Law enforcement agencies have implemented extensive and technology-driven security measures in Dhaka ahead of the observance of Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day on February 21. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has introduced a three-tier security plan around the Central Shaheed Minar, restricting vehicle movement from the evening of February 20. Hundreds of high-powered CCTV cameras are monitoring the area in real time, while archways and metal detectors have been installed at all entry points. Bags, flammable materials, and suspicious objects are strictly prohibited. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has deployed drones to monitor crowds and identify suspects, while its commando and dog squads have conducted multiple sweeps of the area. Bomb disposal and special forces units remain on standby. Authorities have also imposed traffic restrictions around Dhaka University and urged residents to return home by 7 p.m. on February 20. Cyber monitoring has been intensified nationwide to prevent misinformation or unrest. Police officials confirmed there are no specific threats but emphasized that no compromise will be made in ensuring public safety during the commemorations.

Former Thakurgaon-2 Member of Parliament and Awami League leader Dabirul Islam was released on bail on Thursday evening after being imprisoned for one and a half years. He was freed from Dinajpur District Jail at around 7 p.m. following a bail order issued by a Thakurgaon court. The jail superintendent, Farhad Sarkar, confirmed his release. Dabirul Islam had been arrested on August 5, 2024, following the fall of the Awami League government during a mass uprising. He was detained in a case involving allegations of land grabbing and extortion. His son, former MP Mazharul Islam Sujon, was also arrested in the same case and remains in custody at Dinajpur Jail. Family members reported that Dabirul became seriously ill during his long detention due to inadequate medical care in prison. He has been taken to Dhaka for advanced treatment following his release.

The European Union has warned that any military action concerning Iran’s nuclear program would pose a serious threat to stability in the Middle East. The statement came on February 20, 2026, as tensions between Iran and the United States continued. The EU urged both sides to resolve their ongoing crisis through diplomatic means, according to TRT World. European Commission spokesperson Anwar El Anouni told reporters that the EU remains hopeful about progress in diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. He emphasized that diplomacy is the only effective path forward and called on Iran to address international concerns. El Anouni cautioned that military escalation could have severe consequences for regional stability. He reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to peace, security, and stability in the Middle East and urged all parties to act responsibly. The spokesperson also stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could reignite tensions and of adhering to international law.

A physician named Al Amin was killed in a knife attack by unidentified assailants on Thursday night in Baripota village of Sharsha upazila, Jashore. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. when Al Amin was returning home after offering prayers. Locals found him critically injured and took him to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police arrived at the scene, collected evidence, and began an investigation. The motive behind the killing was not immediately known, though locals suspected it might be linked to a prior dispute or personal enmity. Al Amin, a resident of Navaran and son of Rafiqul Islam, had been providing medical services in the area for a long time and was well known among residents. Sharsha police officials confirmed that a case is being processed and efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved. The murder has cast a shadow of grief over the community, with locals demanding swift justice. Police stated that further details on the investigation will be shared later.

Four people were killed in a security operation conducted in Lakki Marwat district of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to a report published on Thursday, February 19, 2026, by Samaa TV. The operation was carried out based on intelligence information about the presence of an armed group in the area. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, stated that the operation took place during the night between February 18 and 19 after receiving credible information about militant activity. During intense gunfire, four members of a group known as “Fitna al-Khawarij” were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site, and the deceased were alleged to have been involved in multiple violent incidents in the region. Security forces have launched a sweeping search operation across the area to capture any remaining armed individuals. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations to maintain peace and stability.

A far-right Hindu organization in India reportedly called for the expulsion and conversion of Muslims during a government-funded event in Delhi. According to a report by The Quint, the group organized the 'Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav' on December 13–14, 2025, with 6.3 million rupees allocated by the Ministry of Culture. Several central government ministers attended the event. The government stated that the funding was intended to mark the 150th anniversary of the nationalist song 'Vande Mataram'. The incident has triggered widespread controversy in India. The Congress party strongly criticized the Ministry of Culture, alleging that hate speech targeting Muslims was delivered at the event. Congress also claimed that the Sanatan organization is linked to the killings of journalist Gauri Lankesh and scholar M. M. Kalburgi, cases currently under investigation by the Karnataka government. Opposition parties have demanded accountability from the central and Delhi governments for financing an event that allegedly promoted anti-Muslim rhetoric. Reports indicate that multiple speakers at the taxpayer-funded gathering called for the eradication of India’s Muslim minority.

Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said the government has adequate food reserves to keep market prices stable during the upcoming Ramadan. Speaking to reporters at Sylhet Osmani International Airport on Friday after exchanging greetings with officials and party members, he emphasized that maintaining price stability of essential goods is a key responsibility of the ministry, especially during the holy month. Responding to questions about Sylhet’s development, the minister said his plans include improving living standards through job creation, expanding IT-related professions, and establishing an AI center in the region. He noted that neighboring countries have adopted major digital initiatives and are training government officials in artificial intelligence, stressing that Bangladesh must enhance its global competitiveness. Muktadir added that the government will work sincerely over the next five years to strengthen Bangladesh’s global position. He also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, reduced bureaucratic delays, and political stability to attract both expatriate and domestic investment in Sylhet.

Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul, daughter of late BNP leader Fazlur Rahman Potol, has been appointed state minister for the Ministry of Social Welfare, the same position once held by her father 33 years ago. She also received the additional charge of state minister for the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. Putul, elected from Natore-1 (Lalpur-Bagatipara) as the only female BNP candidate in Rajshahi division during the 13th National Election, took oath on February 17 and began her first day at the Secretariat on February 18. Her appointment marks a symbolic return to the same office where her father once served. Fazlur Rahman Potol, a four-time MP and former state minister in multiple BNP governments, was widely respected in his constituency. Putul, a 41-year-old barrister educated in Dhaka and London, overcame internal party competition to secure her nomination and won by about 12,000 votes. Following her appointment, residents of Natore-1 celebrated the news, expressing optimism that she will continue her father’s legacy of development and leadership in the region.

Five countries have pledged to send troops to the newly formed Gaza International Stability Force (ISF), according to its commander Major General Jasper Jeffers. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Peace Board in Washington on Thursday, Jeffers said Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania will contribute forces to secure the Gaza Valley and lay the foundation for lasting peace. Egypt and Jordan will not send troops but will train Palestinian police instead. Jeffers announced that Indonesia will serve as the ISF’s deputy commander, emphasizing the mission’s goal of ensuring Gaza’s security and prosperity. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed Jakarta’s commitment, stating that his country will deploy 8,000 or more troops. He expressed hope that genuine peace could be achieved under President Donald Trump’s leadership despite existing challenges. At the same meeting, nine member countries pledged a total of 7 billion dollars to a reconstruction fund for war-torn Gaza. The U.S. President said the United States would contribute 10 billion dollars to the Peace Board, though he did not specify how the funds would be used.

BNP lawmaker Lutfullahel Majed from Mymensingh-8 (Ishwarganj) has called for building social resistance against teenage gangs. On Thursday morning, through a verified Facebook post, he urged residents to raise their voices in every area, prepare lists of gang members with names, fathers’ names, and photos, and take a united stand against them. He warned that any political leader providing shelter to such groups would face action. Majed also emphasized ensuring the safety of school-going girls and encouraged community unity to drive out offenders. Local residents responded in the comment section, reporting gang activities across various unions. Hashim Uddin, head teacher of Sakhua Adarsha High School, noted a rise in teenage gang crimes nationwide, including harassment of schoolgirls and recording videos on mobile phones, and suggested increased police patrols during school hours. Another commenter, Russell Pathan, alleged that teenage gangs in Uchakhila Bazar were involved in theft, robbery, and drug dealing, urging swift legal action. Earlier, Majed had posted separately about forming market monitoring teams to prevent price manipulation during Ramadan.

