Prime Minister Tarek Rahman will preside over two major national events on February 26, 2026. In the morning, he will confer the Ekushey Padak 2026 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, recognizing individuals for their significant contributions in various fields. Later in the afternoon, he will formally inaugurate the Amar Ekushey Book Fair at the Bangla Academy premises as the chief guest. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Ministry of Information on February 22. According to the statement, the event will be attended by award recipients, ministers, senior military and civil officials, and invited guests. The information was confirmed by State Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury, who noted that preparations for both events have been completed. The government has also waived stall rental fees for participating publishers at this year’s book fair, a decision welcomed positively by publishers. Officials stated that all necessary arrangements for the award ceremony and the book fair inauguration have been finalized, ensuring smooth execution of both events.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired a meeting titled 'Building a Healthier Bangladesh' held on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Cabinet Division’s special conference room at the Secretariat. The meeting focused on issues related to public health and national well-being. According to the report, the session was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani, and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A.B.M. Abdus Sattar. The meeting was reported by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). No further details about the discussions or decisions made in the meeting were provided in the source.

Nearly two years after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian government, Bangladesh has delivered a historic electoral verdict. Voters have chosen Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who led his party to a landslide victory and pledged political reconstruction and a new regional strategy. The election follows years of unrest and the 2024 uprising that toppled Hasina after a deadly crackdown that killed about 1,400 people. Hasina fled to Delhi, where she was later sentenced to death in absentia by an international tribunal, straining relations between Dhaka and New Delhi after India refused extradition. Analysts view the result as a rejection of years of repression and of India’s perceived backing of Hasina’s rule. Her tenure was marked by economic stability but also by allegations of arrests, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Critics say her foreign policy leaned heavily toward India, prioritizing its strategic interests while leaving key bilateral disputes unresolved. The new government faces the challenge of recalibrating ties with both India and Pakistan while maintaining balance in regional diplomacy. Observers suggest Bangladesh’s new leadership aims to assert a more independent foreign policy, reducing overreliance on any single power and emphasizing national interests first.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has strongly condemned the killing of a driver in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area, allegedly beaten to death for refusing to pay extortion money. He expressed his condemnation and protest in a verified Facebook post on Sunday, referring to the incident that occurred around 3 p.m. on Saturday. In his post, Dr. Rahman criticized what he described as the normalization of extortion practices, saying that the culture of extortion has been so institutionalized that not paying has become a crime. He stated that when leadership legitimizes such practices, responsibility falls on all involved, and innocent lives continue to be lost as a result. Calling for collective resistance, Dr. Rahman urged all citizens who love the country to unite against extortion and protect lives and property. He emphasized that it is time to build a new movement against extortion across the nation.

