Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has announced a firm stance against illegal billboards and unauthorized advertisements to make the city more organized, visually appealing, and clean. He stated that regular eviction drives will be conducted to remove unapproved billboards, banners, and posters across the city, with the goal of gradually making Chattogram completely free of billboards. The announcement came on Thursday afternoon during his inspection of an eviction drive against illegal billboards in the Kazi Deuri area.

Before the inspection, the mayor instructed the executive magistrates and relevant departments of the City Corporation to take necessary actions. The operation was carried out jointly by the magistrate team, engineering department, cleaning department, and law enforcement agencies. During the drive, various unauthorized billboards, banners, and posters that had been installed for a long time were removed.

The initiative is part of the City Corporation’s broader plan to enhance urban aesthetics and maintain a cleaner environment in Chattogram through coordinated enforcement efforts.

The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has expressed deep concern over the decision by Ekhon TV to place four of its journalists on compulsory leave and bar them from entering the newsroom. The statement, issued on Thursday by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, identified the affected journalists as Md Mujahidul Islam (Shuvo), Mahmud Rakib, Mohammad Azharuzzaman (Azhar Limon), and Belayet Hossain. The first three are permanent members of the DRU.

According to the DRU statement, the action was taken in connection with old Facebook posts by the journalists, which the organization described as an unwarranted measure. The leaders said that punishing journalists for expressing opinions contradicts the principles of media freedom and violates their right to free expression. They welcomed the information minister’s assurance to take action and emphasized that media institutions should uphold journalists’ dignity and professional rights.

The DRU leaders demanded that Ekhon TV immediately reinstate the journalists and withdraw the decision. They warned that if the decision is not reversed, the organization will take necessary steps to protect its members’ interests.

A local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Nilphamari has said that the party does not accept any referendum, a comment that quickly went viral and drew criticism. Shafiqul Islam Kajol, president of the Bhogdaburi Union BNP in Domar upazila, made the remark in a video circulated on social media on Thursday. In the clip, he claimed that BNP’s defeat in Nilphamari and the Rangpur division was preplanned despite strong voter support, while acknowledging some internal weaknesses.

Kajol also linked the party’s poor performance to dissatisfaction over candidate nominations, citing internal disputes in the Domar-Dimla constituency. He alleged that several BNP activists were recently assaulted and hospitalized, with related cases still under trial. Criticizing Jamaat-e-Islami, he questioned how a force defeated in 1971 could seek state power and said the nation would not accept it. He reiterated that BNP rejects any “yes-no” vote or referendum and mentioned that calls for protests were emerging nationwide.

When contacted, district BNP convening committee member Riazul Islam Kalu said he had not seen the video and ended the call when asked about the party’s stance on the referendum.

Prime Minister’s wife Zubaida Rahman and her daughter Zaima Rahman joined orphan students for iftar on Thursday at Jamia Qurbaniya Talimiya Dawra Hadis Women’s Madrasa and Orphanage in West Bhashantek, Dhaka. The event was confirmed by BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan.

According to the report, Dhaka-17 constituency’s Member of Parliament Tarique Rahman has arranged for local BNP units to provide iftar, dinner, and sehri throughout Ramadan to 14 orphanages and Hafezia madrasas in Karail slum and Bhashantek. Before the meal, Zubaida and Zaima Rahman spoke with the orphan students.

In previous years, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and central leaders held iftar gatherings with orphans and religious scholars on the first day of Ramadan, but no such central event took place this year.

Former German footballer Mesut Ozil and Turkish President’s son Necmettin Bilal Erdogan’s convoy was involved in a road accident on Thursday evening, February 19, 2026, in the Kutupalong area of Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf highway while they were returning after attending an iftar with Rohingya refugees. Police reported that a motorized rickshaw collided with the VIP convoy, leaving the rickshaw driver injured, though no one in the delegation, including Ozil, was hurt.

According to Shahpari Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam, the rickshaw was seized following the accident, and the injured driver received local medical treatment. Authorities have initiated an investigation and will take necessary legal action. Earlier in the day, Ozil and an 11-member Turkish delegation visited several Rohingya camps, played football with refugees at Camp 4, and joined them for iftar in the evening.

Police confirmed that the accident caused no injuries among the visiting delegation, and the situation was brought under control promptly.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has instructed all Polish citizens currently in Iran to leave the country without delay. In a warning issued on Thursday, he said that due to the growing risk of armed conflict, it might become impossible to evacuate citizens within hours if the situation deteriorates. Tusk urged Poles not to travel to Iran under any circumstances.

The warning followed a report published Wednesday by U.S. media outlet Axios, which suggested that the likelihood of military conflict between the United States and Iran was much higher than most Americans believed. The report also indicated that a large-scale attack could begin within weeks.

Tusk’s directive reflects heightened international concern over potential instability in the region, with governments closely monitoring developments that could affect their nationals in Iran.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has congratulated Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. In a letter shared by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on social media platform X on Thursday, Starmer expressed his desire to strengthen the Bangladesh–UK partnership and advance shared priorities.

In his message, Starmer highlighted the long-standing and close relationship between the two countries, expressing confidence that cooperation would deepen under Rahman’s leadership. He emphasized expanding trade and investment ties, noting the UK’s position as one of Bangladesh’s largest foreign investors. Starmer also welcomed opportunities for collaboration in tackling illegal migration, combating climate change, and enhancing defense and security relations.

The UK Prime Minister further commended Bangladesh for its generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees and reaffirmed the UK’s continued support. He said he looked forward to the next chapter of partnership between the two nations.

Nahid Islam, Chief Whip of the Opposition in Bangladesh’s National Parliament and convener of the National Congress Party (NCP), stated that if the referendum is annulled, the recent election will also become questionable. He made the remarks on Thursday at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. Islam urged the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to make the parliament functional as soon as possible and to take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council before convening the next session.

