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.

Ahead of International Mother Language Day, a survey in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur has revealed that 239 out of 271 educational institutions do not have Shaheed Minars. These include government and private primary, secondary, and college-level institutions. As a result, students are unable to pay proper tribute to the language martyrs, with only 32 institutions currently having memorials. According to the upazila primary and secondary education offices, only five of 121 government primary schools have Shaheed Minars, while none of the 64 private kindergartens do. Among 55 secondary schools, 23 have memorials, and none of the 21 Dakhil madrasas have built one. At the college level, Raipur Government College has a Shaheed Minar, but Rustam Ali Degree College does not. Several Kamil and Fazil madrasas also lack such structures. Local education officials cited lack of land, funds, and government allocation as major obstacles. The upazila administration has pledged to take steps to ensure that all institutions gradually build Shaheed Minars to honor the language martyrs.

Eighteen people were killed and three others critically injured when a truck and a passenger pickup collided in Egypt’s northeastern Port Said province. The accident occurred around 12:30 p.m. local time on Thursday on the Axis Highway south of Port Said, according to reports from Al Jazeera and Egypt’s state newspaper Al-Ahram. A video released online showed the pickup crushed between two large trucks, leaving debris scattered across the road. The pickup was carrying local fishermen traveling to coastal fish farms when the collision happened. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly expressed condolences to the victims’ families and ordered financial assistance for those affected. Madbouly stated that he is monitoring the situation through the governor of Port Said province, as authorities continue to respond to the deadly crash.

The United Kingdom has refused to allow the United States to use its military bases for a potential attack on Iran, according to reports published on February 20, 2026. Washington had proposed using a Royal Air Force base near Swindon in southwest England, but the British government declined the request over concerns that such action might violate international law. The Times reported that the UK’s refusal may have influenced recent criticism from President Donald Trump regarding the lease agreement for the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia and the planned transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. A UK government spokesperson stated that the country does not comment on military operations but supports the ongoing political process between the US and Iran. The spokesperson reaffirmed that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ensuring regional security remain the UK’s priorities. The United States has been pressuring Iran to limit its nuclear program and has warned of possible military action, deploying warships, aircraft, and other assets to the region as part of its preparations.

Pakistan’s government has denied reports of any deal with imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Rana Sanaullah Khan, the prime minister’s political adviser, said on Geo News that no agreement had been made and none would be offered in the future. His remarks came after local media suggested a possible understanding between the government and Khan, which Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also dismissed. Sanaullah stated that the government’s position toward the former ruling party remains clear: to work together for Pakistan’s stability. He invited PTI to engage in dialogue for strengthening the country. He confirmed that on November 24, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other officials met PTI leaders, but the talks failed because Khan rejected the government’s conditions. Sanaullah criticized Khan’s stance as obstinate and said the terms proposed by PTI were unacceptable to the government. He assured that Imran Khan is receiving the best possible medical care while in custody, emphasizing that the government remains committed to lawful and humane treatment of the former prime minister.

The new Bangladesh government has launched multiple initiatives to stabilize essential commodity prices during Ramadan, including nationwide market monitoring and mobile court operations led by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and district administrations. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged traders to avoid profiteering during the holy month and ensure affordability for ordinary citizens. An inter-ministerial committee, headed by the finance minister, was formed to implement a new family card program, expected to provide more than double the financial support of existing schemes. Ministers and officials have announced strict measures against hoarding and market syndicates, while local administrations in Rajbari, Habiganj, Nilphamari, and Chattogram have conducted raids and imposed fines for irregularities. The government also began distributing affordable protein foods and essential goods through family cards, mobile truck sales, and OMS outlets, targeting over one million families. The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) started selling five key products at reduced prices nationwide. Business leaders and consumer groups expressed optimism that the government’s strict monitoring and supply measures would help keep prices stable throughout Ramadan.

