State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat announced that initiatives will be taken to reopen airports that were closed during the previous government’s tenure. He said that once those airports resume operations, any new airport would first be established in the Mymensingh division. The minister made these remarks on Friday, February 27, during a meeting with journalists at the district administration hall in Jamalpur.

He stated that efforts are underway to make Biman Bangladesh Airlines profitable and to reduce air ticket prices to an affordable level. Highlighting the country’s tourism potential, he mentioned plans to modernize the Lauchapara tourist center in Jamalpur and improve facilities for visitors. The minister added that the current government is gradually implementing its promises, citing the recent waiver of Tk 10,000 in agricultural loans as an example.

Millat also assured that justice will be ensured in the murder case of journalist Golam Rabbani Nadim, emphasizing that such incidents must not recur. Several local officials and lawmakers were present at the event.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar has alleged that despite relatively peaceful voting, the counting and result declaration stages of the recent national election were manipulated to defeat Jamaat candidates. Speaking on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the party’s Mymensingh City Rukon Conference, he claimed that Jamaat was narrowly defeated in more than 50 parliamentary constituencies across the country.

Parwar stated that in many constituencies, Jamaat candidates were shown to have lost by margins of one to five thousand votes. He said the party has already lodged complaints with the Election Commission and will seek vote recounts and impartial investigations through the election tribunal. According to him, if voters had been able to cast their ballots freely, the results might have been different.

He reiterated that Jamaat-e-Islami remains committed to democratic and non-violent politics, rejecting extremism. Parwar also claimed that the party’s symbol, the balance scale, received widespread public support nationwide and that Jamaat will continue constructive political engagement for the welfare of the people.

Three police officers, including a sub-inspector, were injured when a team from the district detective branch (DB) came under attack during an anti-drug operation in Charulail village of Dhalla Union, Singair upazila, Manikganj. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the team led by SI Md. Anwar Hossain detained a suspect, Md. Lablu Mia, with 20 yaba tablets. As police were returning with the detainee, his relatives and several locals allegedly attacked them and snatched him away. Two constables were hospitalized, while the SI received primary treatment.

Following the attack, SI Anwar Hossain filed two separate cases at Singair Police Station on Friday—one under the Narcotics Control Act naming Lablu as an accused, and another for assaulting police officers, naming 19 individuals and 15–20 unidentified persons. Police have so far arrested nine people, including several women and elderly individuals. The officer-in-charge stated that initial evidence links the detainees to the attack, while relatives of the arrested claim innocent people were detained. Police said further legal action will follow based on the investigation.

Authorities confirmed that operations to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing.

State Minister for Industries, Commerce, Jute and Textiles Md. Shariful Alam stated that the government is committed to restoring public confidence by ensuring law and order across the country. Speaking at a meeting in Bhairab, Kishoreganj on Friday, he declared a zero-tolerance stance against drugs, robbery, extortion, and tender manipulation. He warned that no one involved in such activities, even from his own party, would be spared. He also encouraged those seeking employment to contact local administration or his office for assistance.

The minister highlighted several government initiatives, including the Family Card, Farmer Card, agricultural loan waivers up to 10,000 taka, and canal excavation programs, which are being implemented nationwide. He said these programs aim to benefit rural communities soon and called for cooperation from political leaders, professionals, and journalists to ensure their success.

Shariful Alam added that representatives from various political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Khelafat Majlis, as well as teachers, journalists, and officials, were invited to the meeting to promote inclusive national development.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. In a post on social media platform X, he called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and to immediately halt all military operations.

Anwar emphasized that Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns must be addressed while also respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stated that these two principles are not contradictory and can be reconciled through dialogue. His remarks have been viewed as a diplomatic appeal for regional stability amid the ongoing tensions.

The statement comes as regional actors continue to monitor the situation closely, with calls for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.

The world's largest US aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, has arrived off the coast of Israel as regional tensions rise over fears of a possible attack on Iran. Israel's Channel 12 reported the development on Friday, though the US military has not yet issued an official statement. The Anadolu Agency also confirmed the report.

According to the report, twenty US refueling aircraft landed in Israel on Thursday night. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said four KC-46A Pegasus refueling planes arrived at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. These moves are being viewed as part of a broader effort by the United States to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East amid growing concerns about potential conflict with Iran.

Analysts described the deployment as significant in light of the recent regional tensions, suggesting it underscores Washington's heightened readiness in the area.

Al-Azhar University celebrated its 1086th founding anniversary on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with a grand ceremony held at its main mosque in Cairo. The event highlighted the institution’s long-standing role as a symbol of Islamic scholarship, worship, and civilization. Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Professor Dr. Nazir Ayyad, emphasized that Al-Azhar was built on the strength of knowledge rather than political power, grounded firmly in the Quran and Sunnah. University President Professor Dr. Salama Juma Daud described Al-Azhar’s scholars as vast oceans of knowledge who enriched generations with their encyclopedic wisdom.

Historical accounts note that construction of Al-Azhar began soon after the founding of Cairo under Fatimid Caliph Al-Muizz li-Dinillah in 969 CE. The mosque was completed in 27 months, and the first congregational prayer was held on June 21, 972 CE. In 1172 CE, Sultan Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi transformed Al-Azhar into a central Sunni institution representing the four schools of Islamic jurisprudence, shaping its evolution into a global hub of Sunni scholarship.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman performed Friday prayers at the central mosque of the Navy Headquarters in Banani on February 27, 2026, following his return from London. After the prayers, he exchanged greetings with children and teenagers gathered outside the mosque. His wife, Zubaida Rahman, offered prayers in the women’s section of the same mosque, according to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

During the interaction, a child asked the Prime Minister if he observed fasting, to which he replied affirmatively with a smile. He shook hands with several children, patted some on the head, and asked if they were fasting as well. The children responded together that they were. One child mentioned missing only one day of fasting, while another said they had fasted every day, prompting the Prime Minister to praise them warmly.

