The holy month of Ramadan has begun in Bangladesh after the sighting of the new moon for the Hijri year 1447. According to the report, Muslims across the country will start fasting from Wednesday night. The announcement marks the beginning of a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for the nation’s devout Muslims.

Popular Islamic scholar Shaykh Ahmadullah welcomed the arrival of Ramadan through a message on his verified Facebook page. He described the month as a long-awaited period for believers and urged everyone to dedicate each moment to worship. He encouraged Muslims to enlighten their hearts with piety and the teachings of the Qur’an.

In his concluding remarks, Shaykh Ahmadullah prayed for divine guidance so that all believers may understand the significance of Ramadan and increase their good deeds during the holy month.

The holy month of Ramadan began in Bangladesh on Thursday after the moon was sighted on Wednesday evening. The National Moon Sighting Committee confirmed the sighting during a meeting at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, chaired by the new Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad. Following the announcement, Muslims across the country performed Taraweeh prayers and began fasting with the pre-dawn meal, marking the start of the month of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation.

According to the committee’s decision, Ramadan will be counted from Thursday, and the holy night of Lailatul Qadr will be observed nationwide on March 16. The decision was based on reports from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation, the Meteorological Department, and SPARRSO. Office hours have been adjusted from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the month, while educational institutions remain open. Some residents in Bangladesh began fasting earlier, following Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.

Leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis extended greetings to the nation, urging unity, compassion, and government action to control commodity prices and ensure uninterrupted electricity during Ramadan.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will now begin on February 21 instead of February 20, according to the fair’s organizing committee. The decision was made because Prime Minister Tarek Rahman’s schedule did not align with the earlier date. The committee confirmed on Tuesday evening that the fair will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister at 11 a.m. on February 21 at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.

Sources from the organizing committee and Bangla Academy said preparations for the event are nearly complete, including stall construction, infrastructure readiness, security planning, and cultural programs. Publishers have already received their stall allocations, and arrangements for iftar and prayers have been made in view of the upcoming Ramadan.

Officials explained that the fair was delayed by a day as the new government has just been formed and the official confirmation of the Prime Minister’s schedule was received informally. Since he was available only on February 21, the inauguration and opening were rescheduled accordingly.

The two-day 57th annual Islahi and Talimi Jalsa dedicated to Hazrat Maulana Abu Bakar Abdul Halim Hossaini (R.) concluded in Pakundia, Kishoreganj, with a mass prayer on Tuesday morning. The final prayer, held at 9:30 a.m., was led by Hazrat Maulana Md. Jasim Uddin Hathazari, where participants prayed for the nation’s development and prosperity.

The event began on Sunday afternoon with a general sermon marking the completion of the Bukhari Sharif recitation. Distinguished Islamic scholars from across Bangladesh delivered speeches during the gathering. The Jalsa took place at the Jamia Hossainia Asadul Ulum Qawmi University field, founded by the late scholar Hazrat Maulana Abdul Halim Hossaini (R.).

Devotees from Pakundia and other parts of the country attended the event, with around two thousand volunteers managing the proceedings. The madrasa, established in 1962 in Tarakandi village, continues to play a significant role in promoting Islamic education in the region.

Popular Islamic scholar and As-Sunnah Foundation chairman Sheikh Ahmadullah has announced an online Quran learning initiative for Ramadan. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he said the program, titled “Sahaj Sutre Quran Shikhi” (Learn the Quran Easily), will be a 27-part recorded video course available on the foundation’s YouTube channel. Each episode will be uploaded nightly after Tarawih prayers throughout the month.

The course will be taught by Ustadh Mohammad Husain Madani, a former teacher at Masjid al-Nabawi, who holds certification in Tajweed and the Hafs an Asim recitation. The lessons will cover everything from Arabic alphabet basics to proper Quranic recitation. Each session will include exercises to help learners review and assess their progress independently.

According to Sheikh Ahmadullah, the initiative aims to make Quran learning accessible from home during Ramadan. Participants who follow the daily lessons are expected to complete the course by the 27th of Ramadan.

Dhaka College, established on November 20, 1841, stands as one of the subcontinent’s earliest centers of modern education. Founded through the efforts of Dr. James Taylor and Magistrate Mr. Grant, it became the nucleus of English education in East Bengal. The college’s first principal was J. Ireland, a Cambridge graduate and former Hindu College teacher. Over time, Dhaka College evolved through several names and affiliations, contributing significantly to the region’s academic and intellectual development.

