Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) said the Prime Minister has given instructions to expedite the opening of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. She made the statement on Sunday afternoon after a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the terminal project. When asked about the possible opening date, the minister said no specific timeline could be given yet, as discussions and investigations are ongoing to determine how to accelerate the process.

The third terminal project was initiated in 2017 by the then Awami League government, with construction beginning on December 28, 2019, at an estimated cost of about Tk 21,398 crore. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina partially inaugurated the terminal on October 7, 2023, and the Civil Aviation Authority had expected full operations in 2024, which did not happen. The interim government also attempted to launch the terminal but failed due to unresolved issues over ground handling, operational decisions, and technical faults inside the building.

The Prime Minister’s latest directive aims to overcome these obstacles and ensure the terminal becomes operational soon, though no date has been confirmed.

Member of Parliament for Bagerhat-2, Manjurul Haque Rahad, led a large-scale cleanliness campaign across important areas of Bagerhat municipality on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The drive covered busy locations including the court premises, Bagerhat Sadar Hospital compound, and several municipal roads and public spaces. Local dignitaries, municipal workers, and residents participated, distributing leaflets and delivering short speeches to raise public awareness about cleanliness.

During the event, MP Rahad emphasized the importance of maintaining order and hygiene in society, stating that a clean city is a shared responsibility. He highlighted that keeping hospitals and public gathering places clean is vital for public health. Rahad announced plans to improve waste management, ensure regular cleaning, and enhance civic awareness to transform Bagerhat into a modern and healthy city.

Local residents welcomed the initiative, noting that the direct involvement of their elected representative had given new momentum to cleanliness efforts. They expressed hope that consistent monitoring and coordinated action would bring visible improvements to the municipal environment.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has returned to his previous workplace after completing his tenure as the chief adviser of the interim government. On Sunday morning, he arrived at the Yunus Centre located in the Telecom Building in Mirpur, where his long-time colleagues warmly welcomed him with flowers. The information was shared through a post on his verified Facebook page.

According to the post, upon his return, Dr. Yunus held a meeting with the managing directors and advisers of Grameen organizations and the Yunus Centre. The discussion focused on resuming various activities that had been on hold during his public service and on outlining future plans. His return marks the end of an 18-month period since he left the Yunus Centre to lead the interim government during a critical phase in the country’s politics.

The meeting at the Yunus Centre signaled the restart of organizational operations and planning for upcoming initiatives under Dr. Yunus’s guidance.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned and protested the remarks made by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud regarding the slogan ‘Inquilab Zindabad’. In a statement sent to the media on Sunday, the party’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its central publicity and media department, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, expressed deep concern, calling the minister’s comments inconsistent and a denial of historical, linguistic, and public realities.

Zubair stated that although the word ‘Inquilab’ has Arabic roots, it has long been used in the subcontinent’s independence movements and struggles for democratic rights. He argued that labeling any word as anti-Bangla based on its origin contradicts linguistic principles. He further said that the slogan symbolizes resistance against oppression and injustice, not the property of any particular group.

Jamaat urged the minister to withdraw his statement immediately, warning that otherwise the people would respond appropriately. The party reiterated that the Bengali language embodies diverse linguistic influences and called on all to avoid divisive rhetoric over language or slogans.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sent a letter to the United Arab Emirates’ National Security Adviser Tahnoon bin Zayed, expressing concerns about Abu Dhabi’s policies in Yemen and Sudan. The letter, sent several weeks ago, raised allegations regarding the UAE’s activities in both conflict zones, according to Middle East Eye citing multiple U.S. and Western officials.

In the message, the Saudi Crown Prince reportedly described Riyadh’s military involvement in Yemen as necessary for national security and indicated that Saudi Arabia views Yemen as part of its sphere of influence. The letter also proposed mediation through Prince Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi defense minister and brother of the Crown Prince.

Neither Saudi Arabia nor the United Arab Emirates has publicly commented on the report, which was first published by Middle East Monitor.

Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, has formally submitted his resignation to Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon on Saturday afternoon. The university’s protocol officer, Mohammad Firoz, confirmed that the resignation letter was handed over in the morning. However, the ministry has not yet issued an official notification accepting it. Once approved, further administrative procedures will follow. According to the Ministry of Education, Khan mentioned personal and administrative reasons for his decision, which requires presidential approval to become final.

Professor Khan was appointed Vice-Chancellor on August 27, 2024, following political changes after the fall of the Awami League government in that year’s upheaval. Earlier, on February 10, just two days before the national election, he had publicly expressed his intention to step down from the position.

Born in 1966, Khan holds a PhD in Development Studies from the University of Wales, Swansea, and has served in various academic and advisory roles, including with UNDP, ADB, PKSF, and international organizations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that a floating hospital ship will be sent to Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. In a social media post on February 21, Trump said the mission would be carried out with the help of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and shared a photo of the U.S. Navy hospital ship USS Mercy. He claimed the initiative aims to provide medical care to people in Greenland who are not receiving adequate treatment.

The announcement has caused surprise and confusion in diplomatic circles, as Greenland and Denmark already have advanced, publicly funded healthcare systems offering free medical services to citizens. Neither the Danish government nor Greenland’s parliament has issued an immediate response. Trump had previously appointed Landry as a special envoy for Greenland affairs in December, and Landry described the plan as significant.

Trump’s long-standing interest in Greenland’s strategic importance and past discussions about potential agreements with NATO leaders have raised concerns among European allies. Observers are debating whether the hospital mission represents humanitarian aid or a move to expand U.S. strategic influence in the Arctic region.

Saudi Arabia celebrated its Founding Day on Sunday, commemorating the establishment of the first Saudi state, the Emirate of Diriyah, in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. The annual event, held on February 22, highlights the kingdom’s historical roots, cultural heritage, and leadership legacy. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud declared the day a national holiday in 2022.

The Founding Day is distinct from Saudi National Day, which is observed on September 23 to mark the unification of modern Saudi Arabia in 1932. Citizens and expatriates across the country enjoyed an extended holiday, with colorful events and celebrations organized nationwide.

In Riyadh, the municipality installed over 5,000 decorative lights across major roads, intersections, and public spaces. More than 25,000 flags of Saudi Arabia and the first Saudi state were displayed throughout the Riyadh region, including 8,000 in the capital and 17,000 in other governorates. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the decorations created a festive atmosphere reflecting pride in nearly three centuries of heritage.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh announced on Sunday that it will soon release revised election schedules for the Bogura-6 by-election and the Sherpur-3 constituency poll. Both elections are expected to be held before April 14. The EC stated that the schedules will be declared very soon to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements.

The Bogura-6 seat became vacant after BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, who was elected from both Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 in the February 12 general election, expressed his intention to vacate one seat as per the Representation of the People Order (RPO), which prohibits holding multiple constituencies simultaneously. Meanwhile, voting in Sherpur-3 was postponed due to the death of a valid candidate during the same election.

According to the EC, previously valid candidates in Sherpur-3 will not need to resubmit nomination papers. Only new candidates will be allowed to submit nominations under the revised schedule.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has conducted the first test of the Sayyad-3G air defense missile in the Strait of Hormuz. The missile, with a range of 150 kilometers, was launched as part of a naval exercise. Iranian authorities stated that the new system will enhance regional air defense capabilities. The IRGC released footage of the launch on Saturday, showcasing the naval version of the previously land-based Sayyad-3G system.

According to the report, Iran had earlier tested the long-range, land-based Sayyad-3 missile on December 28, 2016. That version had a range of 120 kilometers, a length of six meters, and a weight of 900 kilograms. The recent test took place during the “Smart Control” exercise, which began on February 16 and lasted three days.

