Road Transport and Communications Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that money collected from transport operators on roads through mutual understanding should not be considered extortion, but if anyone is forced to pay, that constitutes extortion. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon during a press briefing at his office in the Secretariat while responding to journalists’ questions. The minister explained that transport owners’ and workers’ associations collect funds for their welfare, describing it as an unwritten practice rather than extortion. He acknowledged that there may be debate over how the money is used but emphasized that the process is based on mutual consent. He also noted that influence often depends on which group or party is in power, giving dominance to affiliated labor organizations. Robiul Alam further said that no external group is allowed to exert pressure or collect money within areas under the ministry’s jurisdiction. If owners collect funds by agreement, the ministry will review whether anyone is being deprived or if the funds are being misused. He also discussed traffic congestion caused by roadside markets and said measures will be taken to bring order.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a four-member committee to investigate corruption allegations against Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). The order, issued on Thursday, states that the ministry’s Additional Secretary (Grade-1) will serve as the committee’s chair. Other members include the Principal Information Officer of the Press Information Department, the Director General of the Department of Mass Communication, and the Senior Assistant Secretary (Press-1) of the ministry, who will act as member secretary. The committee has been tasked with thoroughly reviewing the allegations, collecting statements from relevant parties, and conducting necessary inquiries. According to the directive, the committee must submit a comprehensive report with recommendations by February 25, 2026. The ministry emphasized that the investigation should be impartial, transparent, and fair.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has expressed optimism that the proceedings of the International Crimes Tribunal will continue without interruption. Speaking to reporters on Thursday at the tribunal premises, he referred to the law minister’s recent statement that the tribunal’s activities would proceed at a normal pace. Tajul Islam said that although the government had not given any specific directive, it had indicated support for keeping the tribunal’s work ongoing. He further stated that as long as the prosecution team remains in office, all activities will continue in their regular course, emphasizing that maintaining the tribunal’s operations is essential for ensuring justice. His remarks reaffirmed the prosecution’s commitment to sustaining the tribunal’s judicial process in line with the government’s position. The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the tribunal’s continuity, with officials signaling that its judicial functions will not be disrupted.

Bangladesh’s Water Resources Minister Md. Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee announced that the government will begin a nationwide canal excavation program within the next 180 days. He made the statement on Thursday, February 19, following an inter-ministerial meeting at the Secretariat chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The initiative aims to address long-standing waterlogging and irrigation challenges across the country. The minister noted that canal excavation was a major success during the presidency of Ziaur Rahman, but years of neglect have led to increased waterlogging, loss of navigability in water bodies, and disruption in agricultural irrigation. He said the issue was prioritized in the election manifesto, and the Prime Minister has emphasized its importance since before the election. Four ministries—the Water Resources, Local Government, Agriculture, and Disaster Management ministries—will jointly prepare an action plan. The next meeting, scheduled for next week, will finalize the program’s timeline and implementation framework. The government expects the initiative to reduce waterlogging, improve irrigation systems, and boost agricultural productivity.

Bangladesh’s Road, Rail and Water Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that the unrestricted movement of battery-run autorickshaws on Dhaka’s main roads will be brought under control. Speaking at a press conference at the Road Transport and Highways Division on Thursday, he said a coordinated action plan involving the city corporation, traffic division, and home ministry will be prepared soon to decide whether to restrict or gradually phase out the vehicles. The minister said a 180-day priority plan will focus on restoring discipline on roads, expanding rail networks, re-excavating canals, and developing an integrated transport system. He noted that unregulated parking, roadside markets, and battery-run rickshaws are worsening traffic congestion. Discussions with city corporations will be held to review and, if necessary, cancel street parking leases on key roads. Sheikh Robiul Alam also addressed issues such as toll collection at the Padma Bridge, Eid travel management, the progress of metro rail construction, and the review of the BRT project. He emphasized transparency and accountability in ministry operations, stating that public interest will take precedence over political influence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Moscow will not accept the sanctions imposed against Cuba. He made the remarks during a meeting in Moscow with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. Putin emphasized that Russia’s foreign ministry has clearly and unequivocally expressed its position on the new sanctions, stressing that Russia will not tolerate such measures. Putin described relations between Russia and Cuba as positive and special, noting that Moscow has always supported Havana in its struggle to preserve independence and sovereignty. He acknowledged the hardships faced by the Cuban people over decades in defending their right to live by their own rules and protect national interests. The statement comes as the United States has strengthened energy sanctions on Cuba, leading to severe fuel shortages after supplies from Mexico and Venezuela were halted. In response, the Russian embassy in Havana announced that Russia will soon send oil and petroleum products to Cuba as humanitarian aid, a move expected to deepen bilateral ties and influence international politics.

The government of Bangladesh has formed a 15-member cabinet committee to finalize the Family Card initiative aimed at protecting marginal and low-income families. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Thursday announcing the formation of the committee, with the Finance Minister appointed as its chair. According to the notification, the committee includes the Minister for Women and Children Affairs, the Minister for Social Welfare, and several advisers including Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Mahdi Amin, and Rehan Asif Asad. Secretaries from the Cabinet Division, Women and Children Affairs, Election Commission Secretariat, Finance Division, ICT Division, Local Government Division, Planning, and Social Welfare Ministries are also members. The committee’s formation marks a step toward implementing the Family Card program, which is designed to provide social protection to vulnerable families across the country.

Newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has decided to work on Saturdays in addition to regular working days. The decision, announced on February 19, 2026, aims to accelerate administrative activities and improve government efficiency. Following his assumption of office, the Prime Minister also decided that Members of Parliament will not receive duty-free cars or plots, a move that has been widely appreciated. He further instructed ministers to avoid unnecessary expenditures, signaling a focus on austerity and responsible governance. These early decisions reflect the Prime Minister’s intent to bring discipline and speed to the administration, with an emphasis on transparency and cost control within the government.

The Supreme Court Bar Association has announced that elections for its 2026–2027 executive committee will be held on March 11 and 12. A total of 14 positions will be contested, according to a notice issued on Wednesday. Nomination papers can be submitted from February 19 to March 1 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 1 at 9:30 p.m., and the deadline for withdrawal is March 4 at 3 p.m. The election will cover one president, two vice presidents, one secretary, one treasurer, two joint secretaries, and seven executive members. The schedule outlines the full process from nomination submission to withdrawal, ensuring a structured timeline for candidates. The notice marks the beginning of the formal electoral process for the association’s upcoming session, setting the stage for leadership selection among Supreme Court lawyers.

India’s Assistant High Commissioner in Sylhet, Aniruddha Das, announced that the Indian visa process for Bangladeshi citizens will soon return to normal. Speaking at a press briefing at the Sylhet District Press Club on February 18, he said that while medical and double-entry visas are currently available, other categories such as tourist visas remain suspended. He confirmed that strong initiatives are underway to reopen all visa categories. Das emphasized that India-Bangladesh relations are built on mutual respect and trust, noting that the people of both nations are the main stakeholders in maintaining a stable and long-term partnership. He also highlighted the deep cultural and historical ties between the two countries. Following the recent formation of an elected government in Bangladesh, citizens of both nations believe that the visa process may soon fully normalize after restrictions imposed by India in the aftermath of the mass uprising.

Bangladesh’s new parliament has formally begun its journey with members, ministers, and the prime minister taking oath, marking the start of the BNP-led government. Following this transition, discussions have intensified over when and how the next presidential election will occur. Current President Md. Shahabuddin, appointed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, remains in office with a term lasting until April 2028. Constitutional experts note that no new president can be elected unless he resigns or is impeached. President Shahabuddin previously indicated his willingness to step down after the February election, citing discomfort during the interim government period. Analysts believe his resignation could pave the way for a smooth transition, as the new parliament and speaker assume their roles. Under the constitution, the president is elected by members of parliament, and the election is conducted by the Election Commission. The July Charter, a proposed reform document, seeks to rebalance powers between the president and prime minister, potentially expanding presidential authority. However, experts caution that constitutional amendments are required before such changes take effect.

The High Court has formed an election tribunal to ensure speedy disposal of election-related cases under Section 49 of the Representation of the People Order. Justice Md Zakir Hossain will preside over the single bench designated to hear petitions concerning alleged irregularities in the recent national elections. The Chief Justice has granted this bench jurisdiction over election petitions in addition to its existing civil authority. According to the High Court’s cause list, the bench will handle petitions transferred to it under the 1972 Representation of the People Order as amended in 2001. The tribunal will receive, admit, and hear applications and related rules concerning election disputes. Under Section 49, candidates or parties may file petitions within 45 days of the gazette notification of elected members. The tribunal’s formation follows the 13th National Parliamentary Election held on February 12, where voting took place in 299 out of 300 constituencies, and unofficial results for 297 seats were announced on February 13.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Member of Parliament Nahid Islam declared that the current parliament has no value without the formation of a constitutional reform council. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Rupayan Tower, Banglamotor, Dhaka. Islam stated that although the election process and voting were fair, manipulation occurred in the results. Despite this, he said his party accepted the outcome in the interest of democracy and national stability and took oath to make both the parliament and the reform council functional. He further alleged that the people of Bangladesh, who had voted in favor of reform in a referendum held under the July Charter Implementation Order, were deceived. According to Islam, the referendum’s popular verdict was ignored, amounting to a betrayal of the aspirations for a new Bangladesh. He urged that the constitutional reform council be formed and its members take oath promptly, reiterating that without it, the parliament holds no legitimacy. Islam’s comments underscore ongoing political contention surrounding electoral integrity and constitutional reform in Bangladesh.

Global oil prices have increased following renewed tensions between the United States and Iran, driven by the deadlock in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. According to a Reuters report, crude oil benchmarks showed an upward trend on Thursday, reflecting market concerns about potential supply disruptions. At the start of trading, Brent crude futures rose by 23 cents, or 0.3 percent, reaching 70.58 dollars per barrel. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 25 cents, or 0.4 percent, to 65.44 dollars per barrel. On Wednesday, both benchmarks had already climbed by more than four percent, marking their highest levels since January 30. Analysts attribute the price surge to heightened military activity by both nations in key oil-producing regions and fears of supply interruptions. Traders have adjusted prices in response to the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-Iran standoff.

National Parliament Chief Whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam has accused the ruling BNP of appointing loan defaulters and murder case suspects as ministers while pretending to reject legitimate parliamentary benefits. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka’s Banglamotor on Thursday, he alleged that the BNP government is attempting to suppress media freedom and that its new cabinet continues old political arrangements without inclusivity or regional balance. Nahid Islam said the NCP had hoped the recent election would advance democracy and good governance in Bangladesh, but alleged vote manipulation shattered those expectations. He stated that despite flaws, his party accepted the results for the sake of stability and took oath to make both the National Parliament and the Constitutional Reform Council functional. He accused the BNP of deceiving the public by not taking oath as reform council members. Citing Transparency International Bangladesh, Nahid claimed 62 percent of MPs are businesspeople with large debts. He urged immediate convening of both the parliament and the reform council, warning that if the referendum is annulled, the government’s legitimacy would be questioned.