The Parbatya Chattogram Chukti Bastobayan Andolon has called for the withdrawal of the non-hill state minister from the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and redistribution of the portfolio. In a joint statement sent to the media on Monday, the group’s joint coordinators, human rights activist Zakir Hossain and Professor Dr. Khairul Islam Chowdhury, congratulated the newly elected BNP-led government and party chairman Tarique Rahman following the 13th national parliamentary election. The statement expressed hope that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the new democratic journey of Bangladesh would prioritize full implementation of the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord, along with the protection of ethnic and religious minority rights and the human rights of marginalized communities. The leaders argued that appointing a non-hill state minister alongside a hill full minister contradicts the spirit of the 1997 accord. They recalled that the BNP government initiated dialogue with the Jana Sanghati Samiti in the 1990s, leading to the 1997 accord, and later played a responsible role in its implementation. The group urged correction of decisions inconsistent with the accord to realize the BNP’s “rainbow nation” vision.

A video from Tonk Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan has gone viral showing BJP leader and former MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunpuria refusing to give blankets to Muslim women during a distribution event. The footage shows him asking a woman’s name and then denying her a blanket after learning she was Muslim. He was heard saying that those who insult Prime Minister Modi have no right to receive blankets. The video also shows several people confronting Jaunpuria, protesting that the women had waited for hours only to be turned away. Jaunpuria responded that he did not want to argue and left the scene, later claiming the blankets were distributed from his personal initiative without any government funds. Congress MP Harish Chandra Meena, who currently represents Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, shared the video and strongly condemned the former MP’s behavior, warning that such attitudes could damage India’s social fabric. He questioned whether the Prime Minister had instructed party members to deny aid to those who did not support the ruling party.

Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Member of Parliament for Feni-1 and convener of Dhaka South BNP, visited the home of Runa Akter Munni, a 32-year-old woman from Paglir Kul village in Chithlia Union, Parshuram upazila, on Monday, February 23, 2026. Runa was reportedly divorced by her husband after she voted for the paddy sheaf symbol during the February 12 national election instead of the scales symbol he preferred. Majnu, accompanied by local BNP leaders, expressed solidarity with Runa and her two children, offering them financial assistance on behalf of the BNP. Majnu stated that he came under the instruction of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman after learning of the incident. He condemned the divorce as an act of social injustice, saying that voting is a constitutional right and that punishing someone for their political choice violates human rights. He pledged legal and social support for Runa and emphasized that no one should face persecution for their voting preference. The visit drew attention to the alleged political and social repercussions faced by individuals for exercising their voting rights in Parshuram.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for a diplomatic solution to the Iran issue. She made the appeal on Monday, February 23, ahead of possible talks between Tehran and Washington, and following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of an attack on Iran. Speaking before a meeting of EU foreign ministers, Kallas emphasized that the region does not need another war and already faces many conflicts. Kallas noted that Iran is currently in a weakened position and urged that this moment be used to find a diplomatic resolution. Her remarks come as Iran and the United States prepare to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, amid escalating tensions between the two countries. The EU’s call for diplomacy reflects its continued preference for negotiation over confrontation in addressing Middle East crises, particularly as global concern grows over potential military escalation.

The Indian government has advised its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country immediately due to escalating tensions and fears of potential U.S. military strikes. The Indian Embassy in Tehran issued a statement on social media platform X on Monday, urging all Indian nationals to depart using any available commercial flights or other transportation options. The embassy also requested citizens to stay in contact with embassy officials and keep emergency contact numbers handy. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, around 10,000 Indian nationals typically reside in Iran. The advisory follows an increase in U.S. military presence in the Middle East, with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and additional fighter aircraft already deployed to the region. The USS Gerald R. Ford is also expected to be stationed there soon. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump set a 10 to 15-day deadline for talks with Iran and warned that limited military strikes were being considered to pressure Tehran into a “serious” agreement.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the appointment of Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Officers-in-Charge (OCs) will no longer be made through a lottery system. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Monday after a meeting with heads of departments under the Home Ministry, he said future postings will be based on merit and professional competence. The minister explained that during the tenure of the interim government before the election, SPs and OCs were appointed through a lottery process. He criticized the method, saying it failed to ensure effective service delivery and lacked transparency. According to him, the responsibilities of large and small districts differ, requiring consideration of experience, skill, and suitability, which were not properly followed under the previous system. Salahuddin Ahmed added that government appointments should not be handled in such a manner. He instructed that only those deemed competent and qualified by the relevant departments will be appointed according to established standards.

