Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced the formation of the 'Imran Khan Release Force' to campaign for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023. The announcement was made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and close Khan ally Sohail Afridi during a press conference outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Afridi said Khan had tasked him with leading a street movement for his release. Imran Khan was ousted from power through a parliamentary vote in 2022 and later faced multiple legal cases, resulting in his imprisonment. PTI maintains that the charges are politically motivated. Recently, concerns have grown over Khan’s health after a medical report submitted to the Supreme Court revealed that he retains only 15 percent vision in his right eye. Following the report, PTI intensified its campaign for Khan’s release, while the government insists that the former prime minister is receiving the best possible medical care.

In Parshuram municipality of Feni, lease prices for seven markets under municipal authority have risen sharply, with tenders finalized at rates four to five times higher than last year. The permanent cattle market was leased for Tk 6 million, compared to Tk 2.09 million in 2025, while the CNG stand went for Tk 2 million, up from Tk 443,000. The tender process, held on Wednesday, covered eight markets including vegetable, fish, poultry, and meat markets, most of which saw unprecedented bids. Traders fear that the steep lease rates will lead to higher fees and prices for livestock and transport, causing hardship for buyers and passengers. They also worry that lessees may impose extra charges to recover costs, potentially harming both sellers and consumers. One lessee, requesting anonymity, said they would collect fees at a reasonable level to protect farmers and traders. Parshuram municipal administrator and assistant commissioner (land) S.M. Shafayat Akhtar Nur stated that the tenders were opened without any syndicate involvement and that high bidders with proper documentation would receive leases following verification.

Pakistan has extended the closure of its airspace to Indian-registered aircraft for another month, according to a new notice issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). The restriction, which has been in place for nearly ten months, will now remain effective until March 23, 2026. During this period, all Indian military and civilian aircraft are prohibited from flying through Pakistani airspace. The airspace ban was first imposed on April 23, 2025, following escalating tensions between the two countries after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. In response to the incident, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, prompting Pakistan to retaliate by closing its airspace to Indian airlines. Subsequent military confrontations in early May saw both nations launch strikes against each other, culminating in a ceasefire agreement on May 10 after 87 hours of conflict. The extension of the airspace closure underscores the continuing strain in India-Pakistan relations despite the earlier ceasefire.

State Minister for Fisheries, Livestock, Agriculture, and Food Sultan Salauddin Tuku announced that the government has launched an initiative to provide affordable protein-rich foods, including milk, eggs, meat, and fish, to low-income families across Bangladesh during the holy month of Ramadan. The program aims to include around one million families nationwide, with expectations that it will help stabilize market prices and benefit general consumers. The announcement was made on Thursday at the Livestock Research Institute in Mohakhali during the inauguration of a special Ramadan sales program for milk, eggs, and meat. The minister said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership to work for public welfare. He emphasized honesty, dedication, and teamwork in implementing the prime minister’s promises. Tuku added that such programs will ease the burden on low-income groups affected by price hikes during Ramadan and that the government plans to expand the initiative in the future. He also mentioned upcoming plans to introduce family, agriculture, and health cards to fulfill electoral commitments.

At least ten people were killed and twelve others injured when part of a three‑storey residential building collapsed following a gas leak explosion in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar No. 3 area on Wednesday night. The blast occurred on the building’s ground floor, causing a large section to cave in. Rescue teams immediately launched operations, pulling several victims—both alive and dead—from the debris using all available equipment. Police said initial findings suggest the explosion may have been triggered by gas leaking from a cylinder or suction machine. Among the confirmed dead are ten‑year‑old Nazia and sixty‑year‑old Mohammad Riaz, while the body of one woman has been recovered and another victim’s identity is being verified. Several of the injured are children, including a fourteen‑year‑old girl in critical condition, all of whom were taken to hospital. Officials fear at least two people remain trapped under the rubble. Narrow surrounding streets have slowed rescue efforts. Police have cordoned off the area, tightened security, and continued the rescue operation.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi has warned that time is running out for the United States and Iran to reach an agreement. In an interview with a French television channel, Grossi said that although dialogue has begun, the discussions have become extremely complex. He noted that for the first time there appears to be a real possibility of reaching a compromise, with both sides starting to discuss specific issues. The report states that Tehran has suspended several forms of cooperation with the IAEA. Following attacks by Israel and the United States last June, Iran blocked the agency’s access to its nuclear facilities. Meanwhile, alongside ongoing talks, US President Donald Trump met with national security officials to discuss potential military action against Iran. The meeting, held on Wednesday, February 18, reportedly focused on preparations for a possible strike by Saturday, February 21. According to a CBS report citing an unnamed official, US security officials indicated readiness to carry out an attack before the end of the week, though the president has not yet made a final decision.