After the gazette publication of the 13th National Parliament, discussions have begun over the allocation of 50 reserved women’s seats. Based on proportional representation, the BNP and its allies may receive 35 seats, while the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami could obtain 13, of which Jamaat alone is expected to get 11. Party forums have started deliberating on potential nominees for these positions, with final decisions to be made by the party’s policymaking body. According to party sources, merit, qualifications, organizational responsibilities, and experience will be key criteria in selecting candidates. The sacrifices made by the nominees and their families during the previous authoritarian period and the July war will also be considered. Among the names under discussion are Professor Nurunnisa Siddika, Engineer Mardia Momtaz, Dr. Amina Begum Rahman, Shahan Ara Begum, and Barrister Sabikun Nahar Munni. Other names include Saeeda Rumman, Khondkar Ayesha Khatun, Dr. Habiba Chowdhury Sweet, Kazi Maria Islam Baby, Rabeya Khanam, Dr. Shirin Akhter Runa, Tanha Azmi, Nargis Khan, Kaniz Fatema, Selina Akhter, and Ayesha Siddika Parvin. Professor Nurunnisa Siddika stated that although women cannot become party amir, qualified candidates will be nominated for the reserved seats.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has expressed China’s support for the new government’s 'Bangladesh First' policy. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 22, after a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid in Dhaka. Yao Wen stated that China would not accept interference from any third country in its relations with Bangladesh and other South Asian nations. He reaffirmed that China stands ready to work with the new government to ensure stable governance. During the meeting, the ambassador discussed the Teesta project, saying that discussions had taken place and that the project now depends on Bangladesh’s decision. He noted that China is prepared and optimistic about the project. The two sides also discussed bilateral relations and the Rohingya crisis. Yao Wen added that China has invited Tarique Rahman for an official visit, which he expects to take place soon. He recalled that Bangladesh–China relations were initiated under Ziaur Rahman, strengthened by Khaleda Zia, and are expected to reach new heights under Tarique Rahman. The ambassador’s remarks underscore China’s intention to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh’s new administration and maintain regional stability.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma said India is eager to advance relations with Bangladesh’s new government based on mutual respect, shared interests, and the aspirations of both peoples. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 22, after a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. Verma emphasized India’s commitment to a forward-looking, people-centric approach to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He described people-to-people exchanges as a vital component of the relationship and reiterated India’s desire to work together in a positive, constructive, and future-oriented manner. He also reaffirmed India’s support for Bangladesh as a democratic, progressive, and inclusive society and expressed readiness to enhance engagement with the new government. Addressing a question on visa issues, Verma did not specify a timeline but indicated optimism about resolving the matter soon to improve connectivity between the two countries.

Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid has emphasized the need to initiate organic farming in Bangladesh’s char areas. He made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with ministry and departmental officials at the Ministry of Agriculture. The minister said the vast char regions have fertile soil and ideal conditions for producing export-oriented organic crops. He stressed that prioritizing agricultural development in these areas is essential for achieving industrial-scale agricultural exports. Rashid added that strengthening the agricultural sector would reinforce the national economy. He outlined government plans to restructure the sector by reducing fertilizer use, improving soil quality, and excavating irrigation canals. State Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said efforts are underway to ensure genuine farmers receive incentives, agricultural loans, and other support. He also mentioned that the government has started work on issuing farmer cards. The meeting was chaired by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan said teachers will no longer need to take to the streets to realize their legitimate demands. Speaking on Sunday at the Ministry of Education during a meeting with the Teachers and Employees Unity Alliance, he stated that the government is giving top priority to the education sector and will gradually implement the logical demands of teachers and staff. The minister acknowledged existing budget constraints but said other teacher demands would be presented to the Prime Minister. He noted that not all issues could be addressed immediately due to budget limitations, though the government remains sincere. He also promised to review complaints against ministry officials, discuss school management and governing body issues, and ensure transparency in the education sector. Reforms in the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) will be reviewed for necessary corrections. State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj said written demands from teachers have been taken seriously, and long-term solutions will be pursued through dialogue to prevent future unrest. He emphasized ensuring proper recognition of teachers’ contributions in classrooms.

A major reshuffle has taken place in the top ranks of the Bangladesh Army, according to an order issued from Army Headquarters on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Lieutenant General Mainur Rahman, previously the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of ARTDOC, has been appointed as the new Chief of General Staff (CGS), the second most important position after the Army Chief. The post had been vacant since January 17. Former Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division, Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, has been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador. Major General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman, formerly GOC of the 24th Infantry Division, has been appointed as the new PSO. Major General Ferdous Hasan, previously Commandant of the East Bengal Regimental Centre, will now serve as the GOC of the 24th Infantry Division. The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) has also seen changes, with Major General Jahangir Alam reassigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Brigadier General Kaiser Rashid promoted to Major General and appointed as the new DG. Additional changes include Major General J M Imdadul Islam’s transfer to the East Bengal Regimental Centre and Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman’s promotion to Major General and appointment as GOC of the 55th Infantry Division.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Principal Asadul Habib Dulu visited his constituency in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila on Friday afternoon after assuming office. During his three-day visit, he met with party members, social organizations, and local residents. On Saturday night around 9:30 p.m., two district Awami League leaders—Treasurer and Union Parishad Chairman Habibur Rahman Habib and Education and Research Secretary and former Principal Sarwar Alam—visited the Circuit House to present him with flowers. Photos and videos of the nighttime floral greeting quickly went viral on social media, triggering widespread discussion and criticism. Several district Awami League leaders alleged that the two had shifted political allegiance and previously campaigned for the BNP’s election symbol during the February 12 national polls. Anonymous sources suggested that opportunists across the country were becoming active ahead of upcoming local government elections, intensifying grassroots political tensions. BNP leaders, however, stated that Minister Dulu now serves all citizens and that anyone may greet him. They added that determining any legal wrongdoing is the responsibility of the authorities.

