Inmate dies at DMCH
A 65-year-old inmate of Dhaka Central Jail died at Dhaka Medical College HospitalInmate Abdul Khaleque brought to DMCH in an unconscious state around 12:30am on Friday where doctors pronounced him dead. Prison guard Abdullah said the inmate fell ill suddenly during the night. Following jail authorities’ instructions, he was rushed to the DMCH emergency department for advanced treatment. Md Faruk, officer in charge of the DMCH Police Outpost, said the body was kept in the hospital morgue for an autopsy. After completing the autopsy and legal procedures, the body will be handed over to the family.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 15:55 UTC
Eight advisers to PM assigned portfolios
The government has finalized the portfolios of eight advisers to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who were appointed to minister and state minister ranks in the new administration. Earlier, on Tuesday, the government had appointed a total of 10 advisers, leaving two without assigned portfolios for the time being. Minister-rank advisers and their portfoliosAccording to the notification, five advisers at the minister rank have been given key responsibilities:Political Advisers: Senior leaders Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed have been appointed as the prime minister’s political advisers. State minister-rank advisers and their portfoliosThree advisers at the state minister rank have been assigned portfolios across multiple ministries:Brigadier General (retd) Shamsul Islam has been given responsibility for the Ministry of Defence. The portfolios for the remaining two advisers are expected to be announced at a later date.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 15:55 UTC
Education minister: Police will question teenagers found roaming after dark
Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Friday said police will question teenagers found roaming the streets at night as part of efforts to curb what he described as “unwarranted roaming.”“Teenagers must not roam the streets unnecessarily at night. If found outside late, police will question them,” he said, adding that any constitutional concerns arising from such measures would be addressed later. Milon made the remarks while exchanging views with local administration officials in Kachua Upazila of Chandpur in the afternoon. The minister also issued a warning against corruption among government officials and employees. I will ensure this place remains clean.”Officials present at the meeting included Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nazmul Islam Sarkar, Superintendent of Police Robiul Hasan, Kachua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan Russell, among others.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 15:55 UTC
Shama Obaed: Mob formation must be prevented
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Friday urged authorities to maintain law and order and prevent mob formation, while also keeping commodity prices under control during Ramadan. Speaking at an views exchange meeting with government officials and employees at the conference room of the Faridpur deputy commissioner’s office, she said: “Attention must be paid so that a mob is not formed. During Ramadan, commodity prices must be kept at a tolerable level, and security must be ensured for everyone regardless of political affiliation. The meeting was chaired by Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamrul Hasan Mollah. Special guest speeches were delivered by Faridpur-4 Member of Parliament Shahidul Islam Babul.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 15:55 UTC
Bangladesh seeks 3yrs postponement of LDC graduation, urges UN crisis assessment
The government of Bangladesh has formally requested a three-year postponement of its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, sending a letter to the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) to seek approval. According to the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the letter, signed by ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, was sent to the CDP on Wednesday. In this context, Bangladesh has formally requested a “crisis assessment” and a possible extension of three years. While the country’s economic challenges were highlighted, no specific recommendations were issued, though the graduation process was described as "challenging" for Bangladesh. Officials said the process has now formally begun, and further decisions will depend on the results of the ongoing assessment.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 15:55 UTC
Lawmaker Chand directs zero tolerance policy on drugs
Member of Parliament (MP) for Rajshahi-6 (Charghat-Bagha) Abu Sayeed Chand has instructed authorities to follow a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs. Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS)- Member of Parliament (MP) for Rajshahi-6(Charghat-Bagha) Abu Sayeed Chand has instructed authorities to follow azero-tolerance policy regarding drugs. He said that the major problem in Charghat is waterlogging, however, thecauses of waterlogging are not being properly identified. Abu Sayeed Chand made these remarks on Thursday afternoon while speaking asthe chief guest at a view-exchange meeting organised by the UpazilaAdministration with officials and employees of various levels. Charghat-Bagha faces another serious and complex problem-drug, he said,adding, "A zero-tolerance policy must be strictly enforced against narcotics.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 15:51 UTC
Govt working to ensure uninterrupted power despite shortages: Amit
Photo : BSSJASHORE, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit today said the government is striving to maintain uninterrupted electricity supply despite current shortages. Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Jashore District Electricity Department officials at the Circuit House, he said efforts are underway to ensure power during Ramadan, particularly for Iftar, Tarawih and Sehri. He also assured that electricity supply to farmers will be prioritized during the upcoming Boro irrigation season, even if rationing is needed. Earlier, the minister arrived in Jashore by air for the first time since taking oath and was welcomed by district administration officials, police and local party leaders.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 15:37 UTC
CNG filling stations to remain closed from 3pm-9pm during Ramadan
The government has extended the daily downtime for CNG filling stations during Ramadan to ensure an adequate gas supply for power generation at Iftar. In a notice issued on Friday, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division said CNG stations will remain closed from 3pm to 9pm each day from the first day of Ramadan until Mar 14. The order said that the decision was made to address low pressure in the gas distribution network and ensure an uninterrupted supply during Iftar. However, CNG and filling stations will remain open round the clock from Mar 15 to Mar 25 ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. From Mar 26, CNG stations will return to their usual timetable, closing daily from 6pm to 9pm.