Dr. Tawhidul Islam’s article explores the historical debate over early Arab Muslim settlements in Bengal, particularly in coastal areas such as Chittagong and Noakhali. Drawing on historical records and interpretations by scholars like Dr. Enamul Haq and M.A. Rahim, the piece discusses claims that Arab traders established communities for commercial purposes as early as the eighth century. Some accounts suggest these settlements evolved into organized Muslim communities, possibly forming an independent state under rulers titled 'Sultan'. However, other historians remain skeptical about the existence of such settlements before formal Muslim conquests. The article highlights linguistic and cultural evidence supporting Arab influence, including Arabic-derived words in the Chittagong dialect and place names. It also notes that Arab traders’ interactions with local populations were facilitated by Bengal’s fertile coastal geography and its role in regional trade networks. Accounts from later travelers, such as the Portuguese Barbosa in 1518, describe Chittagong as a thriving port dominated by Arab and other merchants. The text further contextualizes this contact within Bengal’s fragmented social structure under Sena rule, where caste restrictions and religious decline created conditions favorable to Islam’s spread and Arab settlement.

Bill Gates withdrew from India’s AI Impact Summit in New Delhi just hours before his scheduled keynote address on Thursday, February 19, citing a desire to keep the focus on the event’s priorities. His withdrawal, followed by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s cancellation, dealt another setback to a summit already facing criticism for poor organisation, a controversy over a robotic exhibit, and severe traffic disruptions. The event, billed as the Global South’s first major artificial intelligence forum, aimed to highlight India’s leadership in global AI governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the summit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, calling for stronger safeguards for children on AI platforms. The summit’s management drew anger from participants after exhibition halls were abruptly closed to the public and attendees faced transport chaos due to repeated road closures for VIP movements. Despite the controversies, more than US$100 billion in AI-related investments were pledged during the summit, with the Indian government projecting total commitments could exceed US$200 billion within two years.

Galgotias University in India faced criticism at the India AI Impact Summit in Delhi after a professor claimed that a robotic dog displayed at its stall was developed by the university. The robot, named Orion, was later identified online as the Go2 model produced by Chinese company Unitree Robotics. The university denied claiming ownership of the robot, calling the backlash a propaganda campaign, and said its use of the robot was part of efforts to teach students AI programming using global tools. Professor Neha Singh, who made the initial remarks, said her comments were misunderstood. Reports indicated that the university was asked to vacate its stall, and electricity to the booth was later cut off. A BBC reporter confirmed that the stall was dark and unattended. The controversy embarrassed summit organizers after the video was shared on IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s official account, which was later deleted. India’s IT Secretary S Krishnan urged that the incident should not overshadow the contributions of other participants. The five-day summit, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to position India as a global AI hub and includes delegates from over 100 countries.

Bangladesh has joined India and 70 other countries in a large-scale international naval exercise hosted by India. The Bangladesh Navy sent its frigate warship ‘Somudra Avijan’, which arrived in India on 16 February. Other participating nations include Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The Indonesian Navy’s frigate KRI Bung Tomo-357, the UAE’s warship Al Emarat, and India’s INS Vikrant also took part in the exercise. Before the exercise began, Indian President Droupadi Murmu stated that the event symbolizes the trust, unity, and respect of various nations toward maritime heritage. She emphasized that ships flying different flags and sailors from diverse countries reflect a spirit of unity. The theme of the exercise is “maritime unity,” and Murmu said the combined naval forces’ determination can overcome all obstacles, sending a positive message to the global community. The exercise highlights growing multilateral cooperation in maritime security and shared commitment among participating nations to strengthen regional and global naval ties.