The development marks Iran’s continued effort to expand its air defense technology and adapt existing systems for naval use, as reported by Middle East Monitor.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has claimed that, according to the Bible, Israel holds rightful authority over the entire Middle East. His remarks, made during an interview with host Tucker Carlson, included references to territories such as Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and parts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The statement has triggered widespread condemnation across the Muslim world.

A joint declaration issued by the United Arab Emirates’ Foreign Ministry and signed by the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, as well as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, denounced Huckabee’s comments. The statement said the remarks undermine the UN Charter and efforts to end the Gaza war. Iran accused the United States of supporting Israel’s expansionist policies.

Saudi Arabia called the comments extremist and unacceptable, demanding clarification from the US State Department. Jordan described them as an attack on regional sovereignty, while Kuwait, Oman, and Egypt labeled them violations of international law and threats to peace and stability. The Arab League warned that such baseless claims could inflame religious and national sentiments.

The White House has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2, marking the first visit by an American president to Beijing since 2017. A White House official confirmed the schedule last Friday. Trump previously visited China during his first presidential term in 2017. Both Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have recently described communication between the two countries as “excellent” and “good.”

Trump said the upcoming trip would be a “grand” one, emphasizing that the U.S. presence and arrangements should surpass any previous events in Chinese history. The visit comes as the U.S. Supreme Court has annulled tariffs Trump had imposed on several countries. Trump had earlier described tariffs as a tool to push other nations to support his policies.

Trade tariffs and China’s response are expected to be key topics during the meetings. Due to tariff impacts, China has reportedly stopped purchasing soybeans from the United States, one of its top import items. The visit follows recent trips to Beijing by several Western leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who discussed trade and electric vehicle restrictions.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has expressed optimism that the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will reach new heights in the future. The statement came during a courtesy meeting with Saudi Ambassador Dr. Abdullah Zafar H. Bin Abiya at the Cabinet Division in Dhaka Secretariat on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 11 a.m. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Adviser Humayun Kabir were also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, the Saudi ambassador congratulated Tareq Rahman on assuming office as prime minister and assured that the Saudi government would continue all forms of cooperation with Bangladesh. Earlier that morning, at 9:05 a.m., Tareq Rahman began his official duties at the Cabinet Division, where Chief Secretary A.B.M. Abdus Sattar welcomed him.

The meeting underscored the mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with both sides expressing confidence in advancing the long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Bangladesh Secretariat experienced an unusually high number of visitors as people came to meet and congratulate newly appointed ministers. Many visitors brought flowers to offer their best wishes, while officials from various government departments and organizational representatives also joined the visits. The increased presence of people and vehicles was noticeable throughout the morning.

Members of the Bangladesh Government Primary Teachers’ Association said they came to greet the new education minister and state minister with flowers. Assistant Sub-Inspector Barek, who was on duty at the Secretariat, confirmed that the crowd was larger than usual but assured that security arrangements remained adequate. Entry procedures were being managed according to ministry requests.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at the Secretariat’s Cabinet Division office at 9:05 a.m. and was received by Chief Secretary A.B.M. Abdus Sattar. The day’s activity reflected heightened public and administrative engagement following the formation of the new cabinet.

A Dhaka court has postponed the submission of the investigation report in the Salman Shah murder case against 11 accused, including his former wife Samira Haque and actor Don. Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana set the new date for April 9, 2026, after the investigating officer, Atiqul Islam Khandaker of Ramna Model Police Station, failed to submit the report on the scheduled day. The decision was made following a hearing on Sunday.

The case, originally filed as an unnatural death case after Salman Shah’s body was found at his Eskaton residence on September 6, 1996, has undergone multiple investigations and legal revisions. It was later reclassified as a murder case following a court directive on October 20. Over the years, CID and judicial inquiries have alternately described the death as suicide or unnatural, leading to repeated legal challenges by the actor’s family.

The case was revived in 2022 after a revision petition was filed against a previous court order that had accepted the Police Bureau of Investigation’s report. The next hearing is now scheduled for April 9, 2026.