Indian diplomat and intellectual Jahar Sarkar has offered a detailed analysis of Bangladesh’s recent political changes and election results. Speaking from Kolkata, he advised that India should patiently rebuild its long-standing friendship with Dhaka while avoiding overt involvement in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. Sarkar emphasized that the political deadlock surrounding Sheikh Hasina needs swift resolution so that bilateral relations are not hindered.

According to Sarkar, India’s policy is undergoing a significant shift as Delhi realizes the risks of relying on a single political figure. After a year of distance, India is now showing greater interest in engaging with the BNP, which he observed has adopted a more moderate stance. He also noted that Jamaat-e-Islami is attempting to improve its image despite limited electoral success, with its growing influence in border areas posing concern for India.

Sarkar expressed mixed views on Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s interim government, praising institutional reforms and the popular “July Charter” but noting shortcomings in law enforcement and bilateral management. He urged India to normalize border trade, ease visa access, and support Bangladesh’s economic stability under Tarique Rahman’s new government.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to expedite the launch of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third Terminal, which has faced years of delay due to management and contractual complications. The directive came after a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka, attended by key ministers and aviation officials. Aviation experts said the terminal could open soon if an operator is appointed promptly or if talks with the Japanese consortium are resumed.

The Third Terminal, 99 percent complete, has been stalled by disagreements over operational terms with a Japanese consortium that sought high landing charges, revenue sharing, and control over commercial spaces. The Anti-Corruption Commission has also decided to investigate allegations of misappropriation of about Tk 4,500 crore from the project. Additionally, an international arbitration board has ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh to pay Tk 1,650 crore to a foreign contractor following a dispute.

Design flaws, including the absence of mobile network coverage inside the terminal, are being corrected, which may take another six to seven months. Once operational, the terminal is expected to double the airport’s passenger and cargo handling capacity.

Barcelona regained the top spot in the 2025/26 La Liga season after a commanding 3–0 victory over Levante. The Catalan side dominated from the start, with young midfielder Marc Bernal opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Frenkie de Jong doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, and Fermín López sealed the win in the 81st minute. The three points lifted Barcelona one point ahead of Real Madrid, strengthening their position in the title race.

In the English Premier League, Liverpool secured a dramatic 1–0 win against Nottingham Forest away from home. Despite being under pressure for much of the match, Liverpool’s defense and goalkeeper held firm. In the final moments, Alexis Mac Allister scored from close range after a rebound to secure the victory. The result moved Liverpool to sixth place in the league table with 45 points from 27 matches, boosting their push for a top-four finish. Arsenal also won 4–1 against Tottenham to remain at the top of the standings.

The new government has decided to replace International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam with a new appointee. Advocate Aminul Islam is being considered for the position, according to information shared by British journalist David Bergman on his Facebook profile on Sunday night. A source said Tajul Islam has been informally informed about the decision, though he has not made any public comment. Law Minister Mohammad Asaduzzaman reportedly called Tajul Islam to his office on Sunday to convey the government’s interest in appointing a new chief prosecutor.

Aminul Islam previously served as a member of the legal team defending BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in her corruption case, in which she was sentenced to prison. The report indicates that the government’s decision reflects a shift in the leadership of the ICT’s prosecution wing.

Further details on the timing of the appointment or official confirmation from the government were not available at the time of reporting.

A local BNP leader was shot and injured in Dhaka on Sunday night. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. in front of a shoe market opposite Bashundhara Shopping Mall under Kalabagan Police Station. The victim, Md. Shafiqul Rahman, 55, serves as the joint general secretary of Ward No. 16 BNP. Witnesses said locals rescued the bloodied Rahman and first took him to Comfort Hospital before transferring him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Inspector Md. Faruk, in charge of the DMCH police outpost, confirmed that Rahman is receiving treatment in the emergency department. The bullet struck his left palm. Authorities have not yet identified who carried out the attack or the motive behind it.

