The newly-formed BNP government has moved to withdraw more than a thousand cases it says were politically motivated during the 17‑year tenure of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina. In a statement issued Sunday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said approval had been given to withdraw 1,006 cases filed against opposition leaders and activists, describing them as attempts to harass political opponents under the previous “fascist” administration. The ministry did not specify the total number of political cases filed during that period, or how many have been withdrawn so far. The decision to withdraw more than a thousand cases comes within five days of the formation of the new government. The decision comes within five days of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party taking office after winning a majority in the Feb 12 general election, which the Bangladesh Awami League did not contest.

No third party can sway Dhaka-Beijing ties: EnvoyThe Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, spoke to reporters after a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the foreign ministry today. The envoy made the remarks while speaking to reporters after a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the foreign ministry here today. Responding to a question about possible external pressure aimed at reducing China’s influence in Bangladesh, Yao said no outside force could affect Dhaka-Beijing ties. The ambassador reaffirmed China’s support for Bangladesh in safeguarding its unity, stability, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. He also said China would continue cooperation in job creation, investment, education and healthcare to support Bangladesh’s self-reliant and democratic development.

Organic farming to be introduced in char areas: agriculture ministerAgriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today spoke at a views exchange meeting with the officials and heads of various departments at the conference room of the ministry. Photo : PIDDHAKA, Feb 22, 2026 (BSS)- Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today said organic farming would be introduced in the country’s char areas to harness country’s agriculture potentials. Rashid, also minister for food, fisheries and livestock, said vast char lands across the country possess fertile soil and are well-suited for cultivating export-oriented organic crops. State Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku also spoke at the meeting. The state minister said the government has begun work on issuing Farmer’s Card to facilitate direct assistance to farmers.

Despite a spirited all-round effort from skipper Fahima Khatun, Bangladesh fell to a 46-run defeat against India in the Asia Cup Rising Stars final at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Thailand on Sunday. Chasing their maiden title, Bangladesh produced a disciplined bowling display to restrict India to 134 for 7 after opting to field first. India recovered through a vital 69-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Tejal Hasabins and captain Radha Yadav. Fahima returned to dismiss Radha for 36, but Hasabins anchored the innings to the end with an unbeaten 51. Opener Shamima Sultana top-scored with 20, while Sharmin Sultana made 18 and Fahima contributed 14.

Royal historian Andrew Lownie told AFP, it was "a crunch point" for the monarchy. If it is found that "they have been abetting him, enabling him, protecting him, then I think Charles will have to stand aside," he said. For Pauline Maclaran, an academic and royal family expert, Charles is in part a victim of timing. The late queen "certainly protected Andrew", Maclaran added. "Andrew was an unexploded bomb that the queen passed on to Charles," he said.

44,400 people to benefit from TCB Ramadan sales in ChuadangaFile PhotoCHUADANGA, Feb 22, 2026 (BSS) – To keep essential commodity prices affordable during Ramadan, the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) has launched sales in Chuadanga, official sources said today. Sales are being conducted across the district’s four upazilas – Chuadanga Sadar, Alamdanga, Damurhuda, and Jibannagar. Over the 20-day period, sales are planned at 111 points, targeting 44,400 beneficiaries. Additional Deputy Commissioner Nayan Kumar Rajbanshi said necessary announcements would be made via loudspeakers in the respective areas when required. Consumers expressed relief at being able to purchase essential commodities at lower prices during Ramadan under this TCB initiative.

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Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said they look forward to working together with Bangladesh in a forward-looking manner to strengthen people-centric cooperation in all domains. The high commissioner made the remarks while responding to a question after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. During the meeting, the high commissioner reiterated their position that they look forward to engaging with the new government in Bangladesh. On February 13, a day after the elections, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. "During the meeting, our Speaker handed a letter from Prime Minister Modi to Prime Minister Rahman," said the high commissioner.

