Wed Feb 25 17:16:32 UTC 2026: Headline: Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Reinstates President’s Press Wing After Interim Government Abolishment

The Story:
The new government of Bangladesh, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has re-established the President’s press wing, reversing a decision made by the previous interim government under Muhammad Yunus. This move, announced on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, includes the reappointment of Mohammad Sarwar Alam as press secretary for a one-year term. The previous interim government had scrapped Alam’s contract, along with abolishing the posts of deputy and assistant press secretaries, and removing long-serving photographers.

The reinstatement comes after President Mohammad Shahabuddin publicly alleged on Sunday, February 22, 2026, that Muhammad Yunus had attempted to remove him from office during the 18-month interim period. The President claimed that “several plots were hatched against me” during that time.

Key Points:

  • February 24, 2026: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government re-establishes the President’s press wing.
  • Mohammad Sarwar Alam is re-appointed as press secretary for one year.
  • The press wing was abolished by the interim government of Muhammad Yunus in 2024.
  • President Mohammad Shahabuddin was sworn in on April 24, 2023.
  • February 22, 2026: President Shahabuddin accuses Muhammad Yunus of plotting to remove him from office.

Critical Analysis:

The reinstatement of the President’s press wing, so soon after President Shahabuddin’s public accusations against former interim leader Muhammad Yunus, suggests a calculated effort by the new Rahman government to consolidate power and restore presidential authority diminished during the interim period. The swiftness of the reinstatement indicates a prioritization of correcting perceived injustices and potentially investigating the alleged “plots” against the President.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new government is actively dismantling policies of the previous interim administration.
  • There is a clear power struggle between the current government and figures associated with the previous interim government.
  • The President’s office aims to regain its visibility and influence through the re-establishment of its press wing.
  • The allegations made by President Shahabuddin suggest underlying political tensions and potential future investigations.

Impact Analysis:

The restoration of the President’s press wing will likely lead to increased media coverage of presidential activities, boosting the President’s public image and influence. The government’s actions may also deter future attempts to undermine the presidency during interim periods. However, the accusations against Muhammad Yunus could further polarize Bangladeshi politics and potentially lead to legal or political repercussions for those involved in the alleged plots. The long-term impact will depend on the extent to which the Rahman government pursues these allegations and how the public perceives these actions.

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