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 just after midnight on Friday. He was accompanied by Opposition Chief Whip and NCP Convener Nahid Islam, as well as Members of Parliament Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah, and Hannan Masud. Jamaat MPs Nurul Islam Bulbul, Barrister Arman, and retired Colonel Abdul Baten were also present. The floral wreath was placed at 12:01 a.m., following tributes by the President and Prime Minister Tarek Rahman.

Earlier on Friday night, Jamaat announced that under the leadership of the opposition leader and party chief, newly elected MPs from the 11-party alliance would visit the Shaheed Minar to pay homage. The statement also mentioned plans to visit the graves of the language martyrs and offer prayers for their souls.

This marks the first occasion that Jamaat’s top leadership, including the opposition leader, has formally participated in the national observance at the Shaheed Minar.

President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka early Friday, marking Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day. The president placed a floral wreath at 12:01 a.m., standing in silent respect, followed by the prime minister at 12:07 a.m., accompanied by his family. The ceremony took place amid the playing of the iconic Ekushey song.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan received the president and prime minister at the venue. Later, members of the cabinet, led by the prime minister, placed wreaths at 12:16 a.m. The prime minister also laid wreaths on behalf of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the families of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Senior military officials, diplomats, and freedom fighters were present.

Leaders from various political parties, including the opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami, also paid their respects. The event concluded with special prayers for the souls of the martyrs of 1952, the Liberation War of 1971, and the martyrs and fighters of 2024.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the Language Martyrs on behalf of the nation at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka just after midnight on February 21, 2026. He placed a floral wreath at the monument at 12:01 a.m., following the President’s homage. Cabinet members including Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and other ministers also offered flowers in remembrance.

The Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin and other commissioners, the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as foreign ambassadors and heads of international organizations, followed with their tributes. Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman also paid respects. Later, the Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor, students, and war-wounded freedom fighters placed wreaths at the monument.

Thousands of citizens gathered around the Shaheed Minar from different parts of Dhaka, waiting in long lines to offer flowers once the official tributes concluded. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked that after years of oppression, this year’s observance of Ekushey felt liberated.

President Mohammad Shahabuddin led the nation in paying tribute to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, marking the first hour of February 21, 2026. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman followed with floral offerings, joined by cabinet members including Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and other senior officials. The Chief Election Commissioner, service chiefs, foreign diplomats, and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman also placed wreaths.

Thousands of citizens gathered around the Shaheed Minar through the night, waiting in long lines to offer flowers once the official tributes concluded. Political, social, and cultural organizations also participated in the homage. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir remarked that after years of what he described as fascist rule, this year’s observance symbolized freedom and renewal under the newly elected BNP government led by Tarique Rahman.

The event reflected a national spirit of remembrance and unity, with leaders expressing commitment to uphold the ideals of equality, democracy, and cultural enrichment embodied in the language movement.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In a 6–3 decision issued on Friday, the Court stated that the IEEPA does not grant the president the power to impose tariffs. The justices noted that if Congress had intended to give the president such extraordinary authority, it would have explicitly done so, as it has in other trade-related laws.

After returning to office last year, Trump used emergency economic powers to impose new tariffs on nearly all of the United States’ trading partners, including Mexico, Canada, and China. His administration claimed the measures were linked to controlling illegal drug flows and immigration. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling does not apply to tariffs on specific sectors such as steel and aluminum, where formal investigations into possible future tariffs are ongoing.

Lower courts had previously declared the tariffs illegal, and a federal trade court had suspended their implementation. The Supreme Court’s decision upholds those earlier rulings, marking a significant setback for Trump’s economic strategy, in which tariffs were a central tool.

India has expressed its interest in deepening multifaceted relations with Bangladesh following the formation of the new government in Dhaka. On Friday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated Tarique Rahman on his election victory. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony on February 17, delivering Modi’s letter to Rahman and holding a meeting with the Bangladeshi Prime Minister.