At least 546 people were killed and 1,204 injured in 552 road accidents across the country in January, according to a monitoring report by the Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity. Of the 552 road crashes, 209 involved motorcycles, killing 223 people and injuring 132. Motorcycle crashes made up 37.86% of total road accidents, 40.84% of fatalities and 10.96% of injuries. Dhaka sees highest number of crashesDhaka Division recorded the highest number of road accidents, with 132 crashes resulting in 133 deaths and 328 injuries. Vehicles and causesA total of 829 vehicles were identified as being involved in road accidents in January.

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma spoke to reporters after calling on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed at the foreign ministry. The envoy made the remarks to reporters after calling on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed at the foreign ministry here. He also had a bilateral meeting with the new Prime Minister. During the meeting, our Speaker handed a letter from Prime Minister Modi to Prime Minister Rahman,” the envoy added. Reiterating New Delhi’s stance, the High Commissioner said India remains committed to further consolidating bilateral engagement through constructive dialogue and cooperation across sectors of mutual interest.

Election Commissioner (EC) Abdur Rahmanel Machud. File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 22, 2026 (BSS) - Election Commissioner (EC) Abdur Rahmanel Machud today said by-elections to Bogura-6 constituency and polls to Sherpur-3 constituency are likely to be held before April 14 next. He said the Commission is trying to take all preparations so that the by-elections and election could be held before April 14, Pohela Boishakh. Replying to a question about the election for reserved women's seats, he said the voting for reserved women's seats has already begun as it is basically the election of the parties representing the parliament. The EC also postponed the election to Sherpur-3 constituency due to the death of the Jamaat-e-Islami candidate.

Despite strong opposition from "Prakashak Oikko" (Publishers' Unity), construction of stalls for Book Fair 2026 is more than halfway done, and workers at the site say the fair will open on schedule. Visiting Suhrawardy Udyan on Sunday around 3:20pm, this correspondent found several stalls already completed, with others having their poles and tin sheets in place. Md Salahuddin, one of the workers at the site, told Dhaka Tribune that everything would be finished within the deadline. Meanwhile, Prakashak Oikko has announced it will not participate in the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026, citing Bangla Academy's "failure to follow through on earlier agreements and its failure to address concerns about lack of transparency". The grievances driving their position include what they describe as extreme time pressure, a lack of transparency and fairness in the allocation process, and unfair advantages being given to certain publishers.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Sunday said Dhaka and Beijing have been engaged in long-standing discussions over the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, expressing the hope that work on the long-awaited initiative will begin soon. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. The Chinese ambassador described the recently held election as smooth and orderly and found it as the victory of democracy. On February 17, Chinese Premier of the State Council Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Tarique Rahman on his inauguration as Bangladeshi Prime Minister. Li Qiang wrote in the message that China and Bangladesh are neighbors enjoying long-standing friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partners.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Jahir Uddin Swapan has announced plans to bring genuine farmers under direct state support as part of efforts to strengthen Bangladesh’s agriculture and economy. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kaplatoli Canal Re-excavation Project in Gournadi, Barisal at 11:00am on Sunday, the minister emphasized that the nation’s economy cannot be sustainable without increasing farmers’ production capacity. The food security will be ensured only when farmers receive fair prices for their produced agriculture product and necessary support,” the minister said in a press release issued by the Information Ministry. This will increase farmers’ income and significantly reduce dependence on food imports.”The minister also noted that many farmers still rely on traditional cultivation methods. Concluding his remarks, Minister Swapan stressed that strengthening the agriculture-based economy is a key part of the government’s long-term strategy.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has implemented stringent age and residency regulations for the upcoming 64-team National Cricket Championship to boost competitiveness, though the tournament's eve was marred by a road accident involving the Chandpur district team. And, squads are now limited to hiring a maximum of three players from outside their home district. Top-tier group winners will advance to a three-day competition in April 2026, while the bottom eight teams will face relegation. Top-level players not involved in the Bangladesh Cricket League one-day competition, such as Hasan Murad and Musfik Hasan, are also participating. Highlighting these infrastructural hurdles, a Chandpur district player sustained injuries in a road accident while the team was travelling precariously with their equipment in an auto-rickshaw just before the tournament.