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.

Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman stated that the trials for crimes against humanity related to the July massacre will continue at a normal pace. He made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to journalists after joining his ministry. The minister emphasized that the sacrifices of those who gave their lives during the July uprising for the establishment of democracy will be honored. He also pledged to strengthen the foundation of democracy in line with the aspirations of the July uprising. The statement underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining the judicial process concerning the July massacre while upholding democratic values and recognizing the contributions of those involved in the movement.

Seven key Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have jointly condemned Israel’s decision to designate parts of the occupied West Bank as “state land” and expand settlements. The condemnation came on Tuesday, just before a Gaza peace summit led by U.S. President Donald Trump. In a joint statement released through Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the foreign ministers of the eight nations described Israel’s move as “illegal” and “highly provocative.” The statement said the unilateral action aims to expand illegal settlements, seize land, and strengthen Israeli control in occupied territories, undermining the legitimate rights of Palestinians. It also cited violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334. The statement further warned that such actions alter the legal, historical, and demographic character of the West Bank, disregard Israel’s obligation to end the occupation, and breach the prohibition on acquiring land by force. It added that unilateral measures threaten the two-state solution, reduce prospects for an independent Palestinian state, and endanger efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Thousands of worshippers gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to perform the first Taraweeh prayers of the holy month of Ramadan. Witnesses said that due to limited space inside the mosque, many prayed outside. Sheikh Yusuf Abu Sneinah led the prayers, while Israeli police were stationed in the mosque compound, as seen in online footage showing officers moving among the worshippers. The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, Sheikh Mohammad Hussein, had earlier announced that Wednesday would mark the first day of Ramadan. The event took place amid rising tensions in occupied East Jerusalem, particularly around the Old City and the Al-Aqsa compound. Israeli authorities have recently intensified security measures, including arrests and temporary bans on religious figures and activists. According to the Jerusalem Governorate, more than 250 orders restricting Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa have been issued since the beginning of 2026. Earlier in the week, Israeli police arrested Al-Aqsa Imam Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abbasi. The International Court of Justice had previously ruled Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories illegal in July 2024, calling for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

A group of Awami League-affiliated activists broke the lock of the Noakhali District Awami League office, hung a banner on the main gate, chanted slogans, and quickly fled the scene on Wednesday morning, February 18, 2026, in Maijdee’s Town Hall area. The incident caused local commotion, and a video of the event was later shared on social media. Police reported that the banner was removed shortly afterward. According to local accounts, the event revived memories of the July 2024 mass uprising, during which armed groups linked to the then-ruling party and law enforcement allegedly carried out widespread repression against protesting students and citizens across Noakhali. The same party office had reportedly been vandalized and locked by protesters just before the fall of the previous government. Police from Sudharam Model Station later detained five individuals connected to the incident, stating that they were already facing multiple cases. The detainees were sent to court on Wednesday afternoon.

Real Madrid earned a 1-0 victory over Benfica at Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz in the first leg of the Champions League knockout playoff, just three weeks after losing 4-2 to the same opponent in the group stage. The win marked a swift turnaround for the Spanish club, which had been forced into the playoff after that earlier defeat. Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain also began their playoff campaign with a 3-2 win against Monaco. Meanwhile, former champions Juventus suffered a heavy 5-2 loss to Turkish side Galatasaray, conceding two goals after Juan Cabal was sent off in the 67th minute. In Germany, Borussia Dortmund defeated Italian club Atalanta 2-0 to strengthen their position in the tie. The results set the stage for decisive second-leg matches as teams aim to secure advancement to the next round of the Champions League knockout phase.

The prosecution has filed a petition with Tribunal-2 to accept the statement given by Sharif Osman Hadi to the investigation officer as evidence in the war crimes case against seven accused, including suspended Awami League General Secretary and former minister Obaidul Quader. Prosecutor Gazi M.H. Tamim confirmed the submission on Wednesday, explaining that Hadi had provided his statement to investigators before being killed, prompting the request for its admission as testimony. The case concerns killings during the July uprising, with all seven accused currently absconding. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury and joined by judges Md. Manjurul Basit and Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir, will hear the petition. The trial began after formal charges were framed on January 22, and the first witness testimony was recorded following the prosecution’s opening statement. The accused include senior leaders from the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League. Earlier hearings detailed allegations of incitement and orders to kill protesters, while defense lawyers denied involvement and sought dismissal due to lack of evidence. The tribunal had previously appointed state defense lawyers after the accused failed to appear.

Sanae Takaichi has been re-elected as Japan’s 105th Prime Minister following a parliamentary vote on Wednesday. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader secured her position during a plenary session of the House of Representatives. She is set to form her second cabinet today and has decided to retain all current ministers without any changes. Takaichi first assumed office as Japan’s 104th Prime Minister in late October of the previous year. On January 23, she dissolved the parliament, leading to a general election held on February 8. The LDP achieved a sweeping victory, winning more than two-thirds of the seats, which paved the way for her re-election. A separate nomination vote was also held in the House of Councillors. As the lower house’s decision takes precedence in case of differing results, Takaichi’s reappointment as Prime Minister was confirmed. Her decision to maintain the existing cabinet signals continuity in her administration’s policies and leadership approach.

