Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that no reconstruction work will begin in the war-torn Gaza Strip until the Palestinian resistance group Hamas is disarmed. He made the remarks on Thursday, February 19, during a televised address at a military event. On the same day, the first meeting of the newly formed 'Peace Board' took place in Washington, D.C. The board was established following a ceasefire agreement signed last October, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, to end two years of conflict in Gaza. Nearly two dozen world leaders and senior officials attended the inaugural meeting. Discussions in Washington also explored the possibility of forming an 'international stabilization force' to ensure security in Gaza. The future of Hamas remains one of the most sensitive issues before the council. U.S. officials reported positive progress in the talks, with growing pressure on Hamas to surrender its weapons. Israel has proposed strict measures, including confiscating even small personal firearms from Hamas members. However, it remains unclear how the Palestinian technical committee overseeing Gaza’s daily administration will handle the disarmament process.

The newly formed BNP government has formally begun implementing its election manifesto promises following the 13th parliamentary election. On Thursday, inter-ministerial meetings were held on three key pledges: the Family Card program, a nationwide tree-planting initiative, and river, canal, and reservoir dredging projects. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting on the Family Card, forming a 15-member committee led by the finance minister to finalize its design and beneficiary selection process. The committee will submit a preliminary report by February 24, aiming to distribute the cards before Eid-ul-Fitr. The Family Card, to be issued in the name of female heads of households, will initially cover 5 million poor rural families, with plans to expand to 40 million marginal families. It will provide monthly financial or food support worth 2,000–2,500 taka per family. The government also discussed planting 25 crore trees over five years, starting by May, and dredging waterways nationwide. Analysts praised the government’s swift action, saying it demonstrates genuine commitment to public welfare and the fulfillment of electoral promises. Ministers and experts emphasized transparency and coordination among ministries to ensure effective implementation of the manifesto programs.

Following Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election on February 12, the banned Awami League has intensified efforts to re-enter national politics. While the BNP-led coalition proceeds with forming a new government, Indian diplomatic and media circles have repeatedly discussed the future of Awami League and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On February 14, India’s The Tribune published an ANI-based interview with former Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri, who suggested that Bangladesh’s new prime minister might consider lifting the political ban on the Awami League. The interview also noted that the BNP alliance narrowly outperformed the Jamaat-e-Islami coalition, reflecting a competitive political landscape. Meanwhile, Awami League offices in several districts, including Khulna, Dinajpur, and Panchagarh, have reopened after years of closure, signaling renewed grassroots activity. In contrast, Sheikh Hasina remains convicted in multiple cases, including a death sentence for crimes against humanity and a 10-year corruption sentence, and is currently in India as a fugitive. Analysts warn that rehabilitating the Awami League before accountability for past abuses would be unjust, underscoring the political and judicial tensions shaping Bangladesh’s post-election environment.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran to reach an agreement with the United States within 10 to 15 days or face a potential military strike. Speaking at the inauguration of a peace board in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Trump said that last June’s joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran had paved the way for a ceasefire in Gaza. He claimed that without U.S. action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, peace in the Middle East would have been difficult to achieve. In response, Iran issued a counter-threat through its permanent representative to the United Nations, who wrote to Secretary-General António Guterres stating that any attack on Iran would trigger retaliatory strikes on all U.S. bases and infrastructure in the Middle East. The envoy emphasized that Iran does not seek war but would respond if attacked, holding the United States responsible for any consequences. According to a Wall Street Journal report cited on Friday, the United States is considering an initial limited strike targeting Iranian government buildings and security infrastructure to pressure Tehran into a nuclear deal. If Iran refuses, a broader campaign could aim to topple Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s government.

The Bangladesh government has begun reviewing its controversial power purchase agreement with India’s Adani Group. A high-level meeting was held at the Secretariat on Thursday to examine inconsistencies and details of the deal. The session, lasting about ninety minutes, was attended by four ministers, the prime minister’s adviser, and international experts. The meeting also discussed other unequal power and energy contracts signed during the previous Awami League administration. The review follows recommendations from the National Review Committee, which labeled the Adani Power Limited deal as one of the world’s worst and “suicidal” for Bangladesh, urging its renegotiation or cancellation. The committee’s report highlighted that Bangladesh pays Adani significantly higher rates than other Indian suppliers, with imported electricity costing 85 percent more. The Power Development Board reported paying over 300 billion taka to Adani, including capacity charges exceeding 4.5 billion taka monthly. Ministers stated that decisions will prioritize national and public interests, considering all legal and international obligations. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan and the upcoming irrigation season. Officials indicated that further discussions will follow as the government evaluates the committee’s recommendations and explores options for revising or terminating the deal.

