The National Citizen Party (NCP) has formed a ‘Local Government Election Steering Committee’ ahead of the upcoming local government elections. Sargis Alam, the party’s chief organizer for the northern region, has been appointed as the committee’s chairman. The announcement was made through a press release signed by Sadia Farzana Dinar, a member of the NCP’s office cell, on Monday night. According to the release, the committee was formed under the direction of NCP convener Md. Nahid Islam and member secretary Akhtar Hossain. Abdul Hannan Masud, senior joint chief coordinator and Member of Parliament for Noakhali-6, has been named the committee’s member secretary. Other members include Ariful Islam Adib, Alauddin Mohammad, Tahsin Riaz, and Advocate Monjila Jhuma. All divisional organizational secretaries will serve as ex-officio members, while central and district-level leaders will provide overall support. After assuming his new role, Sargis Alam posted on social media encouraging potential candidates at all local levels to prepare for the upcoming elections.

The results of the Junior Scholarship Examination will be published on Wednesday, February 25, at 1 p.m., according to the Inter-Education Board Examination Controller Committee. The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday by Professor S M Kamal Uddin Haydar, Controller of Examinations at the Dhaka Board and convener of the committee. He stated that all preparations for the publication have been completed and that the Ministry of Education will officially release the results at the scheduled time. This year, a total of 45,200 students will receive scholarships under two categories: talent pool and general. The scholarships will be distributed proportionally across education boards, with specific quotas also set at the upazila level for both categories. The distribution will follow the existing policy guidelines to ensure fair allocation among eligible students. The announcement marks the completion of the evaluation process and sets the stage for the Ministry of Education to recognize meritorious students across the country through the scholarship program.

The European Union Parliament has decided not to finalize its trade agreement with the United States at this time, citing uncertainty created by former President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. The decision follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent annulment of Trump’s earlier tariff measures, after which Trump imposed a new 15 percent export tariff on all goods. This move has led to renewed instability in transatlantic trade relations. A vote on U.S. industrial export tariffs was expected in the EU Parliament’s trade committee on Tuesday, but it has now been postponed. European Commission spokesperson Olof Zill stated that Brussels cannot make any decision until Washington clarifies its position. He added that the EU expects a proper explanation from the United States regarding the current developments. The delay underscores the EU’s cautious approach to trade negotiations with the U.S. as both sides navigate the implications of shifting American trade policies and their impact on global commerce.

London police have arrested former British ambassador Peter Mandelson, 72, on suspicion of misconduct during his tenure in the UK cabinet. The arrest followed revelations of his connection with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson, who had served as the UK’s ambassador to Washington, was dismissed by the British prime minister after those links became public. He was later released on bail while the investigation continues. According to a document released by the US Department of Justice, Mandelson allegedly shared sensitive government information with Epstein while serving as a minister. The UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer handed over details of Mandelson’s communications with Epstein earlier this month, prompting police to open a formal investigation. Reuters reported that plainclothes officers detained Mandelson at his central London home on Monday morning. Police emphasized that the arrest indicates suspicion of a possible offense but does not constitute proof of guilt. Mandelson’s lawyers have not issued any comment regarding the case.

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have crossed 35 billion dollars for the first time in 39 months, according to data from Bangladesh Bank released on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The gross reserve stood at 35.04 billion dollars, while under the BPM6 calculation method, reserves were recorded at 30.30 billion dollars. Central bank officials attributed the increase to stricter measures against money laundering, which have boosted remittance inflows through legal channels. As a result, dollar supply in banks has risen, prompting the central bank to purchase surplus dollars from the market. Since the beginning of the current fiscal year up to February 23, remittances through banking channels totaled 21.99 billion dollars, marking a 21.90 percent increase compared to the same period last year. During this period, the central bank purchased 5.46 billion dollars from the market, contributing to the reserve growth. Officials noted that the higher supply of dollars relative to demand has strengthened the reserve position.

