Nine writers have been selected for the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025, according to a press release signed by Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, on Monday. The awards will be formally presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the inauguration ceremony of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair organized by the academy on February 26.

The recipients are Mohan Raihan for poetry, Nasima Anis for fiction, Syed Azizul Haque for essays and prose, Hasan Hafiz for children's literature, Ali Ahmad for translation, Mustafa Majid and Israil Khan for research, Farseem Mannan Mohammadi for science, and Moeedul Hasan for Liberation War literature. The academy’s executive council approved the awards based on recommendations from the proposal and award committees.

Traditionally, the Prime Minister presents the awards at the opening of the month-long book fair each year. However, this year the fair did not begin on February 1 due to the 13th national parliamentary election, leading to the rescheduled inauguration on February 26.

Al-Azhar University in Egypt has organized daily iftar gatherings for 6,000 to 7,000 international students during Ramadan, including around 4,000 Bangladeshis studying there. The event takes place at the historic Al-Azhar Mosque, where students enter through the east gate using tokens issued after verifying their university identity. The arrangements are supervised by Dr. Muhammad Al-Duwaini, the university’s undersecretary, with staff preparing the meals well before sunset.

The mosque’s serene interior, surrounded by tall minarets, accommodates both male and female students in separate sections. The iftar begins with dates and water at the call to prayer, followed by traditional Egyptian dishes such as rice, local bread, chicken fry, kofta, vegetables, and desserts. A recitation from the Qur’an precedes the meal, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.

Bangladeshi student Abu Sawban Akand expressed that sharing iftar with thousands from different countries creates a unique sense of unity and gratitude toward the university. The initiative has become a symbol of brotherhood, compassion, and spiritual connection among students from around the world.

The upcoming Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 has been postponed by one day and will now begin on February 26, continuing until March 15. The decision was made at a meeting held Sunday night at the Shahid Munir Chowdhury Auditorium of Bangla Academy, attended by State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyum, Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman, Director General Professor Mohammad Azam, Secretary Dr. Md. Selim Reza, and representatives of various publishing houses. The organizers also decided that there will be no pavilions at this year’s fair.

According to Dr. Selim Reza, publishers who had previously been allotted pavilions have agreed to remove them with the support of BAPUS leaders. Earlier, on February 18, the fair committee decided to waive stall rental fees for all participating publishers. Meanwhile, the publishers’ association ‘Prokashok Oikko’, which had earlier withdrawn from the fair over unresolved demands, announced its participation at a press conference held Monday at the National Press Club in Dhaka.

Representatives of several major publishing houses attended the press conference, where they said the government had responded positively to several of their conditions, prompting their decision to rejoin the fair.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman will preside over two major national events on February 26, 2026. In the morning, he will confer the Ekushey Padak 2026 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, recognizing individuals for their significant contributions in various fields. Later in the afternoon, he will formally inaugurate the Amar Ekushey Book Fair at the Bangla Academy premises as the chief guest. The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Ministry of Information on February 22.

According to the statement, the event will be attended by award recipients, ministers, senior military and civil officials, and invited guests. The information was confirmed by State Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury, who noted that preparations for both events have been completed. The government has also waived stall rental fees for participating publishers at this year’s book fair, a decision welcomed positively by publishers.

Officials stated that all necessary arrangements for the award ceremony and the book fair inauguration have been finalized, ensuring smooth execution of both events.

Saudi Arabia celebrated its Founding Day on Sunday, commemorating the establishment of the first Saudi state, the Emirate of Diriyah, in 1727 by Imam Mohammed bin Saud. The annual event, held on February 22, highlights the kingdom’s historical roots, cultural heritage, and leadership legacy. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud declared the day a national holiday in 2022.

The Founding Day is distinct from Saudi National Day, which is observed on September 23 to mark the unification of modern Saudi Arabia in 1932. Citizens and expatriates across the country enjoyed an extended holiday, with colorful events and celebrations organized nationwide.

In Riyadh, the municipality installed over 5,000 decorative lights across major roads, intersections, and public spaces. More than 25,000 flags of Saudi Arabia and the first Saudi state were displayed throughout the Riyadh region, including 8,000 in the capital and 17,000 in other governorates. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the decorations created a festive atmosphere reflecting pride in nearly three centuries of heritage.