Two sisters of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan have alleged a plot to kill him, accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government and Field Marshal Asim Munir of orchestrating it. Speaking to reporters on February 18, Uzma Khan and Aleema Khan claimed that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was also part of the conspiracy, which they described as a 'lethal plan.' Uzma said that during her recent visit to Adiala Jail, Imran told her that if anything happened to him, Asim Munir would be responsible. Uzma further alleged that Naqvi, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board, had threatened their family. She warned of severe retaliation if any harm came to Imran or their family. Aleema expressed concern about Imran’s deteriorating eyesight and said he was being denied access to his trusted medical team. Another sister, Naureen Khan, criticized Asim Munir for hypocrisy and accused the authorities of inhumane treatment of Imran. The government rejected the sisters’ allegations and dismissed concerns about Imran’s health, stating that a two-member medical board regularly monitors him and has reported partial vision in his right eye and near-normal vision in his left.

The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir has formed its new committee for the 2026 session. In a direct vote by members, Masud Rana Tuhin, a student of the Bangla Department from the 2016–17 academic year, was elected president. Mujahidul Islam, a student of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department from the 2018–19 academic year, was nominated as secretary. The announcement was made on Wednesday through an official statement from the organization. According to the statement, a members’ assembly was held at the university branch on Wednesday, conducted by central publicity secretary Azizur Rahman Azad. The event was attended by central secretary general Sibgatullah as the chief guest, with central college affairs secretary Hafez Yusuf Islahi and former SUST branch president Tarek Monowar also present. During the assembly, members cast votes to elect the new president, and after counting, Tuhin was declared the winner and took the oath administered by the chief guest. Based on members’ consultation, Mujahidul Islam was later nominated as secretary. The new committee marks the beginning of the 2026 session’s organizational activities for the SUST branch of Islami Chhatra Shibir.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced a revised metro rail schedule for the capital during the holy month of Ramadan. The new timetable, effective from the first day of Ramadan until the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, was set to match the altered working hours of government offices. According to a DMTCL office order issued on 16 February, the first train from Uttara North to Motijheel will depart at 6:30 a.m., with the last train leaving at 9:30 p.m. In the opposite direction, the first train from Motijheel will depart at 7:15 a.m., and the final one at 10:10 p.m. Train intervals, or headways, will range between 5 and 20 minutes depending on passenger demand, with peak-hour services operating every 5.5 to 6 minutes. To accommodate iftar time, passengers are now allowed to carry up to a 250-milliliter water bottle inside stations or trains, though other food items remain prohibited. DMTCL has instructed passengers to dispose of empty bottles in designated bins. The company added that weekend and public holiday operations will continue under the previous schedule, with the new timing applicable only on working days.

A BNP leader in Gouripur, Mymensingh, was allegedly humiliated by having his head forcibly shaved after supporting a rival candidate in the Mymensingh-3 parliamentary constituency. The incident reportedly occurred around 2 p.m. on Wednesday near the No. 2 rail crossing bus stand area of Gouripur town. Photos of Abdul Mannan Talukdar with a shaved head later went viral on social media, drawing public attention. Talukdar claimed that Gouripur municipal Krishak Dal president Kaziyeel Hajat Shahi Munshi dragged him from a CNG vehicle, verbally abused and assaulted him, and ordered a nearby salon to shave his head and cut his eyebrow. Talukdar said he was targeted for backing the independent candidate with the horse symbol instead of the BNP’s official candidate. He expressed hope that the state minister and the public would ensure justice. In response, Shahi Munshi denied the allegations, calling them fabricated and politically motivated. Mymensingh district Krishak Dal president Advocate Abul Bashar Akand stated that he had informed the central committee and that organizational action would follow if the allegations proved true.

The interim government headed by Nobel laureate economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus has peacefully handed over power to the BNP-led administration after completing its 18-month tenure. Formed on August 8, 2024, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, the government claimed success in organizing a free, fair, and credible national election on February 12, 2026, and leaving behind a foreign reserve of 34 billion dollars. Analysts credited the administration for stabilizing a near-bankrupt economy and maintaining law and order despite facing over 1,600 protests and internal administrative challenges. The government’s key achievements included the July Charter reforms, the trial and sentencing of Sheikh Hasina and associates for crimes against humanity, and the withdrawal of nearly 24,000 politically motivated cases affecting about 500,000 opposition activists. It also reviewed India-linked transit agreements and reclaimed 900 acres of land in Mirsarai known as the “Feni Chicken Neck.” Transparency International Bangladesh and the EU observer mission described the election as participatory and credible, marking a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic process. According to official statements, the interim government implemented 130 new laws and 600 executive orders, achieving about 84 percent execution, and claimed 90 percent success in decision-making and implementation.