The institution played a key role in the establishment of the University of Dhaka in 1921, donating its buildings, books, and equipment. It also pioneered science education in East Bengal in 1875 and produced many renowned scholars and writers, including Akhtaruzzaman Elias and Humayun Ahmed. The college’s campus moved several times before settling permanently in Dhanmondi in 1955.

Currently, Dhaka College offers higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs across 20 departments, serving around 22,400 students. Principal Professor A.K.M. Elias emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality, infrastructure, and digital learning integration.

The article by Zahedul Islam Bandhan highlights February as the most glorious, mournful, and inspiring month in the Bengali national life. It recounts the 1952 Language Movement in Dhaka, when students defied Section 144 and protested for the recognition of Bangla as a state language. Police opened fire, killing several including Abul Barkat, Abdul Jabbar, and others. Their sacrifice led to Bangla gaining official status in Pakistan’s 1956 constitution alongside Urdu. The article notes that UNESCO declared 21 February as International Mother Language Day in 1999, now observed in about 188 countries.

The piece traces the origins of the movement to 1947, when Pakistan was formed with Urdu declared as its sole state language despite Bengali being spoken by the majority in East Pakistan. It describes February as not just a calendar month but a symbol of identity, freedom, and cultural pride for Bengalis.

The article also discusses the cultural legacy of the movement, inspiring poetry, songs, plays, and the annual Ekushey Book Fair, reinforcing the enduring spirit of linguistic and cultural unity.

The historic Raiganj Press Club in Sirajganj has formed a new biannual committee. In the newly approved 11-member body, Ali Haider Abbasi, representative of the Daily Manabzamin, was elected president, and Golam Muktadir, representative of the newspaper Protidiner Bangladesh, was chosen as general secretary. The approval came at a meeting held yesterday morning, where the previous convening committee was dissolved under the chairmanship of former acting convener Atik Mahmud Akash and conducted by member secretary Ali Haider Abbasi.

The new committee includes Atik Mahmud Akash as vice president, Nurul Haque Nayon as joint general secretary, Nazmul Hossain Talukder Arafat as organizational secretary, Shihabul Alam Sayem as office secretary, and Abdul Latif as finance secretary. Saidul Islam Abir was elected as publicity and publication secretary, while KM Rafiqul Islam, HM Monaem Khan, and M Abu Hashem Moni were named executive members.

Speakers at the meeting expressed hope that the new leadership would play an effective role in improving journalistic standards, strengthening unity among members, and protecting press freedom.

February 21 is observed worldwide as International Mother Language Day, a date rooted in Bangladesh’s 1952 language movement. On that day, police opened fire on students in Dhaka demanding recognition of Bangla as a state language, resulting in the deaths of several young activists including Salam, Rafiq, Jabbar, Shafiur, and Barkat. The day is also commemorated as Language Martyrs’ Day in Bangladesh.

The initiative to make February 21 an international observance began in 1998 when Rafiqul Islam and Abdus Salam, two Bangladeshi expatriates in Vancouver, petitioned UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Their proposal gained attention within the UN system and led to the formation of the organization “Mother Language Lovers of the World.” With support from Canada, India, Hungary, Finland, and Bangladesh, the proposal was presented at UNESCO’s Paris session on November 17, 1999. It received backing from 188 countries.

Since February 21, 2000, International Mother Language Day has been observed with due respect across UN member states, honoring linguistic diversity and the sacrifices made for language rights.

A colorful rally was held in Manikganj to welcome the holy month of Ramadan and to call for preserving its sanctity. The event, organized by Manikganj Islamia Kamil Madrasa, took place on Tuesday morning. The procession began from the madrasa campus, paraded through the main streets of Manikganj town, and concluded back at the campus. The disciplined participation and religious atmosphere drew attention from residents across the city.

The rally was led by the madrasa principal, Md. Atiqur Rahman, with teachers, students, parents, and local dignitaries joining spontaneously. Participants carried banners, festoons, and placards urging respect for Ramadan’s holiness. The area echoed with slogans promoting moral conduct and discouraging indecency during the fasting month.

In his concluding remarks, Principal Rahman emphasized that Ramadan is not only a month of fasting but also a time for self-purification, restraint, and moral learning. He urged everyone to uphold honesty in business and refrain from social misconduct during the holy month.

Columnist, researcher, and education administrator Shah Monsur Ali Noman has been honored with the 'Best Feature Writer of the Year–2025' award in London. The recognition was given by the UK Bangla Reporters Unity (UKBRU) during an award and induction ceremony held on Sunday, February 15, at the London Academy. The selection was based on evaluations of the best features, columns, and essays published by members of the organization. The event was presided over by UKBRU President and political scientist Principal Muhammad Shahed Rahman and attended by Bangla-speaking journalists, columnists, researchers, and cultural figures living in the United Kingdom.