More than 7,000 languages are spoken globally, but at least 3,000—around 40 percent—are endangered, according to Ethnologue. Of the 7,159 known living languages, 3,193 are endangered, 3,479 are stable, and 487 are institutional, meaning they are used by governments, schools, and media. About 88.1 million people speak an endangered language as their mother tongue, and just 25 countries account for 80 percent of these languages. Oceania has the highest concentration of endangered languages, followed by Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Examples include Yugambeh in Australia, which is being revitalized through community programs and learning apps; Ainu in Japan, a critically endangered language with very few speakers; Ongota in Ethiopia, spoken by only a handful of elders; Louisiana Creole in the United States; Leco in Bolivia; and Cornish in England, which was revived after being declared extinct. Languages become endangered when communities shift to more dominant tongues, often passing them to younger generations as second languages.

The data highlight the global urgency of language preservation, with revitalization efforts emerging in some regions to sustain cultural identity and linguistic diversity.

Electricity, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said that celebrating Language Day with only cultural programs is not enough. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion, cultural event, and award ceremony organized by the Sirajganj district administration on Saturday morning, he emphasized that to truly uphold Bangla as the mother tongue, people must reject foreign slogans and attitudes that do not align with the spirit of the language.

The minister stated that Bangla has a rare and proud history compared to many other languages and urged everyone to love their own language, culture, and country. He criticized the growing use of certain foreign expressions among the youth, saying such trends are disconnected from Bangla’s heritage and those who once tried to suppress it. The event was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md. Aminul Islam and attended by local officials, political leaders, and freedom fighters.

Tuku added that true patriotism requires purification of thought and action, which he said is essential for protecting the Bangla language.

Various districts across Bangladesh observed National Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day on 21 February 2026 with solemn tributes and cultural programs. Local administrations, political leaders, freedom fighters, teachers, students, and citizens participated in wreath-laying ceremonies at central Shaheed Minars in areas including Rajbari, Lakshmipur, Gopalganj, Barishal, Bagerhat, Gaibandha, Rajshahi, and Khagrachhari. Events began at one minute past midnight with floral tributes, flag hoisting, and prayers for the language martyrs.

In many upazilas, including Baliakandi, Raipur, Goaland, Uzirpur, and Kachua, daylong programs featured discussions, blood donation, art and essay contests, and cultural performances. Officials and local representatives emphasized the historical significance of the 1952 language movement and the importance of preserving the Bengali language for future generations.

In Rajshahi, a new Shaheed Minar was inaugurated, and Indian Assistant High Commissioner Manoj Kumar paid tribute. Across the country, government offices, schools, and organizations lowered the national flag and held prayers, highlighting unity and respect for the martyrs’ sacrifice.

On Saturday, 21 February 2026, thousands of people gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to pay tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. The observance of International Mother Language Day began at one minute past midnight with the President placing floral wreaths, followed by the Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Cabinet members, opposition leaders, and representatives of various political parties. People from all walks of life joined the solemn commemoration, walking barefoot and carrying flowers to honor the language martyrs.

This year’s observance took place under an elected government following the end of a long period of authoritarian rule. The event maintained a disciplined and reflective atmosphere as students and citizens lined up to offer their respects. To ensure public safety, a multi-layered security arrangement was implemented, involving 15,000 police personnel along with members of the Rapid Action Battalion and Ansar forces.

Special prayers and Quran recitations were also held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque for the language martyrs, marking the day’s spiritual significance.

On February 21, 2026, as International Mother Language Day was observed, a report highlighted the alarming global decline of linguistic diversity. According to UNESCO, around 40 percent of the world’s approximately 7,000 languages are now endangered, with one disappearing every two weeks. The loss of a language signifies not only the death of words and sounds but also the extinction of cultural knowledge, traditional wisdom, and ancestral identity.

The article traces this crisis to historical and modern forces of forced assimilation, colonial education systems, and the dominance of global languages such as English, Mandarin, and Spanish. Examples include the suppression of Indigenous languages in North America, Australia, and Japan, and the marginalization of regional tongues in India, Ireland, and Latin America. Climate change and urbanization are also accelerating the erosion of linguistic heritage.

