DHAKA, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS) - The Election Commission (EC) has directed that video footage recorded by CCTV cameras installed at polling centres during the 13th national parliamentary election must be preserved. The information was disclosed today in a letter signed by Mohammad Monir Hossain, Deputy Secretary of the EC Secretariat. The letter was sent to all returning officers across the country. According to the letter, the Election Commission has decided that the video footage recorded by CCTV cameras at polling centres — both on the day prior to voting and on the polling day — during the 13th national parliamentary election held on February 12 must be preserved at the offices of the respective assistant returning officers for use as evidence if required in the future. In this regard, the letter requested that necessary measures be taken, in line with the commission’s decision, to ensure proper preservation of the CCTV footage recorded on the day before polling and on the polling day at the offices of the concerned assistant returning officers.

Photo: BSSKHAGRACHHARI, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS) - The Matiranga Army Zone in the district provided special humanitarian assistance and free medical services as part of its regular socio-economic development initiatives on Thursday morning. The assistance programme was held at the Matiranga Zone headquarters, where Zone Commander Lieutenant Colonel Md. In a separate initiative, free medical services and medicines were provided to over 200 Pahari and Bengali men and women in the Kathal Bagan area of the municipality. The medical camp was conducted by Matiranga Zone Medical Officer Captain Noor Rezwan Tawfiq Elahi Rizvi and Guimara Region Medical Officer Captain Sumaiya Akhter. Senior officials, including Matiranga Zone Adjutant Officer Captain Rakibul Islam Rafi, were present during the events.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam spoke at a reception accorded to him by the Ministry of Science and Technology at the Secretariat. Photo: PIDDHAKA, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS) - Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam today said the people of the country have elected the BNP with high expectations. “Therefore, we want to implement our election pledges for the people as soon as possible,” he said at a reception accorded to him by the Ministry of Science and Technology at the Secretariat here. The minister sought cooperation from officials and employees in carrying out the ministry’s activities with transparency and accountability, expressing his determination to work collectively for the country’s development. Secretary of the ministry Md Anwar Hossain presided over the event, while senior officials and heads of departments and organisations under the ministry were present.

TOULOUSE, France, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Plane maker Airbus aims to deliver a record number of commercial aircraft this year, the company said Thursday, capitalising on "strong demand" and a jump in profit in 2025. "2025 was a landmark year, characterised by very strong demand for our products and services across all businesses," CEO Guillaume Faury said in a press release announcing annual results. The European manufacturer said it received 1,000 orders for commercial planes in 2025, with net orders of 889 after taking cancellations into account, and 793 delivered. Last year, its overall profit jumped 23 percent to 5.2 billion euros ($6.1 billion). The company said it is targeting "around 870 commercial aircraft deliveries" this year.

Britain’s former prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct during his time as a trade envoy, as UK police investigations into allegations emerging from the Jeffrey Epstein files gathered pace. Andrew was last year stripped of all his titles, having been forced out of his former home by his brother King Charles III. New revelations last week appeared to show Andrew sent convicted US sex offender Epstein potentially confidential documents during his time as a UK trade envoy. Andrew, whose ties to Epstein have caused a spectacular years-long fall from grace, served as a British trade envoy for a decade from 2001. At least nine separate UK police forces have confirmed they are assessing reports which appear to link the former prince to Epstein.

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. File photoDHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) – Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today underscored the need for collective efforts to build an accountable and development-oriented state. If we work as a united team, setting aside all differences, it will be possible to establish good governance and build a prosperous society,” he said. Referring to the condition of state institutions, Fakhrul said many institutions had become weak and ineffective and had lost public confidence over the past 15 years. “Alleviating their hardship is a shared responsibility of the state, society and conscious citizens.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over an inter-ministerial meeting at the Cabinet Division meeting room at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over an inter-ministerial meeting at the Cabinet Division meeting room at the Bangladesh Secretariat today. The inter-ministerial meeting was held on 'Planting 25 crore trees in five years' and the national level river-canal-water bodies excavation and re-excavation programme. Ministers and state ministers of the concerned ministries were present at the meeting, said sources at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman -File photoDHAKA, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS) – The Jatiyatabadi Bankers' Association, Bangladesh (JBAB), an organization representing bankers of scheduled banks across the country, has extended its warmest congratulations to the newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the members of his newly formed cabinet. The association emphasized that the bold leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has opened a new door of hope for the people of Bangladesh. The JBAB leadership expressed their firm conviction that the new cabinet will remain steadfast in protecting the fundamental rights of the citizens and meeting the high expectations of the country. On the vision for a modern state, the leaders praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s far-reaching and realistic thinking. The Jatiyatabadi Bankers' Association, Bangladesh concluded its statement by offering prayers for the health, longevity, and continued success of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and all members of the new cabinet as they work toward building a prosperous and dignified nation.

At least 37 people died and 26 others were hospitalized after a toxic gas leak at a mine in north-central Nigeria, police said. The incident took place early Tuesday in Kampani Zurak community in the Wase area of Plateau state, according to police spokesperson Alfred Alabo, reports UNB. The bodies of the victims have been handed over to their families for burial in line with their religious customs. Authorities have shut down the mining site, and an investigation into the cause of the leak is ongoing. Nigeria has been grappling with illegal gold mining activities for years, with hundreds of fatalities reported in related incidents.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday gathers allies to inaugurate the “Board of Peace,” his new institution focused on progress in Gaza but whose ambitions reach much further. The “Board of Peace” came together after the Trump administration, teaming up with Qatar and Egypt, negotiated a ceasefire in October to halt two years of devastating war in Gaza. At the “Board of Peace” meeting, Trump is expected to detail pledges of more than $5 billion for Gaza, where the vast majority of buildings lie in rubble and the property-mogul-turned-president has improbably suggested developing resorts. US officials say Thursday’s meeting is about Gaza but have also spoken of the “Board of Peace” in broader, amorphous terms, saying it can address other global hotspots. Japan, usually among the most stalwart US allies, has not decided whether to join the board and will send an envoy handling Gaza.

DHAKA, Feb 19, 2026 (BSS) - The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has undertaken extensive programmes across the country to observe Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day on February 21 with due solemnity and respect. All government and private television channels, Bangladesh Betar and community radio stations will air special Ekushey programmes throughout the day. The Mass Communication Department will organize mobile musical concerts on trucks across Dhaka metropolis and boat-based cultural programmes on waterways surrounding the capital. Bangladesh Shishu Academy will arrange drawing competitions, recitations of rhymes and poems, and cultural programmes for children. Bangla Academy will host the Ekushey Book Fair, with participation from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Public Library Department, Bangladesh National Museum, National Book Centre, National Kabi Kazi Nazrul Institute, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Islamic Foundation and other publishing organizations.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said the ministry is aware of visa-related issues and is taking steps to address them. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry on Thursday, she said, “We are aware of the visa matters at the Foreign Ministry. “As a democratic government’s foreign policy should be, Bangladesh will stand upright and maintain communication, dialogue and friendship with all countries. Responding to a question about challenges in improving relations with neighbouring countries, she acknowledged that Bangladesh faces various issues with different countries. “To resolve these issues, we must proceed through both bilateral and multilateral engagements.

A building collapse caused by an explosion in Pakistan’s southern megacity of Karachi killed at least 16 people on Thursday, including children, officials said. “Sixteen people, including women and children, have been killed and 13 others injured,” the provincial rescue agency’s spokesman Hassan Khan told AFP. Last year in July, 27 people were killed and 10 injured after a five-story building collapsed in Karachi’s impoverished area of Lyari. Roof and building collapses are common across Pakistan, mainly because of poor safety standards and shoddy construction materials in the South Asian country of more than 240 million people. But Karachi, home to more than 20 million, is especially notorious for poor construction, illegal extensions, ageing infrastructure, overcrowding, and lax enforcement of building regulations.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and US President Donald J. Trump. 2026 (BSS)- US President Donald J. Trump has congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his historic election victory, expressing optimism about strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in trade, defence and regional stability. In a letter dated February 18, 2026, from the White House, President Trump conveyed his greetings to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. “On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you on your historic election and wish you a successful term as Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh,” he wrote. Together, we have an opportunity to make both of our nations more prosperous and secure.”Concluding the message, the US President wrote, “Good luck to you in the days ahead!”

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has directed police and other law enforcement agencies to quickly fulfill public expectations by gaining the trust of the people, emphasizing democratic reforms and institutional restructuring as top priorities. "The disciplined forces, including the police, must earn public trust by meeting the aspirations of the people," he said. The home minister said that after nearly a decade and a half, a political government has been formed through a transparent election, raising high hopes among citizens. Democratic reforms in various law enforcement agencies, including the police, must be prioritized in line with public expectations," he said. The minister stressed the need for a comprehensive and timely development plan for police and other law enforcement agencies.