The spring festival, marking the first day of Falgun, was celebrated at Shaheed Wasim Akram Park in Chattogram’s Pahartali area on Saturday morning. Organized by the cultural group Bodhon, the event featured performances by children and adolescents including dance, songs, rhymes, and poetry recitations. As the day progressed, crowds of young men and women in colorful attire filled the park, creating a festive atmosphere. Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain attended the event at 10 a.m. and remarked that the celebration coincided with a new era for Bangladesh as the nation prepared for a new government.

Ahead of the festival, flower shops in Cheragi Pahar became busy from Friday night, with traders preparing bouquets and garlands from flowers arriving from across the country. Roses, tuberoses, marigolds, and other seasonal blooms saw high demand as people purchased them for loved ones. The organizers announced that the festival would conclude before noon.

This year, the venue was shifted from the traditional CRB Shirish Tala to Shaheed Wasim Akram Park, where Bodhon’s arrangements kept the city’s residents engaged throughout the morning.

An opinion essay by A.T.M. Jannatul Mosnaj, published on February 14, 2026, examines why many citizens of politically independent nations, including Bangladesh, remain mentally dependent on larger or foreign powers. The author argues that even after 54 years of independence, Bangladesh continues to face a form of psychological subjugation known as colonial mentality, where people unconsciously view foreign cultures and standards as superior while undervaluing their own.

The article traces this mindset to historical colonial influence, education systems, and global media dominance that reinforce cultural inferiority. Drawing on thinkers such as Frantz Fanon, Walter Mignolo, and Edward Said, the essay highlights how postcolonial societies internalize foreign values through language, fashion, and media, leading to cultural hegemony and identity crises. It also notes that economic dependency and admiration for foreign lifestyles deepen this mental subordination.

The author concludes that true national progress requires both political and mental liberation. He calls for educational reform, cultural confidence, and responsible media practices to strengthen self-perception and ensure that Bangladesh’s development remains rooted in its own identity and knowledge traditions.

Bangladesh marks the first day of spring, known as Pahela Falgun, on February 14, 2026, with nationwide celebrations. The National Spring Festival Celebration Council is organizing the main event at the Liberation War Museum’s open grounds in Agargaon. The festival begins at 7:30 a.m. with instrumental and vocal performances by students of Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay, followed by group and solo music, dance, recitations, and cultural exchanges. Various renowned cultural organizations and artists are participating in the event.

This year’s Pahela Falgun coincides with Valentine’s Day, creating a dual celebration across the country. Citizens are also observing Anti-Autocracy Resistance Day, commemorating the 1983 student movement against the Majid Khan Commission’s education policy. The festive atmosphere is further influenced by the recent national election and referendum results. However, the annual Ekushey Book Fair has been postponed due to the election, reducing one traditional element of springtime festivities.

Historians note that Valentine’s Day originated from ancient Roman traditions and the martyrdom of Saint Valentine in 270 AD, whose legacy inspired the global observance of the day of love.

Dutch author Cees Nooteboom, known for his novels, travel writing and translations, has died aged 92. His publishing house, De Bezige Bij, announced that he passed away peacefully on his beloved island of Menorca. The statement, issued on behalf of his wife, photographer Simone Sassen, described him as an internationally acclaimed writer whose friendship, erudition and individuality will be missed.

Nooteboom gained early recognition in the Netherlands with his 1955 debut novel Philip and the Others, inspired by his hitchhiking journeys through the Mediterranean and Scandinavia. The book won the Anne Frank prize and became a Dutch classic. His international breakthrough came with the 1980 novel Rituals, which explored the contrast between two friends with opposing life philosophies. The novel was adapted into a film in 1988 and became his first work translated into English.

Born in The Hague in 1933, Nooteboom’s childhood was marked by World War II, during which his father was killed in a British air raid. His literary career later flourished across Europe, particularly in Germany, and he received honorary doctorates from universities in Brussels, Nijmegen, Berlin, and University College London in 2019.

The government has decided to waive 55 percent of stall rent for publishers participating in the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Dr. Md. Selim Reza, member secretary of the fair’s organizing committee, through an official press release. The decision followed a meeting with publishers held at the Shaheed Munir Chowdhury Auditorium of Bangla Academy, chaired by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

During the meeting, publishers presented various demands concerning the current state of the publishing industry. The cultural affairs adviser expressed agreement with most of the proposals, including the formulation of a national book policy, and urged publishers to submit written recommendations to the ministry. The waiver applies to all publishers participating in the fair scheduled for February 20.

According to the press release, publishers who have already paid their stall rent will receive refunds for the excess amount, while those yet to pay can deposit the revised amount directly at the new rate.