Ferdous Ahmed Chowdhury Tushar, president of Bahubal Upazila BNP in Habiganj, received temporary bail on Sunday, February 23, after being arrested for allegedly using abusive language toward Bahubal Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Saiful Islam over the phone. He was presented before the Bahubal Amli Court at 11:30 a.m., where Magistrate Tanzina Rahman Tanin granted bail at 1:15 p.m. following arguments between the prosecution and defense. According to court sources, the bail will remain effective until the police report is submitted. Earlier that day, at around 12:30 p.m., detectives detained Tushar from his residence in the Shayestanagar area of Habiganj town. The arrest followed the circulation of an audio clip on social media on Saturday afternoon, in which he allegedly directed offensive remarks toward the police officer, sparking public discussion and criticism. Law enforcement authorities initiated an investigation into the viral audio before detaining Tushar. The case remains under review pending the police report.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman stated that the country does not want any foreign interference in its internal affairs. Speaking to journalists on Monday after meetings with ambassadors from various countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he emphasized that Bangladesh will safeguard its independence and sovereignty while maintaining friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all nations. Rahman explained that discussions with Bangladesh’s ambassadors abroad had begun the previous day to outline the government’s foreign policy framework. He said the government aims to build mutually advantageous partnerships with every country and has already met with ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, China, India, Pakistan, the United States, and the European Union. According to him, these diplomats expressed strong confidence in the government and a desire to work closely with Bangladesh. The minister reiterated that Bangladesh’s guiding principle is “Bangladesh First,” prioritizing national dignity, mutual interests, and non-interference in others’ internal matters.

European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller has called for the implementation of reform initiatives by the country’s interim government. He made the appeal on Monday following a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam. During the meeting, Miller and other EU envoys discussed how to advance cooperation with the new government in areas including development, trade, investment, migration, humanitarian issues, and security. Miller described Bangladesh as an important partner of the European Union and emphasized the need for continued collaboration across these sectors. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the EU ambassador expressed hope that the new government would take steps to implement the discussed reform agenda, signaling the EU’s interest in maintaining constructive engagement with Bangladesh’s transitional administration.

Bangladeshi singer Mainul Ahsan Nobel was arrested again on Monday, February 23, 2026, in connection with a fraud case following a court order. Police detained him from the Bottola area of Siddhirganj in Narayanganj after allegations that he lured a young woman with a promise of marriage, confined her, and attempted to create objectionable photos. Demra Police Inspector (Investigation) Murad Hossain confirmed the arrest, stating that Nobel is currently in custody and will be sent to court after legal procedures. According to the case filed by complainant Anannya Shabnam on August 13 of the previous year, Nobel and the woman had been engaged with family consent. The complaint alleges that during a visit to Nobel’s Demra residence, he confined her in a studio room, attempted to force physical contact, and recorded objectionable images and videos, later threatening to release them online. The court issued arrest warrants on February 2, 2026, against Nobel, his wife Israt Jahan Priya, his mother Nazma Hossain, and his assistant Munem Shah Soumik. Nobel had previously faced multiple cases. The last known arrest occurred on May 19, 2025, in another case involving rape and assault allegations, after which he was released on bail.