The T20 World Cup 2026 match between Australia and Oman will be broadcast live on February 20, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. on T Sports, Nagorik TV, and Star Sports. The fixture headlines a busy evening of televised sports, offering cricket fans a major international contest. Alongside the cricket action, several European football leagues will also feature live matches. In Spain’s La Liga, Athletic Bilbao will host Elche at 2:00 a.m., while Italy’s Serie A will see Sassuolo face Verona at 1:45 a.m. The Bundesliga match between Mainz and Hamburg will air at 1:30 a.m., and France’s Ligue 1 will feature Brest against Olympique Marseille at 1:45 a.m. These matches will be available on platforms including Fancode, Bet365, and Tapmad. The lineup highlights a packed night for sports enthusiasts, with simultaneous coverage of major cricket and football events across multiple networks.

An imam in Hesakhal area of Nangalkot upazila, Cumilla, was allegedly dismissed from his position for serving as a polling agent of the Jamaat-e-Islami-supported candidate symbol during the February 12 national election. Hafiz Md. Abdul Alim Bhuiyan, 58, who had served at the Hesakhal Khamar Para Majumdar Bari Jame Mosque for about five years, was reportedly removed last Friday by Jahangir Alam Majumdar, president of the Upazila Shaheed Zia Smriti Sangsad and a resident of the same village. Local sources said Jahangir Alam acted without formal authority in the mosque committee, allegedly using political influence to remove the imam. The mosque committee’s general secretary, Mozaffar Hossain Selim, resigned in protest. Abdul Alim told reporters he was dismissed for acting as an agent of the “Dhalapalla” symbol and appealed for justice to the local MP and the prime minister. Jahangir Alam could not be reached for comment despite repeated calls. Local Jamaat leaders confirmed the incident and urged reinstatement of the imam, while the party’s candidate for Cumilla-10 constituency criticized the action as undemocratic. The incident has stirred local tension, with residents hoping for a negotiated resolution.

Bangladesh women’s football team coach Peter Butler sharply criticized the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) for poor preparation and internal mismanagement before the country’s first-ever appearance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Speaking at a press conference at the BFF headquarters on Thursday, hours before the team’s scheduled departure for Australia, the English coach questioned the football knowledge and professionalism of federation officials. Butler said the team’s planning had failed and accused some officials of spreading misinformation in the media. He expressed frustration that the women’s team had not played any preparation matches since December, blaming the BFF for prioritizing domestic league fixtures over national team readiness. Proposed matches against the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand were disrupted due to scheduling conflicts. BFF women’s committee head Mahfuza Akter Kiron admitted that preparations could have been better and said more training or practice matches abroad would have improved readiness. Bangladesh will face China, North Korea, and Uzbekistan in the group stage of the tournament in Australia, starting on March 3 in Sydney.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has announced a firm stance against illegal billboards and unauthorized advertisements to make the city more organized, visually appealing, and clean. He stated that regular eviction drives will be conducted to remove unapproved billboards, banners, and posters across the city, with the goal of gradually making Chattogram completely free of billboards. The announcement came on Thursday afternoon during his inspection of an eviction drive against illegal billboards in the Kazi Deuri area. Before the inspection, the mayor instructed the executive magistrates and relevant departments of the City Corporation to take necessary actions. The operation was carried out jointly by the magistrate team, engineering department, cleaning department, and law enforcement agencies. During the drive, various unauthorized billboards, banners, and posters that had been installed for a long time were removed. The initiative is part of the City Corporation’s broader plan to enhance urban aesthetics and maintain a cleaner environment in Chattogram through coordinated enforcement efforts.

