Milon declares tough stance against drugs, terrorism, eve-teasing
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today spoke to journalists after an exchange meeting with officials at the Kachua Upazila Parishad, Chandpur. Photo : BSSCHANDPUR, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today announced a strict stance against drugs, terrorism and eve-teasing in educational institutions, following the ongoing drive to eliminate copying. He said the new initiatives will begin from Kachua upazila, where the anti-copying campaign has already shown positive results, and similar measures will be taken to ensure drug-free and violence-free campuses. The minister made the remarks while replying to questions from journalists after an exchange meeting with officials at the Kachua Upazila Parishad auditorium. Party leaders and activists greeted him on his first visit to his constituency Kachua after being appointed as education minister and elected as a member of parliament.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 11:44 UTC
Excessive power charges imposed during Hasina tenure to be withdrawn: Iqbal
Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud today spoke at Sirajganj Central Jame Mosque. Photo : BSSSIRAJGANJ, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud today said the additional charges imposed on electricity during the tenure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina will be withdrawn soon, adding that a committee has already been formed in this connection. Iqbal Hasan Mahmud stressed that electricity is the key to national development and said the government is now working to rebuild the fragile power sector. He warned that extortionists and criminal elements, regardless of political affiliation, will be brought under the law. Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam and district BNP general secretary Saidur Rahman Bacchu, were present, present among others during the time.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 11:40 UTC
X files? Trump says he’s ordering release of data on UFOs and aliens
US President Donald Trump said Thursday he is ordering federal agencies to begin “identifying and releasing” government files related to UFOs and aliens, a move sought for decades by some Americans. “Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War, and other relevant Departments and Agencies, to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs),” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “They’re real, but I haven’t seen them and they’re not being kept in... Area 51,” Obama told host Brian Tyler Cohen, referring to the top-secret US military facility in Nevada at the heart of many UFO conspiracy theories. Interest in UFOs and UAP has been renewed in recent years as the US government probed numerous reports of seemingly supernatural aircraft, amid worries that adversaries could be testing highly advanced technologies. In March 2024, the Pentagon released a report saying it had no proof that UAP were alien technology, with many suspicious sightings turning out to be merely weather balloons, spy planes, satellites and other normal activity.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
As European heads roll from Epstein links, US fallout muted
The arrest of former prince Andrew has underlined the striking contrast between Europe, where high-profile, powerful people are being held to account over their links to Jeffrey Epstein, and the United States, where the fallout has been limited. Only one person has been arrested or convicted in the United States in connection with the activities of the late sex offender -- Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s ex-girlfriend and accomplice. Epstein cultivated a global network of powerful politicians, business executives, academics and celebrities -- many of whom have been tainted by their association with him. “And that’s where we remain for what we’ve seen and what we’ve released from the Epstein files,” said Blanche, who is also President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney. “A nation that allows the powerful to escape justice is not a nation of laws,” Mace said.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
Malaysian PM congratulates Tarique Rahman on landslide victory
Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim on Friday telephoned Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and congratulated him on assuming office following a landslide election victory. “Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called Tarique Rahman around 3pm and warmly congratulated him on becoming the Prime Minister and on the massive election victory,” Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly told UNB. During the conversation, Anwar Ibrahim also conveyed Malaysia’s interest in working closely on various bilateral issues. Tarique Rahman thanked his Malaysian counterpart for the call and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing cooperation for the development and prosperity of both nations. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a two-thirds majority in the February-12 national election and formed the government on February 17, with Tarique Rahman being the Prime Minister.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
'No need to run after doctors, services to reach doorsteps'
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Friday said people will no longer have to run after doctors as the government aims to ensure that doctors reach out to patients at their doorsteps. The minister said healthcare services would be made easily accessible and universal. “We are moving forward with the mindset of delivering medical services at the doorsteps of citizens,” he said. Responding to the long-standing demand for establishing a medical college in Narsingdi, the minister sought prayers and cooperation from the people to expedite the process. “We will work to establish a medical college in Narsingdi as soon as possible.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
Iran warns US bases, assets legitimate targets if it attacks
Iran on Thursday warned that US bases, facilities and assets would be “legitimate targets” if the United States follows through on its military threats and attacks. Amir Saeid Iravani, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, made the remarks in a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the president of the Security Council that was seen by AFP. President Donald Trump has deployed warships, fighter jets and other military hardware to the Middle East as he seeks to block Iran from building a nuclear bomb, something Tehran says it is not pursuing. On Thursday, Trump said that Iran had at most 15 days to make a deal and again suggested that the United States would attack if failed to do so. A previous attempt at negotiations collapsed when Israel launched surprise strikes on Iran last June, beginning a 12-day war that Washington briefly joined to bomb Iranian nuclear sites.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
Hamas says path for Gaza must begin with end to aggression
