Global oil markets experienced volatility following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran and a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, on Thursday, February 19, Brent futures rose by 24 cents or 0.3 percent to reach $70.59 per barrel. At the same time, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 28 cents or 0.4 percent to $65.47 per barrel, later climbing by $1.16 or 1.8 percent to $66.35 per barrel. Analysts noted that about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical route for global energy transport. Any disruption in this waterway could significantly affect global supply. Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist at Nissan Securities, said that while tensions remain, a full-scale armed conflict is unlikely. He added that US President Donald Trump does not favor a sharp rise in crude prices and that any military action would likely be limited and short-term. Iran’s state media reported that the country had closed the strait for several hours on Tuesday as part of a military exercise. It remains unclear whether normal operations have fully resumed.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologized for the suffering caused by his imposition of martial law in 2024. His apology came a day after the Seoul Central District Court sentenced him to life imprisonment for treason. The court ruled that Yoon led a rebellion in December 2024 aimed at paralyzing parliament, an act deemed treasonous under South Korean law. In a statement issued through his lawyer, Yoon acknowledged the public anger and frustration resulting from his attempt to impose military rule but insisted that his actions were taken entirely in the national interest. He expressed regret for his lack of foresight and the hardship caused to citizens. The 65-year-old former leader said the verdict was difficult to accept but did not clarify whether he would appeal. According to the court, Yoon deployed troops to the parliament building to silence political opponents and disrupt legislative functions. His declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, was revoked within six hours by lawmakers through an emergency vote. The timing of any potential parole remains uncertain.

Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu MP directed administrative officials to perform their duties with honesty, efficiency, and constitutional responsibility during a meeting with divisional and district officials in Rajshahi on Friday. Speaking at the Rajshahi Circuit House, he emphasized that the law is equal for all and stated that even his own child should face legal action if found guilty of wrongdoing. The minister urged officials not to tolerate negligence in duty and to ensure respectful, service-oriented behavior toward citizens. He instructed them to take special preparations to prevent public suffering during Ramadan and to coordinate efforts in market monitoring, law enforcement, and public services. He also called for strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. Minu highlighted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, the government is working to implement a 31-point development agenda. He stressed that all government offices will operate within constitutional frameworks and that development initiatives such as canal excavation and tree planting will be prioritized.

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination form fill-up will begin on March 1 and continue until March 9, according to a notice published on the Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board’s website. Students will be able to complete the process online, and those who miss the initial deadline may submit their forms with a late fee from March 11 to March 18. Fees can be paid through Sonali Seba until March 18. The notice states that only students with valid registrations are eligible to fill out the application forms. Any candidate attempting to sit for subjects outside their registration will have those exams canceled without further communication. For physically disabled, cerebral palsy, or special-needs students registered with the Department of Social Services, participation in selection tests may be relaxed. Institutions may arrange subject-based model tests to help students prepare for the HSC exams, but participation in such tests is not mandatory, and no additional fees may be charged for them.

India’s Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking a nationwide ban on constructing or naming any mosque or religious site after Mughal emperor Babur or the Babri Masjid. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, declined to entertain the plea on Friday, after which the petitioner’s lawyer withdrew it, leading to the case’s dismissal. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that Babur was an ‘invader’ and that no religious structure should bear his name. The petition followed a recent announcement by former Trinamool Congress member and legislator Humayun Kabir to build a mosque in West Bengal’s Murshidabad modeled after the Babri Masjid. In response, the petitioner sought a directive preventing authorities across India from allowing such naming or construction. As the Supreme Court showed no interest in admitting the case, the petitioner ultimately withdrew the plea, resulting in its rejection.

