The High Court has issued a rule and ordered an investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities at the Rooppur Nuclear Power Project following a report published in the newspaper Amar Desh. The order came after a public interest writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Sakina Begum was heard by the bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar. The court directed the formation of a high-level committee led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology to submit a full investigation report within eight weeks. The Amar Desh report, published on August 27 of the previous year, alleged that several key positions at the Rooppur project were filled through non-transparent processes, fake certificates, and favoritism. It raised questions about the professional qualifications and experience of some appointees. The petition argued that despite serious allegations, authorities had failed to initiate an effective inquiry, prompting judicial intervention. The court instructed that the investigation review the transparency of the recruitment process, verification of candidates’ qualifications, administrative approvals, and compliance with relevant policies to ensure accountability and integrity in the project’s staffing practices.

An armed man was shot and killed early Sunday after attempting to illegally enter former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, according to the Secret Service. Officials said the suspect, identified as Austin T. Martin of Cameron, North Carolina, breached the secured perimeter carrying a shotgun and a container of fuel. No security personnel were injured, and Trump was in Washington, D.C., at the time of the incident. Authorities reported that Secret Service agents ordered Martin to drop his items, but he allegedly pointed the shotgun before being shot. The FBI has launched an investigation, collecting evidence from the scene and reviewing whether the weapon was purchased en route from North Carolina. Law enforcement confirmed that Martin had no prior criminal record and no link to previous attacks targeting Trump. Following the incident, Secret Service Director Sean Curran visited the site and announced steps to strengthen security vigilance. The Mar-a-Lago estate remains under tight two-tier protection involving both local police and Secret Service agents.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 41 bank accounts belonging to former acting mayor of Gazipur City Corporation Asadur Rahman (Kiran) and his family. The accounts reportedly hold a total of 3,725,934 taka. The order was issued on Monday by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez, according to court bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s Deputy Director, Alomgir Hossain, filed the petition seeking to block the accounts, citing that unusually large and suspicious sums were deposited under the names of Kiran and his family members. The petition stated that the funds were allegedly obtained through misuse of power, irregularities, and corruption during Kiran’s tenure. The court was told that there was a risk the money could be withdrawn and transferred abroad or concealed. After a hearing, the judge approved the request to freeze the accounts pending further investigation.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet, built with indigenous technology, was involved in an accident on February 7 at a key military base, according to an IAF statement released on Monday. The single-seat aircraft was returning from a training flight when its brakes failed during landing, causing it to veer off the runway and sustain damage. The pilot ejected safely, and no casualties were reported. The Tejas, developed by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was formally inducted into the IAF on January 17, 2015. The crashed jet belonged to a batch of about 30 single-seat Tejas aircraft currently in service. Following the incident, all aircraft from the same batch have been temporarily grounded for inspection. This marks the third Tejas crash to date. The first occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer, and the second during the Dubai Air Show, which resulted in the death of Wing Commander Naman Sale. The February 7 crash is the latest in this sequence.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen stated that Bangladesh and the United States will work together to make both countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous. He made the remarks on Monday morning during a courtesy meeting with newly appointed Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. The hour-long meeting concluded without any comments to the media, but details were later shared on social media platform X. According to the post, Ambassador Christensen congratulated Khalilur Rahman on assuming his new role and expressed optimism about continuing joint efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Following this meeting, a delegation of eight European Union ambassadors, led by EU Mission Chief Michael Miller, also paid courtesy calls on the minister, state minister, and foreign secretary. Their discussions focused on issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the respective countries. The meetings underscored ongoing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and its international partners, highlighting shared priorities in strengthening cooperation and mutual development.

Malaysia on Monday enacted a new law limiting the prime minister’s tenure to a maximum of two terms, aiming to enhance accountability and prevent excessive use of executive power. According to AFP, the Southeast Asian nation previously had no fixed limit on how long a prime minister could serve. Former leader Mahathir Mohamad held office for a total of 24 years across two separate periods, from 1981 to 2003 and again from 2018 to 2020. Current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the two-term limit in January as part of his broader anti-corruption and good governance agenda. His Pakatan Harapan coalition had also pledged this reform in its 2022 election manifesto. However, local media reports noted criticism over the slow pace of reforms, with some suggesting the move was intended to appeal to urban voters ahead of next year’s general election. Anwar stated last week that the law would first apply to him, emphasizing that ten years is sufficient to serve effectively. The proposed constitutional amendment requires support from at least two-thirds of the 222-member lower house, or 148 lawmakers, to pass.

The Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party has announced its intention to participate in the upcoming Dhaka North and South City Corporation elections and has identified potential candidates for both mayoral positions. According to party chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, the party plans to nominate its secretary, Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, for the Dhaka South City Corporation mayoral race. For Dhaka North, the party is considering Advocate Tajul Islam, provided he is removed from his current post as Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal. The report confirms that Advocate Tajul Islam has already been relieved of his duties as Chief Prosecutor. Before joining the tribunal, he served as a joint convener of the AB Party but had resigned from the party to take up the prosecutorial role. With his removal from the tribunal, the party is now considering his return to active politics through the mayoral nomination process. The AB Party’s move signals its preparation to expand its political presence in Dhaka’s local governance through participation in both city corporation elections.

Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that local government elections in Bangladesh will be held at the scheduled time despite the recent appointment of administrators in six city corporations. Speaking to journalists at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan, Dhaka, on Monday, he said the government is giving top priority to holding the elections in accordance with laws and regulations. This was his first visit to the party office after assuming ministerial duties, where he exchanged greetings with party leaders, supporters, and staff. Responding to questions about possible delays due to administrator appointments, Mirza Fakhrul clarified that the government will coordinate all matters to ensure timely elections. He also discussed criteria for party nominations in reserved women’s seats, emphasizing commitment to ideals, close ties with the people, and dedication to the party. On the issue of Awami League offices reopening, he said such activities would be reviewed as they are legally restricted. He paid tribute to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and highlighted her role in democratic movements, expressing confidence in Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership to strengthen the party and achieve national goals.

Pakistan’s Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, stated that the country will not compromise on national security. He made the remarks following Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the operations targeted militants responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. Chaudhry said Pakistan has always preferred dialogue and peaceful coexistence but must act when Afghan soil is used for attacks. He urged the Taliban government to take concrete steps to prevent cross-border militancy, stressing that lasting peace in the region depends on the complete elimination of militant sanctuaries. He further claimed that 21 terrorist groups are operating from Afghan territory, posing a serious threat to regional stability. The statement followed reports that Pakistan’s recent military action successfully neutralized militants involved in assaults on its soil.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that the government will introduce a farmer card as soon as possible, similar to the existing family card. He made the statement on Monday after an inter-ministerial meeting on the farmer card held at the Secretariat, chaired by the Prime Minister. The minister said that the decision to issue farmer cards had been made earlier in principle, and the meeting discussed its implementation. He added that a pilot project would begin soon to distribute the cards. According to him, farmers will receive all production-related benefits through the card, and the initiative aims to prevent middlemen from taking undue advantage. Swapan further noted that the smart farmer card will gradually be provided to all farmers across the country, ensuring that agricultural support reaches the intended beneficiaries directly.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat on Monday, February 23, 2026. During the meeting, China expressed its support for Rahman’s ‘Bangladesh First’ foreign policy and reaffirmed its commitment to continue all forms of cooperation to safeguard Bangladesh’s sovereignty. The ambassador’s remarks followed his earlier meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Sunday, February 22, where he conveyed similar sentiments to the media. The discussions underscored China’s willingness to maintain strong bilateral relations and assist Bangladesh in upholding its national interests. The meeting highlighted the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Dhaka and Beijing, signaling continuity in cooperation and mutual understanding on key foreign policy priorities.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has begun a four-day hearing against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on charges of crimes against humanity. The proceedings, which started on Monday, aim to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to initiate a full trial over alleged extrajudicial killings carried out during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. The 80-year-old former leader faces three cases linked to at least 76 killings. Prosecutors allege that the crimes occurred between 2013 and 2018, when Duterte served as mayor of Davao City and later as president of the Philippines. Independent estimates suggest that up to 30,000 people may have been killed during his six-year anti-drug drive. Although ICC judges declared Duterte physically fit, they granted his lawyers’ request to excuse him from appearing in person. Despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court ruled it retains full jurisdiction over crimes committed between 2011 and 2019. Judges have 60 days after the hearing to decide whether to proceed with a formal trial.

Democratic members of the US Congress have warned President Donald Trump to adhere to legal authority before taking any military action against Iran. They urged Trump to consult with Congress and obtain its approval before making any such decision, emphasizing the importance of legislative oversight in matters of war. The warning comes amid ongoing nuclear discussions between Iran and the United States, which have raised fears of potential conflict. Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz said Trump must clearly explain to Congress why Iran poses a threat and why military action would be necessary. She noted that former President George W. Bush sought congressional approval before the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Senate leader Chuck Schumer added that the Trump administration has yet to clarify its objectives or seek authorization for any attack on Iran, stressing that only Congress has the constitutional power to declare war. Senate Armed Services Committee member Jack Reed cautioned that attacking Iran now would be a strategic mistake, warning of uncontrollable consequences and noting that starting a war is easier than ending one.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Ragib Rouf Chowdhury has been appointed as the new Attorney General of Bangladesh. The information was confirmed by the Ministry of Law on Monday, February 23, 2026. Chowdhury is recognized for his long-standing legal career and commitment to justice. He is the son of the late Abdur Rouf Chowdhury, a language movement veteran and one of the organizers of the Liberation War, described as a selfless and visionary politician. Ragib Rouf completed his SSC from Kushtia Zilla School and HSC from Notre Dame College, Dhaka. He earned his honors in political science from Aligarh Muslim University and a master’s degree from the University of Dhaka. Later, he obtained law degrees from two universities in the United Kingdom and completed his Bar-at-Law from Lincoln’s Inn, London. According to the report, ensuring proper application of law and establishing good governance will be among Barrister Ragib Rouf Chowdhury’s main commitments as Attorney General.

After a gap of 18 months, local leaders and activists raised the national flag at the Shahjahanpur Upazila Awami League office in Bogura. The flag was seen flying on Monday morning at the party office located beside the main highway in the upazila headquarters. According to local residents, the flag was hoisted early in the morning using a GI pipe on the rooftop. Attempts were made to contact Shahjahanpur Upazila Awami League president and former upazila chairman Sohrab Hossain through WhatsApp, but he did not respond. Sub-Inspector Abu Zarra of Shahjahanpur Police Station stated that the police were unaware of the flag-raising event but would investigate the matter. The incident marks the first time in a year and a half that the national flag has been displayed at the local Awami League office, drawing attention from residents and prompting official inquiry.