Discussions on Gaza’s future must begin with a total halt to Israeli “aggression,” Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas said after US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace met for the first time. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted however that Hamas must disarm before any reconstruction begins. “We agreed with our ally the US that there will be no reconstruction of Gaza before the demilitarization of Gaza,” Netanyahu said. The Israeli leader did not attend the Washington meeting but was represented by his foreign minister Gideon Saar. Trump said several countries, mostly in the Gulf, had pledged more than seven billion dollars to rebuild the territory.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
Epstein estate agrees to settle victim claims for up to $35 mn
The estate of convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has agreed to pay up to $35 million to settle the outstanding legal claims of potentially dozens of victims, according to a court filing Thursday. Epstein’s estate would pay $35 million if there are 40 or more people eligible in the class and $25 million if there are fewer than 40. The co-executors of the settlement are Darren Indyke, Epstein’s former lawyer, and Richard Kahn, the financier’s former accountant. Daniel H Weiner, the lawyer representing the co-executors, did not immediately reply to a comment request. The settlement comes after the release by the US Justice Department of millions of documents, photographs and videos related to the investigation into Epstein.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
DMP issues route guidelines to Central Shaheed Minar on Feb 21
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued detailed traffic and route guidelines for the public to ensure smooth movement and security during the observance of Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day on February 21. The DMP requested visitors intending to pay homage at the Central Shaheed Minar to follow designated routes and comply with traffic instructions to avoid congestion and ensure orderly proceedings. According to the DMP, visitors must approach the Central Shaheed Minar via Palashi crossing and the Jagannath Hall crossing after paying their respects. Sazzat Ali came up with the directives after his inspection of the security arrangements in the Shaheed Minar area. After paying homage, visitors will be allowed to exit the Shaheed Minar area through Ramna crossing-Doel Chattar or via Chankharpul, the DMP added.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
RAB DG vows action against agitations causing public distress
The Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) AKM Shahidur Rahman has said the force will not allow any activities that oppress ordinary citizens or hold them hostage under the pretext of pressing demands or carrying out movements. The RAB DG said law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to ensure public safety and maintain stability across the country during the observance of the day. He has said that the country experienced a fragile law and order situation over the past one and a half years, particularly following the events of July and August. The RAB chief further assured citizens that the law and order situation would continue to improve gradually and that law enforcement agencies would be able to bring crime under control. “In the name of pressing demands or movements, we will not allow any activities that oppress ordinary people or hold them hostage,” he added.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
18 killed as truck hits passenger pick-up in Egypt
At least 18 people, most of them fishermen, were killed and three others injured after a truck collided with a passenger pick-up in Egypt’s northeastern Port Said province, according to media reports. The crash took place around 12:30pm local time on Thursday on the 30 June Axis highway, south of Port Said, Egypt’s state-run daily Al-Ahram reported. Photos shared online showed the pick-up badly crushed between two large cargo trucks, with wreckage scattered across the roadway. Collisions frequently involve heavy trucks and passenger vehicles, with speeding, poor road conditions and weak enforcement of traffic laws often cited as major causes. Last June, a separate truck and minibus crash killed 19 people, most of them teenage girls, local officials said at the time.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
Closure hours of CNG stations extended to ensure uninterrupted gas supply
The government has announced a revised schedule for the closure of CNG stations during the holy month of Ramadan to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply for the power sector. At the same time, CNG and fuel stations will remain open continuously for a specified period to facilitate smooth vehicular movement during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Under the revised schedule, CNG stations across the country will remain closed daily from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm until 14 March. Previously, stations were closed from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm, but the closure period has now been extended to six hours. To ensure smooth travel for passengers on highways during Eid-ul-Fitr, CNG and fuel stations will remain open continuously from 15 March to 25 March.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
Finance minister: Budget to be allocated for people, not for individuals or groups
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Friday said future budgets would prioritize the welfare of the people rather than cater to specific individuals or groups. He made the remarks during his first visit to his constituency in Chittagong after assuming office as finance minister. Emphasizing the need to increase employment and investment, Amir Khasru said steps would be taken to make Chattogram a 'real' commercial capital. "Now is the time to make Chattogram a real commercial capital. The city will be transformed into a commercial capital through increased investment and job creation," he added.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
UN touts panel for human control of AI as leaders weigh message
A new UN panel on artificial intelligence aims to “make human control a technical reality”, the global body’s chief said Friday as leaders at a New Delhi summit weighed their message on the future of the divisive technology. “We are barreling into the unknown,” UN chief Antonio Guterres told the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, which wraps up later Friday. More facts and evidence.”The United Nations General Assembly has confirmed 40 members for a new group called the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, he said. The advisory body -- aiming to be to AI what the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is to global warming -- was created in August. Discussions at the Delhi summit, attended by tens of thousands from across the AI industry, have covered big topics from child protections to the need for more equal access to AI tools worldwide.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC