For the first time, National Parliament Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman paid tribute to the language martyrs at the Shaheed Minar on February 21, 2026. He was accompanied by Opposition Chief Whip and NCP convener Nahid Islam, and Members of Parliament Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah, and Hannan Masud. The floral tribute took place just after midnight, following similar tributes by President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tareq Rahman.

Explaining his participation, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman told reporters that he attended the ceremony as part of a state ritual, describing it as his responsibility as the opposition leader to join with his colleagues. Jamaat had earlier announced that under his leadership, newly elected MPs from the 11-party alliance would pay respects at the Shaheed Minar, visit the graves of the language martyrs, and offer prayers for their souls.

The event marked a symbolic first for Jamaat-e-Islami’s leadership in participating in the state observance of International Mother Language Day.

Prime Minister’s political adviser Dr. Nazrul Islam Khan said that many institutions in Bangladesh have been destroyed due to corruption, nepotism, and incompetence. He made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation while addressing an event organized by Debate for Democracy to honor the winners of the 2026 Election Debate Competition.

Khan referred to what he described as fifteen and a half years of misrule under the Awami League, saying the extent of institutional damage was greater than expected. He attributed the situation to politicization, favoritism, and the appointment of unqualified individuals to key positions. He urged everyone to cooperate with the government from their respective positions to overcome the challenges and move forward.

The event was presided over by Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron and attended by several academics, including State University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain Khan, Chief Moderator Professor Abu Mohammad Rois, and Jahangirnagar University Professor Dr. Nahrin Khan.

U.S. President Donald Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2, 2026, for a long-anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. A White House official confirmed the trip on Friday. The announcement came a day after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s global import tariff initiative.

According to the report, the two leaders are expected to discuss a potential trade agreement aimed at avoiding further tariff increases. This will be Trump’s second visit to China, following his first trip in 2017 during his previous term.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the travel dates, and Beijing has not yet confirmed the visit.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned and protested remarks by Road, Rail and Water Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam that the party claims effectively legitimized extortion in the name of compromise. In a statement issued to the media on Saturday, Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General and head of its publicity and media division, Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, expressed deep concern and described the minister’s comments as undesirable, unethical, and harmful to the rule of law.

The statement said extortion is a criminal offense and poses a serious threat to society, the economy, and governance. It warned that legitimizing such acts could encourage further crimes and undermine justice, transparency, and accountability. Jamaat urged the government to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against extortion and corruption and to take visible and effective measures against those involved. The party demanded that the minister withdraw his remarks, issue a public explanation, and avoid similar statements in the future.

Jamaat also called on the government to ensure citizens’ safety and to take strict legal action to prevent extortion, warning that failure to do so could lead to a united public resistance against such crimes.

US Ambassador to Tel Aviv Mike Huckabee stated that he would have no objection if Israel took control of the entire Middle East. In an interview with commentator Tucker Carlson on Wednesday, Huckabee claimed that the Bible grants Israel the right to occupy lands across the region, including parts of Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.

Huckabee expressed support for the Jewish belief that much of the Middle East constitutes a divinely promised land, saying Israel is a land given by God to His chosen people through Abraham. However, he later clarified that the Israeli government is not currently seeking to expand to those ancient borders. When Carlson asked whether he would approve such expansion, Huckabee replied that Israel does not intend to seize the region.

The US State Department did not respond to Al Jazeera’s inquiry about whether Secretary of State Marco Rubio agrees with Huckabee’s views on Israel’s right to expand its borders.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Member of Parliament ATM Azharul Islam has accused the ruling party of disregarding the July Charter immediately after assuming power. Speaking to journalists at Syedpur Airport on Saturday, he said the issue would be discussed in parliament once sessions begin, as the charter was endorsed through a public referendum where the majority voted in favor. He noted that political parties had previously pledged to implement the charter but have now ignored it after gaining power.

Azharul Islam emphasized that rejecting the July Charter equates to rejecting the election itself, as the movement behind it enabled the current democratic environment. He expressed gratitude to the people of Badarganj and Taraganj for electing him with overwhelming support and pledged to work for development without political vengeance or discrimination. He also called for unity among all communities, stressing that power is temporary and public trust must be preserved.

He further stated that as a central leader, he would focus on national development while ensuring equal treatment for all residents of his constituency.

A high-level meeting on strengthening religious and social harmony was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Room and was chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Ministers, state ministers, and senior officials attended the session.

Discussions focused on maintaining religious harmony amid the country’s current situation, enhancing social tolerance, and taking effective measures to prevent divisive activities. The meeting emphasized coordinated efforts among government bodies to reinforce unity and peace across communities.

The event marked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first meeting at the Tejgaon office, highlighting the government’s attention to social cohesion and stability in the face of emerging challenges.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny stated that there is no need for an oath, as a 'yes' vote becomes effective immediately upon taking a seat in the National Parliament. He added that discussions will take place in Parliament based on 'no' votes, and decisions will be made on matters where notes of dissent have been submitted. The minister made these remarks on Saturday, February 21, 2026, after paying tribute at the central Shaheed Minar in Lakshmipur on the occasion of International Mother Language Day.

He emphasized that differences of opinion may exist but urged all parties to work together for the country's development instead of opposing every issue. Anny also warned that those who create mobs, cause disorder, and obstruct the nation-building process will become enemies of the country.

