Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today outlined his government’s immediate priorities, placing institutional reform, economic inclusivity, broad-based economic participation and deregulation at the top of the agenda. Speaking to reporters after assuming charge at the Finance Ministry, the minister said the government’s ability to deliver depends fundamentally on the strength and efficiency of its institutions. The Finance Minister described institutional reform as the “number one” task before the ministry, underscoring that rebuilding governance structures is a prerequisite for sustainable economic management. On regulatory reforms, the Finance Minister renewed his call for serious deregulation and liberalisation, arguing that Bangladesh has become an over-regulated country over time.

The Minister provided a detailed assessment of the current pipeline and existing inventory of daily necessities, asserting that the volume of goods is more than sufficient to maintain market equilibrium. He dismissed concerns regarding potential shortages, issuing a clear directive to the public that there is no reason for anxiety. "The stocks of daily necessities currently in our possession and in the pipeline are sufficient to keep the market stable during the month of Ramadan and the period following it. Addressing the recurring issue of market syndicates, the Minister signalled a departure from historical verbal warnings, opting for a strategy defined by tangible outcomes. He emphasized that this process requires seamless coordination between the Commerce Ministry, which initiates the move, and the Economic Relations Division (ERD).

If we keep our own yards clean, the country will be clean: Jamaat AmeerLeader of the Opposition in Parliament and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman spoke to journalists while participating in a street cleaning programme in the Monipur area this morning. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) - Leader of the Opposition in Parliament andBangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman today said thatsincerity in keeping one's own surroundings clean would eventually ensure aclean country, both physically and morally. During the programme, Dr. Rahman personally swept the streets and collectedwaste into a designated vehicle accompanying the team. Emphasising personal responsibility, he said, "If we are sincere and keep ourown yards clean, our beloved motherland will also become clean." Dr. Rahman called upon each party unit to spend at least half an hour dailyafter Fajr prayers on cleanliness activities, saying that devoting an hourwould be even better.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan. Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said the government’s utmost priority ahead of the holy month of Ramadan is to control commodity prices, maintain a normal law and order situation, and ensure uninterrupted power supply across the country. He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after attending the meeting between newly appointed ministers and state ministers and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at Bangladesh Secretariat here. Speaking on media freedom, Swapan reiterated that freedom of the press and the free flow of information will remain among the government’s core political commitments. State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Chowdhury was also present at the meeting, among others.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid. File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) – Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today said agriculture, fisheries and livestock are the main pillars of the national economy; stressing that integrated planning and effective implementation in these sectors would make the country’s overall economy stronger and more resilient. “If we can ensure integrated planning and effective implementation in these sectors, the country’s overall economy will become stronger and more resilient,” he said. Amin Ur Rashid, also the agriculture minister, made the remarks while addressing a view-exchange meeting with officials at the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock here this afternoon. Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber and senior officials from different departments and agencies were present, among others.

Yeaser Khan Chowdhury,charge as the State Minister for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) - Newly elected Member of Parliament Yeaser Khan Chowdhury has been given charge as the State Minister for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting after being sworn in as a state minister on Tuesday. The portfolios of the newly formed government were allocated among the ministers and state ministers who took oath yesterday afternoon. According to a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assigned the portfolios. Earlier yesterday afternoon, President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to the new prime minister, ministers, and state ministers at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

File photoDHAKA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) – The holy month of Ramadan of 1447 Hijri will begin in the country tomorrow as the new moon was sighted in the sky of Bangladesh today. He said the moon was sighted in Netrokona, Sirajganj and Cox’s Bazar districts this evening. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time when Muslims around the world focus on prayers, fasting, giving charity and religious devotion. All government, semi-government and private offices have arranged new office schedule.

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A writ petition has been filed with the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh seeking a directive to declare the July National Charter illegal and contradictory to the Constitution. Supreme Court lawyer Yunus Ali Akand filed the writ on Wednesday in the relevant branch of the High Court in the public interest. He said the petition may be heard next week by a High Court bench headed by Justice Razik-Al-Jalil. The writ names the cabinet Secretary, the Law Ministry secretary, the National Consensus Commission, the chief election commissioner and others as respondents. Supreme Court lawyer ABM Ataul Majid Touhid filed the petition in the public interest.

Three people, including a bus driver and an army sergeant, were killed and at least 15 others were injured in a head-on collision between an army vehicle and a passenger bus in Phulpur of Mymensingh on Wednesday. The deceased were identified as bus driver Bishu, army vehicle driver Sergeant Rezaul Karim and an unidentified pedestrian. Police said the bus was heading to Sherpur from Mymensingh when it collided head-on with the army vehicle, which was travelling toward Mymensingh. Three of them were declared dead after being taken to Phulpur Health Complex. Confirming the incident, Mymensingh Additional Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Mamun said the injured were rescued immediately after the collision.

The Bangladesh Parliament Journalists Association calling out restrictions placed on the media during the oath-taking ceremony of the 13th National Parliament is understandable. That for the first time in our parliamentary history, accredited journalists were denied access to a moment that symbolizes the renewal of democratic practice, is a cause for concern. Any Parliament is the people’s house, and it is the media that bridges that connection between citizens and its proceedings. As such, working with the media, empowering them to report freely, and guaranteeing access to government institutions ought to be how any government with democratic aspirations operates. Our future depends on a vibrant, empowered press that can hold power to account.

State Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Farzana Sharmin on Wednesday said the government must first build public trust, stressing that they are in office to serve the people. Speaking to reporters on her first day at the Secretariat after assuming office, she said the government aims to work as a servant of the people and ensure public welfare through responsible governance. According to her, the goal is to build an administrative structure where everyone works together to build a better Bangladesh for the future. The state minister also said there is a strong sense of responsibility within the government to deliver results. She sought cooperation and support from the public, expressing hope that collective efforts will help build a more livable and inclusive Bangladesh.

A fearless environment for journalism will be ensured in Bangladesh, newly appointed Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said on Wednesday. A 50-member cabinet, led by BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman, took oath on Tuesday afternoon. Jahir Uddin Swapan was assigned the information and broadcasting portfolio in the new cabinet. The minister arrived at the Secretariat at around 1:15pm on Wednesday and spoke to reporters. “Since we already know the problems, and since the Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, has included media freedom in his plans, we will, Insha’Allah, create a fearless environment for journalism in Bangladesh," he added.

Essex Police said it is assessing information related to private flights into and out of Stansted Airport following the publication of the Jeffrey Epstein files by the US Department of Justice. In a statement, Essex Police said it is reviewing information linked specifically to private aircraft movements at Stansted Airport after the release of the Epstein files. Stansted Airport said all private jets operate through independent fixed-base operators and that passengers on such flights do not enter the main terminal. The National Police Chiefs’ Council said a new national group has been formed to support police forces assessing allegations arising from the Epstein files. Earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson over allegations he passed sensitive information to Epstein.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the government will fulfil the commitments made to people during the election, stressing that work will be carried out in line with the electoral mandate. Speaking to reporters on his first working day at the Secretariat after assuming office, he said the promises made by the party leadership and the government will be implemented. He said the government will take practical and effective steps to meet public expectations, particularly in local government and rural development sectors. Mirza Fakhrul took oath as a member of the new cabinet on Tuesday afternoon.