He alleged that although the voting process in the 13th national election was fair, manipulation occurred in the results. Despite this, he said the NCP accepted the outcome in the interest of democracy and national stability. Islam also accused the BNP of deceiving the people by not taking oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, claiming that this act betrayed both the citizens and those supporting constitutional reform.

The remarks reflect ongoing political tension over the legitimacy of the election and the functioning of key parliamentary and constitutional bodies.

A Sylhet court has issued a show-cause notice to District Commissioner Md. Sarowar Alam for failing to provide information about the executive magistrate who allegedly ordered gunfire during an anti-discrimination student movement in Golapganj. The order was given by Senior Judicial Magistrate Sudipta Talukdar of Sylhet Amli Court No. 2 on February 8, and the matter became public on February 19, 2026.

The court noted that the district commissioner’s failure to supply the requested information and documents to the investigating officer has delayed the investigation of a case filed on August 29, 2024. The delay has prevented the start of judicial proceedings. The court described the non-compliance as a punishable offense amounting to contempt of court. The notice directed the district commissioner to explain in writing within 15 days why legal or departmental action should not be taken against him.

Md. Sarowar Alam acknowledged hearing about the show-cause order and said a response would be submitted to the court.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the party would stand for the country’s 180 million people if any action went against their interests. Speaking as the chief guest at an iftar event in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Thursday, February 19, he stated that Jamaat, as a responsible opposition, would fully support the government in advancing national progress and building a corruption-free country.

Rahman emphasized that neither the government nor the opposition should allow any situation that harms the public. He said the opposition was prepared to resist if national interests were undermined. He added that Jamaat would cooperate with the government in all positive initiatives but would build resistance where necessary, while hoping such circumstances would not arise.

According to Rahman, the opposition seeks to cooperate with the government but remains vigilant to ensure accountability whenever national interests are at risk.

The Dhaka Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board has announced that the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination form fill-up will start on March 1 and continue until March 9. The notice, published on February 19 on the board’s official website, states that students can complete the process online. Those who miss the initial deadline may submit their forms with a late fee between March 11 and March 18. Fees can be paid through Sonali Seba until March 18.

According to the announcement, only students with valid registrations are eligible to fill out the form. Any candidate attempting to sit for subjects outside their registration will have those exams canceled without further communication. The notice also mentions that physically disabled, cerebral palsy, or special-needs students registered with the Department of Social Services may be exempted from participating in selection tests. Educational institutions may arrange subject-based model tests to enhance student preparation, but participation is not mandatory, and no additional fees may be charged.

The board’s directive aims to ensure a transparent and accessible process for all eligible HSC candidates under the 2026 examination cycle.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced three top priorities for Bangladesh’s education sector: creating an environment to bring students back to classrooms, reviewing the national curriculum, and modernizing technical education. He made the announcement on Thursday during a press briefing at the Ministry of Education in Dhaka, where he also addressed questions from journalists.

The minister said teacher transfers within the ministry will be managed through an automatic app-based system to prevent corruption, ensuring merit-based and transparent processes. He added that the transfer process for MPO-listed teachers would be launched as soon as possible. Regarding teacher movements for demands, he urged teachers to focus on teaching rather than protests, assuring that legitimate demands would be considered.

State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj outlined twelve plans of the new government, emphasizing education as the state’s primary investment and the foundation for nation-building. These include implementing a “One Teacher, One Tab” policy, introducing a third language, making sports compulsory at the secondary level, reforming curriculum and examinations, and strengthening accountability in higher education.

Road Transport and Communications Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that money collected from transport operators on roads through mutual understanding should not be considered extortion, but if anyone is forced to pay, that constitutes extortion. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon during a press briefing at his office in the Secretariat while responding to journalists’ questions.

The minister explained that transport owners’ and workers’ associations collect funds for their welfare, describing it as an unwritten practice rather than extortion. He acknowledged that there may be debate over how the money is used but emphasized that the process is based on mutual consent. He also noted that influence often depends on which group or party is in power, giving dominance to affiliated labor organizations.

Robiul Alam further said that no external group is allowed to exert pressure or collect money within areas under the ministry’s jurisdiction. If owners collect funds by agreement, the ministry will review whether anyone is being deprived or if the funds are being misused. He also discussed traffic congestion caused by roadside markets and said measures will be taken to bring order.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a four-member committee to investigate corruption allegations against Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). The order, issued on Thursday, states that the ministry’s Additional Secretary (Grade-1) will serve as the committee’s chair.

Other members include the Principal Information Officer of the Press Information Department, the Director General of the Department of Mass Communication, and the Senior Assistant Secretary (Press-1) of the ministry, who will act as member secretary. The committee has been tasked with thoroughly reviewing the allegations, collecting statements from relevant parties, and conducting necessary inquiries.

According to the directive, the committee must submit a comprehensive report with recommendations by February 25, 2026. The ministry emphasized that the investigation should be impartial, transparent, and fair.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has expressed optimism that the proceedings of the International Crimes Tribunal will continue without interruption. Speaking to reporters on Thursday at the tribunal premises, he referred to the law minister’s recent statement that the tribunal’s activities would proceed at a normal pace. Tajul Islam said that although the government had not given any specific directive, it had indicated support for keeping the tribunal’s work ongoing.

He further stated that as long as the prosecution team remains in office, all activities will continue in their regular course, emphasizing that maintaining the tribunal’s operations is essential for ensuring justice. His remarks reaffirmed the prosecution’s commitment to sustaining the tribunal’s judicial process in line with the government’s position.

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the tribunal’s continuity, with officials signaling that its judicial functions will not be disrupted.