High-level delegations from several countries met with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, on Tuesday at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. According to party sources, the meetings were held in a cordial and sincere atmosphere. Delegation members conveyed congratulations from their respective governments on Dr. Rahman’s appointment as opposition leader and expressed hope that his leadership would play a historic role in Bangladesh’s democratic progress.

The visiting foreign representatives included Bhutanese Prime Minister Shering Tobgay, UK Minister for Indo-Pacific Affairs Seema Malhotra, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister A. Beris Ekinci, Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal Chowdhury, and Nepalese Foreign Minister Lt. Gen. Bala Nanda Sharma. The delegations held separate meetings and discussed matters of mutual interest.

Present with Dr. Rahman were Jamaat’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and MP ATM Azharul Islam, Assistant Secretary General and Opposition Whip Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Central Executive Member and MP Saiful Alam Khan Milon, and Foreign Affairs Adviser Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser Md Aminur Rashid Yasin has been appointed minister in charge of three ministries—Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries and Livestock—despite being denied nomination in the recent 13th national election. The appointment, confirmed by a phone call from the Cabinet Secretary on Tuesday morning, sparked widespread celebration in Cumilla, where supporters described it as a deserved recognition of his long political service.

According to party sources, Yasin had previously contested elections in 2008 and 2018 from Cumilla Sadar but was unsuccessful, though he was elected MP from Cumilla-9 in 1996. After withdrawing his independent candidacy following a meeting with BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on January 19, he coordinated election efforts in six southern Cumilla constituencies, helping the party secure five seats. Yasin expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and pledged to serve with honesty and intelligence.

Following the announcement, Cumilla city witnessed spontaneous celebrations, including fireworks and sweets distribution. Supporters said Yasin’s appointment healed the disappointment caused by his earlier nomination exclusion.

Two newly elected members of parliament from Sylhet, Khondkar Abdul Muktadir and Ariful Haque Chowdhury, were sworn in as full ministers at the South Plaza of the National Parliament on Tuesday. Muktadir, representing Sylhet-1, received the portfolios of Commerce, Industry, and Textiles and Jute, while Chowdhury, from Sylhet-4, was assigned to the Ministries of Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.

Their appointments have sparked celebration across Sylhet, though the exclusion of Dr. Reza Kibria has drawn local discussion. Both ministers serve as advisers to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman. In the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12, the BNP alliance won 18 of 19 seats in the Sylhet division, with 16 first-time MPs. The inclusion of two newcomers as full ministers has added a new dimension to the political landscape.

Muktadir, from a political family, reclaimed his father’s former constituency after nearly three decades, while Chowdhury rose from ward councillor to mayor before entering parliament. Their elevation has raised new expectations in Sylhet’s politics.

Widespread allegations have emerged in Sitakunda, Chattogram, that large areas of farmland are being filled with sand extracted from the sea under the pretext of establishing factories. Locals claim that during the national election on February 12, when the administration was occupied, a group destroyed hundreds of acres of arable land. Residents accuse individuals linked to industrial interests of cutting soil from croplands and using excavators to raise the land by 40–50 feet. Despite repeated media reports, locals say no visible administrative action has been taken, fueling anger in the community.

In Syedpur Union’s Paschim Syedpur area, locals allege that sea sand is being used to fill farmland for future industrial projects. Advocate Hossain Ashraf warned that such activities are disrupting agricultural production and threatening environmental balance. Similar complaints have surfaced in Bashbaria Union’s Magpukur area, where a company named Automation Engineering has reportedly begun filling about 100 acres, raising concerns about waterlogging and risks to nearby institutions. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that the matter will be investigated and legal action taken if violations are found.

Residents are demanding immediate measures to stop illegal land filling and protect the coastal environment, warning of severe long-term impacts on agriculture and biodiversity.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka Metropolitan North has announced a 'Clean Dhaka Metropolitan' campaign to be held today, Wednesday, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. across all wards under its jurisdiction. The program will begin at 7:30 a.m. from the mosque in Uttara Sector 7, where Muhammad Selim Uddin, a central executive council member and the Dhaka North Ameer of Jamaat, will attend as the chief guest. The announcement was made by the organization’s publicity and media secretary, Md. Ataur Rahman Sarkar.

According to a press release, the cleaning activities will cover areas around mosques, madrasas, schools, colleges, and markets. Jamaat has called on all levels of its members and city residents to participate spontaneously in the initiative. The campaign is part of the party’s broader civic engagement efforts in the capital.

Earlier, on February 14, Jamaat Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman inaugurated a program to remove his own election banners and festoons in the Dhaka-15 constituency, signaling a continuation of cleanliness and civic responsibility drives.

Tareq Rahman formally assumed office as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister on Tuesday afternoon, following his party BNP’s victory in the recent parliamentary election. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent congratulatory messages, expressing readiness to work closely with Rahman’s government. Modi also invited Rahman to visit India at a convenient time and emphasized shared priorities in trade, connectivity, and development.