Qatar has announced a one billion dollar donation to the Peace Council formed by U.S. President Donald Trump to support Gaza’s reconstruction. The announcement was made by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani during the council’s first meeting at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. He reaffirmed Qatar’s long-standing commitment to peace and mediation, emphasizing that the council will work to fully implement a 20-point plan under President Trump’s leadership. According to Sheikh Mohammed, the council’s implementation of the plan aims to ensure justice and equality for both Palestinians and Israelis. He stated that Qatar’s contribution is intended to help achieve a final resolution that fulfills Palestinians’ aspirations for statehood and international recognition, while addressing Israel’s security and regional integration goals. The Peace Council was announced on January 10 as part of efforts to end the Gaza conflict. The UN Security Council later approved post-war management structures under Resolution 2803, assigning the council responsibilities for reconstruction, aid coordination, transitional security, and advancing regional peace processes.

Iran has warned that it will launch retaliatory attacks on US bases and related facilities in the Middle East if it faces military aggression. The warning came after US President Donald Trump gave Iran 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement, threatening military action otherwise. Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations conveyed the message in a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stating that Tehran does not seek war but will respond if attacked, and that the United States would bear full responsibility for any escalation. The exchange of threats followed the second round of talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Geneva discussions had made “good progress,” but noted that the US had strengthened its military presence in the Gulf region by deploying two aircraft carriers and several warplanes. The developments highlight rising tensions between Washington and Tehran despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, with both sides signaling readiness for confrontation if negotiations fail.

Bangladesh’s political landscape has shifted dramatically as Tarique Rahman, son of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has been elected the country’s new prime minister. After more than a decade in exile in the United Kingdom, he returned to contest and win the 13th national election. His rise follows a turbulent history, including severe injuries during detention under the 2008 military-backed government. The article describes his journey from a grassroots BNP activist to the nation’s top leadership, emphasizing his decision to seek votes based on reform plans rather than family legacy. The commentary highlights the challenges Rahman faces, including widespread corruption, weakened law enforcement morale, and politicization of state institutions. It urges him to prioritize anti-corruption measures, national unity, and transformation of Bangladesh’s economy from labor-based to knowledge-based through investment in education, research, and skilled workforce development. The author stresses that success will depend on equitable wealth distribution and avoiding the concentration of power and wealth that led to the previous government’s downfall. If Rahman can unite the nation, eliminate corruption, and build a globally competitive economy, the article concludes, he may truly become a “people’s prime minister.”

North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party has begun its key congress in the capital, Pyongyang, held once every five years. The gathering has drawn attention for possible announcements on the country’s next steps in its nuclear program. In his opening speech, Kim Jong Un called for accelerating economic development, improving living standards, and driving rapid change across all sectors. He also criticized defeatism and poor leadership within the party, which observers interpret as a warning of potential disciplinary actions against some officials. State media reported that despite hardships since the 2021 congress, the country is entering a new phase of hope and confidence. The congress will set directions on housing construction, economic planning, and military strategy, and it traditionally concludes with a military parade showcasing new weapons. Kim has previously stated that the congress will outline plans to strengthen the nation’s nuclear arsenal, while scientists are believed to be developing smaller warheads for long-range missiles. Western sanctions continue to pressure North Korea’s economy, aimed at cutting funding for its nuclear program. Analysts suggest Kim may emphasize nuclear progress and closer ties with China and Russia during the event.

At the first meeting of the Peace Board held in Washington, D.C., and chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, nine member countries pledged a total of $7 billion for the reconstruction of the war-torn Gaza Strip. The session also saw five countries agree to deploy troops as part of an international stability force for Palestinian territories. According to the report, the United States will contribute $10 billion to the Peace Board, though Trump did not specify how the funds would be used. Trump named Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait as the nations contributing the initial down payment for Gaza’s rebuilding. He stated that every dollar would be spent to establish stability and that the Peace Board demonstrates how a better future can be built. The estimated total cost for Gaza’s reconstruction is around $70 billion, making the pledged amount only a fraction of what is needed. Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have pledged to send troops to the international force, while Egypt and Jordan have agreed to train police officers as part of Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war in Gaza.