Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally began his official duties a day after being sworn in as the head of the new government. On Wednesday at around 12:30 p.m., he arrived at the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat and presided over his government's first cabinet meeting. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A. B. M. Abdus Sattar welcomed him upon arrival. According to the state news agency BSS, the meeting began at 3 p.m., where the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with cabinet members and instructed them to align their work with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) electoral commitments. The meeting marked the formal start of the new administration’s activities under his leadership. The event signaled the beginning of the new government’s policy direction, with emphasis on implementing the pledges made during the election campaign.

Israel has decided to resume land registration in the occupied West Bank for the first time since 1967, a move that several Israeli NGOs say could effectively expand the boundaries of occupied Jerusalem. The decision, taken under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, has raised concerns among rights groups that it marks a significant shift in territorial control. According to Israeli NGO Ir Amim researcher Aviv Tatarsky, the process amounts to a practical expansion of Jerusalem, as new settlements would bring residents under Jerusalem’s jurisdiction. Human rights organizations argue that the legal process is designed to displace Palestinians from ancestral lands and formally integrate parts of the West Bank into Israel. The registration process, suspended since 1984, could make it easier for Israel to claim ownership of lands where Palestinians lack official documentation. The housing rights group Bimkom reports that about 70 percent of West Bank land remains unregistered. Many Palestinians, displaced by war or lacking formal papers, may lose ownership claims, leaving large areas to default to Israeli state control.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat announced plans to stop harassment at airports and dismantle the syndicate formed around airline ticketing. He said necessary measures would also be taken to ease passenger suffering related to luggage handling. Rashiduzzaman made these remarks on Wednesday at the Secretariat. He had taken oath as the State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism on Tuesday at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, administered by President Md. Shahabuddin. Rashiduzzaman Millat, a BNP candidate, was elected from Jamalpur-1 (Dewanganj-Bakshiganj) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, securing 173,656 votes. He serves as the treasurer of the BNP’s central executive committee. His nearest rival, Advocate Mohammad Nazmul Haque Sayeedi of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, received 96,783 votes. The ministry’s new leadership aims to address long-standing issues in the aviation sector, focusing on transparency and passenger convenience.

Ukrainian and Russian delegations are set to resume their second round of peace talks in Geneva on Wednesday, mediated by the United States. Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, neither side has indicated progress toward ending what has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. The war, now nearing its fourth year, has killed hundreds of thousands, displaced millions, and devastated large parts of eastern and southern Ukraine. Previous rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi failed to yield results, and sources close to the Russian delegation described the latest Geneva session as tense, lasting six hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to move toward an “honorable agreement” but questioned Russia’s sincerity, accusing Moscow of prioritizing missile strikes over real diplomacy. Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, currently controls about one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and demands full control of Donetsk. Kyiv has rejected Moscow’s territorial demands and insists on security guarantees before signing any deal. Analysts note that while Russia faces growing economic strain, Ukrainian forces recently regained 201 square kilometers in their fastest advance in over two years.

In Chattogram city, activists of the banned Awami League have once again hung a signboard and party flag at their office in Darul Fazal Market. Several individuals gathered, displayed banners, and recorded videos of the act, which were later shared from the social media account of fugitive former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel. The videos were subsequently circulated online by others. Police reportedly became aware only after the incidents occurred. According to the report, Nowfel posted a video on Wednesday morning claiming that the Chattogram Metropolitan Awami League office had raised party and national flags after 18 months. The banners were reportedly placed by members of the banned Chhatra League. Similar incidents occurred earlier at the North District Awami League office near Kotwali Police Station and at Mirsharai Upazila Awami League office. Police have yet to arrest anyone involved. Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Aftab Uddin said the activists appeared suddenly, hung banners, and left quickly. He added that police are trying to identify those seen in the videos.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Tuesday that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is not beneficial for either Africa or Somaliland. Speaking at a press conference in Addis Ababa, he emphasized Turkey’s commitment to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region and warned against the emergence of new conflicts. Erdogan recalled that in December he had described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, as illegal and unacceptable. He accused Israel of attempting to create instability in the Horn of Africa. Erdogan reiterated that regional nations should resolve their own issues and that the Horn of Africa should not become a field for competition among foreign powers. He stressed that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland would not bring any advantage to Somaliland or the Horn of Africa, underscoring Turkey’s opposition to actions that could heighten regional tensions.

Bangladesh has launched an official Facebook page titled 'PMO Bangladesh- প্রধানমন্ত্রীর কার্যালয়' to share updates from the government led by the country’s 11th Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman. The page was inaugurated on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, marking the first working day of the new administration. The display picture of the page features the Prime Minister’s photograph. According to the report, the launch followed the swearing-in of newly elected members of parliament in the morning and the cabinet in the afternoon on February 17. Later that night, a gazette notification formally dissolved the interim government. On the morning of February 18, a post from the ‘Chief Advisor GOB’ page announced the closure of all its previous activities. The new Facebook page is intended to serve as the official digital platform for disseminating government information and updates directly to the public.

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) became tense again on the anniversary of the 2025 campus violence. Late on the night of February 17, 2026, unidentified youths vandalized the 'Bloodied KUET Corner' exhibition, which had been set up by injured students with university approval to commemorate the previous year’s attack. CCTV footage reportedly showed a group led by a student leader from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal entering the exhibition room at 12:32 a.m. and leaving five minutes later. The incident followed earlier unrest, including the blockade of the vice-chancellor’s residence and banners declaring him unwelcome on campus. KUET’s Student Welfare Director, Professor B.M. Ikramul Haque, said the same group involved in the February 13 disturbance appeared in the footage and accused them of trying to destabilize the campus again. He announced a meeting to decide next steps. Vice-Chancellor Professor Maksud Helali said he had only been verbally informed about the commemorative program. Chhatra Dal leader Safwan Ahmed Ifaz denied involvement, claiming the exhibition space had been misused and that students had merely “freed” it. The renewed unrest has raised concern among students and staff just weeks after the national election, with fears of further instability on campus.

