Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman secured a two-thirds majority in the 13th national election held on February 12, 2026, following the 2024 student-led uprising. With the Awami League barred from participation, Rahman was sworn in as prime minister on February 17. Analysts note that his political success will depend on reviving the struggling economy amid youth discontent over jobs and corruption.

BNP has pledged to double the economy by 2034, raising GDP from USD 460 billion to USD 1 trillion, requiring 9% annual growth. The party also promised major increases in education and health spending but lacks a credible revenue plan. Economists warn that high interest rates, structural distribution issues, and weak private investment pose serious risks. Agriculture employs 44% of the workforce, and Rahman must ensure fair prices for farmers while controlling food costs.

Remittance inflows have surged to USD 30 billion in 2025, but dependence on Gulf labor markets and corruption in overseas employment remain concerns. Economist Khan Ahmed Sayeed Murshid urged pragmatic reforms and reliable energy supply. Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from LDC status in November 2026 adds further pressure on exports and economic stability.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee called for collective efforts in nation-building despite political differences. Speaking as the chief guest at a civic gathering organized by the Lakshmipur Press Club at the Town Hall auditorium on Saturday, he emphasized that opposing every issue for the sake of opposition hinders progress. He warned that those who create mobs and chaos, obstructing Bangladesh’s development, would become enemies of the country.

Anee, the newly elected Member of Parliament from Lakshmipur-3 (Sadar), took oath as a full minister on February 17. He serves as Joint Secretary General of the BNP central committee and convener of the Lakshmipur district BNP. Although previously elected to parliament twice, this is his first time joining the cabinet.

His remarks highlighted a call for cooperation across political lines to ensure stability and progress, reflecting his new ministerial role following the 13th parliamentary election.

A police officer named Shah Alam, aged 33, was stabbed during a bag search at a checkpoint in the Kutubkhali area of Dhaka’s Jatrabari on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. when four young men approached the checkpoint. Police became suspicious of one of their bags, and as officers attempted to search it, one of the men attacked Shah Alam above his left eye with a knife before fleeing the scene.

The injured officer was first taken to Rajarbagh Police Lines Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. According to Jatrabari Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Raju, efforts are underway to identify the attackers. He added that the assailants also detonated a crude explosive device at the scene. Police have seized the bag involved in the incident, and a case is being prepared.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to locate the suspects and determine the motive behind the attack.

French football legend Zinedine Zidane is reportedly close to fulfilling his long-held dream of coaching the France national team. According to French media reports, the French Football Federation (FFF) has reached a verbal agreement with Zidane for him to take charge after the 2026 World Cup. The change would mark a major shift in French football, with Zidane expected to succeed current coach Didier Deschamps once the tournament concludes.

Zidane, who led France to its first World Cup title in 1998 and another final in 2006, has also enjoyed a highly successful coaching career. He last managed Real Madrid in two separate stints between 2016–2018 and 2019–2021, winning 11 major trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. Despite receiving an offer to coach the United States national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Zidane reportedly declined it.

The reports suggest Zidane’s appointment could bring a new era for French football, combining his legacy as a player with his proven coaching success at the club level.

Dhaka University’s nationalist teachers’ group, Sada Dal, has strongly protested a tribute paid at the Central Shaheed Minar under the banner of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association. In a statement issued on Saturday, Sada Dal leaders Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, and Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar denounced the act as unethical and audacious, arguing that the association currently has no functional committee.

The statement alleged that a few teachers, rejected by most colleagues after the July 2024 mass uprising, used the association’s name to lay wreaths in honor of language martyrs. Sada Dal leaders claimed these individuals lack moral and legal legitimacy, accusing them of opposing student movements during the uprising and playing controversial roles in that political period. They further noted that after the August 5 political change, the group was labeled “publicly discredited,” and a high-level university investigation is ongoing.

Sada Dal urged the university administration to take exemplary disciplinary action based on the inquiry report and to prevent politically controversial teachers or groups from using sensitive university spaces for political activities.

Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan and Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hasan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday. The meeting was disclosed through a post on the verified Facebook page of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

During the meeting, the chiefs of the air and naval forces discussed key issues related to the overall security of the country's airspace and maritime boundaries, the blue economy, protection of marine resources, and the modernization and capacity enhancement of both forces. The Prime Minister praised the professionalism, patriotism, and tireless efforts of the Bangladesh Air Force and Navy in safeguarding the nation’s maritime areas.

The discussion highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening defense capabilities and ensuring the security of national resources, as reflected in the Prime Minister’s appreciation of the armed forces’ contributions.

Bithi, wife of former Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director Shafiqul Rahman, confessed in court to charges of abusing an eleven-year-old domestic worker. Her statement was recorded on Saturday, February 21, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ismail Hossain, who subsequently ordered her to be sent to jail. The confession followed her remand period, after which she voluntarily agreed to give a statement, confirmed by the complainant’s lawyer S.M. Piarul Islam Nasim.

According to the case, the child’s father, Golam Mostafa, had placed his daughter in the Rahman household in June of the previous year. He last saw her healthy on November 2, but later discovered severe injuries on her body when she was returned on January 31. The child alleged that Shafiqul Rahman, Bithi, and others had repeatedly beaten and burned her with heated utensils. Mostafa filed the case on February 1, leading to the arrests of Shafiqul, Bithi, and two others.

Earlier, both Shafiqul and Bithi were placed on remand, and several co-accused, including domestic workers, also gave statements or were sent to jail following interrogation.

Serious allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the construction of a road guide wall under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur. Locals discovered that banana trees were used beneath the brickwork of the wall instead of solid soil or concrete beams. The incident occurred at Char Kakir intersection in Ward 7 of Shiruyail Union and spread widely on social media, drawing strong criticism from residents.

According to local sources, the guide wall construction on the road from Sadekabad through Sipaikandi to Munshikandi began about six months ago and has faced complaints of slow progress and substandard materials. Contractor Alomgir Jamaddar denied ordering such work and promised to rebuild the section properly. LGED officials acknowledged possible irregularities during the election period and said the faulty section would be redone. District Executive Engineer Badal Chandra Kirtania stated that such negligence in government work would not be tolerated, while the Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed that necessary actions were being taken.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and corrective construction has been promised to ensure compliance with proper standards.

Hasnat Abdullah, the newly elected Member of Parliament from Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) and chief organizer of the NCP, posted a short message on his verified Facebook account on February 21, 2026. The post contained only two words, which quickly drew attention and spread rapidly across social media platforms.

Following the post, widespread discussion emerged online, with both supporters and critics reacting to the message. The brief statement became a viral topic, generating significant debate and engagement among users across different political and social circles.

The incident highlights how even minimal social media activity by political figures can trigger large-scale public discourse in Bangladesh’s digital space.

Former coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement and Habiganj district secretary Mahdi Hasan was questioned by Indian officials in New Delhi after being identified at a visa processing center. He had traveled to India to apply for a Portuguese visa and was recognized by someone who recorded a video that later spread on social media. Following this, Indian intelligence officials began monitoring him. According to two sources cited by BBC Bangla, Hasan was not physically harmed but was told that anyone making anti-India remarks or claiming to have killed a Hindu police officer would not be allowed to stay in India.

The sources said Hasan’s Indian visa was canceled the same night, and he was advised to leave the country. He departed for Dhaka on an IndiGo flight on Wednesday afternoon. Hasan later told journalists at Dhaka airport that he had been harassed and felt unsafe in India. He denied rumors about cryptocurrency possession and confirmed that he was also questioned upon returning to Bangladesh.

BBC Bangla reported that attempts to reach Hasan for further comment after his return were unsuccessful.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met with longtime employees of the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday morning at Tejgaon. According to his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, the Prime Minister personally called several staff members by name who had served during former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s tenure 19 years ago. He spoke with them, inquired about their families, and shook hands with one employee who approached him after being recognized from afar.