A group of world leaders and ministers are set to announce a joint position on the future direction of artificial intelligence governance on Friday, the final day of a five-day technology summit in New Delhi, according to AFP. The event, titled the 'India AI Impact Summit,' is described as the largest of its kind and the first major AI conference held in a developing country. Ahead of the announcement, Sam Altman emphasized the urgent need for regulatory frameworks in the rapidly evolving AI sector, warning against concentration of control in a single company or nation while cautioning that excessive restrictions could hinder competition. Discussions at the summit have also focused on concerns over job losses, online harassment, and the high energy demands of data centers. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for AI to serve the welfare of humanity, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged wealthy tech leaders to contribute to a $3 billion global fund to expand AI skills and affordable computing. Analysts noted that despite broad discussions, immediate strict decisions are unlikely compared to previous summits in France, South Korea, and the UK.

In the 13th national election, Jamaat-e-Islami candidates in Jhalakathi-1 and Jhalakathi-2 constituencies failed to win but achieved a remarkable increase in votes, signaling a potential shift in local and national politics. In Jhalakathi-1, Jamaat candidate Dr. Fayzul Haque lost to BNP’s Rafiqul Islam Jamal by only 6,890 votes, securing 55,120 votes compared to Jamal’s 62,010. In Jhalakathi-2, Jamaat’s Sheikh Niamul Karim received 70,556 votes, though BNP’s Israt Sultana Ellen Bhutto won by a margin of about 44,000. According to local Jamaat sources, both constituencies were initially rated low in internal surveys, but public support grew rapidly after candidate changes and intensified campaigning. Historical data show Jamaat’s vote count in Jhalakathi-1 rose from under 2,000 in 1991 to over 55,000 in 2026. Party leaders attributed the surge to expanded grassroots organization and improved public perception. However, they cited incidents of polling agents being expelled and threats to minority voters as factors behind their losses. Observers believe the strong performance could position Jamaat advantageously in upcoming municipal elections, particularly in Jhalakathi town where the party nearly matched BNP’s vote share.

Two suspected robbers were beaten to death by a mob in Khordd Mojahidpur village of Sadullapur upazila in Gaibandha early Thursday. According to reports, a group of robbers was allegedly preparing for a robbery when local residents noticed them. As villagers raised the alarm and surrounded the group from different directions, the crowd became enraged and began beating the suspects, killing two of them on the spot. Sadullapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Alim told Amader Desh that the deceased were not robbers but snatchers. He confirmed that police had received information about the incident and were preparing to recover the bodies. As of the time of reporting, the identities of the deceased individuals had not been determined. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between local residents and suspected criminal groups in rural Gaibandha, with law enforcement now investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

In Cumilla city, allegations have surfaced that Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) products distributed at low prices for Ramadan are being given short in weight. At the Racecourse area on Thursday afternoon, a truck operated under dealer Parvin Akter of Faruk Store was found delivering goods with 100 grams less per kilogram, 200 grams less for two kilograms, and about 50 grams less for half a kilogram, despite using digital scales. The TCB package includes sugar, lentils, chickpeas, oil, and dates. Following complaints, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection inspected the site and confirmed the irregularities. The Faruk Store owner was fined Tk 10,000 for the discrepancy. Each of the five TCB trucks in Cumilla serves 400 families daily, totaling 2,000 households. Reports suggest that around 600 grams of goods are being withheld per person, amounting to about Tk 24,000 in value per truck. TCB’s deputy director Mamunur Rashid Gazi stated that any allegations of favoritism or corruption against authorized dealers would be investigated and addressed accordingly.

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has declared that any decision regarding Gaza must be preceded by a complete halt to Israeli aggression. In a statement issued on Thursday in response to the inaugural meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace council in Washington, Hamas said that ending Israeli occupation is the essential precondition for achieving stability in Gaza. The statement emphasized lifting the Israeli blockade on Gaza and ensuring Palestinians’ rights to freedom and self-determination. It also condemned the convening of the peace council meeting while Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip continued. Hamas called on mediators to ensure the implementation of ceasefire agreements and to prevent Israel from obstructing them. Hamas warned that stability in Gaza cannot be achieved without ending the occupation and realizing the full rights of the Palestinian people.