Bangladesh women’s cricket team finished the group stage in commanding fashion, defeating Malaysia by 90 runs in Bangkok on Wednesday. The victory, powered by Lata Mondol’s all-round performance, ensured Bangladesh’s third consecutive win and confirmed their place as group champions with six points. The team will face Pakistan in the semifinals on Friday. Bangladesh’s campaign began with narrow wins, edging Sri Lanka by four runs in the opener and beating hosts Thailand by three wickets in a dramatic finish. Against Malaysia, however, the team displayed complete control. After early setbacks, Lata Mondol and captain Fahima Khatun built a 55-run partnership that set up a strong total near 150. Mondol scored 58 off 44 balls, while Sadia Akter’s quick 19 runs boosted the innings. In reply, Malaysia faltered early as Fatema Jahan took two wickets in the third over, finishing with three for ten. Sharifa Khatun claimed two wickets, and Mondol added one more, sealing Bangladesh’s dominant win and momentum heading into the semifinals.

Advocate Yunus Ali Akand has filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking suspension of the July National Charter, claiming it is unconstitutional and invalid. The petition, filed on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, names the Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary, National Consensus Commission, and Chief Election Commissioner as respondents. The hearing on the petition may take place next week before a bench led by Justice Rajik Al Jalil. The filing follows another petition submitted a day earlier by Supreme Court lawyer A B M Ataul Majid Touhid, who challenged the legality of a referendum held on February 13 and requested cancellation of its results. Both petitions question the legitimacy of recent political and constitutional developments surrounding the July National Charter. The High Court’s upcoming hearing will determine whether the July National Charter’s implementation will remain in effect or be temporarily halted pending judicial review.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized a large consignment of Indian Tapentadol tablets worth approximately Tk 3.12 crore from the border area of Haldegram in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur. The operation was conducted early Tuesday night based on secret intelligence by patrol members of the Mymensingh Battalion (39 BGB) under the Haldegram Border Outpost. The seizure was confirmed in a press release issued by the battalion on Wednesday afternoon. According to the report, smugglers attempted to bring the Indian Tapentadol (100 mg) tablets into Bangladesh through an innovative method. Acting on the tip-off, BGB personnel launched a raid around 4:30 a.m. When the smugglers realized the presence of the patrol team, they fled the scene, leaving the drugs behind. No arrests were made during the operation. Lieutenant Colonel Md. Nurul Azim Bayezid, commanding officer of the 39 BGB Battalion, stated that BGB remains vigilant around the clock to protect the international border and prevent illegal activities. He added that strict measures against drug trafficking and illegal infiltration will continue.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the government will uphold its commitments to the people and focus on public service. He made the remarks on Wednesday after joining his office at the Secretariat. Expressing gratitude to the interim government, he stated that the new administration’s main task is to strengthen democracy and advance the country by prioritizing public needs. Responding to questions from journalists, Mirza Fakhrul said the law and order and economic situation are not as bad as perceived. He emphasized that the government’s focus now is to move the country forward. When asked whether the new government would take action regarding alleged irregularities by some members of the interim administration, he replied that it was unnecessary since they had served under special circumstances and completed their duties successfully. The minister reiterated that the government remains accountable to the people and committed to building an inclusive economy with participation from all citizens.

Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Awami League announced the resumption of activities at the party’s Habiganj district office early Wednesday morning. Around 10 to 12 activists gathered in front of the office in the town hall area of Habiganj city, chanted party slogans, and entered the premises to mark the reopening. According to the report, the office had been vandalized and set on fire on August 4, 2024, during student and public protests. Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, the office remained abandoned, and no party activities were conducted as many leaders went into hiding. This marks the first time since the formation of a BNP-led government after the 13th national election that Awami League activists have resumed operations at the district office. Habiganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Delwar Hossain said he was not aware of the incident when contacted.

A Pakistani national has been released after nearly 18 years in an Indian prison, according to a post by the Pakistan High Commission in India on social media platform X. The freed individual, identified as Muhammad Shahid Iqbal Bhatti from Kasur, has already returned to Pakistan. He was welcomed by Pakistani officials upon arrival at the Wagah-Attari border. Bhatti had entered India through Nepal in 2005 and was detained in 2008. The Pakistan High Commission stated that Bhatti’s release and repatriation were achieved through its sustained efforts. Security officials mentioned that he would undergo routine checks before being handed over to his family. The mission reaffirmed its commitment to continue working for the release and return of other Pakistani prisoners held abroad. The case underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts between India and Pakistan concerning the status and repatriation of detained nationals, as highlighted by the High Commission’s statement.

Haji Aminur Rashid Yasin, adviser to the BNP chairperson, has been appointed minister for agriculture, food, and fisheries and livestock. He took oath on Tuesday evening at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, administered by President Md. Shahabuddin. Yasin, a former MP from Cumilla-9, received the position under the technocrat quota despite not being an elected member of parliament. In a phone interview, Yasin said the three ministries are interrelated and that improving agriculture is key to strengthening Bangladesh’s economy. He emphasized that 70 percent of the population depends on agriculture and that better agricultural performance would improve living standards. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for entrusting him with the responsibility and vowed to work hard to fulfill expectations. Yasin previously served in various BNP leadership roles and withdrew his independent candidacy for Cumilla-6 at Rahman’s request to support the party’s nominee. Observers believe his loyalty and long service to the party led to his ministerial appointment.