Bangladesh’s Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that significant visible progress will be achieved within the next six months in the modernization and ongoing development projects of Mongla Port, the country’s second-largest seaport. He made the statement during a press briefing at the Mongla Port Authority jetty on Saturday afternoon.

The minister said Mongla Port’s role in the economic growth, industrialization, and foreign trade of the southwestern region is expanding. Redirecting more import-export operations to Mongla could ease pressure on Dhaka and Chattogram, reduce transport costs, and save time. Under the government’s priority plans, infrastructure upgrades, addition of modern equipment, and digital transformation of services are underway. He emphasized coordinated efforts to make Mongla a modern, efficient regional trade hub contributing more to the national economy.

Alam also highlighted the importance of the newly launched rail link to the port and said integrated management of rail and maritime transport will make cargo movement more dynamic. About 15 integrated development plans have been undertaken to transform Mongla into a competitive seaport modeled after Chattogram Port.

At a discussion meeting in Dhaka on Saturday marking International Mother Language and Martyrs’ Day, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Member of Parliament Professor Mujibur Rahman said that a government had been formed against the people’s verdict by not taking the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council. He urged both the government and opposition to work together to implement the people’s mandate peacefully, warning that failure to do so could lead to public uprising.

Rahman stated that no government in the country’s history had remained in power by defying public opinion and that Jamaat-e-Islami was prepared for a final struggle to establish people’s rights while also ready to cooperate with the government as an opposition party. He called for ensuring the use of the Bangla language in all sectors and for rewriting what he described as distorted historical narratives to present the truth to the younger generation.

Other speakers, including Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Dr. A.H.M. Hamidur Rahman Azad, emphasized the need to implement the July Charter to strengthen democracy and warned against authoritarian tendencies.

State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj has declared that no form of corruption will be tolerated in his ministry over the next five years. He made the statement on Saturday while addressing a discussion organized by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education in observance of Shaheed Dibash and International Mother Language Day.

During his speech, Hajjaj emphasized the significance of February 21 as a symbol of the Bengali nation’s struggle for fundamental rights, noting that language represents the most personal and basic human right. He reflected on the historical sacrifices made for rights and stated that democratic governance has now been restored through a popularly elected government.

The state minister further stressed that education forms the foundation of the state, warning that a weak foundation cannot support a strong structure. He called for strengthening educational infrastructure and focusing on three key areas to improve education quality.

Five people were killed in a head-on collision between a CNG-run auto-rickshaw and a gas-carrying truck on the Kushtia bypass road on Saturday, February 21, 2026, around 2:30 p.m. The incident was confirmed by Abu Obaid, Officer-in-Charge of Kushtia Highway Police Station. Among the deceased were three women. The bodies were recovered and taken to Kushtia General Hospital.

The report, filed by the district correspondent in Kushtia, stated that the accident occurred in the afternoon when the two vehicles collided directly on the busy bypass road. Police immediately responded to the scene to manage the situation and transport the victims.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or further details about the cause of the collision. The incident adds to ongoing concerns about road safety in the region, particularly involving small passenger vehicles and heavy trucks.

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.

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.

The Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Chattogram North District branch has strongly condemned an armed attack on Md. Jihad, secretary of the organization’s Bauria Union unit in Sandwip upazila, while he was performing Tarawih prayers. In a joint statement issued to the media on Saturday, branch president Shawkat Ali and secretary Main Uddin Raihan expressed deep concern and protest over the incident, as confirmed by central publicity secretary Azizur Rahman Azad.

According to the statement, the attack was allegedly led by a local drug dealer and BNP leader known as ‘Yaba Jamal,’ along with several armed associates. The Shibir leaders described the assault as a violation of religious sanctity and basic human rights, claiming it stemmed from political vengeance. They said the attackers dragged Jihad out of the mosque and beat him brutally, questioning his political affiliation.

The organization demanded a neutral investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible and urged the local administration to ensure justice. They also wished for the quick recovery of the injured leader.

Various districts across Bangladesh observed National Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day on 21 February 2026 with solemn tributes and cultural programs. Local administrations, political leaders, freedom fighters, teachers, students, and citizens participated in wreath-laying ceremonies at central Shaheed Minars in areas including Rajbari, Lakshmipur, Gopalganj, Barishal, Bagerhat, Gaibandha, Rajshahi, and Khagrachhari. Events began at one minute past midnight with floral tributes, flag hoisting, and prayers for the language martyrs.

In many upazilas, including Baliakandi, Raipur, Goaland, Uzirpur, and Kachua, daylong programs featured discussions, blood donation, art and essay contests, and cultural performances. Officials and local representatives emphasized the historical significance of the 1952 language movement and the importance of preserving the Bengali language for future generations.

In Rajshahi, a new Shaheed Minar was inaugurated, and Indian Assistant High Commissioner Manoj Kumar paid tribute. Across the country, government offices, schools, and organizations lowered the national flag and held prayers, highlighting unity and respect for the martyrs’ sacrifice.

Bangladesh’s Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that the country’s education system will be restructured to become more employment-oriented, skill-based, and modern. Speaking as chief guest at a discussion in Mirpur on February 21, 2026, marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day, he said the current traditional education model increases unemployment and fails to align with job market demands. He emphasized that education should reduce unemployment and build skilled human resources.

The minister noted that the spread of vocational education remains insufficient and urged prioritizing real employment needs and market relevance over opening new institutions or subjects. He also highlighted the importance of preserving the Bengali language while improving English proficiency to compete globally. State Minister Bobby Hajjaj, speaking at the same event, pledged strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against corruption in all ministry departments and stressed strengthening the education foundation for sustainable development.

The event was chaired by Secretary Abu Taher Md. Masud Rana and attended by senior officials, teachers, students, and parents.

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 homemade explosive device, locally known as a cocktail, was detonated at the house of Mohammad Ali, owner of Roman Jute Mill, in Nawapara village of Abhaynagar upazila, Jashore, early Friday night, February 20. The explosion occurred around 2 a.m., reportedly after Ali refused to pay extortion money demanded by a local criminal group. No casualties were reported as the house was unoccupied at the time.

Following the blast, members of the Abhaynagar army camp and local police visited the site. Mohammad Ali’s son, Rakibul Islam, said a known gang had been demanding money for some time and carried out the attack to intimidate the family. Ali’s nephew, Mohammad Sajib, described waking up to a loud noise and seeing smoke rising from the house. Police later recovered materials such as sticks and red tape from the scene.

Abhaynagar police inspector Zahidul Islam confirmed that evidence of a cocktail explosion was found and said an investigation is underway, with legal action in process.

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.