Two drivers were killed in a head-on collision between an army truck and a passenger bus in Phulpur, Mymensingh, on Wednesday morning around 10:45 a.m. The accident occurred near Kakli Rice Mill at Balia Mor on the Mymensingh-Haluaghat road. The bus was heading toward Sherpur when the collision left seven to eight passengers seriously injured. The bus driver, who was critically hurt, died while receiving treatment at Phulpur Upazila Health Complex. Army truck driver Sergeant Rezaul was rescued and taken to Tarakanda Upazila Health Complex, where he also died during treatment. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Mamun, army personnel were returning from the Phulpur camp to Mymensingh when the crash occurred. Army, police, and fire service teams promptly reached the site to conduct rescue operations and clear the traffic congestion. Authorities reported that traffic on the Mymensingh-Haluaghat road has since returned to normal, and legal procedures related to the incident are underway.

Denmark’s King Frederik X will begin a three-day visit to Greenland on Wednesday, according to the royal palace. The trip, seen as a symbol of support for the autonomous Danish territory, includes stops in Nuuk, Maniitsoq, and Kangerlussuaq, where the king will visit a Danish military Arctic training center. The visit was announced in late January, when the 57-year-old monarch expressed solidarity with the island’s roughly 57,000 residents. The visit comes amid heightened tensions between Denmark, the United States, and the European Union over Greenland’s vast mineral resources. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously threatened to use force to gain control of the island but later withdrew that threat, though he remains interested in its ownership. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted that Trump views Greenland as strategically vital for U.S. and NATO security against Russia and China. A joint U.S.-Denmark-Greenland working group has been formed to discuss Washington’s Arctic security concerns, though no further details have been disclosed.

Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Bangladesh’s National Parliament and newly elected MP from Comilla-11 (Chouddagram), has traveled to Singapore on a private visit. He was accompanied by his wife, Professor Dr. Habiba Akhter Chowdhury Sweety. Their flight departed for Singapore at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, according to Chouddagram Upazila Jamaat Secretary Belal Hossain. Dr. Taher, a central Naib-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, was elected MP on February 12, 2026, and took oath as a member of parliament and as a member of the July Certificate Implementation Council on February 17. During his stay in Singapore, he is scheduled to undergo routine medical checkups and meet with important local figures and expatriates. He has requested prayers from the people of Chouddagram. According to the report, Dr. Taher plans to return to Bangladesh on February 25, 2026, after completing his personal engagements in Singapore.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Tuesday that Israel will not withdraw even a millimeter from Gaza’s so-called ‘Yellow Line’ until Hamas is completely disarmed. The statement came during a conference, where Katz emphasized that Israel would not allow Hamas to retain weapons or tunnels. The ‘Yellow Line’ refers to the area in eastern Gaza where Israeli forces have been stationed under the first phase of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. According to the plan’s second phase, which began last month, Israel was expected to gradually withdraw from that line. However, Katz’s remarks indicate a firm stance against any withdrawal before Hamas’s disarmament. On Monday, Israeli Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs said the government would give Hamas 60 days to disarm, warning that failure to comply could lead to renewed warfare. The report also stated that since October 8, 2023, Israel, with U.S. support, has conducted a campaign in Gaza that has killed over 72,000 Palestinians and injured more than 171,000, mostly women and children, while destroying about 90 percent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure.

Newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, accompanied by members of his cabinet, paid tribute at the graves of late President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia on Wednesday afternoon. The prime minister placed floral wreaths and offered prayers at the site at 12:05 p.m., marking his first homage visit since assuming office. Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to honor the heroes of the Liberation War. He laid wreaths at the memorial around 11:00 a.m., observed a minute of silence, and later planted a parijat sapling in memory of the martyrs. Cabinet members joined him in paying respects through additional floral offerings. The visits to both the memorial and the gravesites symbolized the new government’s acknowledgment of national history and leadership legacies, as reported by Amar Desh Online.

Iran has summoned Germany’s ambassador in Tehran following a large protest in Munich that Iranian authorities described as anti-Iran activity. The state news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday that Ambassador Axel Dittmann was called to the Foreign Ministry, where officials lodged a strong protest over what they called destructive actions against the Islamic Republic and violations of international law. The protest in Munich last Saturday drew about 250,000 participants, according to police sources, and featured a speech by Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed Shah and a critic of Iran’s current leadership. The IRNA report stated that Dittmann promised to convey Iran’s strong protest and deep dissatisfaction to Berlin. The Munich demonstration came amid ongoing unrest in Iran that began over rising living costs and has evolved into broader anti-government protests. Iranian authorities claim the unrest was fueled by foreign provocation, blaming the United States and Israel. Tehran has acknowledged that more than 3,000 people, including security personnel and civilians, were killed during the unrest, while international organizations estimate the death toll to exceed 7,000, most of them protesters.