Former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released after being arrested on suspicion of abusing his official position. Authorities confirmed that investigations will continue. Following the arrest, King Charles III stated that the law must take its own course and assured full cooperation with the police. Andrew is the younger brother of King Charles. Police said they are examining allegations concerning Andrew’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and possible exchanges of confidential information. Recently released U.S. government files on Epstein revealed communications involving Andrew. Earlier in February, claims surfaced that Epstein had arranged a meeting between Andrew and a woman in 2010, though Andrew was not directly accused of any sexual crime. Andrew served as the UK’s trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, during which he gained access to high-level government and business contacts. Documents indicate he shared reports on investment opportunities and official trips with Epstein. Despite repeated allegations, Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing and has not commented on the newly released files.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie MP announced that a nationwide canal excavation program will begin soon, aiming to be completed within 180 days. Speaking at a meeting with district administration and Water Development Board officials at the Lakshmipur Circuit House on February 20, 2026, he said the initiative will include Lakshmipur. The minister explained that a new project for excavating the Bhulua River and re-excavating the Rahmatkhali Canal in Greater Noakhali has been planned to address long-standing waterlogging problems in Lakshmipur. Annie stated that feasibility studies are underway to address erosion along the Meghna River and Rahmatkhali canal banks. He emphasized that the government intends to implement the project according to plan to relieve residents from chronic waterlogging issues. During his three-day visit to his home district, he also discussed maintaining law and order, controlling commodity prices during Ramadan, and ensuring healthcare services at the district hospital. Local officials, including the deputy commissioner and police superintendent, greeted the minister with floral tributes at the Circuit House before the meeting.

Citizen organization Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) has expressed deep concern over reports that private television channel Ekhon TV issued show-cause notices to four of its journalists. According to SUJAN’s Thursday statement, the journalists were reportedly served notices and forced to take a seven-day leave after expressing opinions on social media in favor of reform and referendum. The organization also noted that security guards were shown the journalists’ photos to restrict their entry into the TV office. SUJAN stated that the show-cause letters referenced Facebook posts and warned the journalists to delete them or face consequences. The group questioned whether Ekhon TV management could impose censorship on employees’ freedom of expression. It emphasized that institutional discipline should be maintained transparently and fairly, without infringing on individual rights. SUJAN urged Ekhon TV’s owners and editors to clarify the basis and policy behind these actions and called on the Information Ministry and relevant authorities to ensure a fair resolution and restore the journalists’ newsroom access.

Afghanistan concluded its T20 World Cup journey with consecutive victories, defeating Canada by 82 runs in Chennai on February 20, 2026. After losing the toss, Afghanistan batted first and posted 200 runs, marking the first time the team reached this milestone in T20 World Cup history. Opener Ibrahim Zadran led the innings with an unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, the highest individual score by an Afghan batsman in the tournament. Rahmanullah Gurbaz added 30 runs, while Sediqullah Atal contributed 44 off 32 balls. In reply, Canada struggled to build momentum, losing five wickets for 48 runs within nine overs and finishing at 118 for eight after 20 overs. Harsh Thakar top-scored for Canada with 30 runs, while previous match centurion Yuvraj Samra managed only 17. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi delivered his career-best bowling performance, taking four wickets for just seven runs in four overs. Captain Rashid Khan also claimed two wickets for 19 runs. Although Afghanistan had already been eliminated from the tournament, the team ended on a high note with two consecutive wins, providing a measure of consolation before returning home.

Venezuela’s National Assembly on Thursday unanimously approved a long-awaited amnesty law, raising hopes for the release of hundreds of political leaders imprisoned for anti-government activities. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed office after Nicolás Maduro’s detention in a U.S. military operation on January 3, signed the bill at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas. The law covers incidents dating back to 1999, including the coup attempt against Hugo Chávez, the 2002 oil strike, and unrest following Maduro’s disputed 2024 re-election. However, those accused or convicted of inciting or participating in military actions against the state are excluded. Public concern remains that the government might use the law to pardon its own supporters while denying freedom to genuine political prisoners. The law’s Article 9 specifically excludes anyone involved in armed actions against Venezuela’s sovereignty with foreign assistance. UN human rights experts from Geneva urged that the law’s scope be limited to victims of rights violations and exclude perpetrators of serious crimes. According to rights group Foro Penal, around 450 detainees have been freed since Maduro’s fall, but over 600 remain imprisoned, with families continuing protests outside prisons.