The exchange created a cheerful atmosphere as the children expressed joy at meeting the Prime Minister. Before leaving with his wife, Tarique Rahman waved goodbye, saying “Allah Hafez,” while the children requested his prayers for them.

Cultural Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury announced that the government will provide allowances to distressed artists and construct a full-fledged Shilpakala Academy building in Magura district. He also stated that, under the government’s plan, two canals will be excavated in each upazila. The minister made these remarks on Friday afternoon at the Magura Circuit House hall room, where he was welcomed with flowers by representatives of various political and cultural organizations.

During his address, the minister emphasized that government employees involved in bribery or corruption will face justice. He added that the government will maintain a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, extortion, and drug-related offenses among the general public as well. The announcement reflects the government’s broader commitment to cultural development and integrity in public service.

The initiatives aim to strengthen local cultural infrastructure while ensuring social welfare support for underprivileged artists, aligning with the government’s ongoing development agenda.

WhatsApp is introducing a new message scheduling feature that allows users to write and set messages in advance for automatic delivery at a chosen date and time. The feature is currently being tested in the iOS beta version 26.710.72, with an Android rollout expected soon. Users can schedule greetings, reminders, or work-related messages without needing to be online when the message is sent.

The new option, available under the 'Chat Info' screen, lets users view all scheduled messages, edit their content, or delete them before sending. This feature aims to help users manage busy schedules and avoid forgetting important dates or communications. It marks the first time in WhatsApp’s 17-year history that users can schedule messages directly within the app.

By automating message delivery, WhatsApp seeks to make personal and professional communication more convenient, reducing the need for external reminders or third-party scheduling tools.

Chhatra Dal central president Rakibul Islam Rakib has explained his actions after a video circulated on social media showing him running to salute Prime Minister Tareq Rahman. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at the Bangla Academy premises in Dhaka, where the prime minister attended the inauguration of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Following criticism online, Rakib posted a statement on Facebook on Friday clarifying the situation.

In his post, Rakib stated that he and other Chhatra Dal leaders were present at the venue for three hours before and during the event. He described greeting the prime minister upon arrival, accompanying him throughout the program, and presenting the organization’s magazine. Rakib said that after the event, he briefly ran toward the prime minister’s car to exchange a final courteous salute at the request of security personnel.

He criticized sections of the media for focusing only on a few seconds of the incident, calling it an example of negative reporting that ignored his longer involvement during the event.

In Pabna’s Bhangura upazila, police have been accused of assaulting the wife, brother, and sister-in-law of a check dishonor case suspect after failing to find him at home. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday night in Jhobjhobiya village. According to local sources, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Anis conducted a raid to arrest Abdur Rahim Rubel, a warrant-listed suspect and local Jamaat activist. When the family delayed opening the door, officers allegedly broke in.

Family members claimed that Rubel’s wife, Fazila Khatun, showed bail documents, but police verbally abused and beat her, Rubel’s brother Roni Islam, and sister-in-law Swapna Khatun, accusing them of helping Rubel escape. The injured were admitted to Bhangura Upazila Health Complex. Jamaat-e-Islami’s upazila leader Dr. Mohir Uddin visited the victims and condemned the incident, demanding punishment for those responsible.

Officer-in-Charge S.M. Mostafizur Rahman denied the allegations, stating that the family obstructed the arrest and behaved aggressively, injuring two police members who received treatment that night.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman announced that the party’s next major political effort will focus on the upcoming local government elections. Speaking on Friday at a district Jamaat-organized ‘Shura and Working Committee Members’ Training Camp’ in Sylhet, he said the party’s first battle was the national election, and the second will begin with the local polls. He instructed party members to ensure full participation in the upcoming contests.

Dr. Rahman stated that Jamaat-e-Islami achieved three gains in the recent election: forming a meaningful alliance under its own leadership for the first time, being entrusted with the role of main opposition, and confronting six opposing forces simultaneously. He emphasized that the party now understands the combined strength of those forces.

The event, presided over by district Jamaat Ameer Maulana Habibur Rahman, also highlighted Dr. Rahman’s vision of a future Bangladesh shaped by Islamic values and freedom-seeking citizens.

Several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, Palestine, and Gambia, have expressed full support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The assurance came during meetings held in Jeddah on the sidelines of an emergency session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met with diplomats from these nations.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior officials from the supporting countries conveyed their backing and discussed bilateral and mutual interests with the Bangladeshi delegation. The government of Bangladesh has nominated Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as its candidate for the UNGA presidency election scheduled for June. OIC representatives also congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his party’s electoral victory and expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s political stability and development under his leadership.

The ministry statement added that the participating leaders praised Bangladesh’s steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause and reaffirmed their collective support for its UN candidacy.

The Asian Human Rights Organization has expressed deep concern over reports of killings, rape, and attacks across Bangladesh linked to the upcoming 2026 parliamentary election. In a statement issued on Friday, the organization highlighted the growing political violence following the announcement of the election schedule and urged authorities to ensure the safety of women, children, and the general public.

Secretary General Nazrul Islam Babul referenced the student protests of August 2024, noting that over two thousand students had lost their lives in earlier movements against inequality. He warned that Bangladesh could face long-term consequences if the aspirations of the student movement are ignored. Babul also cited recent incidents, including the killing of a student in Dhaka and the gang rape and murder of a woman in Narsingdi, as signs of a deteriorating situation.

The organization condemned remarks by ruling party lawmaker Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan, who allegedly threatened collective divorce against supporters of opposition candidates, calling such statements clear human rights violations. It urged the government to take strong action to uphold human rights and public safety.