Despite the grim outlook, the piece notes hopeful signs like the revival of Maori in New Zealand, official recognition of Tamazight in Morocco, and the UN’s 2022–2032 Decade of Indigenous Languages. It calls for political will and global solidarity to protect endangered languages and preserve humanity’s cultural diversity.

On the second day of Ramadan, vibrant roadside iftar stalls have sprung up across Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, Farmgate, Mohakhali, and Agargaon. From early afternoon, vendors prepare and sell popular items such as chickpeas, puffed rice, beguni, peyaju, potato chops, jilapi, and juices. Low- and lower-middle-income residents, along with drivers, helpers, and street vendors, gather on sidewalks or near their workplaces to break their fasts, often sharing modest meals together. Many say they cannot afford restaurant iftars and find joy in these simple gatherings.

Street vendors like Monir Hossain and Mohammad Ismail offer a range of items priced between 5 and 300 taka, while rising food prices have made even basic iftar items costly for daily wage earners. Seasonal traders and even upscale restaurants have joined the roadside market, selling fried snacks and dates under open skies. Health experts, however, warn that such foods often contain harmful colors and spices and may be contaminated by dust, posing risks of indigestion and long-term illness.

The bustling iftar trade reflects both the economic pressures and communal spirit of Ramadan in the capital.

Bangladesh is observing International Mother Language Day today, February 21, 2026, commemorating the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement who sacrificed their lives for the recognition of Bangla as a state language. The day’s events began at one minute past midnight with the laying of floral wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. President Md. Shahabuddin, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman paid tribute to the language martyrs before the monument was opened to the public. This year’s UNESCO theme is “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education.”

In his message marking the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended greetings to speakers of all languages worldwide and paid deep respect to the 1952 martyrs. He emphasized that democratic values, equality, and people’s rights were central to the spirit of the Language Movement and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening democracy. The observance recalls the 1952 protests in Dhaka, where police opened fire on demonstrators defying restrictions, leading to multiple deaths and ultimately securing Bangla’s status as a state language in 1956.

UNESCO recognized February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999, and since 2000, it has been observed globally with Bangladesh at its center.

A two-day Amar Ekushey Book Fair has begun in Rajshahi, organized by the Rajshahi Writers Collective. The event started on Friday at the city’s Batar Mor area. Organizers said the fair is dedicated to commemorating the martyrs of the historic Language Movement. The fair will remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

According to the organizers, the celebration aims to honor the spirit of the Language Movement through books, poetry, and discussions. Alongside works by local authors and publishers from Rajshahi, books from writers and publishers across the country are being displayed. Some rare publications are also featured at the fair.

Writers and poets from the region attended the inauguration ceremony, marking the beginning of two days of literary exchange and remembrance in Rajshahi.

On February 20, 2026, final preparations were completed at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka ahead of International Mother Language Day. The monument area has been cleaned and decorated with traditional alpana art by students of the Faculty of Fine Arts, creating a red-and-white ambiance symbolizing the spirit of February 21. The preparations aim to honor the language martyrs with dignity and order.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan inspected the site on February 19, accompanied by senior university officials and faculty members. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali stated that a multi-layered security plan involving 15,000 police personnel has been implemented, supported by SWAT, dog squads, bomb disposal teams, and cyber monitoring. He urged the public to maintain discipline and respect the sanctity of the monument.

RAB Director General Additional IGP A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman announced that the official observance will begin at 12:01 a.m. on February 21. The area has been divided into security sectors with CCTV surveillance, and similar safety measures have been taken nationwide to ensure peaceful commemorations.

Ahead of International Mother Language Day, a survey in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur has revealed that 239 out of 271 educational institutions do not have Shaheed Minars. These include government and private primary, secondary, and college-level institutions. As a result, students are unable to pay proper tribute to the language martyrs, with only 32 institutions currently having memorials.

According to the upazila primary and secondary education offices, only five of 121 government primary schools have Shaheed Minars, while none of the 64 private kindergartens do. Among 55 secondary schools, 23 have memorials, and none of the 21 Dakhil madrasas have built one. At the college level, Raipur Government College has a Shaheed Minar, but Rustam Ali Degree College does not. Several Kamil and Fazil madrasas also lack such structures.

Local education officials cited lack of land, funds, and government allocation as major obstacles. The upazila administration has pledged to take steps to ensure that all institutions gradually build Shaheed Minars to honor the language martyrs.