The US Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In a 6–3 decision issued on Friday, the Court stated that the IEEPA does not grant the president the power to impose tariffs. The justices noted that if Congress had intended to give the president such extraordinary authority, it would have explicitly done so, as it has in other trade-related laws.

After returning to office last year, Trump used emergency economic powers to impose new tariffs on nearly all of the United States’ trading partners, including Mexico, Canada, and China. His administration claimed the measures were linked to controlling illegal drug flows and immigration. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling does not apply to tariffs on specific sectors such as steel and aluminum, where formal investigations into possible future tariffs are ongoing.

Lower courts had previously declared the tariffs illegal, and a federal trade court had suspended their implementation. The Supreme Court’s decision upholds those earlier rulings, marking a significant setback for Trump’s economic strategy, in which tariffs were a central tool.

Bangladesh has formally applied to the United Nations to postpone its graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category by three years. A letter signed by Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiqui was sent to the UN Committee for Development Policy (CDP) last Wednesday, requesting that the graduation preparation period be extended until November 24, 2029. The country was originally scheduled to graduate on November 24 this year, with the third review process currently underway.

The letter cited multiple global and domestic challenges, including the economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, rising energy and food prices, global monetary tightening, and supply disruptions in shipping. Domestically, declining investment, slower revenue growth, and reduced GDP growth have hindered structural reforms. The government noted that uncertainty over GSP Plus access in European markets and policy shifts by major trading partners could further strain competitiveness.

Following the CDP meeting from February 24–28, a preliminary assessment report is expected within two weeks, with final recommendations and a decision anticipated in September.

India has expressed its interest in deepening multifaceted relations with Bangladesh following the formation of the new government in Dhaka. On Friday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated Tarique Rahman on his election victory. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony on February 17, delivering Modi’s letter to Rahman and holding a meeting with the Bangladeshi Prime Minister.

Jaiswal stated that Modi’s letter reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. He emphasized that New Delhi seeks to work closely with the new administration, building on the countries’ historic and close ties. India is eager to advance cooperation and strengthen its broad-based bilateral relationship with Bangladesh.

According to Jaiswal, India looks forward to engaging with the new government to further expand collaboration across multiple sectors, underscoring the continuity of partnership between the two neighboring nations.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has announced that Bangladesh will be built free from exam cheating, drugs, terrorism and teenage gangs. He made the statement on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists in Kachua upazila of Chandpur district. Milan said that Kachua will be made free from drugs, terrorism and eve-teasing, and that the journey to eliminate corruption will also begin there. He emphasized that these initiatives will be implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The minister, who was elected from Chandpur-1 constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, highlighted that the future Bangladesh will be shaped under the same leadership. The event was attended by Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nazmul Islam Sarkar, Superintendent of Police Md. Robiul Hasan, and other officials from the administration and law enforcement agencies.

Milan reiterated that the campaign against cheating and social crimes will start from Kachua, following the earlier success in making the area free from exam malpractice.

A faction of the Comilla University (Kubi) unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has declared its current committee, labeled the 'Aduvai committee', unwanted on campus. The announcement followed a violent clash last Thursday between two groups of the organization over hall seat allocation and the presence of outsiders. During the incident, several activists, including a joint convener, allegedly attacked a fellow member, injuring at least three students. The central committee later suspended the accused leader Atik for two months, but dissenting members dismissed the move as superficial.

Victim Tofayel Ahmed Nibir, a student of the Economics Department, publicly denounced the committee on social media, accusing the central leadership of avoiding responsibility. Other activists expressed anger over the involvement of non-students in leadership roles, noting that many current committee members are no longer regular students. They demanded stronger organizational action and criticized the attack as contrary to student politics.

Branch member secretary Mostafizur Rahman Shuvo described the incident as unexpected and said the central body had already taken steps. He added that the declaration of the committee as unwanted was not an official party decision.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has directed police to question teenagers found wandering unnecessarily at night. He made the statement on Friday, February 20, 2026, during a meeting with local administration officials in his electoral area, Kachua of Chandpur. Milan said that if any constitutional violation occurs due to such questioning, it will be addressed later.

