Bangladesh Health Minister Sardar Sakat Hossain Bokul announced that the government will work to free the healthcare sector from syndicates and corruption. He made the statement on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists at his home in Monohardi, Narsingdi, after a meeting with local administration officials and party leaders. The minister emphasized that medical services must reach people’s doorsteps so that citizens no longer have to chase doctors; instead, doctors should reach out to patients. Bokul said the government bears equal responsibility toward all citizens, regardless of whether they voted for the ruling party. He called for unity beyond political divisions to build a prosperous Bangladesh aligned with the spirit of the Liberation War. The minister also announced plans to establish medical colleges in Narsingdi and other areas where needed, and expressed his intention to set up two ICU units in Narsingdi. This was his first visit to his constituency, Narsingdi-4, after assuming office as health minister. Local residents, party members, freedom fighters, and administrative officials welcomed him with flowers.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman has warned that any attempt to cause public suffering or hold citizens hostage in the name of protests or demands will be strictly prevented. He made the statement on Friday, February 20, during a briefing at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, ahead of International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Day. The RAB chief emphasized that ensuring citizens’ freedom of movement and normal life remains the top priority of law enforcement agencies. Rahman noted that law and order had been somewhat fragile in the past year and a half, particularly after July and August, but said the situation was brought under control and a fair election was successfully held. He assured that law and order will continue to improve and that crime control efforts will be strengthened. Regarding security preparations for February 21, he said intensified patrols, intelligence surveillance, and technology-based monitoring began on the night of February 20 across the country. Multi-layered security perimeters, observation posts, CCTV monitoring, and bomb disposal units have been deployed to ensure safety at Shaheed Minars nationwide.

An inmate named Md Abdul Khalek, aged 65, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital after being brought from Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj late Thursday night. Prison authorities transferred him to the hospital around 11:30 p.m. due to illness, accompanied by prison guard Abdullah and several others. The on-duty doctor declared him dead at 12:17 a.m. following medical examination. Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost, confirmed the death and stated that the body has been kept in the hospital morgue for autopsy. The prison guards who brought him could not immediately specify the case in which Khalek had been imprisoned, saying details would be provided later. The deceased’s father was the late Kofil Uddin. Further information regarding the cause of death or the nature of the case against Khalek was not available at the time of reporting.

Several suspended leaders of the Jubo Mohila League placed a national flag and a portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the gate of the Awami League president’s political office in Dhanmondi on Friday morning. Around 8:30 a.m., about 10 to 12 activists were seen in front of the building located at 51 Road 3/A, Dhanmondi. The three-storey building has served as the Awami League president’s political office since 2002. It previously housed rooms for the party president, general secretary, office secretary, and presidium members. The second floor contained the office of the party’s publication “Uttaran,” while the third floor was used by the party’s election management committee. The report also recalls that the Awami League’s 15-year rule ended on August 5, 2024, following a student and public uprising.

On February 20, 2026, final preparations were completed at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka ahead of International Mother Language Day. The monument area has been cleaned and decorated with traditional alpana art by students of the Faculty of Fine Arts, creating a red-and-white ambiance symbolizing the spirit of February 21. The preparations aim to honor the language martyrs with dignity and order. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan inspected the site on February 19, accompanied by senior university officials and faculty members. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali stated that a multi-layered security plan involving 15,000 police personnel has been implemented, supported by SWAT, dog squads, bomb disposal teams, and cyber monitoring. He urged the public to maintain discipline and respect the sanctity of the monument. RAB Director General Additional IGP A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman announced that the official observance will begin at 12:01 a.m. on February 21. The area has been divided into security sectors with CCTV surveillance, and similar safety measures have been taken nationwide to ensure peaceful commemorations.

Fisheries, Livestock, Agriculture and Food Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid stated that ensuring the welfare of marginal farmers is one of the main election commitments of the current government. Speaking on Friday at a meeting with officials from the fisheries, livestock, agriculture and food departments at Cumilla Circuit House, he said improving the livelihoods of the majority population is possible through this commitment. The minister emphasized that the government gives top priority to agricultural development since about 70 percent of the population is directly or indirectly involved in agriculture. He urged field-level officers to raise awareness among farmers about soil health, pH levels, fertilizer efficiency and modern technology. He noted that maintaining proper soil pH can reduce fertilizer use and production costs. Rashid also highlighted efforts to integrate agriculture, food management, fisheries and livestock sectors under a coordinated structure to address previous gaps. He added that establishing the Cumilla division and stopping illegal soil extraction from the Gomti River are among his priorities, announcing a zero-tolerance policy on illegal soil cutting and calling for strict administrative enforcement.

The government has directed all CNG stations across Bangladesh to remain closed for six hours daily, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., starting from the first day of Ramadan until March 14. The decision, announced in a circular signed by Deputy Secretary Muhammad Nazmul Haque of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, aims to address low gas pressure in the distribution network and ensure uninterrupted gas supply to households during the fasting month. Previously, CNG stations were closed from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. According to the same circular, all CNG and filling stations will remain open around the clock from March 15 to 25 to facilitate smooth travel and fuel supply on highways during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday period. After March 26, the stations will revert to the earlier closure schedule of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The directive reflects the government’s effort to balance domestic gas demand during Ramadan with transportation needs around the Eid travel period.

