International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could impact around 40 percent of jobs worldwide. In an interview, she described the coming transformation as a “tsunami” for the labor market, with advanced economies potentially seeing up to 60 percent of jobs affected and India about 26 percent. Entry-level positions are expected to face the highest risk as many routine tasks become automated, raising concerns among new graduates. Georgieva noted that global policy frameworks remain behind in addressing these rapid changes.

She added that if used effectively, AI could contribute an additional 0.7 percent to India’s annual GDP, helping the country achieve long-term development goals. Georgieva emphasized the need for education reform to foster adaptability and lifelong learning alongside technical skills.

In Bangladesh, where many young workers depend on freelancing, IT, and the garment sector, AI’s impact is expected to be multifaceted. Experts warn that demand for basic coding, graphic design, and data entry work may decline unless workers quickly upskill. However, AI could also bring opportunities, such as improving agricultural productivity through precision farming.

Two rival groups clashed in Madaripur’s Nobo Madaripur village on Saturday night, leading to more than 100 hand bomb explosions and at least two injuries. The confrontation, which began around 9 p.m. and continued until 1 a.m., was reportedly triggered by a long-standing dispute over local dominance. Videos of the explosions circulated on Facebook, spreading panic among residents. Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.

According to police and eyewitnesses, the conflict involved supporters of Akter Hawlader and Hasan Munshi, who have been at odds for years over influence in the area. Such confrontations between the two sides have occurred repeatedly in the past. The violence on Saturday night involved the use of homemade weapons, escalating tensions across the locality.

Madaripur Sadar Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Abul Kalam Azad said legal action is being taken and additional police have been deployed as the situation remains tense. Law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring developments in the area.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury said the Prime Minister has given several directives regarding the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He made the remarks on Sunday after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat, where the third terminal project was discussed.

Chowdhury explained that BIDA briefed the Prime Minister on the project, and future actions will be based on her instructions. He added that a meeting with the Japanese ambassador is scheduled for the following day. The BIDA chief also noted that a new minister has joined the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and efforts are underway to understand the long-standing issues surrounding the project, which has been ongoing for six years.

When asked whether a new tender would be called for the terminal’s operation, Chowdhury declined to comment, saying it is a government-to-government matter.

In January 2026, Bangladesh witnessed 552 road accidents resulting in 546 deaths and 1,204 injuries, according to a press release issued on February 22 by the Passenger Welfare Association. The report, based on media monitoring, revealed that motorcycle-related incidents were the deadliest, causing 223 deaths and 132 injuries. Motorcycles accounted for about 38 percent of total accidents and 41 percent of total fatalities.

The divisional breakdown showed Dhaka division had the highest number of accidents with 132 incidents, 133 deaths, and 328 injuries, while Sylhet recorded the lowest with 29 accidents, 28 deaths, and 63 injuries. Among 829 vehicles involved, 28.46 percent were motorcycles, followed by trucks, pickups, covered vans, and lorries at 23.64 percent, and buses at 14.35 percent. Most accidents occurred on national highways (42.57 percent), followed by regional highways (27.89 percent) and feeder roads (24.09 percent).

The association attributed the accidents to weak transport policies, poor supervision, unfit vehicles, unskilled drivers, and reckless driving. It proposed 14 measures, including driver training, digital vehicle fitness certification, CCTV-based traffic enforcement, and removal of unfit vehicles.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned the killing of leguna driver Nure Alam, also known as Khairul Islam, who was beaten to death on February 20 on the Jatrabari–Chittagong Road in Dhaka. In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, the party’s Secretary General, Mia Golam Porwar, expressed deep concern and demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved. He also called for an impartial investigation into extortion allegations in the city’s transport sector.

Porwar said that long-standing reports of extortion from transport workers under various names have raised serious questions about the state’s image and administration. He noted that Khairul was the sole breadwinner of his family, and his death has left them devastated. The statement described the incident as a reflection of deteriorating law and order and urged the government to provide financial support and security to the victim’s family.