According to available information, Rahman’s ancestral home is in Sidlai area of Burichang upazila in Cumilla district, and his father’s name is Mofidul Islam.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has invited Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to visit New Delhi. The invitation was conveyed by Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma during a courtesy meeting with Rahman on Sunday afternoon. The meeting took place as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries.

According to a statement issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday evening, High Commissioner Verma expressed his government’s readiness to work closely with Bangladesh’s new administration to further advance bilateral cooperation. Minister Rahman emphasized Bangladesh’s intention to build a forward-looking and balanced partnership based on mutual interests for the welfare of both nations’ peoples.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular and constructive communication to strengthen bilateral relations. The invitation marks a continuation of diplomatic efforts to deepen cooperation between Bangladesh and India.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has finalized its preliminary mayoral candidates for the upcoming Dhaka North and South City Corporation elections. Party leaders confirmed that senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib has been selected for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), while Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has been chosen for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Adib previously contested the Dhaka-18 parliamentary seat under the 11-party alliance, securing 111,297 votes despite losing to the BNP candidate. He has also represented the party in urban and environmental forums and was an organizer in the July uprising and anti-fascist movements.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, a frontline participant in the July 2024 uprising and former adviser to the post-uprising government, currently serves as NCP’s spokesperson. A central leader of the party, speaking anonymously, said NCP is preparing its nominations assuming the city polls will be held after Ramadan. The party plans to contest the elections in coordination with the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance and will finalize councilor candidates before holding talks with alliance partners.

The NCP’s early candidate announcements indicate its readiness to engage in alliance-based local electoral strategies in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has expressed a special interest in sending Bangladeshi workers to Japan. The announcement came during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday, followed by a follow-up session on Sunday at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. The meeting, chaired by Senior Secretary Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, was attended by Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury and State Minister Md. Nurul Haque.

Discussions highlighted Japan’s projected need for about 11 million young workers by 2040 and Bangladesh’s current surplus of 2.3 million youth laborers. The meeting focused on transforming unskilled workers into skilled manpower for deployment abroad, particularly to Japan. It was noted that 53 Technical Training Centers (TTCs) are now offering Japanese language and skill training, up from 33 previously, though there remains a shortage of language instructors.

Participants also discussed collaboration with 200 private training centers and recruiting agencies to expand training capacity. A comprehensive action plan is being prepared for submission to the Prime Minister within seven days, with progress reviews scheduled every two working days.

Dr. Shah Muhammad Aman Ullah, an orthopedic specialist and medical officer at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, has been appointed as the Senior Medical Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office. The appointment was announced on Sunday, February 22, through a notification signed by Mohammad Nur-e-Alam, Deputy Secretary (Deputation-1) of the Ministry of Public Administration.

According to related sources, Dr. Aman Ullah will oversee healthcare services for the officials and employees of the Prime Minister’s Office and coordinate emergency medical support. His role is considered important for ensuring the smooth delivery of health services within the office.

The report notes that Dr. Aman Ullah has previously provided continuous medical care to numerous injured leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organizations during the anti-fascist movement. Known for his modesty, he is described as a trusted physician of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Workers, owners, and residents of Dhaka’s Adabor area surrounded the local police station overnight demanding justice after an armed attack on a garment factory. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when members of a local gang allegedly led by Kala Russell entered the Abir Embroidery factory and injured several workers with sharp weapons after the owner refused to pay extortion money. Two workers, Tofayel and Hafiz Ahmed, were seriously wounded while trying to resist the attackers.

Following the attack, protesters gathered outside Adabor Police Station, chanting slogans throughout the night for the arrest of the culprits. Police later detained five members of the youth gang and confirmed that a case had been filed. According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the attack took place during workers’ salary distribution, and operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Authorities said the situation was brought under control after security forces intervened. The factory owner, Mostafizur Rahman Zohir, who is also the general secretary of the embroidery owners’ association, lodged the complaint that led to the arrests.

