Following the announcement of the full cabinet of the new government, it was revealed that 25 districts across Bangladesh have no direct representation through ministers or state ministers. Despite the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) forming the government with an absolute majority in the 13th National Parliament, several regions were left without cabinet inclusion. Tarique Rahman took oath as Prime Minister on Tuesday before the President, leading a cabinet where more than one-third of the country’s districts remain unrepresented. Analysis of the party’s published list shows that northern districts such as Kurigram, Nilphamari, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Chapainawabganj, Meherpur, Satkhira, and Chuadanga saw no BNP victories, leaving no scope for ministerial appointments. Even BNP strongholds like Noakhali and major districts like Khulna were excluded despite electoral wins. In Gopalganj, Madaripur, and Shariatpur, where BNP secured multiple seats, no ministers were chosen. However, Faridpur and Rajbari each received one state minister. In Dhaka, Sheikh Robiul Alam was appointed full minister for road, rail, and waterways, while four others became state ministers, including technocrat Aminul Haque. Yet, several Dhaka areas and nearby districts like Munshiganj, Narayanganj, and Gazipur remain without cabinet representation.

The White Panel, a group of teachers at Jagannath University who believe in Bangladeshi nationalism, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his newly formed cabinet. The message followed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) sweeping victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, where the party formed a government on its own. The congratulatory statement was issued on Tuesday by Professor Mostafa Hasan, vice-president of the panel, and Professor Md. Roich Uddin, its general secretary. According to the statement, the White Panel leaders praised the spontaneous participation of the Bangladeshi people in the election, held after 17 years, and viewed the result as a restoration of voting rights and freedom of expression. They expressed optimism that under the new prime minister’s leadership, the government would work for the welfare of the people, uphold national history and heritage, and foster new national unity. The leaders also expressed hope that Jagannath University, founded by the new prime minister’s mother, would see significant development under his leadership.

Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat to Girona on Monday night at Estadio Municipal de Montilivi, losing their top position in the Spanish La Liga standings. The Catalan club, previously one point ahead, dropped to second place with 58 points from 24 matches, while Real Madrid moved two points clear at the top with 60 points. Despite taking an early lead and attempting 26 shots, coach Hansi Flick’s side could not avoid defeat. Girona matched Barcelona’s intensity throughout the match, with goalkeeper Joan Garcia making several crucial saves to deny at least seven clear scoring chances. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal missed a penalty in first-half injury time, hitting the post, which could have secured at least one point for the visitors. The loss marked Barcelona’s first league defeat after leading a match since December 21, 2014, when they lost 2-1 to Atlético Madrid. The result leaves Barcelona under pressure in the title race, as Real Madrid’s earlier 4-1 win over Real Sociedad ensured their return to the top of the table.

Former national football captain Aminul Haque has officially taken charge as Bangladesh’s State Minister for Youth and Sports. After being sworn in at the National Parliament on February 17, 2026, he held a press conference at his Mirpur residence, announcing his goal to build a sports-friendly Bangladesh. He emphasized collaboration among sports journalists, athletes, organizers, and the public to promote a culture of sports across the nation. Aminul outlined plans to make sports compulsory from the fourth grade, incorporating five events including cricket and football, while prioritizing three other disciplines with potential for success in the Asian Games and Olympics. He also discussed the future of cricketers Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, describing them as legendary players and expressing hope for a state-level resolution to facilitate their return to the country. The new minister said he would soon meet with all sports federations and journalists to develop coordinated plans and assign responsibilities for implementing his sports development agenda.

