Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday 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 finance minister’s remarks signal a reform-oriented approach at the finance ministry, with emphasis on strengthening institutions, reducing regulatory burdens and ensuring that economic opportunities are accessible to all citizens.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Md Rashiduzzaman Millat on Wednesday said steps have been planned to reduce passenger suffering at airports, particularly for expatriate travellers. He said work has already started with relevant authorities to improve airport management, including ticketing and baggage handling services. The state minister added that steps will be taken to identify and break syndicates involved in irregularities in ticketing and other services. Replying to a question about corruption, he said investigations will be conducted if allegations arise and necessary action will be taken. He added that long-term plans are also being prepared to develop the tourism sector.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his cabinet colleagues paid tributes to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its former chairperson Khaleda Zia on Wednesday. Tarique, as the prime minister, first paid tribute to his parents by placing a wreath at their graves. They also offered Fateha and a munajat seeking salvation for the departed souls of late President Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, the parents of Tarique Rahman. Earlier in the morning, the prime minister and the cabinet members paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office and secrecy to the prime minister and his new ministers at the South Plaza of Parliament on Tuesday.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said that the prosecution of crimes against humanity related to the July uprising will proceed in a normal and uninterrupted manner. He made the comment on Wednesday, in response to reporters’ questions after assuming office at the ministry. The law minister said the state will properly honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives during the July uprising in the pursuit of establishing democracy. Md Asaduzzaman said there are challenges “as big as mountains,” but the government will continue to work relentlessly to meet people’s expectations. Efforts will be guided by the memory of those who gave their lives over 17 years to protect democracy and establish justice.

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Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday morning took part in a road-cleaning program in the capital’s Mirpur area. The drive began after Fajr prayers in the Manipur neighbourhood. In the footage, Shafiqur Rahman is seen sweeping the street with a broom, while party leaders and activists collected garbage in polythene bags. Ameer of Dhaka Metropolitan North Mohammad Selim Uddin was also seen taking part in the program. Speaking during the event, Shafiqur Rahman said: “We want to remove all kinds of garbage in the country through state reforms.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War on Wednesday, a day after taking oath and forming the government following a massive victory in the 13th national election. Tarique, as the prime minister, first paid tribute to the martyrs by placing a wreath at the altar of the National Memorial at Savar, on the outskirts of capital Dhaka, around 11am. The newly elected prime minister also planted a "Parijat" sapling on the memorial premises after placing the wreaths. Apart from Tarique, the new government includes 25 ministers and 24 state ministers, with a strong presence of new faces. The prime minister is also scheduled to meet senior administrative officials (secretaries) on the same day.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has congratulated Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on assuming office. In a congratulatory message, Takaichi conveyed her warm wishes on behalf of the government and people of Japan. She noted that since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, Japan has stood by the country as a trusted friend and has consistently supported its nation-building efforts. Takaichi emphasized the need for joint efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties and advance the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. The Japanese prime minister voiced strong optimism about working closely with her Bangladeshi counterpart to further consolidate the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to deliver a televised address to the nation Wednesday evening, according to an official announcement. In a message circulated around 12:30pm on Wednesday, the Department of Information confirmed that the prime minister will speak at 7pm. The address will be broadcast simultaneously on state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) as well as all private television channels across the country.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson invited President Donald Trump to deliver his 2026 State of the Union Address on January 7. Here’s a breakdown of when and how to watch the 2026 State of the Union. When is the 2026 State of the Union Address? What time does the 2026 State of the Union Address start? Where can I watch the 2026 State of the Union Address?

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A group of former international cricket captains has urged Pakistan’s government to provide “immediate and adequate medical attention” to jailed former prime minister and cricket legend Imran Khan, citing concerns over his deteriorating health in custody. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the former players expressed deep concern over reports of worsening eyesight and prison conditions during Khan’s incarceration since August 2023, reports Al Jazeera. The signatories said recent reports, including claims that Khan has only about 15 percent vision in his right eye, were alarming and warranted urgent specialist treatment. His sister Aleema Khan alleged that authorities ignored his medical complaints for months, leading to serious vision loss. Supporters of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), have recently staged protests outside parliament demanding proper medical care and access for his family and doctors.

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Reading time: about 3 minutesAt this moment, Cornell is the best hockey school in the Ivy League. 11 in the nation — earned their respective 2025-2026 Ivy League championships this past weekend. “I’m proud of the girls to be able to get the Ivy League Championship this year. The Ivy League has four teams — on both the men’s and women’s sides — with winning records (above .500). The numbers are eerily similar on the women’s side — the four Ivy League teams above .500 at this season’s conclusion (Cornell, No.

MANILA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte announced Wednesday she will run for president of the archipelago nation of 116 million in 2028. "I am Sara Duterte. I will run for president of the Philippines." Members of the Philippine clergy filed an impeachment complaint earlier this month against Duterte, the third to hit the vice president in just over a week. A guilty verdict would see Duterte barred from politics and sidelined from a potential 2028 presidential run.