The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has expressed deep concern over the decision by Ekhon TV to place four of its journalists on compulsory leave and bar them from entering the newsroom. The statement, issued on Thursday by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, identified the affected journalists as Md Mujahidul Islam (Shuvo), Mahmud Rakib, Mohammad Azharuzzaman (Azhar Limon), and Belayet Hossain. The first three are permanent members of the DRU. According to the DRU statement, the action was taken in connection with old Facebook posts by the journalists, which the organization described as an unwarranted measure. The leaders said that punishing journalists for expressing opinions contradicts the principles of media freedom and violates their right to free expression. They welcomed the information minister’s assurance to take action and emphasized that media institutions should uphold journalists’ dignity and professional rights. The DRU leaders demanded that Ekhon TV immediately reinstate the journalists and withdraw the decision. They warned that if the decision is not reversed, the organization will take necessary steps to protect its members’ interests.

A local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Nilphamari has said that the party does not accept any referendum, a comment that quickly went viral and drew criticism. Shafiqul Islam Kajol, president of the Bhogdaburi Union BNP in Domar upazila, made the remark in a video circulated on social media on Thursday. In the clip, he claimed that BNP’s defeat in Nilphamari and the Rangpur division was preplanned despite strong voter support, while acknowledging some internal weaknesses. Kajol also linked the party’s poor performance to dissatisfaction over candidate nominations, citing internal disputes in the Domar-Dimla constituency. He alleged that several BNP activists were recently assaulted and hospitalized, with related cases still under trial. Criticizing Jamaat-e-Islami, he questioned how a force defeated in 1971 could seek state power and said the nation would not accept it. He reiterated that BNP rejects any “yes-no” vote or referendum and mentioned that calls for protests were emerging nationwide. When contacted, district BNP convening committee member Riazul Islam Kalu said he had not seen the video and ended the call when asked about the party’s stance on the referendum.

Prime Minister’s wife Zubaida Rahman and her daughter Zaima Rahman joined orphan students for iftar on Thursday at Jamia Qurbaniya Talimiya Dawra Hadis Women’s Madrasa and Orphanage in West Bhashantek, Dhaka. The event was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan. According to the report, Dhaka-17 constituency’s Member of Parliament Tarique Rahman has arranged for local BNP units to provide iftar, dinner, and sehri throughout Ramadan to 14 orphanages and Hafezia madrasas in Karail slum and Bhashantek. Before the meal, Zubaida and Zaima Rahman spoke with the orphan students. In previous years, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and central leaders held iftar gatherings with orphans and religious scholars on the first day of Ramadan, but no such central event took place this year.

Former German footballer Mesut Ozil and Turkish President’s son Necmettin Bilal Erdogan’s convoy was involved in a road accident on Thursday evening, February 19, 2026, in the Kutupalong area of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf highway while they were returning after attending an iftar with Rohingya refugees. Police reported that a motorized rickshaw collided with the VIP convoy, leaving the rickshaw driver injured, though no one in the delegation, including Ozil, was hurt. According to Shahpari Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam, the rickshaw was seized following the accident, and the injured driver received local medical treatment. Authorities have initiated an investigation and will take necessary legal action. Earlier in the day, Ozil and an 11-member Turkish delegation visited several Rohingya camps, played football with refugees at Camp 4, and joined them for iftar in the evening. Police confirmed that the accident caused no injuries among the visiting delegation, and the situation was brought under control promptly.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has instructed all Polish citizens currently in Iran to leave the country without delay. In a warning issued on Thursday, he said that due to the growing risk of armed conflict, it might become impossible to evacuate citizens within hours if the situation deteriorates. Tusk urged Poles not to travel to Iran under any circumstances. The warning followed a report published Wednesday by U.S. media outlet Axios, which suggested that the likelihood of military conflict between the United States and Iran was much higher than most Americans believed. The report also indicated that a large-scale attack could begin within weeks. Tusk’s directive reflects heightened international concern over potential instability in the region, with governments closely monitoring developments that could affect their nationals in Iran.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has congratulated Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In a letter shared by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media platform X on Thursday, Starmer expressed his desire to strengthen the Bangladesh–UK partnership and advance shared priorities. In his message, Starmer highlighted the long-standing and close relationship between the two countries, expressing confidence that cooperation would deepen under Rahman’s leadership. He emphasized expanding trade and investment ties, noting the UK’s position as one of Bangladesh’s largest foreign investors. Starmer also welcomed opportunities for collaboration in tackling illegal migration, combating climate change, and enhancing defense and security relations. The UK Prime Minister further commended Bangladesh for its generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees and reaffirmed the UK’s continued support. He said he looked forward to the next chapter of partnership between the two nations.