A Jamaat supporter named Abbas Uddin, aged 55, died on Tuesday afternoon while undergoing treatment at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Dhaka, five days after being severely burned in an arson attack at his fish farm in Lakshmipur. The incident occurred last Wednesday night at Jitu Agro Fish Farm in Char Ramani Mohan Union of Sadar upazila, where unidentified assailants allegedly set fire to the house on the farm. Abbas’s wife and other family members escaped, but he was trapped inside and sustained serious burns before being taken to Dhaka for advanced treatment. According to his son, Elahi Prince, Abbas was a member of Jamaat in Lakshmipur Municipality’s Ward 6, while his wife, Sultana Razia Lucky, serves as the local women’s wing president. Prince claimed his father was targeted for his political affiliation and described him as a martyr. Lakshmipur Jamaat city leader Abul Farah Nishan said the attack occurred on the eve of the election and confirmed Abbas’s political involvement. Police said they were aware of the incident but had not yet received a formal complaint. Authorities stated that legal action would follow once a written complaint is filed.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has issued a gazette announcing the dissolution of the current interim government. The order, signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani on behalf of the President, was published on the division’s website on Tuesday night. According to the gazette, the President has appointed Tarique Rahman, a member of parliament who commands the confidence of the majority in the 13th National Parliament, as the new Prime Minister under Article 56(3) of the Constitution. The gazette further states that with the formation of the new government under Rahman’s leadership, the advisory council of the interim administration will be considered dissolved. A separate gazette has also been issued confirming Rahman’s appointment as Prime Minister. Following the announcement, preparations were reported underway at the Secretariat to welcome the new Prime Minister, while his official Facebook page of the Chief Adviser’s Office was declared closed.

Fourteen legendary former Test cricket captains have written to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging that former captain, cricket icon, and ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan be provided with proper medical treatment and minimum human dignity. The letter, sent on February 17, 2026, expresses growing concern over Khan’s deteriorating health, particularly reports of worsening eyesight during his imprisonment over the past two and a half years. In their letter, the captains highlighted Imran Khan’s immense contribution to cricket, recalling his leadership in guiding Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup. They described that triumph as a symbol of skill, leadership, patience, and sportsmanship that continues to inspire generations. The signatories also noted his service as Pakistan’s Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, acknowledging his democratic election and leadership during challenging times. The letter was signed by Michael Atherton, Allan Border, Mike Brearley, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Belinda Clark, Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Kim Hughes, Nasser Hussain, Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Steve Waugh, and John Wright.

The English Premier League has announced that it will again allow short in-game breaks during matches throughout the holy month of Ramadan to enable Muslim players and officials to break their fast. The arrangement will begin this week as Ramadan starts and continue for the entire month. Team captains and match officials will jointly decide before each game whether a break is needed and at what point it should occur. The designated time for iftar will not be treated as a tactical timeout or a regular water break. Matches will not be stopped mid-play, but a short pause will be allowed at the first natural stoppage, such as a goal kick, free kick, or throw-in, near sunset. In the United Kingdom, sunset during Ramadan is expected between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. GMT, so matches starting around 4:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. will include this brief pause. This practice was first introduced in 2021, when Leicester City and Crystal Palace players were allowed to break their fast during a match, marking the beginning of this inclusive initiative.

Dr. Atiq Mujahid, Member of Parliament for Kurigram-2 and Joint Convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), visited the grave of martyr Osman Hadi on Tuesday night, February 17, 2026, after taking his parliamentary oath. Standing beside the grave around 9 p.m., he offered prayers and became emotional during the visit. During the prayer, Dr. Mujahid asked for divine guidance to embody the ideals, honesty, courage, and competence of martyr Osman Hadi. He expressed hope that he and others could contribute effectively to building a just, humane, and prosperous Bangladesh inspired by Hadi’s vision. He also prayed for the emergence of qualified and dedicated representatives across all 300 constituencies who would serve the nation with integrity and commitment to truth and justice. Several NCP leaders, including Joint Convener Nizam Uddin, Joint Member Secretary Zainal Abedin Shishir, Joint Chief Coordinator Mahabub Alam, and member Konok, were present during the visit.

Bangladesh’s new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has appointed his Personal Secretary-1, Assistant Personal Secretary-1, and Protocol Officer-1. The Ministry of Public Administration issued three separate notifications on Tuesday announcing the appointments. Joint Secretary Miah Muhammad Ashraf Reza Faridi has been named as Personal Secretary-1, Senior Assistant Secretary Mohammad Mamun Shibli as Assistant Personal Secretary-1, and Senior Assistant Secretary Md. Uzzal Hossain as Protocol Officer-1. Each appointment will remain effective as long as the Prime Minister holds office or wishes to retain them in their respective positions. The appointments come on the same day the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formed a new government after winning more than two-thirds of the seats in the 13th parliamentary election. The new cabinet consists of 50 members, including 25 ministers and 24 state ministers. This marks the BNP’s fourth term in government and the first time its chairperson, Tarique Rahman, has assumed the role of Prime Minister. The administrative appointments signal the beginning of the new Prime Minister’s office operations following the formation of the BNP-led government.

