Newly appointed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed the nation on Wednesday night, expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah and honoring the sacrifices of thousands of martyrs who defended the country’s independence and sovereignty. He announced that a new, accountable government has begun its journey in a Bangladesh free from subservience, formed through the people’s votes. In his speech, Rahman congratulated the citizens for restoring democracy and human rights, emphasizing that the opportunity to reestablish dignity and respect for people’s rights has returned because of the freedom-loving, democracy-seeking population. He called for unity among all citizens—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and people of all political and social backgrounds—stating that the country belongs to everyone, whether living in the hills or plains. Rahman reaffirmed that the BNP government’s goal is to build a self-reliant, safe, humane, and democratic Bangladesh where every citizen can live securely and with dignity.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) held a coordination meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at its headquarters to finalize security and traffic management plans ahead of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. The meeting, chaired by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, aimed to ensure that visitors to the Central Shaheed Minar can pay tribute in an orderly and secure environment. The commissioner urged all concerned to remain alert to prevent any untoward incidents and directed intelligence agencies to strengthen surveillance. During the meeting, Joint Police Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented an overall security plan through a PowerPoint presentation. Representatives from intelligence agencies, Dhaka University, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka South City Corporation, WASA, Fire Service, and other government service agencies shared their views. Senior DMP officials, including additional commissioners from various departments, also attended. Officials emphasized timely information sharing and proper traffic management to ensure peaceful observance of the national commemorations.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has expressed deep concern over reports that journalists supporting the July Movement are being harassed in various media outlets. Mahabub Alam, the party’s joint chief coordinator and head of its election media subcommittee, said in a statement sent to the press on Wednesday night that any form of harassment or retaliatory action would not be tolerated. Alam stated that supporting the July Movement is not a crime but an honor, emphasizing respect for those who stood for truth and justice despite intimidation. He reiterated that the NCP would not accept any acts of victimization or revenge against journalists who took a stand in favor of the movement. The party’s statement underscores its stance on protecting press freedom and defending journalists who express political opinions aligned with the July Movement, amid growing concern over reports of mistreatment in the media sector.

The upcoming Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 has been postponed once more, with the new schedule set from February 25 to March 15. The decision was made at a meeting held on February 18 at the Shaheed Munir Chowdhury Auditorium of Bangla Academy. The meeting was chaired by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, attended by State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyum, Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman, and representatives of various publishing houses. All participating publishers will now be exempted from stall rental fees. During the meeting, Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam presented the latest updates on the fair. After discussions with publishers regarding their demands, several key decisions were reached unanimously. Publishers who have not yet applied for stalls have until 3 p.m. on February 19 to submit applications, and stall allocations will be finalized by 6 p.m. the same day. The fair’s organizing committee, through a notice signed by Member Secretary Dr. Md. Selim Reza, confirmed these changes and the rent waiver for all participating publishers.

The government has decided to keep all public primary schools closed during the holy month of Ramadan. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education issued a gazette notification releasing the revised holiday list and academic calendar for the 2026 school year. According to the updated schedule, schools will remain closed from February 19 to March 26, covering 26 days for Ramadan, Sri Sri Harichand Thakur’s appearance day, Shab-e-Qadr, Jummatul-Wida, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Independence and National Day. The revised calendar also sets the total number of annual holidays at 67 days, excluding weekly holidays on Fridays and Saturdays. The notification specifies that schools cannot be closed for official visits or receptions, and students must not be made to stand on roads to greet visiting dignitaries. Schools may open during holidays if necessary for admission or examinations. Head teachers must take reserved leave with approval from the upazila or thana education officer. The directive further instructs schools to observe national days such as February 21, March 26, Bengali New Year, and December 16 with due respect.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released the schedule for the written examinations of the 50th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS). According to a notice published on Wednesday on the BPSC website, the exams will begin on April 9 and continue on April 12, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 across eight divisional cities: Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh. The first day will feature the Bangla paper, a three-hour exam worth 100 marks. The notice stated that written tests for compulsory subjects will follow the announced schedule, while the timetable for post-specific subjects will be released later. Details regarding exam halls, seating arrangements, and other important instructions will be published in due course on the BPSC and Teletalk Bangladesh Limited websites. Candidates can access the full schedule, including dates and times for compulsory subjects, directly from the BPSC website.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has responded to questions about whether joining the BNP-led cabinet after serving in the interim government creates a conflict of interest. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday evening at the Padma State Guest House, he said he joined voluntarily and that perceptions about individuals can change over time. Earlier, Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid met with visiting Nepali Foreign Minister Bala Nand Sharma. Rahman, who previously served as National Security Adviser during the interim government, stated that Bangladesh is returning to the foreign policy approach of former President Ziaur Rahman. He emphasized that the country will act strictly in line with its national interests and that efforts on Rohingya repatriation will not slow down but rather intensify. He also reiterated Bangladesh’s intention to maintain good relations with all countries while safeguarding its interests. Addressing allegations of “election engineering” in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Rahman urged critics to recount the votes if they believe the counting was flawed.

The Ministry of Education has officially announced that all government and private secondary and lower secondary schools in Bangladesh will remain closed during the holy month of Ramadan. The revised holiday schedule was released on Wednesday, confirming that schools will close from Thursday and reopen after March 26. As March 26 falls on a Thursday, teachers and staff will enjoy holidays until March 28. Earlier, the High Court had ordered schools to remain closed for the entire month of Ramadan following a writ petition. However, an appeal against that order led to a stay, creating confusion among students and parents about the holiday schedule. The ministry’s new announcement resolves that uncertainty. Before this decision, educational institutions had already been closed for five consecutive days due to the 13th national election, a referendum, and the Shivratri observance. Classes had resumed on Monday. Meanwhile, madrasa holidays for Ramadan and Eid will continue until March 28, and colleges will reopen on March 29 according to their respective calendars.