The government of Bangladesh has reduced the price of furnace oil used in power plants and heavy industries by Tk 15.90 per litre. Starting from midnight on Sunday, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) will sell furnace oil to public and private power plants, industrial units, and other customers at Tk 71.10 per litre, down from the previous rate of Tk 86. The new price was announced in a notice signed by Md. Nazrul Islam Sarkar, Secretary of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). According to BERC, the price revision followed a proposal submitted by BPC on 20 January 2025 to adjust the consumer-level price of heavy fuel oil (HFO). Meghna Petroleum, Standard Asiatic Oil, Jamuna Oil Company, and Padma Oil Company also submitted proposals to revise their marketing and transport charges. A public hearing on these proposals was held on 29 January. After detailed review and analysis, BERC redefined the consumer price, marketing charges, and integrated transport costs. BERC stated that the marketing charge for the oil companies has been set at Tk 0.71 per litre and the integrated transport charge at Tk 1.20 per litre.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has declared that no form of corruption will be allowed in the Ministry of Education. Speaking on Sunday, February 22, at the Secretariat after a meeting with the Teachers and Employees Unity Alliance, he said that teachers would no longer need to visit the ministry to press their demands. He emphasized the government’s sincerity in improving the education sector. The minister stated that issues such as teacher evaluation, salary scales, and other legitimate demands would be presented to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj, who was also present, said that the government aims to ensure a corruption-free education system and prevent the politicization of education. He added that steps would be taken to harmonize the curricula of the three existing education categories. The meeting reflected the ministry’s commitment to transparency and reform, with both ministers highlighting the goal of creating a fair and quality-driven education environment.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has announced that citizens aged 16 or 17 can now apply for national identity cards (NID). According to a circular issued on Sunday by the National Identity Registration Wing of the EC Secretariat, eligible applicants will receive their NID, and their names will be automatically added to the voter list once they turn 18. The circular stated that the decision was made under Section 5 of the National Identity Registration Act, 2010, as amended in 2013. It clarified that any Bangladeshi citizen who has reached or will reach the age of 16 or 17 on the date of application may now register for an NID. The directive, signed by Khan Abi Shahanur Khan, Director (Registration and Expatriates) of the National Identity Registration Wing, instructed all regional, district, and upazila election officers to implement the order immediately.

A legal notice has been sent to the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the Local Government Division, and the secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) demanding immediate action to control mosquito infestation. The notice, dispatched by lawyer H. M. Rashdul Islam (Rashed) on Sunday, February 22, 2026, through postal mail, requires effective measures within seven days. Failure to comply will lead to a writ petition under Article 102 of the Constitution. The notice cites the lawyer’s own dengue infection in September 2025 and the death of advocate Jannati Rehana (Joya) from dengue in October 2025 as examples of the worsening mosquito-borne disease situation in DNCC areas. It alleges that the unchecked spread of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes has caused widespread dengue, chikungunya, and other vector-borne diseases, posing a direct threat to public health and safety. The notice further states that the city authority’s inaction constitutes gross negligence of statutory duties and a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights, warning of legal action if no steps are taken within the stipulated period.