Islami Chhatra Andolan Bangladesh has called for closing hotels and restaurants during daytime in the holy month of Ramadan to maintain its sanctity. The appeal was made by the organization’s Secretary General Sultan Mahmud at a rally held on Wednesday afternoon at Paltan intersection in Dhaka, organized to welcome Ramadan.

During his address, Sultan Mahmud emphasized that Ramadan is a month of self-purification, restraint, and morality for Muslims. He urged the government to take effective measures to control market syndicates, ensure the supply of adulteration-free food, and keep essential commodities affordable for the public. He also called on the administration to take strict action if necessary to uphold the sanctity of Ramadan.

Mahmud further requested that all educational institutions provide quality and affordable meals for students. Leaders at the rally encouraged unity to foster social harmony, morality, and human values in building a welfare-oriented society during Ramadan.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a colorful rally and gathering in Rajshahi city on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, to welcome the holy month of Ramadan and demand control of essential commodity prices. The event began at 10 a.m. from the city’s Museum Mor and concluded at Zero Point after passing through key streets. Participants carried banners and festoons, chanting slogans to mark the occasion.

Speakers at the gathering alleged that dishonest business syndicates and hoarders create artificial crises during Ramadan, pushing prices beyond the reach of ordinary people. They urged the government to take strict monitoring measures and effective action against such groups. Rajshahi Metropolitan Shibir President Imran Nazir said profiteering through hoarding contradicts the spirit of Ramadan, while Secretary Dr. Sakhawat Hossain called for a zero-tolerance policy against hoarders.

The event concluded with prayers for the prosperity of the nation, unity of the Muslim Ummah, and peace for oppressed Muslims worldwide. A large number of Shibir leaders and general citizens attended the rally.

On February 18, 2026, LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke with journalists at his office in the Secretariat on the first working day of the newly formed government. He evaluated the activities of the outgoing interim administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus and discussed the upcoming challenges for the government headed by Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul said the new cabinet was formed to implement the prime minister’s specific plan to solve people’s problems and move Bangladesh forward.

He emphasized that democracy would remain central to all government efforts, noting that the Local Government Ministry directly connects with grassroots citizens. Addressing concerns about law and order and the economy, Fakhrul stated that conditions had improved, with better control over the banking sector and restored macroeconomic stability. He warned against mob justice and said the government would bring such incidents under control.

Fakhrul credited the interim government for successfully managing the transition to democracy and said there was no need to issue a white paper on its activities. He also claimed that the recent election had gained both national and international acceptance.

Supreme Court senior lawyer and former Islami Chhatra Shibir central secretary Shishir Monir has announced that any legal challenge against the July National Charter or related referendum will be met through proper legal procedures. He made the statement on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in a post on social media platform Facebook.

In his post, Monir assured that he and his fellow lawyers would handle any such legal actions skillfully in court and urged people not to be worried about the matter. His declaration comes amid discussions surrounding the July National Charter and referendum, though the source does not specify the nature of the potential challenges or the broader political context.

The announcement signals a readiness from Monir and his legal associates to defend the legitimacy of the July National Charter through judicial means if contested.

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has congratulated Dr. Khalilur Rahman on his appointment as Bangladesh’s new foreign minister in the recently formed government. Jaishankar extended his greetings through his official verified Facebook page, expressing eagerness to work together for mutual progress and prosperity between the two neighboring countries.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman previously served as the National Security Adviser in the interim government and as the High Representative on Rohingya issues under the Chief Adviser. He earned his master’s degree in economics from the University of Dhaka in 1977, securing first place in his class, and joined the Bangladesh Civil Service (Foreign Affairs) cadre in 1979. He later obtained an MA in Law and Diplomacy and a PhD in Economics from Tufts and Harvard universities in the United States.

Between 1983 and 1985, Rahman worked in the South Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as the personal secretary to the foreign minister. He was later posted to Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and joined the UN Secretariat in Geneva in 1991 as a special adviser to UNCTAD.