Before entering the office, the Prime Minister planted trees in the garden. Upon his arrival, officials and employees lined up to greet him. Witnesses described the moment as emotional, noting that the Prime Minister remembered staff who had aged since their earlier service but still recognized them by name. Many were reportedly moved by his gesture and demeanor.

After the meeting, the Prime Minister entered the Red Block, his official chamber, and took his seat to inaugurate a commemorative postage stamp marking the observance of Shaheed Dibosh and International Mother Language Day.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, announced that strict legal action will be taken against extortionists, regardless of their political affiliation. He made the statement on Saturday during a meeting in his constituency, Sirajganj, emphasizing that the government will not tolerate extortion or drug trafficking. The meeting was held at the Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner’s conference room with officials from the district administration, police, and various energy sector agencies including Palli Bidyut, PDB, Petrobangla, NESCO, Nowapjeco, and PGCB.

The minister urged officials to perform their duties with honesty, efficiency, and dedication, noting that citizens expect tangible results rather than promises. He stated that the government has launched a 180-day program aimed at bringing visible changes for the people. Mahmud added that the administration seeks to move beyond traditional practices and build a truly development-oriented society, calling on all stakeholders to contribute actively.

The remarks reflect the government’s commitment to accountability and its focus on curbing corruption and criminal activities within all political circles.

Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Food Minister Amin-ur-Rashid Yasin announced that he will not accept any government salary or allowances during his tenure. Speaking at a press briefing at Comilla Circuit House on Saturday, February 21, 2026, he stated that since becoming minister, he has been using his own car and personally purchased fuel, avoiding the use of government vehicles and related expenses.

Yasin highlighted his role in establishing Comilla’s first export-oriented factory and credited local encouragement for sparking an industrial transformation in the region. He also emphasized Comilla’s pioneering role in modern agriculture, referencing Dr. Akhtar Hameed Khan’s irrigation projects and the internationally recognized “Comilla Model.” Yasin described himself as a farmer and pledged to prioritize agricultural development across the country.

The minister further announced plans to build cold storage facilities to help Comilla’s farmers preserve their crops and expressed his commitment to maintaining the city’s historic reputation as the “city of tanks and banks.”

Members of the banned student organization Chhatra League entered the central Shaheed Minar of Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) on Saturday afternoon, carrying floral wreaths and chanting slogans. Among them were two women wearing burqas. The group placed flowers at the monument while singing a song associated with February 21. Police later arrived at the scene but did not detain anyone.

A video posted by a Chhatra League leader named Khalid Hossain Antor showed 15–20 activists walking toward the CVASU Shaheed Minar with a wreath labeled “Pushpastabok Concert from Metropolitan Chhatra League.” In a separate incident, some Chhatra League members attempted to pay tribute at the central Shaheed Minar near the city’s public library, but police reportedly prevented them because their wreaths lacked name tags.

Khulshi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Islam said he inspected the CVASU site but found no flowers from the group, suggesting they might have left earlier. He confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Member of Parliament ATM Azharul Islam stated that the government’s disregard for the July Charter will be discussed in parliament once the session begins. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while speaking to journalists at Saidpur Airport after receiving a floral reception from party activists. Azharul Islam said that during the referendum following the July movement, the public had supported the charter with a ‘yes’ vote, and several political parties had pledged to implement it. He warned that if any party in power denies that commitment, necessary measures will be taken through parliamentary discussion.

He argued that without the July movement, many people would not have enjoyed freedom of expression in the current political context. Rejecting the July Charter, he said, would mean rejecting the election itself. Azharul Islam also expressed gratitude to his supporters in Badarganj and Taraganj and pledged to work for local development without discrimination. He emphasized that government officials must remain neutral and serve all citizens equally, while the administration should act firmly against drugs.

He further stated that he represents both voters and non-voters alike and vowed not to exert any undue pressure on the administration.