In his message, Modi described Rahman’s appointment as a reflection of the Bangladeshi people’s trust in his leadership and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties based on shared history and cultural bonds. Li Qiang highlighted the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between China and Bangladesh, pledging to advance cooperation under the Belt and Road framework. Takaichi welcomed Bangladesh’s democratic progress and expressed Japan’s intention to deepen strategic partnership.

Foreign dignitaries from several countries attended the cabinet’s oath-taking ceremony in Dhaka, including leaders from the Maldives, Bhutan, India, and the United Kingdom, underscoring broad international engagement with Bangladesh’s new government.

Police in Sitakunda, Chattogram, have launched an anti-drug operation, arresting three members of the same family from Kolabaria Adarsha village in Baraiahdala Union. The detainees are Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, 24, his father Bahar Uddin, 55, and mother Bibi Mariam alias Kohinur Akter, 45. Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a special raid on the night of February 17 and recovered 52 pieces of yaba from Hridoy, who was known locally as a top drug dealer. The family allegedly ran the operation under CCTV surveillance for a long time.

Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohinul Islam said initial information suggests the entire family was involved in drug trading and that Hridoy faces multiple criminal cases, including murder, robbery, and narcotics charges. Legal action is underway, and police have pledged to continue the anti-drug drive under a zero-tolerance policy.

Local residents, who had previously organized human chains demanding tougher action, expressed relief at the arrests and hope that continued enforcement and community awareness will help make the area permanently drug-free.

Retired secretary ABM Abdus Sattar has been appointed as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister on a contractual basis. The appointment was made through an official notification signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Rafiqul Haque on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The notice stated that the appointment was made under Section 49 of the Government Service Act, 2018.

According to the government circular, the decision formalizes Abdus Sattar’s return to service in a key administrative role after his retirement. The appointment follows the legal framework that allows contractual re-engagement of retired officials for specific high-level positions.

The notification did not specify the duration or other terms of the contract, leaving details of the tenure and responsibilities to be clarified later.

India has extended congratulations to Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the newly appointed Leader of the Opposition in the 13th National Parliament. The message was conveyed during a courtesy meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Dr. Rahman on Tuesday in Dhaka, held on the sidelines of the new government’s oath-taking ceremony. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka confirmed the meeting in a verified Facebook post.

During the discussion, Vikram Misri emphasized the people-centric nature of India-Bangladesh relations and reiterated India’s longstanding support for Bangladesh. He also congratulated Dr. Rahman on his new role. In response, Dr. Rahman highlighted the deep civilizational ties between the two nations and expressed optimism about building a stronger bilateral relationship.

The exchange marks one of the first formal diplomatic interactions between India and Bangladesh’s new opposition leadership following the recent parliamentary transition.

The Khulna City Corporation (KCC) organized a public broadcast of the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected members of parliament on Tuesday morning at Shaheed Hadis Park. The event was shown on a digital display screen, first featuring BNP lawmakers followed by those from Jamaat and NCP. KCC administrative officer Molla Maruf Rashid said the cabinet’s oath ceremony would also be aired live in the afternoon. The city authority arranged a canopy and about two hundred chairs for attendees.

Alongside KCC officials, many local residents and passersby gathered to watch the ceremony with interest. Retired government employee Mofazzal Hossain, who came for a morning walk, stayed to witness the event and expressed hope for the new parliament’s success. Rickshaw puller Azizul, watching from his seat near the park gate, said that if the MPs uphold their oath, the country will prosper, but if they fail, hard times may return. He noted that all four constituencies in the district were won by Jamaat candidates.

The event reflected public curiosity and cautious optimism about the new parliament’s ability to meet national expectations.

Newly appointed State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque lifted the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) restriction on journalist entry to the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The decision came on Tuesday night, immediately after he assumed office and held a press conference. During the briefing, Aminul Haque called BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury Sujon in front of reporters and instructed him to withdraw the ban, allowing journalists to resume their work freely from the next day.

The BCB had imposed the restriction on January 31, citing security concerns, and had issued several new guidelines for sports journalists. According to a previous BCB press release, media personnel were allowed entry only on match days, for official press conferences, invitation-based events, or pre-announced training sessions. The minister’s directive effectively overturns those limitations and restores full media access to the stadium.

The move signals a shift toward greater media freedom in sports coverage, following weeks of restricted access under the BCB’s earlier policy.

The government has officially appointed BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh. A gazette notification was issued by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday night confirming the appointment under Article 56(3) of the Constitution. The President made the appointment on Tuesday, February 17, following the outcome of the recent national election.

According to the gazette, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formed the government on Tuesday afternoon after securing 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. The Secretariat has reportedly prepared to welcome the new Prime Minister, and he is scheduled to pay tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial today.

The appointment marks the formal beginning of a new BNP-led administration following its decisive electoral victory, as the government transitions under Tarique Rahman’s leadership.

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.