Jaiswal stated that Modi’s letter reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting a democratic, progressive, and inclusive Bangladesh. He emphasized that New Delhi seeks to work closely with the new administration, building on the countries’ historic and close ties. India is eager to advance cooperation and strengthen its broad-based bilateral relationship with Bangladesh.

According to Jaiswal, India looks forward to engaging with the new government to further expand collaboration across multiple sectors, underscoring the continuity of partnership between the two neighboring nations.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has announced that Bangladesh will be built free from exam cheating, drugs, terrorism and teenage gangs. He made the statement on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists in Kachua upazila of Chandpur district. Milan said that Kachua will be made free from drugs, terrorism and eve-teasing, and that the journey to eliminate corruption will also begin there. He emphasized that these initiatives will be implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The minister, who was elected from Chandpur-1 constituency in the 13th National Parliamentary Election, highlighted that the future Bangladesh will be shaped under the same leadership. The event was attended by Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nazmul Islam Sarkar, Superintendent of Police Md. Robiul Hasan, and other officials from the administration and law enforcement agencies.

Milan reiterated that the campaign against cheating and social crimes will start from Kachua, following the earlier success in making the area free from exam malpractice.

A faction of the Comilla University (Kubi) unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has declared its current committee, labeled the 'Aduvai committee', unwanted on campus. The announcement followed a violent clash last Thursday between two groups of the organization over hall seat allocation and the presence of outsiders. During the incident, several activists, including a joint convener, allegedly attacked a fellow member, injuring at least three students. The central committee later suspended the accused leader Atik for two months, but dissenting members dismissed the move as superficial.

Victim Tofayel Ahmed Nibir, a student of the Economics Department, publicly denounced the committee on social media, accusing the central leadership of avoiding responsibility. Other activists expressed anger over the involvement of non-students in leadership roles, noting that many current committee members are no longer regular students. They demanded stronger organizational action and criticized the attack as contrary to student politics.

Branch member secretary Mostafizur Rahman Shuvo described the incident as unexpected and said the central body had already taken steps. He added that the declaration of the committee as unwanted was not an official party decision.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has directed police to question teenagers found wandering unnecessarily at night. He made the statement on Friday, February 20, 2026, during a meeting with local administration officials in his electoral area, Kachua of Chandpur. Milan said that if any constitutional violation occurs due to such questioning, it will be addressed later.

During the same meeting, the minister instructed government officials and employees to maintain a corruption-free environment. He emphasized his personal commitment to integrity, stating that he would neither engage in corruption nor allow others to do so. Those unwilling to uphold this promise were advised to seek transfers elsewhere. Milan added that he intended to keep his administrative area “pure.”

The meeting was attended by Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nazmul Islam Sarkar, Superintendent of Police Robiul Hasan, Kachua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan Rasel, and Officer-in-Charge Borhan Uddin, among other officials.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced its new central leadership for the 2026–2028 term. The appointments were made during a virtual meeting of the party’s Majlis-e-Shura held on Friday morning at the central office in Moghbazar. The session, presided over by party Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, included the oath-taking of newly elected leaders. Four Naib-e-Ameers were selected: ATM Azharul Islam, Professor Mujibur Rahman, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, and Maulana ANM Shamsul Islam. Mia Golam Porwar was appointed Secretary General, with seven Assistant Secretary Generals named.

A 21-member Central Executive Council and an 88-member Central Working Committee were formed, including 21 women. The national Majlis-e-Shura now has 59 members, 17 of whom are women. A five-member Central Election Commission was also constituted, headed by Maulana ATM Ma’sum. Additionally, directors were appointed for 14 regional zones across the country.

The new committees were formed following the earlier decision to restructure leadership after the national election, continuing the leadership of Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, who was re-elected as Ameer in November of the previous year.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has strongly criticized the Road Transport Minister for describing extortion on roads as a form of negotiated transaction, calling it an attempt to legitimize a serious crime. In a statement issued on Friday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the minister’s remarks contradict the government’s declared anti-corruption stance and the ruling party’s election manifesto. He described the comments as deeply disappointing and harmful to the government’s credibility.