The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education of Bangladesh has announced a holiday for all government primary schools starting Thursday, February 19, and continuing until March 26. The decision was detailed in a circular issued on Wednesday, February 18. The ministry stated that the holiday period covers several important religious and national occasions, including the holy month of Ramadan, the appearance day of Sri Sri Harichand Thakur, Shab-e-Qadr on March 17, Jummatul Wida on March 20, Eid-ul-Fitr on March 21, and Independence and National Day on March 26. According to the official notice, the extended closure aims to accommodate observances of multiple religious and national events occurring in close succession. The announcement applies specifically to government-run primary schools across the country. The ministry’s circular provides clarity for students, teachers, and guardians regarding the academic schedule during this period, ensuring alignment with national and religious observances.

The holy month of Ramadan has begun in Bangladesh after the sighting of the new moon for the Hijri year 1447. According to the report, Muslims across the country will start fasting from Wednesday night. The announcement marks the beginning of a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for the nation’s devout Muslims. Popular Islamic scholar Shaykh Ahmadullah welcomed the arrival of Ramadan through a message on his verified Facebook page. He described the month as a long-awaited period for believers and urged everyone to dedicate each moment to worship. He encouraged Muslims to enlighten their hearts with piety and the teachings of the Qur’an. In his concluding remarks, Shaykh Ahmadullah prayed for divine guidance so that all believers may understand the significance of Ramadan and increase their good deeds during the holy month.

Bangladesh’s new government has begun its work with three key priorities: controlling commodity prices, improving law and order, and ensuring stability in the power and energy sectors. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced these priorities on Wednesday after a cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat. He said the government has adopted a 180-day priority plan during its first cabinet session. According to Salahuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged all secretaries and government officials to perform their duties in accordance with the Constitution and the law. The minister emphasized that the government’s initial focus is on maintaining economic stability and public security while ensuring uninterrupted services in essential sectors. The announcement reflects the administration’s intent to address immediate challenges facing citizens and to establish a foundation for effective governance in the early months of its tenure.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Bangladesh will directly participate in the 2028 T20 World Cup. Although Bangladesh opted out of the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup due to security concerns, its ranking position ensures automatic qualification for the next edition. The ICC stated that the top eight teams from the 2026 Super Eight stage, along with the host nation and the next three highest-ranked teams, will qualify directly, making a total of twelve teams. The 2026 Super Eight teams include India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, West Indies, England, South Africa, and New Zealand. Australia and New Zealand will co-host the 2028 tournament, with Australia joining as host since New Zealand already qualified through the Super Eight. The remaining three spots go to the highest-ranked teams outside the top nine, currently Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland. As no matches are scheduled before March 9, rankings will remain unchanged, confirming Bangladesh’s place. This decision secures Bangladesh’s return to the global stage in 2028, maintaining its presence among the top cricketing nations.

The newly formed cabinet of Bangladesh, established following the 13th National Parliament election, held its first meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat. The meeting focused on implementing a 180-day priority program, with ministers and state ministers sharing details afterward. The government will announce a 180-day roadmap to execute adopted programs on a priority basis. State Minister for Finance and Planning Md. Jonaid Saki said the prime minister instructed officials to ensure a comfortable environment during Ramadan and maintain stable electricity supply. He also mentioned that proposals for a media commission are under consideration. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid stated that the prime minister emphasized fulfilling public expectations, while State Minister for Labour and Employment Md. Nurul Haque Nur said directives were given to ensure visible, corruption-free work and to expand labor markets in the Middle East. Adviser to the Prime Minister Zahedur Rahman added that the prime minister instructed authorities to control commodity prices during Ramadan and ensure smooth travel for citizens during Eid.

Police have deposited Tk 7.4 million, two mobile phones, and clothing belonging to Thakurgaon district Jamaat-e-Islami chief Belal Uddin Pradhan to the Nilphamari Chief Judicial Magistrate Court treasury. Nilphamari Superintendent of Police Sheikh Zahidul Islam confirmed the submission on Wednesday, a day before the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Belal Uddin Pradhan, a teacher and resident of Hajipara in Thakurgaon Sadar, was detained on February 11 after arriving at Saidpur Airport from Dhaka on a US-Bangla flight. During a routine security check, authorities found the large sum of cash in his possession. Unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the source and purpose of the money, he was taken into custody by a joint security team. He later fell ill and was admitted to Saidpur Hospital before being transferred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Belal Uddin Pradhan claimed the money was legally earned from his business and that he had a no-objection certificate from Dhaka Airport authorities.

The holy month of Ramadan began in Bangladesh on Thursday after the moon was sighted on Wednesday evening. The National Moon Sighting Committee confirmed the sighting during a meeting at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, chaired by the new Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad. Following the announcement, Muslims across the country performed Taraweeh prayers and began fasting with the pre-dawn meal, marking the start of the month of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. According to the committee’s decision, Ramadan will be counted from Thursday, and the holy night of Lailatul Qadr will be observed nationwide on March 16. The decision was based on reports from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation, the Meteorological Department, and SPARRSO. Office hours have been adjusted from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the month, while educational institutions remain open. Some residents in Bangladesh began fasting earlier, following Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries. Leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis extended greetings to the nation, urging unity, compassion, and government action to control commodity prices and ensure uninterrupted electricity during Ramadan.