The United States has imposed sanctions on three commanders of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for their roles in the 18‑month siege and occupation of El Fasher. The U.S. Treasury Department announced the sanctions, citing the commanders’ involvement in systematic killings, torture, starvation, and sexual violence during the conflict. The RSF has been accused of orchestrating widespread and planned massacres in the region. According to the Treasury Department, RSF fighters carried out mass killings, detentions, and sexual assaults after seizing the Darfur city of Al‑Fasher in October 2025. The group allegedly burned bodies to destroy evidence of mass atrocities. The U.S. statement links the commanders directly to these acts, describing them as part of a broader campaign of ethnic violence. Following the RSF’s takeover of Al‑Fasher, hundreds of thousands of residents reportedly fled the area by late October, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian crisis triggered by the group’s actions.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has implemented extensive security measures across Bangladesh, including at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, ahead of Shaheed Dibas and International Mother Language Day. RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman announced the arrangements on Friday morning during an inspection of the security setup at the Central Shaheed Minar. He said that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure the event proceeds smoothly, with coordination among law enforcement agencies and the establishment of inner and outer perimeters. According to Rahman, over 300 RAB members will be deployed in the area, supported by bomb disposal units, dog squads, and plainclothes intelligence officers. The entire area has been brought under CCTV surveillance, divided into several sectors with foot patrols, vehicle patrols, and striking reserves. He added that there is no specific security threat at present, but all precautions have been taken to handle any situation. Rahman emphasized that law enforcement agencies have successfully stabilized the country’s security situation and will continue to maintain vigilance to prevent public disruption or unrest during the observances.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has said there is no security concern surrounding the observance of February 21, marking Shaheed Dibas and International Mother Language Day. Speaking after inspecting security arrangements at the Central Shaheed Minar on Friday morning, he confirmed that SWAT, dog squads, bomb disposal teams, and the crime scene unit will remain on standby, with enhanced intelligence surveillance and cyber monitoring. The commissioner stated that around 15,000 police personnel will be deployed in a multi-layered security plan centered on the Central Shaheed Minar, where large crowds are expected to pay tribute to the language martyrs. Alongside the police, other law enforcement agencies and volunteers will assist in maintaining order and the sanctity of the monument. He urged the public to show respect in a disciplined manner. Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali added that the security measures extend beyond the Shaheed Minar area, covering the entire city of Dhaka to ensure overall safety during the commemorations.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman will place a floral wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, February 20, to honor the language martyrs on the occasion of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. The event marks the beginning of national observances commemorating the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Bengali language. Law enforcement agencies have implemented multi-layered security measures surrounding the observance. A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman stated that there are no direct threats to the International Mother Language Day events on February 21, but preparations have been made to handle any situation. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General said during a briefing at 11:20 a.m. Friday that all arrangements around the Shaheed Minar have been completed, with forces deployed in coordination with other agencies. RAB’s bomb disposal unit and dog squad have completed necessary sweeps, and special forces remain on standby to respond to any incidents. Security arrangements have also been made to ensure the safe participation of VVIPs, VIPs, and political leaders during the tribute ceremonies.

A discussion meeting titled “Citizen Thoughts on Implementing the July National Charter” was held on 11 February at Shining Jewels Institute in North Chattogram, organized by the local unit of Pathokmela. The event was chaired by Principal Khair Uddin Ahmed Sohel and conducted by Muhammad Mohsin Abul Kashem. Distinguished educationist Professor Md. Abul Hasan attended as chief guest, with journalist Sohag Kumar Biswas as main discussant and Ochman Jahangir as special guest. Speakers emphasized the need to legally institutionalize the July National Charter, which they said emerged from the revolutionary changes of 2024. Participants highlighted that the charter addresses key constitutional and governance issues, including balance of power between the president and prime minister, judicial independence, and parliamentary reforms. They argued that previous frameworks fostered autocracy and called for comprehensive reform to enhance accountability and professionalism in state institutions. Several speakers warned against attempts to obstruct the charter’s implementation and urged citizens to unite for systemic change. The meeting concluded with calls to resist any return to authoritarian politics and to uphold the sacrifices made during past movements by ensuring the charter’s full realization.