The BBC has apologized for broadcasting a racist remark made during the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) ceremony without editing it out beforehand. The incident occurred when guest John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, shouted a racist comment while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. The ceremony was aired two hours after recording, but the offensive remark remained in the broadcast, prompting criticism and an apology from the broadcaster. BBC representatives said some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language linked to involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, clarifying that the outburst was unintentional. The network admitted the segment had not been edited before airing and confirmed it would be removed from the BBC iPlayer version. Several Black actors and a production designer expressed anger over the unedited broadcast, leading to the BBC’s public apology. In a separate statement, BAFTA also acknowledged the harm caused by the incident and issued its own apology, emphasizing its intent to inform audiences about what had happened and to express regret.

SAARC Secretary General Golam Sarwar stated that Bangladesh wants to make the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) more dynamic. He made the remark on Monday, February 23, after a courtesy meeting with the Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he briefed journalists about the discussion. Sarwar explained that the meeting was primarily held to inform the minister about SAARC’s current situation. He said he briefed the minister on where SAARC currently stands and that the minister inquired about ways to make the organization more active. The discussion focused on SAARC’s present condition and how Bangladesh could play a leading role in shaping its future plans. Earlier in the day, the Egyptian Ambassador Omar Mohiuddin Ahmed Fahmy, Singapore’s Chargé d’Affaires Mitchell Lee, and Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi also met the Foreign Minister at the ministry.

BNP leader and Chandpur-3 Member of Parliament Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik declared that under Tarique Rahman’s future tenure as prime minister, there would be no place for extortion or thuggery in Bangladesh. He made the remarks on Tuesday, February 11, during a development coordination and monthly law and order meeting held at the Hajimchar Upazila Parishad conference room, where he served as the chief guest. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order, Manik instructed officials not to entertain any lobbying in cases involving social crimes such as drug abuse, gambling, extortion, and harassment. He urged strict legal action against offenders regardless of their identity and warned that no one involved in activities threatening public safety would be spared. The meeting, chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Amit Roy, was attended by senior administrative and BNP leaders, including the local police officer-in-charge and district BNP officials. Participants at the meeting pledged to work uncompromisingly for public interest and law enforcement. Following the session, awards were distributed to top-performing educational institutions, teachers, and students as part of National Education Week, and Manik later met local traders and pedestrians in Algi Bazar.

Local Member of Parliament Md. Abdul Aziz has launched an initiative to protect the youth of Gurudaspur in Natore from the growing threat of drug abuse. During a monthly law and order meeting held at the Upazila Parishad auditorium on Monday at 11 a.m., he instructed the chairmen and members of six unions to prepare ward-based lists of drug users and dealers. The lists must be submitted to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) within seven days. Abdul Aziz, who was the chief guest at the meeting, also directed that after the lists are prepared, the identified individuals and their guardians should be brought before the respective union councils. The meeting was presided over by UNO Fahmida Afroze, and several union chairmen, including Abdul Matin, Abdul Bari, Monirul Islam Dolon, Mizanur Rahman Suja, Md. Ayub Ali, and Mahbubur Rahman, expressed support for the MP’s call. The initiative aims to strengthen local efforts against drug abuse and ensure community participation in identifying and addressing the problem.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair has expressed deep concern over what he described as attempts by the Awami League to reopen offices and resume political activities. In a statement released to the media on Tuesday, he urged the government to clarify its firm position on the matter and called on citizens to remain alert and cautious about the activities of the party, which he referred to as banned. Zubair stated that the Awami League has no legal authority to conduct political or administrative activities and alleged that the party is trying to become active again by taking advantage of statements made by some BNP leaders before the last national election. He criticized what he called the ruling party’s lenient attitude, saying it was encouraging the Awami League’s expectations. He further claimed that the Awami League’s attempts to reopen offices and chant slogans were creating fear and public resentment. Zubair urged the government to take immediate and effective measures to maintain peace, law and order, and ensure citizens’ safety.