Source:bd News24
February 20, 2026 15:29 UTC
Women’s football team reach Sydney safely
Photo : BSSDHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh women’s football team reached Sydney safely today (Friday) to participate in the final stage of AFC Women’s Asian Cup scheduled to be held in Australia from March 1 to 21, according to a message received here from Bangladesh Football Federation. Earlier, in the wee hours of today (Friday) the Bangladesh women’s team departed here for Australia to take part in the tournament. Bangladesh, for the first time is going to participate in the final stage of the AFC Asian Cup, grouped with strong China, North Korea and Uzbekistan. Bangladesh eve football team will start their campaign taking on nine times champion China on March 3 at Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney and will play their second match against three times champion North Korea on March 6 at the same venue before facing Uzbekistan on March 9 at Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth. Bangladesh women’s team: Rupna Chakma, Mile Akter, Swarna Rani Mandal, Afeida Khandakar (captain), Kohati Kisku, Nabiran Khatun, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnajar (senior), Mst Halima Khatun, Surovi Akter Afin, Sapna Rani, Munki Akter, Airin Khatun, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Umehla Marma, Ritu Porna Chakma, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Anika Rania Siddiqui, Unnoti Khatun, Alpi Akter, Sauravi AAkanda Prity, Most Sultana Tohura Khatun, Mst Sagorika and Shamsunnahar (junior).
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 15:21 UTC
Govt aims to launch ‘Family Card’ scheme before Eid-ul-fitr: Relief minister
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu today exchanges greets with people at Lalmonirhat Sadar. Photo : BSSLALMONIRHAT, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu today said the government is working to launch the ‘Family Card’ scheme ahead of the holy Eid-ul-fitr as part of its 180-day priority action plan. “We want to introduce the ‘Family Card’ before Eid on a priority basis. He said canal identification is currently under way, and the Ministry of Water Resources, LGED, and the disaster management and relief ministry will work together to ensure its success. The minister said steps have also been taken to keep prices stable, maintain law and order, ensure uninterrupted power supply during iftar and sehri, and facilitate smooth Eid travel.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 14:56 UTC
Swapan seeks journalists' cooperation to ensure welfare of media professionals
Photo : PIDDHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has sought cooperation of journalist community to effectively implement the important responsibilities entrusted to him by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the welfare of media professionals. "I seek sincere cooperation of journalists so that I can faithfully carry out the responsibilities assigned to me by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the welfare and betterment of media professionals," he said. He made the call while addressing an Iftar and doa-mahfil organized by the Jatiya Press Club at its Kazi Nazrul Islam auditorium in the capital. The function was presided over by Jatiya Press Club President poet Hasan Hafiz and moderated by its General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan. Special prayers were also offered for the eternal peace of the departed soul of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and for the sound health and long life of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 14:51 UTC
Muktadir vows to tackle mountainous economic challenges
Speaking to journalists after offering prayers at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA), the Minister highlighted that the country's commercial infrastructure and economic ecosystem were destroyed over the last 15 years. He mentioned that investment had been stagnant for the past 12 to 13 years, reaching zero over the last three years. Regarding local development, Muktadir expressed a deep sense of responsibility toward the region. Accompanying him, Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury assured that steps would be taken to quickly reopen closed industrial factories. He added that development plans for Sylhet would be formulated in consultation with local Members of Parliament (MP) to demonstrate the government's capability through action.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 14:41 UTC
Spiraling prices of daily essentials at Ramadan’s onset
Lemon crosses Tk 100, eggplant hits triple digitsLemon prices have crossed Tk 100 per hali (four pieces) in kitchen markets, while eggplant has reached Tk 100 per kg. Green papaya was selling at Tk 40 per kg, hyacinth beans at Tk 60 per kg, cabbage at Tk 40 per piece, cauliflower at Tk 50 per piece and ginger at Tk 150–160 per kg. While lemons were selling at Tk 100 per hali in kitchen markets, the same quantity was available at Tk 40 per hali on footpaths. Farm red eggs were selling at Tk 40 per hali and white eggs at Tk 35 per hali, compared with Tk 45–50 previously. A few days ago, I bought the same eggs at Tk 50 per hali, Tk 10 more.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 14:41 UTC
Rabiul asks for taking plan to ensure safe travel in Ramadan month
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam. During the visit to Padma Bridge site and its toll plaza today the minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given necessary instructions to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable travel. The minister arrived at Mawa end in Munshiganj to inspect the Padma Bridge area, the country’s largest communication infrastructure. Bridge Division Secretary and Executive Director of Bangladesh Bridge Authority Mohammad Abdur Rouf, Director (admin) of Bangladesh Bridge Authority Altaf Hossain Sheikh, Chief Engineer of Bangladesh Bridge Authority Kazi Md Ferdous, and other senior officials were present. He also instructed authorities to take necessary measures to remove all shops and illegal structures built on adjacent government land along the Padma Bridge approach roads.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 14:37 UTC
Artificial crises in food, agri sector to be dealt properly: Salauddin Tuku
State Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku today spoke to the journalists after a meeting with district administration officials. Photo : BSSTANGAIL, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku today said that through regular monitoring and supervision, artificial crisis created by syndicates in the food and agriculture sectors will be addressed properly. He stated that there is sufficient stock of all essential goods for Ramadan and there is no shortage anywhere. From tomorrow, a program to sell milk, eggs and meat at affordable prices in Tangail during Ramadan will be inaugurated. Earlier, the State Minister joined a discussion with district level officials.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 14:27 UTC