A secret banner announcing the reopening of the banned Bangladesh Awami League’s Charfassion upazila office in Bhola was discovered early Sunday, February 22, 2026. Locals believe it was placed late the previous night on the wall of the party’s old office on College Road. The banner bore the name of a central Jubo League member, Md. Nazmul Hossain Jewel. Witnesses said those who hung it left quickly, and the banner was later removed by a local Jubo Dal leader before noon.

The incident stirred significant local reaction. Anti-fascist activists on social media described it as an attempt to disturb Charfassion’s peaceful environment. Former BNP upazila secretary Motahar Hossain Alamgir Maltia and NCP youth coordinator Shahadat Khondaker Monju condemned the act and demanded that authorities identify those responsible. Police confirmed they were investigating after being alerted.

The office had been unused since protesters vandalized it during the August 5, 2024 uprising. It was briefly used by the NCP’s local branch before being locked again, leaving its current status uncertain.

Police in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area arrested a man accused of demanding extortion money from several local businessmen and paraded him through the streets on Sunday. The suspect, identified as Faruk alias Kala Faruk, was detained in an operation in Keraniganj’s Kolatia area. Mohammadpur Police Station’s officer-in-charge announced through loudspeakers that an extortionist had been caught and urged residents not to pay anyone demanding money.

According to Mohammadpur Zone Assistant Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun, Faruk and his associates had been threatening businesses in the Bosila Garden City area for extortion. After CCTV footage of several incidents spread on social media, Faruk went into hiding. Following public criticism, police tracked him down and arrested him. Mamun described Faruk as a known extortionist and said the public announcement was meant to warn others involved in similar crimes.

Police officials said the initiative aimed to send a strong message that no one involved in extortion or land grabbing would be spared.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke by phone with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released on Sunday. During the conversation, Dar congratulated Rahman on his recent assumption of office and both sides agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across various sectors.

The two ministers emphasized building a forward-looking partnership focused on peace, stability, and prosperity. They exchanged views on enhancing mutual collaboration, including in trade and multilateral forums. The statement highlighted their shared commitment to developing a progressive partnership for the welfare of the peoples of both countries.

The discussion underscored a mutual interest in deepening engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, signaling a renewed diplomatic effort to advance cooperation in multiple areas of shared interest.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) has declared that no irregularities will be tolerated in the upcoming Hajj operations. Speaking at a meeting with ministry officials on Sunday afternoon at the Secretariat, he said that anyone found responsible for even the slightest deviation in Hajj management will face disciplinary action. The minister emphasized that the same standard of accountability applies to all government duties, warning that negligence in any official responsibility will not be excused.

During the meeting, the minister urged officials to perform their duties sincerely for the satisfaction of Allah and to ensure their earnings remain lawful. He criticized the tendency of some officers to appear compliant without contributing meaningfully to the ministry or the country. He encouraged open communication, inviting officials to discuss any personal or professional issues directly with him and to point out if any directive seems unlawful.

Senior officials, including the Religious Affairs Secretary Md. Kamal Uddin and several additional secretaries from different divisions, were present at the meeting.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has alleged that several advisers of the interim government engaged in election engineering to defeat the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Speaking to journalists on Sunday afternoon at the inauguration of a playground and walkway in Halishahar, he said that despite such efforts, the people had countered the engineering and expressed their support for Tarique Rahman as the future prime minister of Bangladesh.

Dr. Hossain rejected claims that the BNP manipulated the national election, asserting that as a part of the government, he could confirm that no such engineering was done by the party. He reiterated that the attempts by interim government advisers to influence the outcome had failed. Addressing the upcoming Chattogram City Corporation election, he said he wanted a credible and fair vote to test his popularity among residents.

The mayor added that although his term legally extends until 2029, he prefers to hold elections sooner in the spirit of democracy and has already requested an early poll.