Rangpur-4 Member of Parliament and NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain stated that the current government was formed through a mass uprising and a referendum. Speaking on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at a public reception and iftar gathering organized by an eleven-party alliance at Mofazzal Hossain Model Government High School field in Kaunia, he warned that the public would not stand by the BNP government if the July Charter directives and the referendum verdict were not implemented. Hossain accused BNP activists of engaging in extortion and terrorism after the election and of refusing to take the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council. He emphasized that the referendum had clear public support and cautioned that any attempt to disregard its outcome would not be accepted by the people. The event was presided over by Kaunia Upazila Jamaat leader Abdus Salam Sarkar, with several local political figures in attendance. The remarks underscored growing political tension over the implementation of the referendum results and the legitimacy of the current government’s mandate.

At an emergency press conference on February 24 in Banglamotor, NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud alleged that attacks were being carried out across the country to establish a reign of fear. He claimed that police had assaulted ordinary citizens and journalists, and criticized the Home Minister’s declaration that protests would not be allowed, calling it a threat to democracy. Mahmud further stated that the BNP had appointed party administrators in six city corporations, describing the move as a danger to the formation of a new Bangladesh. He urged the government to announce a clear roadmap for local government elections and to set a timeframe for administrator appointments. NCP leaders, including Sarjis Alam and Abdul Hannan Masud MP, said the party had emerged as the third largest in the country and was preparing for local elections through newly formed committees. The NCP leadership announced plans to contest local elections independently while remaining open to future coalition decisions if deemed necessary for national interest.

The government has decided to reopen the country's sick and closed industrial enterprises, following a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Rumman, who said that relevant ministries have been instructed to work with private entrepreneurs to implement the plan. The initiative aims to create new employment opportunities across the country. According to the directive, closed jute mills and sugar factories will be reopened while retaining existing workers and generating additional jobs. The move aligns with Prime Minister Rahman’s electoral pledge to revive non-operational industries and expand employment. Ashiq Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), confirmed that a committee led by the Ministry of Industries has already begun work on the initiative. The reopening of these industries is expected to stimulate economic activity and strengthen collaboration between the government and private sector in industrial revitalization efforts.

European Union Election Observation Mission human rights analyst Ann Marlborough paid a courtesy visit to Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the commission’s office. During the meeting, Marlborough briefed the commission on the EU’s observation activities during Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and presented the mission’s preliminary post-election statement. Discussions focused on election-related violence, human rights violations, and threats to democracy in developing countries like Bangladesh. Both sides emphasized ensuring transparency, security, and fairness in the electoral process, as well as protecting the voting rights of women, third-gender individuals, and ethnic minorities. The chairperson highlighted the expansion of the commission’s jurisdiction under the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025, noting that the new legal framework would strengthen institutional capacity for human rights protection. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhance cooperation and partnership between the EU mission and the commission to advance human rights protection in Bangladesh.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr. AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad has described the 2009 Pilkhana killings as a premeditated massacre rather than a mutiny. Speaking on Tuesday morning at a discussion organized by Sushil Forum at the National Press Club to mark the 'Pilkhana Killing Day,' he claimed the incident was a deliberate act aimed at weakening Bangladesh’s army. Azad alleged that the then government orchestrated the event and that if the army had been allowed to act, the losses would have been less severe. He further asserted that the killings were linked to earlier incidents in Roumari and Paduya and reflected an attempt to turn Bangladesh into “Sikkim.” Azad also referred to a statement allegedly made by a former Indian foreign minister in the Lok Sabha about taking revenge for those incidents. During the event, he prayed for the victims, expressed sympathy for the affected families, and called for justice and the release of those he said were unjustly detained. The discussion was chaired by Sushil Forum president Md. Zahid and attended by journalist leaders, academics, and Jamaat members.