s oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for the afternoon. News of Kaykobad’s appointment sparked celebrations in Muradnagar, Cumilla, with local BNP activists distributing sweets. Social media also filled with congratulatory posts for Yasin and Suman. The report notes that Cumilla residents are rejoicing over having three ministers from their district. It also mentions speculation that senior BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain might be appointed president.

The Cabinet Division has begun inviting newly elected members of parliament from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to take oath as state ministers following the swearing-in of the 13th National Parliament. The oath-taking ceremony for the new cabinet members is scheduled for the afternoon of February 17, 2026. Those invited to take oath as state ministers include M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Anindya Islam Amit, Md Shariful Alam, Shama Obaid Islam, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, and Farhad Hossain Azad. Earlier in the day, BNP’s elected members of parliament had already taken their oaths. The Cabinet Division initiated the invitation process for the new cabinet immediately after the parliamentary swearing-in ceremony. The list of invitees indicates the composition of the upcoming BNP-led government’s cabinet. The report also notes that Khalilur Rahman will be part of the BNP government’s cabinet, while foreign dignitaries, including India’s Speaker and Foreign Secretary, are in Dhaka to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

State ministers took oath on Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in Dhaka. President Md. Shahabuddin administered the oath to the newly appointed state ministers. The ceremony marks a significant step in the formation of the new cabinet, which includes both full ministers and state ministers. According to the report, 25 individuals are set to become full ministers, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salah Uddin Ahmed, and others. Additionally, 24 individuals are to serve as state ministers, among them M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Anindya Islam Amit, Shama Obaid Islam, and Nurul Haque Nur. The list also includes several technocrat members. The oath-taking event signifies the formal beginning of responsibilities for the new ministers and state ministers under the current administration, as the government moves forward with its new leadership structure.

The article by Zahedul Islam Bandhan highlights February as the most glorious, mournful, and inspiring month in the Bengali national life. It recounts the 1952 Language Movement in Dhaka, when students defied Section 144 and protested for the recognition of Bangla as a state language. Police opened fire, killing several including Abul Barkat, Abdul Jabbar, and others. Their sacrifice led to Bangla gaining official status in Pakistan’s 1956 constitution alongside Urdu. The article notes that UNESCO declared 21 February as International Mother Language Day in 1999, now observed in about 188 countries. The piece traces the origins of the movement to 1947, when Pakistan was formed with Urdu declared as its sole state language despite Bengali being spoken by the majority in East Pakistan. It describes February as not just a calendar month but a symbol of identity, freedom, and cultural pride for Bengalis. The article also discusses the cultural legacy of the movement, inspiring poetry, songs, plays, and the annual Ekushey Book Fair, reinforcing the enduring spirit of linguistic and cultural unity.

The historic Raiganj Press Club in Sirajganj has formed a new biannual committee. In the newly approved 11-member body, Ali Haider Abbasi, representative of the Daily Manabzamin, was elected president, and Golam Muktadir, representative of the newspaper Protidiner Bangladesh, was chosen as general secretary. The approval came at a meeting held yesterday morning, where the previous convening committee was dissolved under the chairmanship of former acting convener Atik Mahmud Akash and conducted by member secretary Ali Haider Abbasi. The new committee includes Atik Mahmud Akash as vice president, Nurul Haque Nayon as joint general secretary, Nazmul Hossain Talukder Arafat as organizational secretary, Shihabul Alam Sayem as office secretary, and Abdul Latif as finance secretary. Saidul Islam Abir was elected as publicity and publication secretary, while KM Rafiqul Islam, HM Monaem Khan, and M Abu Hashem Moni were named executive members. Speakers at the meeting expressed hope that the new leadership would play an effective role in improving journalistic standards, strengthening unity among members, and protecting press freedom.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and members of his new cabinet took the oath of office on Tuesday afternoon at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. President Md. Shahabuddin administered the oath to the newly appointed ministers and state ministers. According to the announcement, 25 individuals are taking office as full ministers, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salah Uddin Ahmed, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Additionally, 24 others are assuming roles as state ministers, among them M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Anindya Islam Amit, Shariful Alam, Shama Obaid Islam, and Sultan Salahuddin Tuku. The list also includes several technocrat members. The swearing-in marks the formal beginning of the new government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, with the ceremony held in the presence of the President at the National Parliament complex.