One person was killed and ten others injured in a clash between two rival groups in Muksudpur upazila of Gopalganj on Monday, February 23, 2026. The violence erupted in Komlapur village over a long-standing dispute for local dominance between the groups led by Anwar Munshi and Nur Islam, both reportedly linked to BNP politics. The deceased was identified as Nilu Munshi, 50, son of Anwar Munshi. According to police and local sources, the conflict began when Anwar Munshi’s sons attacked Nur Islam near a hospital gate, injuring him. In retaliation, Nur Islam’s supporters attacked Anwar Munshi’s house, leading to a violent confrontation involving both sides. At least eleven people, including women, were injured. Severely injured victims were taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, where Nilu Munshi was declared dead by doctors. Muksudpur Police Officer-in-Charge Abdullah Al Mamun confirmed the incident and said police, army, and RAB personnel were deployed to maintain order. The area remains tense following the clash.

A youth leader named Anwarul Islam Babu, aged 40, was arrested in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha after a raid at his home uncovered a large quantity of Tapentadol tablets. The operation was conducted late Sunday night around 11:30 p.m. by a team from the Department of Narcotics Control led by Sub-Inspector Jewel Islam. Officers found 2,850 tablets hidden in a plastic bag inside a drawer in Babu’s bedroom. Following the seizure, he was taken into custody. Authorities confirmed that a case was filed under the Narcotics Control Act at Gobindaganj Police Station. Officer-in-Charge Mozammel Haque stated that Babu was sent to Gaibandha District Jail through the court on Monday. In response to the incident, the local unit of Jubo Dal expelled Babu from his position as member secretary of the Sapmara Union Jubo Dal, citing activities contrary to party ideals. The arrest and expulsion mark a disciplinary move by the party amid ongoing enforcement actions against illegal drug possession in the region.

A powerful winter storm has begun striking the northeastern United States, placing about 59 million people under weather alerts. The storm has caused widespread travel disruption, with more than 5,000 flights canceled and around 600 delayed across the country, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. New York City has issued a travel ban, while several states including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, and Rhode Island have declared states of emergency. FlightAware reported that the highest number of cancellations occurred at New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) and LaGuardia airports. JetBlue Airways said it had already canceled 776 flights and warned passengers of significant disruptions and cancellations through February 24. The National Weather Service forecast that the storm would affect the U.S. Northeast and much of the Canadian Maritimes from Sunday evening through Monday. Forecasters described the system as potentially the strongest “nor’easter” in nearly a decade, warning of heavy snowfall, strong winds, and coastal flooding across affected areas.

Muhammad Tajul Islam, the outgoing Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, stated that it is natural for an elected government to appoint its preferred individuals to various state positions. He made the remarks on Monday, February 23, 2026, while speaking to journalists at the tribunal premises. Earlier that morning, the new BNP government relieved him of his duties and appointed Supreme Court lawyer Aminul Islam as the new Chief Prosecutor. Tajul Islam, a leader of the Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, had been serving as Chief Prosecutor in the tribunal reconstituted to try crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising. Responding to his removal, he welcomed his successor and expressed good wishes for the completion of unfinished tasks. He recalled that when he took office, the tribunal’s main building was abandoned and operations were being conducted from a tin shed amid disarray left by the previous prosecution team. He explained that the government initially indicated continuity but later signaled its intention to replace him. He said he was told the change would occur through a natural process rather than resignation to avoid sending a wrong message.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis has demanded the cancellation of results and a neutral investigation into alleged irregularities in the 13th national parliamentary election held on February 12. The party made the call at a press conference at its central office in Paltan, Dhaka, where Secretary General Jalaluddin Ahmad claimed that agents of party leader Mamunul Haque were forcibly removed from polling centers in Dhaka-13 constituency. He also alleged that veiled and general voters were intimidated and that Mamunul Haque was confined at a center and forced to leave with army assistance. The press conference further alleged widespread irregularities and vote rigging across constituencies nationwide. The party presented six specific demands, including the formation of a commission to investigate election misconduct. Jalaluddin Ahmad also accused the newly elected MP and current State Minister for Education, Babu Hajjaj, of threatening legal action against Khelafat Majlis activists and claimed post-election attacks on their members in Dhaka-13. Party leaders urged an end to attacks and threats against their activists and warned of strict programs if their demands remain unaddressed.

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.