TIB warned that legitimizing extortion under the guise of mutual understanding could encourage similar practices across other public sectors, including health, education, and law enforcement. The organization urged the prime minister to reject the minister’s statement and ensure accountability through proper procedures. It also called for prioritizing internal party reform to prevent self-destructive tendencies among party members.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further reminded that a similar attempt to justify road extortion in 2012 had drawn strong condemnation from TIB. He expressed concern that the newly formed government might be repeating the same mistake and urged immediate corrective action to uphold public trust.

Authorities in Cumilla have launched an investigation after members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League and Jubo League were reportedly seen rallying and chanting slogans at the Brahmanpara Upazila Awami League office on Friday, February 20, 2026. Witnesses said the group gathered in front of the office in the upazila headquarters and shouted slogans supporting the Awami League. A one-minute, twelve-second video circulating on social media appeared to show several individuals inside the office chanting.

Local leaders of the Brahmanpara unit of the Chhatra Dal questioned how the banned groups could hold a rally in the town center and urged the administration to take action against those involved. Brahmanpara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Selim Ahmed confirmed that the activities of the Chhatra League were prohibited and said the matter was under investigation. Cumilla Superintendent of Police Md. Anisuzzaman stated that legal action would be taken against any banned organization conducting activities and that instructions had been given to the local police to act accordingly.

Road Transport, Bridges and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has issued directives to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable Eid-ul-Fitr travel for people across Bangladesh, including the southwestern region. He made the announcement on Friday during an inspection of the Padma Bridge and its toll booths, noting that the Prime Minister has instructed authorities to make road travel safe and hassle-free for the public.

According to the minister’s guidance, officials have been asked to implement a 45-day coordinated program starting from the beginning of Ramadan until 15 days after Eid. The plan includes keeping all toll lanes and electronic toll collection systems operational, deploying sufficient manpower, and maintaining discipline and efficiency in toll collection. Emergency services such as wreckers and fire vehicles are to remain on standby, with strengthened fire safety and continuous monitoring.

The minister also emphasized close coordination among local administrations, highway police, fire service, and civil defense agencies. During his visit to the Mawa end of the bridge, officials welcomed him and noted that the introduction of bus bays would further improve passenger management and reduce congestion.

The Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association has criticized a new minister from the BNP government for allegedly legitimizing extortion in the transport sector. In a statement sent to the media on Friday, the association’s secretary general, Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, said that such an approach mirrors the footsteps of a fallen autocrat. The statement accused the minister of seeking favor from transport mafias by endorsing such practices.

According to the association, during the period of the fallen autocrat, extortion in the transport sector had turned into an industry. Some transport owners and labor leaders became extremely wealthy, while certain corrupt police officers were also involved, leaving ordinary citizens too fearful to protest. The association said the minister’s remarks have disappointed the public.

The statement added that extortion in transport increases bus fares for low-income people and raises commodity prices, creating embarrassment for the government.

Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohinul Islam has come under criticism after allegedly sending a cake to a man who had previously made derogatory remarks about current Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tareq Rahman. The incident became public on the day of the Prime Minister’s oath-taking, sparking strong reactions in local political circles.

According to local sources, in 2013, a man named Forkan Abu made offensive comments about Tareq Rahman’s birth identity during a Victory Day event in Sitakunda, attended by the then Member of Parliament. Although the remarks drew widespread criticism at the time, no legal action was taken. Local BNP leaders claim they could not act due to the political situation and fear of legal harassment.

The recent controversy arose when OC Mohinul Islam reportedly sent a cake to Forkan Abu on the anniversary of a local newspaper. The OC stated that the gesture was for the newspaper’s founding anniversary, not for any individual. However, BNP leaders argue that Forkan Abu personally received the cake, creating confusion and dissatisfaction among party members.