During the same meeting, the minister instructed government officials and employees to maintain a corruption-free environment. He emphasized his personal commitment to integrity, stating that he would neither engage in corruption nor allow others to do so. Those unwilling to uphold this promise were advised to seek transfers elsewhere. Milan added that he intended to keep his administrative area “pure.”

The meeting was attended by Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nazmul Islam Sarkar, Superintendent of Police Robiul Hasan, Kachua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan Rasel, and Officer-in-Charge Borhan Uddin, among other officials.

Newly elected Member of Parliament for Chattogram-4, Professor Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury, emphasized the need to equip madrasa students with modern, technical, and general education alongside Arabic studies. He made the remarks on Friday, the second day of Ramadan, while addressing a prayer and iftar gathering at the orphanage of Islamia Arabia Madrasa in Kumira Union, Sitakunda. The event began with Quran recitation by a student and included special prayers for national peace and prosperity.

Aslam Chowdhury stated that supporting orphans and underprivileged children is a moral duty and prayed for divine guidance to serve humanity. The program also featured prayers for the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and for the well-being of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and MP Aslam Chowdhury. Local BNP leaders, madrasa teachers, and community members attended the event.

Organizers said the initiative aimed to share iftar with orphans and pray for the nation’s welfare. Locals viewed such humanitarian and social efforts as vital for strengthening compassion, harmony, and unity in society.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that Pakistan will tour Bangladesh in March 2026 for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. According to the schedule released on February 20, the Pakistan team will arrive in Dhaka on March 9. All three matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, starting at 2:15 p.m. each day. The series marks Bangladesh’s return to international cricket after a long break, following their absence from the T20 World Cup.

The BCB also confirmed that Bangladesh will play a total of nine bilateral series in 2026. After the home series against Pakistan, the team is scheduled to tour Pakistan in April once the Pakistan Super League concludes. Statistical records show that Pakistan won the last ODI series between the two sides 2–1, while Bangladesh were whitewashed 3–0 in their previous tour of Pakistan.

Bangladesh will aim for a strong comeback on home soil after their extended break from competitive cricket.

State Minister for Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has announced that artificial crises created by syndicates in the food and agriculture sectors will be resolved through continuous monitoring. He made the statement on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists after a views-exchange meeting at the Tangail Deputy Commissioner’s conference room.

Tuku said that a market monitoring cell has already been formed and that those responsible for market regulation are actively working. He added that the government has just begun its efforts and he will do his utmost to fulfill all promises made to the public. Earlier, the state minister held a meeting with district-level officials, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, attended by Superintendent of Police Shamsul Alam Sarkar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sanjay Kumar Mahanta, and heads of various district departments.

The minister emphasized that regular supervision and monitoring can solve all problems in the food and agriculture sectors, aiming to ensure stability and transparency in market operations.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced its new central leadership for the 2026–2028 term. The appointments were made during a virtual meeting of the party’s Majlis-e-Shura held on Friday morning at the central office in Moghbazar. The session, presided over by party Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, included the oath-taking of newly elected leaders. Four Naib-e-Ameers were selected: ATM Azharul Islam, Professor Mujibur Rahman, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, and Maulana ANM Shamsul Islam. Mia Golam Porwar was appointed Secretary General, with seven Assistant Secretary Generals named.

A 21-member Central Executive Council and an 88-member Central Working Committee were formed, including 21 women. The national Majlis-e-Shura now has 59 members, 17 of whom are women. A five-member Central Election Commission was also constituted, headed by Maulana ATM Ma’sum. Additionally, directors were appointed for 14 regional zones across the country.

The new committees were formed following the earlier decision to restructure leadership after the national election, continuing the leadership of Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who was re-elected as Ameer in November of the previous year.