A group of 12 to 13 masked assailants looted 40 goats from Al Baraka Agro Farm, located east of Nizampur Railway Station in Wahedpur Union of Mirsarai, Chattogram. The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday, according to the farm authorities. The attackers first removed the CCTV hard disk before forcing the farm’s guard onto a pickup truck with the goats. After crossing the railway line, they released the guard and fled with the animals.

Farm owner and former student leader Abu Hena Kayser said the intruders also blindfolded and detained an employee named Nurul Afsar, taking CCTV equipment and several sacks of animal feed. He alleged that the same night, blank shots were fired at his fish project in Domkhali to spread fear, suggesting the same group might be involved in both incidents. The stolen goats were being prepared for sale ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, with an estimated loss of around six lakh taka.

Nizampur Police Outpost officer SI Zakir Hossain confirmed that police visited the scene and that an investigation is underway. Legal action will follow upon receiving a written complaint.

Pakistan advanced to the Super Eight stage after a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia in their final Group A match on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Facing a must-win situation to stay in the tournament, the team led by Salman Ali Agha posted 199 for 3 in 20 overs, driven by opener Sahibzada Farhan’s unbeaten 100 off 58 balls. Contributions from Agha (38 off 23) and Shadab Khan (36 not out off 22) strengthened the innings, while Namibia’s Jack Brassell claimed two wickets.

Chasing a target of 200, Namibia were bowled out for 97 in 17.3 overs. Usman Tariq led Pakistan’s bowling attack with four wickets for 16 runs, and Shadab Khan added three for 19. Namibia’s top scorers were Laurens Steenkamp with 23 and Alexander Busing-Lovshenk with 20.

Before the match, India had already secured the top spot in the group, while the United States held second place on equal points. Pakistan’s superior net run rate after this win ensured their progression to the Super Eight stage.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali stated that the police have delivered a fair and widely accepted election through utmost sincerity and dedication. He made the remarks on Wednesday at the monthly crime review meeting for January 2026, held at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh. Addressing DMP members, he thanked all officers for maintaining neutrality and professionalism during the election and said the force had regained its lost glory. He urged everyone to continue working to uphold this positive image.

During the meeting, Additional Police Commissioner (Admin) Mohammad Sarwar instructed officers to manage heavy traffic before iftar during Ramadan to ensure smooth movement for the public. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Mohammad Nazrul Islam directed vigilance during major upcoming events such as International Mother Language Day and the Ekushey Book Fair, and to prevent theft and snatching during Ramadan nights. The DMP Commissioner also awarded officers for outstanding performance in maintaining law and order and public safety in January.

Senior DMP officials, including several additional and joint commissioners, deputy commissioners, and officers-in-charge from all police stations, attended the meeting.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur announced that the country’s foreign currency reserves are expected to reach 40 billion dollars within the current year. Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on February 18, he said reserves would surpass 35 billion dollars this month and strengthen further by year-end. He noted that although past irregularities in the sector had caused setbacks, ongoing reforms initiated by the interim government are expected to continue under the elected administration.

Dr. Mansur stated that while the economy remains fragile, signs of stabilization are emerging. He acknowledged that the target of reducing inflation to 7 percent has not yet been achieved but emphasized that efforts are ongoing. He also urged the new government to take effective measures to boost investment.

On the same day, new Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stressed the importance of revitalizing domestic institutions and rejected the idea of a patronage-based economy, pledging equal opportunities and broader economic benefits for all citizens.

To commemorate Amar Ekushey February, the Dhaka Film Club will organize a two-day film screening on February 20 and 21 at the Dhaka University road island near TSC. The event, supported by the Bangladesh Film Archive and the Department of Mass Communication, will begin each evening at 7 p.m. The first day will feature Zahir Raihan’s 1970 film “Jibon Theke Neya,” while the second day will screen Shahidul Haque Khan’s 1981 film “Kolmilota.”

