Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that World War III is imminent but vowed to prevent it. In a speech on Thursday, he stated that another year under Biden’s administration could have led to global conflict. He criticized the current administration, claiming the U.S. has spent $200 billion more on Ukraine than Europe. Trump emphasized that endless wars must be stopped and declared that no nation could rival American strength in a potential war.

Five Bangladeshis, who left for Europe seeking a better future, ended up in Libya due to human traffickers. They endured severe torture before being sent by boat towards Italy after paying ransom. However, their boat broke down midway, and Tunisia’s coast guard detained them near the Algerian border. After serving various sentences for illegal entry, they were finally repatriated to Bangladesh with the help of BRAC, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare, and the Bangladesh Embassy in Algeria.

Malaysian security forces detained 68 foreigners, including 45 Bangladeshis, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for suspicious behavior. Despite claiming to be tourists, they wandered around restaurants and other areas instead of proceeding to immigration counters, raising suspicion that they were waiting for someone. As a result, authorities detained 16 Pakistanis, 45 Bangladeshis, and 7 Indians for further scrutiny. After verification, they were denied entry and issued departure notices. Since January 1, Malaysia has deported over 900 foreign tourists.

A two-lane road in Nalitabari, Sherpur, remains unrepaired four months after being severely damaged by a flash flood. The road closure has caused immense suffering for commuters, forcing them to pay higher transportation fares. The devastating flood on October 5 left the road in such poor condition that locals had to construct a makeshift bamboo bridge. Shariful Islam, Executive Engineer of the Sherpur Roads and Highways Department, stated that higher authorities have been informed and multiple inspections have been conducted. Plans to build a culvert have been finalized, and reconstruction work will begin once the tender is approved.

Following the tragic death of a domestic worker, Geneda Khatun (54), under a Raida Transport bus in Uttara, a seven-day ultimatum has been issued to ban Raida Transport from all routes in Dhaka. Protesters also demanded the death penalty for the driver, helper, and bus owners responsible for the incident. Family members and locals, numbering around 200, participated in a human chain, stating that Raida Transport buses have caused over 20 deaths to date. The victim’s daughter cried, demanding justice for her mother. The accident occurred on February 18 at Uttara 11 Chowrasta.

Qader Gani Chowdhury, Member Secretary of the Bangladesh Combined Professional Council, stated that the essence of February 21 is to uphold rights and sovereignty without submission. He emphasized that for the past 17 years, voting rights, freedom of speech, and democracy were suppressed, undermining the spirit of February 21. He highlighted the importance of reclaiming people's ownership through democratic means following the recent student-led uprising against fascism. He further asserted that only elected representatives have the right to implement reforms and recognized February 21 as the first step toward independence.

The shortage of bottled soybean oil continues in the market, while lemon prices have surged. The price of soybean oil has increased by 5 BDT per liter, and the price of lemons has risen by 20-30 BDT per dozen. Tomato prices have increased from 30 BDT to 40 BDT, carrots from 40 BDT to 50 BDT, bitter gourd is selling at 80 BDT, long eggplants at 60 BDT, and small eggplants at 80 BDT per kg. Green chilies are being sold at 80 BDT per kg. Broiler chicken is priced at 190 BDT per kg, Sonali chicken at 370 BDT per kg, and local chicken at 580 BDT per kg. This information was gathered from the Khilkhet, Kawran Bazar, Shewrapara, and Agargaon markets on Friday morning.

A library built in memory of language movement hero Abdul Matin has fallen into disrepair and is now occupied by drug addicts. Local leader Hakim Member has been accused of embezzling more than 1,500 books and all the furniture from the library. A complaint has been filed with the police.

The use of Bangla in court verdicts has increased significantly, with over 50,000 rulings written in Bangla over the past 26 years. Notably, the recent verdict in the Sheikh Hasina assassination attempt case was delivered in Bangla. Since 2007, High Court civil, criminal, and writ case rulings have increasingly been written in the national language. A single judge has reportedly issued over 30,000 verdicts in Bangla.

Out of 253 educational institutions in Golapganj, Sylhet, only 42 have Shaheed Minars. The rest, 211 institutions, resort to makeshift tributes using banana trees or bamboo structures during International Mother Language Day. The existing monuments are often neglected. The upazila has 180 primary schools, but only 22 have Shaheed Minars. Among 59 secondary schools, four colleges, and one lower secondary school, only 20 have the memorial structures. No government-run madrasas in the area have Shaheed Minars. The education department cited a lack of funds for the issue.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating alleged corruption in Chattogram WASA’s BDT 3,808 crore sewerage project, led by its Managing Director AKM Fazlullah. On Thursday, an ACC team raided the WASA office and reportedly found preliminary evidence of financial misconduct. The head of the ACC team informed the media that documents have been collected for forensic analysis. There are also allegations that a fire on the third floor of the WASA building in 2020 was an attempt to destroy incriminating records. The ACC has assured a thorough investigation and legal action.

Ferry operations between Daulatdia in Rajbari and Paturia in Manikganj have been suspended due to heavy fog. Seven ferries have been anchored at Daulatdia since 3 AM on Thursday to prevent accidents, according to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC). Authorities stated that thick fog in the Padma and Jamuna river basins forced them to take this precaution. Operations will resume once visibility improves, and travelers have been advised to remain cautious.

At least three empty buses exploded in Bat Yam, Israel, on Thursday evening (February 20). Fortunately, no casualties were reported immediately. The area remains tense, with heavy security deployed. Reports suggest that two other buses had explosive devices that did not detonate. Security forces are conducting extensive operations to apprehend suspects. Local media reported that an undetonated device carried a note reading, "Revenge from Tulkarm," referencing the West Bank city recently targeted by Israeli military operations.

Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Syed Refaat Ahmed, stated that February 21 is the first pillar of Bengali national identity. He described Ekushey as a fundamental inspiration for the post-1971 state-building process. Sharing his personal connection, he revealed that his mother was a language movement activist. He made these remarks after placing a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar following the President and Chief Adviser’s tribute at dawn on Friday. He also observed a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs, a moment officially acknowledged in a press release by the Supreme Court.

From early Friday morning, thousands of people gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay tribute to the language martyrs. With songs of remembrance and flowers in hand, individuals from political, social, and cultural organizations joined the commemoration alongside people from all walks of life. Parents brought their children, emphasizing the importance of the day. Many expressed their hopes for a discrimination-free nation and the establishment of fundamental human rights. They also stressed the need for the proper use and practice of the Bangla language. Prior to the public tribute, the President and Chief Adviser paid their respects at the Central Shaheed Minar.