Australia has been eliminated from the T20 World Cup group stage for the first time after Zimbabwe secured a spot in the Super Eight. The decisive moment came when the Zimbabwe-Ireland match in Pallekele was abandoned due to rain, resulting in both teams sharing points. That single point allowed Zimbabwe to surpass Australia and qualify for the next round. Australia’s earlier defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka had already placed their qualification hopes in jeopardy, leaving players and fans waiting in their hotel rooms for a favorable outcome that never came. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza expressed that the team is not content with merely reaching the Super Eight. Speaking after the rain-affected match, he described the qualification as a small achievement and emphasized their focus on adapting to different conditions and improving performance. Raza also highlighted the motivation the team draws from their supporters and reaffirmed their commitment to representing Zimbabwe proudly. The result marks a historic milestone for Zimbabwe and a disappointing early exit for Australia, reshaping the tournament’s competitive landscape.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam has accused the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of violating its commitment by not taking the oath for the Constitutional Reform Council. Speaking at a post-oath press briefing in the National Parliament complex on Tuesday, he said BNP’s refusal disregarded the referendum result that supported constitutional reform and breached a key public promise. Nahid Islam argued that the BNP’s decision created both legal and constitutional complications, as the July National Charter Order clearly required that members of parliament and the reform council take their oaths together if the referendum’s “yes” vote prevailed. He noted that BNP had signed and accepted this order but was now offering contradictory explanations about the referendum’s legitimacy. He further criticized the inclusion of Dr. Khalilur Rahman in the BNP cabinet, calling it unethical and evidence of election engineering. Jamaat-e-Islami’s deputy leader Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher echoed this view, while opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and other MPs were present at the briefing.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has criticized the inclusion of Khalilur Rahman in the new government’s cabinet, saying it exposes the political ‘engineering’ behind the constitutional reform process. He made the remarks on Tuesday after taking oath as a member of the National Parliament and the Constitutional Reform Council. Nahid Islam stated that by not taking oath in the Constitutional Reform Council, the government broke its promise on the very first day of formation. He added that this breach not only violated political commitments but also created legal complications. He further said that the explanation given by the BNP regarding its participation in the referendum after signing the constitutional reform order was unacceptable. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher also commented that Khalilur Rahman’s joining the BNP-led government, after serving as security adviser in the interim administration, was unethical.

French-inspired artisan bakery and café brand La Delicia has launched a new outlet in Dhaka’s Aftabnagar. The opening ceremony took place on Tuesday with the participation of the company’s Chief Executive Director Mannujan Nargis, representatives from the marketing and sales departments, invited guests, loyal customers, and media personnel. According to Mannujan Nargis, customers in the Aftabnagar area had long requested a local outlet, prompting the company to open this new branch to strengthen its connection with the community. The outlet will offer La Delicia’s signature products, including classic and customized cakes, fresh pastries, handcrafted donuts, artisan cookies, premium desserts, and a variety of savory items. To mark the opening, the Aftabnagar outlet is offering a 10 percent savings promotion on February 17 and 18. Customers can shop directly at the outlet or place online orders through the brand’s website and Facebook page for home delivery of cakes and other baked goods.

Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has been appointed as Bangladesh’s new Education Minister, along with responsibility for the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education. The appointment came on February 17, 2026, shortly after he took oath as a Member of Parliament. Milan won the Chandpur-1 (Kachua) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, contesting under the ‘paddy sheaf’ symbol. He secured 133,162 votes across 110 polling centers, defeating his nearest rival Abu Nasar Ashrafi, who received 67,077 votes. Milan is a politician, writer, and former State Minister for Education who previously served in that role from 2001 to 2006. Born in Kachua, Chandpur, in 1957, he completed his education in Bangladesh and the United States, earning an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology and later a PhD in Political Science from the International Islamic University Malaysia. His doctoral research focused on the role of technical and vocational education in Bangladesh’s socio-economic development. He first entered parliament in 1996 as a Bangladesh Nationalist Party nominee and currently serves as the party’s International Affairs Secretary.