U.S. Ambassador Steve Witkoff said President Donald Trump is questioning why Iran has not yielded despite Washington’s show of military strength. Speaking in a Fox News interview with Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump on Saturday, Witkoff noted that the president remains curious about Tehran’s stance rather than frustrated. According to Witkoff, the United States has deployed two aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and other weapons in the region to increase pressure on Iran. At the same time, nuclear deal discussions have resumed in Geneva under Oman’s mediation to avoid potential military conflict. Washington has warned that Iran will face severe consequences if no progress is made in the talks. Witkoff also confirmed that, under the president’s directive, he met with Iran’s former crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who has not returned to Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He did not disclose details of that meeting.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen stated that Beijing will not accept interference from any third country in its relations with Bangladesh or other South Asian nations. He made the remarks on Sunday after a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid in Dhaka. Yao affirmed that China stands by Bangladesh under the new government’s “Bangladesh First” policy. During the meeting, the ambassador discussed the Teesta project, saying that the initiative now depends on Bangladesh’s decision, while China remains ready and optimistic about its progress. The discussions also covered bilateral relations and the Rohingya crisis, with China expressing willingness to work with the new government to ensure stable governance. Yao Wen added that China has invited Tarique Rahman for an official visit, which is expected to take place soon. He noted that the foundation of Bangladesh-China relations was laid by Ziaur Rahman, strengthened by Khaleda Zia, and that China hopes Tarique Rahman will elevate the partnership to new heights.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has banned former national women’s team selector and manager Manjurul Islam following confirmation of a sexual harassment allegation. The decision was made during an online board meeting on Sunday, according to a BCB source cited by the daily Amar Desh. The board acted after reviewing an investigation report that found the allegation, raised by cricketer Jahanara Alam, to be true. Manjurul Islam, who is currently working with women’s cricket in China, was accused of sexually harassing Jahanara Alam during his tenure with the Bangladesh national women’s team. The BCB-formed investigation committee verified the complaint and recommended disciplinary action. Based on that recommendation, the board decided to ban him from all forms of cricket activities in Bangladesh. The BCB also stated that it would support Jahanara Alam if she chooses to pursue legal action against Manjurul Islam, reflecting the board’s commitment to addressing misconduct within the sport.

Two sisters, Shobha (25) and Bimla (23), died under mysterious circumstances in Manai village of Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, on the night before their wedding. The incident occurred late Friday, February 21, 2026, when the sisters reportedly consumed a toxic substance. Family members rushed them to a private hospital in Jodhpur after their health deteriorated around 4 a.m., but doctors declared them dead upon arrival. According to police, the family had been celebrating the upcoming wedding until late Friday night. After the deaths, the family began funeral preparations, but police intervened and halted the process to conduct an investigation. The bodies were sent for autopsy and later handed over to the family. Preliminary findings suggest poisoning, though the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the final post-mortem report. Police are investigating why the sisters might have taken such an extreme step. No suicide note has been recovered so far, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Hundreds of CNG drivers in Trishal, Mymensingh, blocked the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway on Sunday morning after the daily levy for operating CNGs was abruptly raised from 10 to 70 taka under the leadership of a local labor party figure. The protest near Eva Filling Station caused a complete halt in traffic and several kilometers of congestion, severely affecting passengers and transport workers. The drivers said that after August 5, 2024, they had temporarily been exempted from paying any levy, but collections resumed at 10 taka and were later increased multiple times. Following the national election, labor leader Dukol, along with Rafik and Modon, reportedly set the daily fee at 70 taka and imposed an additional mandatory monthly payment of 1,000 taka. Drivers alleged that refusal to pay led to harassment and being barred from using stands. Trishal police chief Md. Firoz Hossain confirmed that the drivers blocked the road after the sudden increase and withdrew the blockade following assurances of action against those responsible. Authorities pledged to investigate the allegations and take necessary measures.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman continued his official duties at the Secretariat for the third consecutive day on Sunday, February 22, 2026. During his visit, he reviewed the attendance of cabinet members and senior officials and emphasized the importance of arriving at the office on time. According to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister reached the Secretariat at 9:05 a.m., surprising many with his early arrival. Atikur Rahman stated that the Prime Minister personally inquired about which ministers, state ministers, and advisers were present at their offices. He also issued verbal instructions for all officials to ensure punctual attendance. Tarique Rahman had taken oath as Prime Minister on February 17 and began his official work at the Secretariat the following day, maintaining a consistent presence since then. Despite the previous Saturday being a public holiday, the Prime Minister worked from his Tejgaon office, signaling his focus on discipline and administrative efficiency within the government.

Home Affairs Adviser Salauddin Ahmed has said that changes are coming soon at the top level of the Bangladesh Police. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 22, after a meeting at the Secretariat chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Responding to questions from journalists, Ahmed confirmed that some changes in police leadership are expected and will take place soon. During the briefing, the adviser also addressed a recent incident of alleged terrorist activity in Dhaka’s Adabor area, saying he had ordered an investigation and asked for a report. He assured that strict action would be taken if the incident proved true. In the same press interaction, Ahmed discussed preparations for the upcoming parliamentary session, which is scheduled to be convened on March 12 following the President’s approval. The adviser said the session would include the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, presentation of ordinances issued during the interim government, a condolence motion, and the President’s address, along with regular parliamentary business.