Jamaat further demanded effective and permanent measures to end extortion, terrorism, and illegal control practices across all sectors in the country.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis has strongly condemned what it described as false, fabricated, and politically motivated allegations and threats of a murder attempt case against its Amir and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Joint Secretary General Allama Muhammad Mamunul Haque. In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, party Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad criticized recent remarks by Education State Minister and MP Bobby Hajjaj, calling them part of a deep political conspiracy aimed at hiding the people’s true verdict.

The statement alleged that after visible public support for the rickshaw symbol in Dhaka-13, a powerful group manipulated results through vote invalidation, tampering, and rewriting of result sheets. It further claimed that despite written complaints to the Election Commission, the final gazette was hastily published. The party also linked current actions to past attempts to suppress Mamunul Haque through false cases and harassment.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis demanded a neutral and transparent judicial investigation into the alleged election result manipulation and warned that continued misinformation and result distortion could lead to political consequences for the government.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman will preside over two major national events on February 26, 2026. In the morning, he will confer the Ekushey Padak 2026 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, recognizing individuals for their significant contributions in various fields. Later in the afternoon, he will formally inaugurate the Amar Ekushey Book Fair at the Bangla Academy premises as the chief guest. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Ministry of Information on February 22.

According to the statement, the event will be attended by award recipients, ministers, senior military and civil officials, and invited guests. The information was confirmed by State Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury, who noted that preparations for both events have been completed. The government has also waived stall rental fees for participating publishers at this year’s book fair, a decision welcomed positively by publishers.

Officials stated that all necessary arrangements for the award ceremony and the book fair inauguration have been finalized, ensuring smooth execution of both events.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired a meeting titled 'Building a Healthier Bangladesh' held on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Cabinet Division’s special conference room at the Secretariat. The meeting focused on issues related to public health and national well-being.

According to the report, the session was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani, and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A.B.M. Abdus Sattar. The meeting was reported by Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

No further details about the discussions or decisions made in the meeting were provided in the source.

Nearly two years after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian government, Bangladesh has delivered a historic electoral verdict. Voters have chosen Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who led his party to a landslide victory and pledged political reconstruction and a new regional strategy. The election follows years of unrest and the 2024 uprising that toppled Hasina after a deadly crackdown that killed about 1,400 people. Hasina fled to Delhi, where she was later sentenced to death in absentia by an international tribunal, straining relations between Dhaka and New Delhi after India refused extradition.

Analysts view the result as a rejection of years of repression and of India’s perceived backing of Hasina’s rule. Her tenure was marked by economic stability but also by allegations of arrests, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. Critics say her foreign policy leaned heavily toward India, prioritizing its strategic interests while leaving key bilateral disputes unresolved. The new government faces the challenge of recalibrating ties with both India and Pakistan while maintaining balance in regional diplomacy.

Observers suggest Bangladesh’s new leadership aims to assert a more independent foreign policy, reducing overreliance on any single power and emphasizing national interests first.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has strongly condemned the killing of a driver in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area, allegedly beaten to death for refusing to pay extortion money. He expressed his condemnation and protest in a verified Facebook post on Sunday, referring to the incident that occurred around 3 p.m. on Saturday.

In his post, Dr. Rahman criticized what he described as the normalization of extortion practices, saying that the culture of extortion has been so institutionalized that not paying has become a crime. He stated that when leadership legitimizes such practices, responsibility falls on all involved, and innocent lives continue to be lost as a result.

Calling for collective resistance, Dr. Rahman urged all citizens who love the country to unite against extortion and protect lives and property. He emphasized that it is time to build a new movement against extortion across the nation.

After the gazette publication of the 13th National Parliament, discussions have begun over the allocation of 50 reserved women’s seats. Based on proportional representation, the BNP and its allies may receive 35 seats, while the 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami could obtain 13, of which Jamaat alone is expected to get 11. Party forums have started deliberating on potential nominees for these positions, with final decisions to be made by the party’s policymaking body.