A controversy arose at Jahangirnagar University on Friday night, February 6, when a folk performance during the final night of the university’s winter festival featured a distorted recitation of Surah An-Nas. The performance, by singers Eshak Sarkar and Chhonia Sarkar, took place at the Chhobi Chattar around 11:30 p.m. The male performer partially recited the verse and made a comment linking it to dance, prompting discomfort among the audience. Two students went on stage to protest, calling the act offensive to religious sentiments. The artist immediately apologized, but tensions escalated when some organizers confronted the protesting students.

Following the incident, posts on social media claimed that the musical session was being shut down, which fueled further criticism on campus. A group of students later gathered at the Shaheed Minar and then staged a sit-in in front of the vice-chancellor’s residence around 2 a.m., demanding an investigation and action against those responsible. Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan assured students that the matter would be reviewed based on a preliminary report from the proctorial team.

Assistant Proctor Professor Abdur Razzak stated that the issue initially arose from the Surah reference, and that students protested from a moral standpoint. He added that the artist had apologized and the situation was brought under control.

Ata Sarkar’s essay, published on February 7, 2026, explores how Bangladeshi literary books often feature self-congratulatory notes or ‘certificates’ on their back covers. He observes that while a book’s front cover attracts readers through design and artistry, the back cover increasingly serves as a space for exaggerated praise of the author, sometimes written by the author themselves or by well-known figures. Sarkar questions why such certificates are needed when the book itself should serve as the writer’s true credential.

The piece highlights examples of authors who have written their own glowing endorsements or sought validation from prominent intellectuals, including foreign ones, to enhance their literary image. Sarkar criticizes this practice as a marketing strategy that prioritizes vanity over authenticity. He also notes that even lesser-known or rural writers imitate this trend, adding emotional or self-written certificates to their books.

The essay concludes by asserting that genuine literary merit should come from the author’s creative work, not from decorative or self-promotional back-cover statements.

The Netherlands has returned a 3,500-year-old statue to Egypt. On Thursday, Dutch Culture Minister Gok Mus handed the artifact to Egyptian Ambassador Imad Hanna in the Netherlands. The statue, believed to depict a senior official from the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III, was originally discovered in Luxor, southern Egypt.

The artifact had been displayed at a fair in Maastricht in 2022, but Dutch police later seized it after an investigation revealed it had been smuggled out of Egypt during the 2011 Arab Spring unrest. A joint inquiry by the police and the Ministry of Culture confirmed that the statue had been looted from Egypt.

Minister Gok Mus stated that the Netherlands’ policy is to return items to their rightful owners. Ambassador Imad Hanna described the return as an important event for Egypt’s tourism and economy, noting that such cultural repatriations can make a real difference for visitors to the country.

Bangladesh’s Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sunil Karmakar, who played a significant role in promoting the songs of philosopher and poet Jalal Uddin Khan. In a condolence message issued on Friday, Farooki said that philosophy and art in Bangladesh have long evolved together, with the nation’s people expressing both worldly emotions and philosophical reflections through song. He noted that the country’s intellectual heritage is best found in its music, enriched by thinkers such as Lalon, Hasan, Jalal Khan, and Shah Karim.

Farooki described Sunil Karmakar as a distinguished musician and spiritual artist from the Jalal Khan tradition. He recalled being inspired by Karmakar’s rendition of Jalal Khan’s songs many years ago and praised his mastery of multiple instruments, including the violin and dotara. The adviser added that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs had promptly extended support upon learning of Karmakar’s illness.

Farooki said the news of Karmakar’s passing deeply saddened him personally and marked an irreparable loss for Bangladesh’s cultural community.

Publishers have strongly criticized the Bangla Academy’s decision to hold the Amar Ekushey Book Fair from February 20, calling it unilateral, undemocratic, and self-destructive. In a joint statement sent to the media on Thursday, they alleged that the academy made the announcement without consulting any stakeholders. The publishers warned that starting the fair during Ramadan would lead to a shortage of visitors, impose inhumane pressure on stall workers, and cause certain financial losses for publishers.

According to the statement, 32 pavilion and 152 stall owners had already expressed written support for holding the fair after Eid-ul-Fitr. The publishers argued that organizing the event during Ramadan would turn it into a failed and tarnished festival, describing the decision as “a blow to an already wounded situation.” They urged the authorities to reconsider immediately and arrange the fair in a festive atmosphere after Eid.

The publishers further appealed to the government and Bangla Academy to acknowledge their concerns, warning that the organizers would bear full responsibility for any resulting crisis if the decision is not revised.