Bangladesh cricketer Saif Hasan has said that missing the World Cup was one of the hardest moments of his career. Although he was selected for the national squad for the first time, he did not play in the tournament after choosing not to travel to India due to security concerns. On February 20, 2026, Saif shared his feelings in a Facebook post, describing the pain of missing his first World Cup as deeply emotional and difficult to move past.

In his post, Saif wrote that playing in a World Cup had been a lifelong dream built on years of hard work and sacrifice. He expressed faith that better things are planned by God and thanked those who supported him mentally during the difficult period. The cricketer emphasized that recovering from the disappointment was not easy but credited his supporters for helping him stay strong.

The incident highlights the emotional toll on athletes when personal safety concerns prevent them from fulfilling career milestones such as representing their country on the world stage.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly criticized the Road Transport Minister for describing extortion on roads as a form of negotiated transaction, calling it an attempt to legitimize a serious crime. In a statement issued on Friday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the minister’s remarks contradict the government’s declared anti-corruption stance and the ruling party’s election manifesto. He described the comments as deeply disappointing and harmful to the government’s credibility.

TIB warned that legitimizing extortion under the guise of mutual understanding could encourage similar practices across other public sectors, including health, education, and law enforcement. The organization urged the prime minister to reject the minister’s statement and ensure accountability through proper procedures. It also called for prioritizing internal party reform to prevent self-destructive tendencies among party members.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further reminded that a similar attempt to justify road extortion in 2012 had drawn strong condemnation from TIB. He expressed concern that the newly formed government might be repeating the same mistake and urged immediate corrective action to uphold public trust.

A young housewife named Arpita Rani Karmakar Sithi, aged 18, reportedly died by suicide in Jautdaibaki village of Lalpur upazila, Natore, on Friday, February 20, 2026. Police and local sources said the incident followed a family dispute over mobile phone use. During an argument, Arpita allegedly poured petrol on herself and set herself on fire. Family members rescued her in a severely burned condition and took her to Lalpur Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared her dead.

Arpita was the wife of Jagai Karmakar, a tea seller from the same village, and daughter of Asim Karmakar from Baneswar Mistri Para in Puthia upazila, Rajshahi. The couple had been married for about two years. According to her husband, disagreements arose because he believed her frequent phone use caused neglect of household duties. He took her phone away, which reportedly upset her deeply.

Lalpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mojibur Rahman confirmed that the body was recovered and a case of unnatural death (UD) has been filed. The body will be handed over to the family after autopsy, and legal steps will follow based on the investigation.

Authorities in Cumilla have launched an investigation after members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League and Jubo League were reportedly seen rallying and chanting slogans at the Brahmanpara Upazila Awami League office on Friday, February 20, 2026. Witnesses said the group gathered in front of the office in the upazila headquarters and shouted slogans supporting the Awami League. A one-minute, twelve-second video circulating on social media appeared to show several individuals inside the office chanting.

Local leaders of the Brahmanpara unit of the Chhatra Dal questioned how the banned groups could hold a rally in the town center and urged the administration to take action against those involved. Brahmanpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Selim Ahmed confirmed that the activities of the Chhatra League were prohibited and said the matter was under investigation. Cumilla Superintendent of Police Md. Anisuzzaman stated that legal action would be taken against any banned organization conducting activities and that instructions had been given to the local police to act accordingly.

Food, Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin-ur-Rashid said that 70 percent of Bangladesh’s population depends on agriculture and that improving this sector will strengthen the country’s economic position. He made the remarks on Friday morning at a meeting with officials from the agriculture, food, and fisheries departments at the Cumilla Circuit House. The minister described the current administration as agriculture-friendly and committed to working for the welfare of the people.

Referring to the 13th parliamentary election, Amin-ur-Rashid claimed that most of the BNP’s pledges were aimed at farmers and marginalized communities, and that implementing these promises would primarily benefit farmers. He thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for assigning him responsibility for the three ministries, saying he was given a portfolio he personally values. He called for cooperation from all concerned to solve problems and advance the sectors.

Speakers at the meeting discussed the progress of ongoing programs, service quality improvement, and field-level challenges and opportunities, providing necessary guidance for resolving issues.