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has demanded visible improvements in law and order and a complete end to extortion to keep Bangladesh’s trade and economy functional. At a press conference on February 23 in Motijheel, DCCI President Taskin Ahmed warned that business leaders might shut down operations if the government fails to act. He described widespread extortion affecting factories and transport, saying the situation has become increasingly complex and burdensome for businesses. DCCI highlighted that corruption and informal transactions have sharply raised business costs and discouraged new investment. The organization presented four key demands: effective improvement of law enforcement, elimination of extortion, corruption-free public institutions, and investment-friendly financial policies. It also called for refinancing non-willful loan defaulters and lowering bank interest rates. Ahmed urged reform of the tax system through automation and separation of the National Board of Revenue, and emphasized activating the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority’s single-window system to ease business processes. The chamber expressed concern over unemployment affecting about 2.6 million people and stressed technical education to strengthen the private sector. It also urged review of a recent U.S.-aligned trade agreement and prioritized development of 30 sectors, including leather and light engineering, to boost export diversification.

Ishraq Hossain has announced his intention to contest in the upcoming Dhaka South City Corporation mayoral election. The announcement came on Monday through a verified Facebook post, where he stated his plan to run for the position. This declaration follows his recent success in the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12, 2026. Ishraq Hossain was elected as a Member of Parliament from Dhaka-6 constituency for the first time and has since been appointed as the State Minister for the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs in the new cabinet. His decision to run for the city corporation election marks a continuation of his growing political engagement following his parliamentary debut. The announcement positions Ishraq as a notable young politician expanding his political footprint from national to local governance, though further details about his campaign or party endorsement were not mentioned in the source.

President Md. Shahabuddin has called the first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament to begin on March 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. The announcement was made through a press release issued by the Public Relations Department of the National Parliament Secretariat on Monday. The session has been convened under the authority granted by Article 72(1) of the Constitution, according to a letter signed by Md. Emadul Haque, Director of Public Relations at the Secretariat. As per parliamentary tradition and law, the first day of the new parliament will include the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Following these elections, the newly elected Speaker will preside over the formal commencement of the 13th Parliament’s proceedings. At the beginning of the session, the President is scheduled to deliver an important address outlining the government’s ongoing development activities and its future administrative and economic plans. After the President’s address, members of parliament will have the opportunity to participate in a general discussion on a motion of thanks, marking the start of the new parliamentary term.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that Bangladesh’s market situation remains satisfactory and that positive changes in market management will be visible soon. He made the remarks on Monday afternoon after an unannounced visit to Mohammadpur Town Hall kitchen market in Dhaka, where he inspected product prices and supply conditions. The minister stated that there is adequate supply of goods and that legal action will be taken against those manipulating prices ahead of Ramadan. Muktadir emphasized that several plans have been adopted to make the market stable and consumer-friendly, though implementation will take time. He noted that ten monitoring teams from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection are working regularly, as it is not feasible to deploy inspection teams simultaneously across all markets in Dhaka. The minister urged media cooperation and reminded traders to act ethically during Ramadan, avoiding excessive profit-taking. He added that the ministry’s efforts through the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh have kept import-dependent markets stable, with some product prices even lower than last year. A recent assault on a consumer rights official has led to a filed case, and legal proceedings are underway.

Nine writers have been selected for the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025, according to a press release signed by Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, on Monday. The awards will be formally presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the inauguration ceremony of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair organized by the academy on February 26. The recipients are Mohan Raihan for poetry, Nasima Anis for fiction, Syed Azizul Haque for essays and prose, Hasan Hafiz for children's literature, Ali Ahmad for translation, Mustafa Majid and Israil Khan for research, Farseem Mannan Mohammadi for science, and Moeedul Hasan for Liberation War literature. The academy’s executive council approved the awards based on recommendations from the proposal and award committees. Traditionally, the Prime Minister presents the awards at the opening of the month-long book fair each year. However, this year the fair did not begin on February 1 due to the 13th national parliamentary election, leading to the rescheduled inauguration on February 26.