Two expatriates from Katiadi upazila in Kishoreganj district were killed in separate accidents in Saudi Arabia, according to local reports on February 20, 2026. Hamir Uddin, 57, from Ghilakandi village under Bongram Union, died in a road accident in Riyadh when a lorry hit him from behind while he was returning home after iftar on Thursday. In another incident, Hridoy Mia, 22, from Purba Baherchar village under Lohajuri Union, died after falling from the roof of a five-storey building in Mecca on Wednesday morning while working as a construction laborer. Relatives said Hamir Uddin had been working in Saudi Arabia for about 20 years to support his family, leaving behind a wife, a son, and a daughter. Hridoy Mia had gone to Saudi Arabia a year earlier for the same reason. Their families were informed of the deaths by phone from fellow workers. Local residents and relatives have urged the government to take necessary steps to bring the bodies home quickly. The sudden deaths of the two main breadwinners have cast a pall of grief over their villages in Katiadi.

Global oil markets experienced volatility following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran and a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, on Thursday, February 19, Brent futures rose by 24 cents or 0.3 percent to reach $70.59 per barrel. At the same time, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 28 cents or 0.4 percent to $65.47 per barrel, later climbing by $1.16 or 1.8 percent to $66.35 per barrel. Analysts noted that about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical route for global energy transport. Any disruption in this waterway could significantly affect global supply. Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist at Nissan Securities, said that while tensions remain, a full-scale armed conflict is unlikely. He added that US President Donald Trump does not favor a sharp rise in crude prices and that any military action would likely be limited and short-term. Iran’s state media reported that the country had closed the strait for several hours on Tuesday as part of a military exercise. It remains unclear whether normal operations have fully resumed.

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologized for the suffering caused by his imposition of martial law in 2024. His apology came a day after the Seoul Central District Court sentenced him to life imprisonment for treason. The court ruled that Yoon led a rebellion in December 2024 aimed at paralyzing parliament, an act deemed treasonous under South Korean law. In a statement issued through his lawyer, Yoon acknowledged the public anger and frustration resulting from his attempt to impose military rule but insisted that his actions were taken entirely in the national interest. He expressed regret for his lack of foresight and the hardship caused to citizens. The 65-year-old former leader said the verdict was difficult to accept but did not clarify whether he would appeal. According to the court, Yoon deployed troops to the parliament building to silence political opponents and disrupt legislative functions. His declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, was revoked within six hours by lawmakers through an emergency vote. The timing of any potential parole remains uncertain.

Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu MP directed administrative officials to perform their duties with honesty, efficiency, and constitutional responsibility during a meeting with divisional and district officials in Rajshahi on Friday. Speaking at the Rajshahi Circuit House, he emphasized that the law is equal for all and stated that even his own child should face legal action if found guilty of wrongdoing. The minister urged officials not to tolerate negligence in duty and to ensure respectful, service-oriented behavior toward citizens. He instructed them to take special preparations to prevent public suffering during Ramadan and to coordinate efforts in market monitoring, law enforcement, and public services. He also called for strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. Minu highlighted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, the government is working to implement a 31-point development agenda. He stressed that all government offices will operate within constitutional frameworks and that development initiatives such as canal excavation and tree planting will be prioritized.

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination form fill-up will begin on March 1 and continue until March 9, according to a notice published on the Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board’s website. Students will be able to complete the process online, and those who miss the initial deadline may submit their forms with a late fee from March 11 to March 18. Fees can be paid through Sonali Seba until March 18. The notice states that only students with valid registrations are eligible to fill out the application forms. Any candidate attempting to sit for subjects outside their registration will have those exams canceled without further communication. For physically disabled, cerebral palsy, or special-needs students registered with the Department of Social Services, participation in selection tests may be relaxed. Institutions may arrange subject-based model tests to help students prepare for the HSC exams, but participation in such tests is not mandatory, and no additional fees may be charged for them.

India’s Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking a nationwide ban on constructing or naming any mosque or religious site after Mughal emperor Babur or the Babri Masjid. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, declined to entertain the plea on Friday, after which the petitioner’s lawyer withdrew it, leading to the case’s dismissal. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that Babur was an ‘invader’ and that no religious structure should bear his name. The petition followed a recent announcement by former Trinamool Congress member and legislator Humayun Kabir to build a mosque in West Bengal’s Murshidabad modeled after the Babri Masjid. In response, the petitioner sought a directive preventing authorities across India from allowing such naming or construction. As the Supreme Court showed no interest in admitting the case, the petitioner ultimately withdrew the plea, resulting in its rejection.

Former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released after being arrested on suspicion of abusing his official position. Authorities confirmed that investigations will continue. Following the arrest, King Charles III stated that the law must take its own course and assured full cooperation with the police. Andrew is the younger brother of King Charles. Police said they are examining allegations concerning Andrew’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and possible exchanges of confidential information. Recently released U.S. government files on Epstein revealed communications involving Andrew. Earlier in February, claims surfaced that Epstein had arranged a meeting between Andrew and a woman in 2010, though Andrew was not directly accused of any sexual crime. Andrew served as the UK’s trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, during which he gained access to high-level government and business contacts. Documents indicate he shared reports on investment opportunities and official trips with Epstein. Despite repeated allegations, Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing and has not commented on the newly released files.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie MP announced that a nationwide canal excavation program will begin soon, aiming to be completed within 180 days. Speaking at a meeting with district administration and Water Development Board officials at the Lakshmipur Circuit House on February 20, 2026, he said the initiative will include Lakshmipur. The minister explained that a new project for excavating the Bhulua River and re-excavating the Rahmatkhali Canal in Greater Noakhali has been planned to address long-standing waterlogging problems in Lakshmipur. Annie stated that feasibility studies are underway to address erosion along the Meghna River and Rahmatkhali canal banks. He emphasized that the government intends to implement the project according to plan to relieve residents from chronic waterlogging issues. During his three-day visit to his home district, he also discussed maintaining law and order, controlling commodity prices during Ramadan, and ensuring healthcare services at the district hospital. Local officials, including the deputy commissioner and police superintendent, greeted the minister with floral tributes at the Circuit House before the meeting.