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.

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.