The minister’s comments highlight a call for unity and constructive participation in parliamentary and national affairs, focusing on cooperation over confrontation.

In Jamalpur’s Bakshiganj upazila, suspended Awami League activists raised the national and party flags at the Bogarchar Union office on Saturday morning, February 21, 2026, marking International Mother Language Day and Martyrs’ Day. The participants chanted the slogan 'Joy Bangla' and offered prayers for the martyrs of the language movement. Among those present were the suspended union’s organizational secretary Sajjad Kadir Saju, member Rezaul Karim, ward president Md. Ayub Ali, Tanti League joint secretary Rezaul, and suspended Chhatra League president Niamat Ullah.

This was the first visible activity at the Awami League office in about 18 months. The office had remained abandoned since August 5, 2024, when angry students set it on fire following the fall of the Hasina government. Since then, all political activities and visits by party members had ceased.

Local reactions have reportedly emerged in Bogarchar Union following the sudden flag-raising event, though details of those reactions were not specified in the report.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The 6–3 decision restricted a key economic and foreign policy tool Trump had used to pressure other nations. In response, Trump announced on Friday that he would impose a new 10% tariff on all countries worldwide, using what he described as alternative legal powers.

Speaking at the White House, Trump sharply criticized the court, claiming some justices lacked the courage to do what he considered right for the country. He said foreign nations that had taken advantage of the United States were celebrating the ruling but warned their joy would be short-lived. Trump stated he would sign an executive order to implement the new tariffs and initiate multiple trade investigations under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows tariffs against unfair or discriminatory trade practices.

The Supreme Court’s decision significantly curtailed Trump’s ability to use tariffs as leverage in trade and diplomatic negotiations, a strategy he had relied on since his first year in office.

Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rob argues that Bangladesh’s democratic journey, long hindered by authoritarianism and power-centric politics, now requires institutional reforms to sustain its post-revolution progress. Writing on February 21, 2026, he highlights that the February 12 election marked a return to democratic governance and that opposition parties must play a constructive role in parliament to ensure accountability and stability.

He explains that a shadow cabinet—comprising opposition members who monitor and critique government ministries—can institutionalize this role. Drawing examples from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan, he notes that such bodies serve as “governments-in-waiting,” preparing opposition leaders for future governance. In Bangladesh, the Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP have already announced plans for shadow cabinets, a move welcomed by the ruling BNP.

Dr. Rob emphasizes that a single, unified shadow cabinet would foster national unity and effective oversight. He calls for public dialogue to eventually make the shadow cabinet a constitutional institution, arguing that its success could mark a new milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic evolution.

Bangladesh has entered a new democratic phase after ending fifteen and a half years of authoritarian rule, following a peaceful and fair election on 12 February 2026. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formed the government with an absolute majority, while Jamaat-e-Islami became the main opposition, leading a 77-member bloc in the 13th National Parliament. Citizens now expect both sides to ensure stability, uphold the rule of law, and work collaboratively for national progress.

Public expectations from the new government include controlling commodity prices, reducing unemployment, improving law and order, and ensuring transparency in administration. Citizens also demand visible progress in curbing corruption, strengthening governance, and expanding digital services. Teachers, students, and professionals emphasized the need for reforms in education, employment, and constitutional implementation, while many called for immediate action within the first 100 days to stabilize prices and restore public confidence.

The opposition, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, has pledged to act responsibly in parliament, supporting good initiatives and resisting anti-people policies. Citizens urge both government and opposition to avoid destructive politics and cooperate to sustain peace and democratic accountability.

US President Donald Trump has criticized the Supreme Court and announced plans to introduce more tariffs. The statement reflects his continued focus on trade measures and his dissatisfaction with recent judicial developments.

The brief update indicates that Trump’s comments link his trade agenda with his stance toward the judiciary, though no further details were provided about the specific tariffs or the court issue involved.

The live coverage of the event has concluded, and no additional information or reactions were included in the source.

Barrister Rumin Farhana, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail, Ashuganj, and part of Bijaynagar), was prevented by BNP activists from placing a floral wreath at the central Shaheed Minar in Sarail around midnight on February 20. Witnesses said that as she arrived to pay tribute on International Mother Language Day, local BNP members led by former upazila general secretary Anwar Hossain shouted slogans calling her 'fake' and tore apart her wreath. Police intervened to control the situation, and Rumin left the area under the protection of her supporters.

Following the incident, her supporters blocked the Dhaka–Sylhet highway at Shahbazpur First Gate for about an hour, lighting fires on the road and demanding justice. Rumin alleged that some BNP activists had launched a premeditated attack and warned that failure to control local leaders could have serious consequences for both the party and the government. Police Superintendent Shah Mohammad Abdur Rouf confirmed receiving complaints and said video footage was being analyzed for further legal action.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka at 12:01 a.m. on February 21, 2026, marking International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Day. After placing a floral wreath, he turned toward the Qibla and offered a special prayer seeking forgiveness for the souls of the martyrs.

According to the report, this is the first time in Bangladesh’s history that a head of government has offered a prayer immediately after laying a wreath at the national monument. The act took place following the traditional ceremony of paying homage to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, which is commemorated annually on February 21.

The event underscored the significance of the day in Bangladesh’s national identity and reflected a new gesture of reverence by the country’s top leadership during the observance of the historic occasion.