According to party sources, merit, qualifications, organizational responsibilities, and experience will be key criteria in selecting candidates. The sacrifices made by the nominees and their families during the previous authoritarian period and the July war will also be considered. Among the names under discussion are Professor Nurunnisa Siddika, Engineer Mardia Momtaz, Dr. Amina Begum Rahman, Shahan Ara Begum, and Barrister Sabikun Nahar Munni. Other names include Saeeda Rumman, Khondkar Ayesha Khatun, Dr. Habiba Chowdhury Sweet, Kazi Maria Islam Baby, Rabeya Khanam, Dr. Shirin Akhter Runa, Tanha Azmi, Nargis Khan, Kaniz Fatema, Selina Akhter, and Ayesha Siddika Parvin.

Professor Nurunnisa Siddika stated that although women cannot become party amir, qualified candidates will be nominated for the reserved seats.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has expressed China’s support for the new government’s 'Bangladesh First' policy. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 22, after a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid in Dhaka. Yao Wen stated that China would not accept interference from any third country in its relations with Bangladesh and other South Asian nations. He reaffirmed that China stands ready to work with the new government to ensure stable governance.

During the meeting, the ambassador discussed the Teesta project, saying that discussions had taken place and that the project now depends on Bangladesh’s decision. He noted that China is prepared and optimistic about the project. The two sides also discussed bilateral relations and the Rohingya crisis. Yao Wen added that China has invited Tarique Rahman for an official visit, which he expects to take place soon. He recalled that Bangladesh–China relations were initiated under Ziaur Rahman, strengthened by Khaleda Zia, and are expected to reach new heights under Tarique Rahman.

The ambassador’s remarks underscore China’s intention to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh’s new administration and maintain regional stability.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma said India is eager to advance relations with Bangladesh’s new government based on mutual respect, shared interests, and the aspirations of both peoples. He made the remarks on Sunday, February 22, after a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and State Minister Shama Obaid Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.

Verma emphasized India’s commitment to a forward-looking, people-centric approach to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He described people-to-people exchanges as a vital component of the relationship and reiterated India’s desire to work together in a positive, constructive, and future-oriented manner. He also reaffirmed India’s support for Bangladesh as a democratic, progressive, and inclusive society and expressed readiness to enhance engagement with the new government.

Addressing a question on visa issues, Verma did not specify a timeline but indicated optimism about resolving the matter soon to improve connectivity between the two countries.

Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid has emphasized the need to initiate organic farming in Bangladesh’s char areas. He made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with ministry and departmental officials at the Ministry of Agriculture. The minister said the vast char regions have fertile soil and ideal conditions for producing export-oriented organic crops. He stressed that prioritizing agricultural development in these areas is essential for achieving industrial-scale agricultural exports.

Rashid added that strengthening the agricultural sector would reinforce the national economy. He outlined government plans to restructure the sector by reducing fertilizer use, improving soil quality, and excavating irrigation canals. State Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku said efforts are underway to ensure genuine farmers receive incentives, agricultural loans, and other support. He also mentioned that the government has started work on issuing farmer cards.

The meeting was chaired by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan said teachers will no longer need to take to the streets to realize their legitimate demands. Speaking on Sunday at the Ministry of Education during a meeting with the Teachers and Employees Unity Alliance, he stated that the government is giving top priority to the education sector and will gradually implement the logical demands of teachers and staff.

The minister acknowledged existing budget constraints but said other teacher demands would be presented to the Prime Minister. He noted that not all issues could be addressed immediately due to budget limitations, though the government remains sincere. He also promised to review complaints against ministry officials, discuss school management and governing body issues, and ensure transparency in the education sector. Reforms in the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) will be reviewed for necessary corrections.

State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj said written demands from teachers have been taken seriously, and long-term solutions will be pursued through dialogue to prevent future unrest. He emphasized ensuring proper recognition of teachers’ contributions in classrooms.