Defending T20 World Cup champions India need "two big performances" to reach the semi-finals after Sunday's huge defeat to South Africa, said their assistant coach. India collapsed to 111 all out in 18.5 overs in response to South Africa's 187-7 as their 12-match win streak in the T20 World Cup came to a crashing end. "When you set out to win a World Cup, don't expect someone to come and deliver it to you halfway through," the assistant coach added. Captain Suryakumar Yadav agreed India need to use their brains in the first six-over power play when only two fielders are allowed on the boundary. No team has ever retained the T20 World Cup and no side have ever won the trophy on home soil.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed spoke to journalists today at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS) – Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today reiterated his government commitment to put an end to the “mob culture”, saying they would take punitive and decisive action against the misdeed. He made the remarks while replying to a question after attending a meeting with heads of the forces under the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat here. The era of realizing the demand after occupying the roads and highways has ended, he said. “None will be allowed to occupy the roads and highways to end public sufferings,” he said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed spoke to journalists today after a meeting with the chiefs of forces under the Home Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today warned that immediate action will be taken against anyone who illegally interferes in police duties, stressing that obstruction of lawful police work will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The Home Minister said that no individual or group - whether political or social - has the right to obstruct the legitimate work of the police. "Police work cannot be illegally obstructed or interfered with," he said, adding that strict measures will be taken against any such attempts. Salahuddin Ahmed further said he plans to visit various departments under the ministry to motivate officials, boost their morale, and provide guidance.

The Bangla Academy has announced nine recipients for the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025, recognising writers across eight categories. Reacting to the announcement, poet Mohon Raihan said that he was unaware his name had been included on the list. “I didn’t even know whether my name was on the award list. However, this year the fair did not begin on Feb 1 due to the 13th parliamentary election. The awards will be formally presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the inauguration of the Ekushey Book Fair on Feb 26.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering support for Saarc process and its commitment to working with member states to achieve the shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia. Saarc issues were discussed when its Secretary General Md Golam Sarwar called on the State Minister on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister recalled that the idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first proposed by Bangladesh in the early 1980s by late President Ziaur Rahman to promote people's welfare, improve quality of life, and strengthen collective self- reliance. Being one of the founder members and the host of the very first Summit of Saarc in December 1985, Bangladesh acknowledges the valuable contributions of member states in sustaining the relevance of Saarc amid evolving regional and global dynamics.

Defense Adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam today visited the Ministry of Defense at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Photo: ISPRDHAKA, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS) - Defense Adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam today visited the Ministry of Defense at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar here. On his arrival, Defense Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin and senior officials of the ministry welcomed him, said a release of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate this afternoon. The adviser was apprised by the secretary of the overall activities, notable achievements and future plans of the Ministry of Defense. The defense adviser also expressed hope that the Ministry of Defense would continue to work tirelessly to enhance the capacity of military and civilian institutions under this ministry and to build an independent, sovereign, modern and developed Bangladesh.

Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of the SAARC, met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Photo: MoFADHAKA, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS)- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam today reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering support for revitalizing the SAARC process, underscoring Dhaka’s commitment to regional peace, stability and prosperity in South Asia. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), paid a courtesy call on her at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, said a ministry’s press release. During the meeting, they discussed various matters relating to SAARC and ways to reinvigorate regional cooperation. As one of the founding members and host of the first SAARC Summit in December 1985, Bangladesh recognizes the valuable contributions of the member states in maintaining the relevance of SAARC amid evolving regional and global dynamics, she said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said that the law enforcement agencies have been directed to thoroughly review and verify cases before submitting detailed reports, ensuring that no individual faces harassment or undue hardship as a result of frivolous or malicious litigation. He emphasized that the directive is aimed at upholding the principles of the rule of law and safeguarding people from misuse of the legal process. Referring to the previous government’s tenure, Salahuddin Ahmed said the police force had been adversely affected by political interference. Stressing the central role of law enforcement in maintaining social order, he noted that society cannot function effectively without the police. He underscored the need to restore morale within the force through comprehensive reforms and reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Police Reform Commission.

BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Monday that the government has not approved the reopening of Awami League offices across the country. Following the 13th National Parliamentary Election, Awami League offices, previously banned from functioning in various areas, have been reopened by party leaders and activists. Speaking to journalists at BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka, Fakhrul said: “There is no government approval for opening Awami League offices nationwide. We hope the relevant government departments will look into the matter.”He added: “Considering the overall situation, public support for Tarique Rahman will continue. I pray for her soul’s forgiveness.”He also noted that the role of journalists in restoring democracy will be recorded in history.

Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS) - Former Under-19 World Cup winning captain Akbar Ali marked the opening day of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) one-day format with a brilliant century, continuing his rich vein of form across different levels of cricket. Riding on his power-packed century, North Zone posted a formidable 335 before being bowled out in the final over. Skipper Shanto contributed a composed 68, while opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim added a brisk 54 off 44 deliveries. Opting to bat first, North Zone suffered an early setback with the dismissal of opener Habibur Rahman Sohan. Shanto and Akbar rebuilt the innings with an 80-run partnership for the fifth wicket, laying the foundation for a 300-plus total.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed spoke to journalists today after a meeting with the chiefs of forces under the Home Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 23, 2026 (BSS) – Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today announced that the government will review and potentially cancel firearms and ammunition licenses issued during the 17-year tenure of the fascist Awami League (AL) government, alleging that many were granted on political considerations. Speaking to journalists after a meeting with chiefs of forces under the Home Ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the minister said authorities will scrutinize all firearms licenses issued during the “fascist regime.”“We will verify the process of issuance of all the firearms during the fascist regime. After thorough scrutiny, licenses will be scrapped if the issuance is found unlawful or politically motivated. Salahuddin, also a BNP Standing Committee member, further stated that all firearms and ammunition linked to cancel licenses will be seized.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged authorities to identify genuine farmers and ensure the direct delivery of government services to them, describing agriculture as the main driving force of the country’s economy. He made the remarks while presiding over a meeting on the launch of the “Krishak Card” (Farmer's Card) at the Cabinet Division conference room in the afternoon. The prime minister said the smart card system is being introduced to curb the role of middlemen and ensure that farmers receive their fair dues and government subsidies easily. The meeting discussed in detail the rollout of the Krishak Card initiative, aimed at expanding benefits for marginal farmers and making the distribution of agricultural incentives more transparent and modern. The prime minister directed authorities to implement the programme at the field level as soon as possible.

Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday said local government elections will be held at the "right time", even though administrators have been appointed to six city corporations. “There are government rules and procedures for local government elections. We will consider everything and ensure the elections are held at the proper time,” he said. Talking to reporters at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, Fakhrul also said the government will certainly give priority to the local body polls. This was his first visit to the party office after taking charge as Local Government, Rural Development and Co‑operatives Minister.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pinned the rank badge of Major General on the newly appointed Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury, at a ceremony held at the Armed Forces Division on Monday. Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury assumed charge as the organization’s head following his appointment. The rank badge ceremony was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday attended his office at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment for the first time. The prime minister arrived at his office at 9am, where he was received by the chiefs of the three services, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He exchanged greetings with them before joining his scheduled engagements. As part of the day’s program, the prime minister adorned Lieutenant General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman and Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury with their new rank badges. Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly, Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and Private Secretary-2 Md Mehedul Islam were, among others, present.