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.

An article by Dr. Ahmad Anisur Rahman, published on February 3, 2026, emphasizes that Shab-e-Barat, known as the Night of Fortune, is an integral part of Bengal’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The piece describes how people across cities and villages in Bangladesh observe the night through prayers, charity, and remembrance of the deceased, seeking divine mercy and prosperity for the coming year. The author argues that maintaining this observance upholds the nation’s cultural distinctiveness and moral foundation.

The essay traces the historical and theological roots of Shab-e-Barat, citing Quranic verses and Hadiths that describe it as a blessed night of forgiveness and divine grace. It also discusses how colonial influences and misinterpretations led some to label the observance as ‘bid‘ah’ (innovation), which the author disputes by referencing early Islamic scholars who affirmed its legitimacy. The article concludes that Shab-e-Barat embodies both religious devotion and the enduring cultural identity of Bengal.

The author calls for preserving the spiritual essence of the night while avoiding wasteful or superficial practices such as excessive lighting or fireworks.

The holy Shab-e-Barat, also known as Lailatul Mubarakah, is being observed across Bangladesh on Tuesday with religious devotion. Muslims are spending the night in prayers, Quran recitation, and special supplications seeking forgiveness and divine blessings. The Islamic Foundation has organized programs at the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram, including sermons, Quran recitations, and prayers, continuing until dawn. The event began after Maghrib prayers, with religious scholars delivering sermons on the significance of the night. Similar gatherings are being held at divisional and district offices, Islamic Mission Centers, and Imam Training Academies.

Prime Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and political leaders including BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman issued messages marking the occasion. Wednesday has been declared a public holiday, and newspapers will not be published due to office closures on Tuesday. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has implemented maximum security across the country, increasing patrols and intelligence surveillance in major cities, mosques, and shrines to ensure public safety. Citizens have been urged to remain alert and cooperate with law enforcement during the observance.

Shab-e-Barat also marks the spiritual preparation for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called upon the people to pray for the welfare of the country and humanity on the occasion of the holy Shab-e-Barat. In a message issued on Monday, he described the night as an extraordinary opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness through worship, charity, and self-reflection. The holy night will be observed across the country on Tuesday night, corresponding to the 14th and 15th of the Islamic month of Sha'ban.

In his message, the Chief Adviser extended greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and around the world. He said Shab-e-Barat offers a unique chance for spiritual purification, forgiveness, and divine blessings. Citing religious teachings, he noted that Allah grants special mercy to His servants on this night, which is regarded as a blessed occasion.

Professor Yunus urged everyone to dedicate themselves to human welfare, avoid injustice and superstition, and illuminate personal, social, and national life with the peace and beauty of Islam. He concluded by praying for Allah’s forgiveness and protection for all.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the closure of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, one of the country’s leading cultural institutions, citing renovation and restructuring needs. The plan calls for a complete shutdown of the center for two years starting July 4, coinciding with the United States’ 250th Independence Day. The decision still requires approval from the center’s board of directors, most of whom were appointed by Trump himself.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated that halting all entertainment activities would allow faster and higher-quality renovation, calling it the quickest way to elevate the “Trump Kennedy Center” to new levels of success and grandeur. He argued that ongoing performances such as concerts, operas, and ballets would delay construction work.

The announcement comes amid protests from artists and cultural groups who have canceled performances in opposition to Trump’s leadership and the addition of his name to the building. The Kennedy Center has not yet issued an official comment on the matter.

Egyptian-American entrepreneur Abdul Elenani has gained attention in New York for his Palestinian restaurant chain 'Ayat', named after his Palestinian-American wife, Ayat Masoud. The first branch opened in Brooklyn’s Bay Ridge in 2020, following the closure of his earlier outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant serves traditional Palestinian and regional dishes, including 'Maqluba', based on recipes from Masoud’s mother.

Since its launch, 'Ayat' has expanded to seven locations in Manhattan and one in New Jersey, with new branches planned in Washington D.C., Dallas, and Philadelphia. The Dallas branch is scheduled to open by the end of January. Elenani said the restaurant aims to share Palestinian culture and cuisine while raising awareness about Palestine’s identity.

According to the report, 'Ayat' became more widely recognized during Israel’s assault on Gaza, as public support for Palestine increased. Many customers who were previously unfamiliar with the term 'Palestine' learned about its culture through the restaurant’s food and story.

An interfaith harmony rally was held at Dhaka University (DU) on Sunday, February 1, 2026, to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week. The rally began at the base of Aparajeyo Bangla and was inaugurated by DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha as the chief guest. The event was jointly organized by the Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue and the Department of World Religions and Culture.

The rally was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, the Director of the Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, Professor Dr. Mohammad Ilyas, the Chairman of the Department of World Religions and Culture, Professor Dr. Md. Abu Sayem, retired Professor Kazi Nurul Islam, and teachers and students from related departments. During the inauguration, Professor Bidisha emphasized the importance of establishing interfaith harmony in society.

She urged students to contribute from their respective positions to build a non-communal, humane, and discrimination-free society, and to develop themselves as knowledgeable and responsible citizens. The rally concluded after parading through various roads on the campus.

Dhaka University organized a 'Language Walk' on Sunday morning to welcome Language Month and mark the upcoming Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. The event, initiated by the Department of Linguistics, began at the base of Aparajeyo Bangla and was inaugurated by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha. The walk circled the university campus and concluded at the Central Shaheed Minar.

At the Shaheed Minar, teachers and students laid floral wreaths to pay deep respect to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement. Participants highlighted the significance of the movement, the dignity of the mother tongue, and the importance of preserving linguistic diversity. The event was attended by senior university officials including the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, the Proctor, and the Chairperson of the Department of Linguistics.

Organizers stated that the Department of Linguistics arranges this annual walk to honor the memory of language martyrs and to spread the spirit of the Language Movement among the younger generation.

Bangladesh has entered February, known as Language Month, marking the beginning of nationwide observances honoring the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. From the first day of the month, social, political, and cultural organizations have launched various programs across the country, including at the Central Shaheed Minar and district towns. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced preparations to ensure peaceful and dignified observance of International Mother Language Day on February 21.

The Language Movement began in 1952 when students and citizens protested Pakistan’s decision to make Urdu the sole state language. Police opened fire on demonstrators in Dhaka, killing several, including Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, Abul Barkat, and Abdus Salam. Their sacrifice led to the eventual recognition of Bangla as a state language. UNESCO declared February 21 International Mother Language Day in 1999, expanding the commemoration globally.

This year, the traditional Amar Ekushey Book Fair, usually starting on February 1, will begin on February 20 due to the recent parliamentary election. The newly elected head of government is expected to inaugurate the fair, while Dhaka University will hold a symbolic language march from Aparajeyo Bangla to the Shaheed Minar.