Bangla Academy has confirmed that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on February 20, rejecting publishers’ calls to postpone the event until after Eid-ul-Fitr. The decision was announced at a press conference held at the academy on Thursday, where officials said the fair’s organizing committee had unanimously agreed on the date. The academy also announced special arrangements for iftar and prayers during Ramadan.

Director General Professor Mohammad Azam explained that the fair could not start on February 1 as in previous years because state approval was delayed. He said about 60 percent of preparations are complete, including stall construction, event management selection, and invitations to speakers. Stall rent has been reduced by 25 percent compared to last year, despite higher overall costs. A total of 527 returning and 24 new publishers have been selected for stalls, with over 100 institutions expressing interest in participation.

Azam added that holding the fair after Eid would be impractical due to April’s heat and storms. He urged all publishers to join the fair, expressing optimism that it will be well-organized despite challenges.

Ten individuals have been named as recipients of the 2026 Ekushey Padak, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. The announcement was made on Thursday at a briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium in Dhaka. The honorees include actress Farida Akhtar Bobita for film, Professor Dr. Mohammad Abdus Sattar for fine arts, Marina Tabassum for architecture, Ayub Bachchu for music, the band Warfaze for band music, Islam Uddin Palakar for theatre, Shafik Rehman for journalism, Professor Dr. Mahbubul Alam Majumdar for education, Tejas Halder Jos for sculpture, and Orthi Ahmed for dance.

The government had earlier invited nominations for the 2026 Ekushey Padak at the end of July of the previous year, with submissions due by October 30. The Department of Information had requested proposals from cultural institutions under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, all ministries and departments, public universities, district commissioners, and previous recipients of the Ekushey and Independence Awards.

The announcement reflects the government’s continued recognition of contributions across diverse fields of culture, education, and the arts in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s legendary band musician Ayub Bachchu and acclaimed actress Farida Akhter Bobita are among ten individuals selected to receive the Ekushey Padak for 2026. The announcement was made by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium in Dhaka on Thursday. The honorees include Bobita for film, Professor Dr. Mohammad Abdus Sattar for fine arts, Marina Tabassum for architecture, Ayub Bachchu for music, Warfaze for band music, Islam Uddin Palakar for theatre, Shafik Rehman for journalism, Professor Mahbubul Alam Majumdar for education, Tejas Halder Jos for sculpture, and Orthy Ahmed for dance.

Earlier, the government invited nominations for the 2026 Ekushey Padak at the end of July last year, with submissions due by October 30. According to an information department release, nominations were sought from ministries, public universities, district administrators, and previous recipients of national honors.

The government reaffirmed its policy to recognize individuals, groups, and institutions—living or deceased—for outstanding contributions in fields such as language movement, arts, journalism, education, science, and social service through the annual Ekushey Padak awards.

Bangladesh will observe National Library Day 2026 across the country on February 5 under the theme “Knowledge is Freedom, Foundation of the Future.” The day aims to highlight the importance of public and private libraries, encourage reading habits, and strengthen the role of libraries in building an enlightened society. The Directorate of Public Libraries will organize the main inauguration ceremony at the Bangladesh National Museum in Shahbag, Dhaka, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a special discussion on “Libraries and Knowledge Practice: Context of the 21st Century.”

The event will feature Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as chief guest, with senior officials from the National Museum, Bangla Academy, and the Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute attending as special guests. Professor Dr. Kazi Mostak Gausul Haque of Dhaka University will serve as the keynote speaker, and the session will be chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Distinguished library professionals and officials will also participate.

In addition to the national program, district public libraries, universities, and cultural institutions across Bangladesh will host various activities to mark the day, coordinated by local administrations and library associations.

Online and multimedia-based news platform Asia Post has officially begun its operations in Dhaka. The inauguration took place on Sunday, February 1, at 3 p.m. at the outlet’s headquarters through a modest prayer ceremony attended by around one hundred officials, journalists, staff, and invited guests. The event included prayers and well-wishes for the organization’s future journey and was held in the studio room of the headquarters.

Asia Post Limited’s Chairman Moshahed Hasan, Editor Palash Mahmud, and senior department heads including Ishaq Ahmed Chowdhury, Shakil Faruk, Shamsuzzaman Shams, A.H. Murad, Sajjad Hossain, and Zubair Ahmed were present. Head of News Shakil Faruk said the post–August 5 period has brought new challenges and opportunities for journalism in Bangladesh, and Asia Post aims to harness those opportunities through quality journalism. Editor Palash Mahmud stated that the initiative was launched to ensure independent and responsible media operations.

Chairman Moshahed Hasan expressed the goal of making Asia Post one of the country’s leading media organizations and creating an environment where employees can thrive professionally and personally.