According to the organizers, both films highlight the historical context of the 1952 Language Movement and its connection to Bangladesh’s independence struggle. “Jibon Theke Neya” portrays political and social resistance through symbolic storytelling, while “Kolmilota” traces a family narrative from the Language Movement to the Liberation War. The films feature prominent actors including Razzak, Kabori, Bulbul Ahmed, and others.

Dhaka Film Club’s general secretary Barua Monojit Dhinon said that very few Bangladeshi films have depicted the Language Movement, and this exhibition aims to showcase those rare works that capture its spirit.

A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants against British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq and former RAJUK assistant legal adviser Sardar Mosharraf Hossain in a corruption case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The order was given on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez after the accused failed to appear in court. The court also set March 8 for submission of the arrest execution report.

According to the case, filed on April 15 of the previous year, Siddiq and others allegedly misused their positions to illegally obtain a flat from Eastern Housing Limited in Gulshan-2 without payment. The ACC later submitted a charge sheet on December 11 under several sections of the Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. Earlier, co-accused Shah Khusruzzaman had sought a stay on the investigation, which the High Court granted for three months.

The report also notes that Siddiq had previously been sentenced to six years in prison in three separate cases related to plot allocation fraud.

State Minister for Civil Aviation M Rashiduzzaman Millat announced on February 18, 2026, that passengers will receive their luggage immediately after completing immigration formalities. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on the first day of the new government, he said necessary steps and a plan have already been prepared to ensure that travelers, especially expatriates, do not face long waits or corruption during baggage collection.

Millat stated that the ministry is working with the Civil Aviation Authority to bring visible changes to airport operations, aiming for passengers to find their luggage on the belt as soon as immigration is done. He emphasized that the reform plan covers not only ticketing but also baggage handling and other areas where passengers face difficulties.

The state minister also vowed to dismantle existing ticket syndicates that prevent passengers from obtaining tickets despite empty flights. He assured that noticeable improvements will begin within one to two weeks as part of a gradual transformation of airport services.

The crescent moon marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri was sighted in Bangladesh on Wednesday evening, February 18, 2026. Following the sighting, the National Moon Sighting Committee announced that fasting will begin on Thursday. According to the decision, the holy night of Lailatul Qadr will be observed across the country on the night of March 16.

The announcement came after a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the Islamic Foundation’s Baitul Mukarram office in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad MP, the new Minister for Religious Affairs and Chairman of the committee. The decision was based on reports from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation’s offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and the Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO).

Senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Islamic Foundation, and other government agencies attended the meeting, confirming the start of Ramadan across Bangladesh from Thursday.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu announced his commitment to adopting eco-friendly policies aimed at building a pollution-free Bangladesh. Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Wednesday, his first day in office, he said the goal is to ensure that citizens can breathe clean air. He emphasized that the environment is an important sector with many opportunities for work, but it requires time and dedication.

Mintu was elected from Feni-3 (Sonagazi, Daganbhuiyan) constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, securing 157,425 votes. His appointment marks the first time in 36 years that Feni district has a full minister since Zafar Imam, excluding former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who was elected from Feni-1 multiple times. With the formation of the BNP government following the 13th election, residents of Feni have once again gained ministerial representation.

The minister’s remarks signal the new administration’s focus on environmental governance and sustainable policy implementation under his leadership.

Bangladesh Bank reported that the country received $1.807 billion in remittances during the first 16 days of February 2026, marking a 21 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The central bank stated on Tuesday that the rise in remittance inflows prompted it to purchase dollars from commercial banks, which contributed to an increase in the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.

According to official data, between February 1 and 16, 2025, remittances totaled $1.49 billion, while in the same period of 2026 the figure rose to $1.807 billion. On February 16 alone, $152 million was received. As a result, total foreign exchange reserves reached $34.53 billion, equivalent to $29.85 billion under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method. On February 7, reserves stood at $34.06 billion, or $29.47 billion under the same method.

The increase in remittance inflows and reserves reflects stronger foreign currency earnings early in the month, according to Bangladesh Bank data.