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.

Citizen organization Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) has expressed deep concern over reports that private television channel Ekhon TV issued show-cause notices to four of its journalists. According to SUJAN’s Thursday statement, the journalists were reportedly served notices and forced to take a seven-day leave after expressing opinions on social media in favor of reform and referendum. The organization also noted that security guards were shown the journalists’ photos to restrict their entry into the TV office. SUJAN stated that the show-cause letters referenced Facebook posts and warned the journalists to delete them or face consequences. The group questioned whether Ekhon TV management could impose censorship on employees’ freedom of expression. It emphasized that institutional discipline should be maintained transparently and fairly, without infringing on individual rights. SUJAN urged Ekhon TV’s owners and editors to clarify the basis and policy behind these actions and called on the Information Ministry and relevant authorities to ensure a fair resolution and restore the journalists’ newsroom access.

Afghanistan concluded its T20 World Cup journey with consecutive victories, defeating Canada by 82 runs in Chennai on February 20, 2026. After losing the toss, Afghanistan batted first and posted 200 runs, marking the first time the team reached this milestone in T20 World Cup history. Opener Ibrahim Zadran led the innings with an unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, the highest individual score by an Afghan batsman in the tournament. Rahmanullah Gurbaz added 30 runs, while Sediqullah Atal contributed 44 off 32 balls. In reply, Canada struggled to build momentum, losing five wickets for 48 runs within nine overs and finishing at 118 for eight after 20 overs. Harsh Thakar top-scored for Canada with 30 runs, while previous match centurion Yuvraj Samra managed only 17. Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi delivered his career-best bowling performance, taking four wickets for just seven runs in four overs. Captain Rashid Khan also claimed two wickets for 19 runs. Although Afghanistan had already been eliminated from the tournament, the team ended on a high note with two consecutive wins, providing a measure of consolation before returning home.

Venezuela’s National Assembly on Thursday unanimously approved a long-awaited amnesty law, raising hopes for the release of hundreds of political leaders imprisoned for anti-government activities. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed office after Nicolás Maduro’s detention in a U.S. military operation on January 3, signed the bill at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas. The law covers incidents dating back to 1999, including the coup attempt against Hugo Chávez, the 2002 oil strike, and unrest following Maduro’s disputed 2024 re-election. However, those accused or convicted of inciting or participating in military actions against the state are excluded. Public concern remains that the government might use the law to pardon its own supporters while denying freedom to genuine political prisoners. The law’s Article 9 specifically excludes anyone involved in armed actions against Venezuela’s sovereignty with foreign assistance. UN human rights experts from Geneva urged that the law’s scope be limited to victims of rights violations and exclude perpetrators of serious crimes. According to rights group Foro Penal, around 450 detainees have been freed since Maduro’s fall, but over 600 remain imprisoned, with families continuing protests outside prisons.

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.