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.

Political discussions have intensified over who will receive nominations for the reserved women’s seats in Bangladesh’s 13th Parliament. More than fifty women leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are being considered as potential candidates. Party sources said that the BNP, which secured an absolute majority in the recent parliamentary election, is giving high importance to the distribution of these seats. The party’s central offices in Naya Paltan and Gulshan have seen increased activity as aspirants seek to attract the attention of the leadership. According to the Election Commission, the BNP-led alliance may receive 35 reserved women’s seats, while the Jamaat-led alliance could get 13. The Parliament Secretariat is expected to prepare the voter list after the first session in early March, followed by the announcement of the election schedule. The Election Commission plans to complete the process before Eid. BNP insiders said that priority may be given to women who have been active in movements, faced imprisonment, or contributed to strengthening grassroots organizations, along with professionals, academics, and former student leaders. A preliminary list will be shortened before final approval by the party’s parliamentary board, with no list finalized without the endorsement of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman.

Bangladesh’s newly appointed Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury faces a major challenge as repayment periods for several foreign-funded mega infrastructure projects begin. Over the past decade, projects such as the Padma Rail Link, Metro Rail, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and Cox’s Bazar Rail have driven infrastructure growth but also created heavy debt burdens. With grace periods ending, large installments and interest payments in foreign currency are now due, straining the national budget. According to official documents from the Asian Development Bank and the Planning Commission, project costs have risen 30–70 percent beyond initial estimates. The Padma Rail project’s cost rose from Tk 26,000 crore to Tk 39,000 crore, while Metro Rail’s cost increased from Tk 21,000 crore to over Tk 33,000 crore. Repayments for some projects, including Cox’s Bazar Rail and Karnaphuli Tunnel, have already started, while others like Rooppur will begin in 2028. Experts warn that without improved revenue collection, subsidy reduction, and better project management, Bangladesh could face severe fiscal pressure within five years, potentially forcing budget cuts and new taxes to meet repayment obligations.

A new report by the United Nations Human Rights Office accuses Israel of actions that may amount to ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Released on Thursday, the report says Israel’s military campaign and blockade have made life in Gaza “increasingly incompatible with Palestinians’ continued existence as a group.” It cites intensified attacks, destruction of neighborhoods, and denial of humanitarian aid as evidence of an apparent effort to cause a permanent demographic shift. Covering the period from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, the report documents systematic unlawful force, arbitrary detention, and home demolitions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The report highlights widespread famine and the killing of unprecedented numbers of civilians in Gaza, noting that at least 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, starved to death during the 12-month period. It attributes these deaths to Israeli government actions that blocked food access. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue air strikes and demolitions across Gaza, violating a ceasefire that began on October 10, 2025. Violence has also surged in the West Bank, with settlers attacking Palestinian communities under military protection. The report warns that these policies are altering the demographic composition of Palestinian territories and deepening humanitarian collapse.