Scottish Parliament member Faisal Chowdhury MBE attended as chief guest, while Luton Council Deputy Mayor Councillor Shahanara Naser and Croydon Council DC Mayor Councillor Mohammad Islam were present as special guests. Noman, who views society through a deeply humanistic lens, has a background in political science and law and is currently pursuing an LLM at the University of Portsmouth. His writings focus on social issues, environmental degradation, and human rights, and several of his reports have prompted real development initiatives.

Noman has previously been recognized by various newspapers and organizations for his contributions to journalism and social service, reflecting his long-standing commitment to public welfare and intellectual engagement.

The British Museum has removed the term 'Palestine' from its ancient Middle East exhibition, triggering strong criticism from academics and rights activists. According to The Telegraph, the change followed a letter from the pro-Israel group UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), which argued that labeling the eastern Mediterranean coast as 'Palestine' and describing the Hyksos people as 'of Palestinian descent' obscured the history of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. The museum replaced those labels with 'Canaan' and 'Canaanite descent'.

A museum spokesperson said the decision was not made in response to any specific complaint, explaining that 'Palestine' was not a geographically accurate term for that period and that the museum uses United Nations terminology for modern maps. However, scholars speaking to Middle East Eye argued that 'ancient Palestine' is historically accurate for the region. Marcella Ward, a lecturer in Classical Studies at the Open University, said denying the term amounts to historical distortion. Advocacy groups also accused the museum of rewriting history and erasing Palestinian identity.

The pro-Palestinian campaign group Energy Embargo for Palestine accused the museum of hypocrisy, alleging it collected Palestinian artifacts while now attempting to erase Palestine and its people from historical narratives.

Indian author, translator and historian Rakhshanda Jalil attended the annual art and literature festival in Goa on 12 February 2026, where she spoke about the fear and despair experienced by Muslims in India. She described the festival as a rare platform for marginalized voices and said she felt compelled to discuss the pervasive fear that, in her view, is eroding the sense of existence among minorities.

Jalil explained that despite her education, social standing and professional success, she continues to live with a constant sense of fear that has turned into a lingering despair. She noted that many urban Muslims share this anxiety, choosing silence in political debates and avoiding public discussions, even on social media. According to her, poorer and less educated Muslims face even greater insecurity, often concealing their identity to avoid losing work or facing discrimination.

She also expressed concern for imams and assistant imams serving in Hindu-majority areas, questioning their safety. Jalil said that while her appearance sometimes shields her, her Muslim name could still expose her to danger in an increasingly tense environment.

At a memorial event marking the sixth death anniversary of poet Al Mahmud, speakers alleged that he was severely marginalized and effectively banned for 15 to 17 years during a past fascist regime. The commemoration, organized by the group Kaler Kolosh, took place on Sunday at the ‘Al Mahmud Corner’ in the Bangla Academy premises, attended by literary figures, cultural activists, and admirers. The program began with recitations from Al Mahmud’s poetry in his honor.

Speakers highlighted that Al Mahmud’s poetry inspired freedom-loving people through key moments of Bangladesh’s identity struggles, from the 1952 Language Movement to the 1971 Liberation War and the recent July uprising. They described his work as a rare blend of rebellion, love, nature, and spirituality. Kaler Kolosh editor Abid Azam said Al Mahmud belonged to the entire nation, not any political ideology, and noted that efforts are underway to reintroduce his poems into textbooks.

UN civil society representative Dr. Abul Kashem Sheikh pledged to promote Al Mahmud’s literary legacy internationally and to seek UNESCO and UN support for establishing an institute or research center in his name.

The sixth death anniversary of eminent modern Bangla poet Al Mahmud is being observed on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The poet, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 82 due to pneumonia in Dhaka, is remembered for his celebrated poetry collection 'Sonali Kabin'. His works drew inspiration from the Language Movement of 1952 through the Liberation War of 1971, inspiring generations with themes of national identity and freedom.

Born on July 11, 1936, in Mollarbari of Mourail, Brahmanbaria, Al Mahmud moved to Dhaka in 1954 to pursue journalism and literary writing. After the Liberation War, he edited the daily Ganakantha and was imprisoned for a year. His literary contributions earned him numerous honors, including the Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Literary Award, Humayun Kabir Memorial Award, Jibanananda Memorial Award, and Jasimuddin Award.

Marking the anniversary, the organization 'Kaler Kolosh' has arranged a commemorative event at the Al Mahmud Corner of Bangla Academy at 4 p.m., where noted cultural figures and admirers will discuss his life and works, alongside recitations and musical performances.