Bangladesh’s ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari, has accused former foreign affairs adviser Touhid Hossain of creating obstacles and showing non-cooperation during his official duties. In a Facebook post on February 22, Ansari alleged that Hossain hindered his participation in several diplomatic activities, including his appointment process and involvement in UN sessions. He specifically claimed that Hossain blocked his attempt to apply for the post of UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights. Ansari stated that he decided to apply for the UN position after encouragement from a foreign colleague, as the post became vacant following the end of a Latvian official’s term. He informed Prime Minister Professor Muhammad Yunus, who advised him to contact the foreign affairs adviser. Although Hossain initially agreed, Ansari claimed he later received a “not to proceed” message after submitting his application and that his calls were subsequently ignored. Ansari expressed disappointment at not receiving his country’s support and said the newly elected prime minister was surprised by the situation. He added that he plans to reveal more details later and is writing a book about his experiences.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could impact around 40 percent of jobs worldwide. In an interview, she described the coming transformation as a “tsunami” for the labor market, with advanced economies potentially seeing up to 60 percent of jobs affected and India about 26 percent. Entry-level positions are expected to face the highest risk as many routine tasks become automated, raising concerns among new graduates. Georgieva noted that global policy frameworks remain behind in addressing these rapid changes. She added that if used effectively, AI could contribute an additional 0.7 percent to India’s annual GDP, helping the country achieve long-term development goals. Georgieva emphasized the need for education reform to foster adaptability and lifelong learning alongside technical skills. In Bangladesh, where many young workers depend on freelancing, IT, and the garment sector, AI’s impact is expected to be multifaceted. Experts warn that demand for basic coding, graphic design, and data entry work may decline unless workers quickly upskill. However, AI could also bring opportunities, such as improving agricultural productivity through precision farming.

Two rival groups clashed in Madaripur’s Nobo Madaripur village on Saturday night, leading to more than 100 hand bomb explosions and at least two injuries. The confrontation, which began around 9 p.m. and continued until 1 a.m., was reportedly triggered by a long-standing dispute over local dominance. Videos of the explosions circulated on Facebook, spreading panic among residents. Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control. According to police and eyewitnesses, the conflict involved supporters of Akter Hawlader and Hasan Munshi, who have been at odds for years over influence in the area. Such confrontations between the two sides have occurred repeatedly in the past. The violence on Saturday night involved the use of homemade weapons, escalating tensions across the locality. Madaripur Sadar Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Abul Kalam Azad said legal action is being taken and additional police have been deployed as the situation remains tense. Law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring developments in the area.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury said the Prime Minister has given several directives regarding the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He made the remarks on Sunday after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat, where the third terminal project was discussed. Chowdhury explained that BIDA briefed the Prime Minister on the project, and future actions will be based on her instructions. He added that a meeting with the Japanese ambassador is scheduled for the following day. The BIDA chief also noted that a new minister has joined the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and efforts are underway to understand the long-standing issues surrounding the project, which has been ongoing for six years. When asked whether a new tender would be called for the terminal’s operation, Chowdhury declined to comment, saying it is a government-to-government matter.

In January 2026, Bangladesh witnessed 552 road accidents resulting in 546 deaths and 1,204 injuries, according to a press release issued on February 22 by the Passenger Welfare Association. The report, based on media monitoring, revealed that motorcycle-related incidents were the deadliest, causing 223 deaths and 132 injuries. Motorcycles accounted for about 38 percent of total accidents and 41 percent of total fatalities. The divisional breakdown showed Dhaka division had the highest number of accidents with 132 incidents, 133 deaths, and 328 injuries, while Sylhet recorded the lowest with 29 accidents, 28 deaths, and 63 injuries. Among 829 vehicles involved, 28.46 percent were motorcycles, followed by trucks, pickups, covered vans, and lorries at 23.64 percent, and buses at 14.35 percent. Most accidents occurred on national highways (42.57 percent), followed by regional highways (27.89 percent) and feeder roads (24.09 percent). The association attributed the accidents to weak transport policies, poor supervision, unfit vehicles, unskilled drivers, and reckless driving. It proposed 14 measures, including driver training, digital vehicle fitness certification, CCTV-based traffic enforcement, and removal of unfit vehicles.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned the killing of leguna driver Nure Alam, also known as Khairul Islam, who was beaten to death on February 20 on the Jatrabari–Chittagong Road in Dhaka. In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, expressed deep concern and demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved. He also called for an impartial investigation into extortion allegations in the city’s transport sector. Porwar said that long-standing reports of extortion from transport workers under various names have raised serious questions about the state’s image and administration. He noted that Khairul was the sole breadwinner of his family, and his death has left them devastated. The statement described the incident as a reflection of deteriorating law and order and urged the government to provide financial support and security to the victim’s family. Jamaat further demanded effective and permanent measures to end extortion, terrorism, and illegal control practices across all sectors in the country.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis has strongly condemned what it described as false, fabricated, and politically motivated allegations and threats of a murder attempt case against its Amir and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Joint Secretary General Allama Muhammad Mamunul Haque. In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, party Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad criticized recent remarks by Education State Minister and MP Bobby Hajjaj, calling them part of a deep political conspiracy aimed at hiding the people’s true verdict. The statement alleged that after visible public support for the rickshaw symbol in Dhaka-13, a powerful group manipulated results through vote invalidation, tampering, and rewriting of result sheets. It further claimed that despite written complaints to the Election Commission, the final gazette was hastily published. The party also linked current actions to past attempts to suppress Mamunul Haque through false cases and harassment. Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis demanded a neutral and transparent judicial investigation into the alleged election result manipulation and warned that continued misinformation and result distortion could lead to political consequences for the government.

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.