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.

On Saturday, 21 February 2026, thousands of people gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka to pay tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. The observance of International Mother Language Day began at one minute past midnight with the President placing floral wreaths, followed by the Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Cabinet members, opposition leaders, and representatives of various political parties. People from all walks of life joined the solemn commemoration, walking barefoot and carrying flowers to honor the language martyrs.

This year’s observance took place under an elected government following the end of a long period of authoritarian rule. The event maintained a disciplined and reflective atmosphere as students and citizens lined up to offer their respects. To ensure public safety, a multi-layered security arrangement was implemented, involving 15,000 police personnel along with members of the Rapid Action Battalion and Ansar forces.

Special prayers and Quran recitations were also held at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque for the language martyrs, marking the day’s spiritual significance.

Thousands of migratory birds have flocked to Jobai Beel in Sapahar upazila of Naogaon, creating a lively natural scene even after winter’s end. The wetland, located about nine kilometers west of the upazila headquarters, has become a safe haven for birds arriving from home and abroad in search of food and warmth. According to the Jobai Beel Biodiversity Conservation and Social Welfare Organization, 44 bird species have been recorded this season, including 26 migratory and 18 native species, totaling around 2,258 birds.

The organization’s president, Sohanur Rahman Sabuj, noted that while the number of species has increased, the total bird count has declined from about 11,000 the previous year. Local residents said that as water levels recede after the monsoon, small fish, snails, and insects become abundant, attracting diverse bird flocks. Nature enthusiasts have called on authorities to protect the birds from hunters.

Visitors and bird lovers have urged the government to declare part of Jobai Beel a protected area and develop it as a traditional tourist center to ensure safe bird habitation year-round.

The Someshwari River flowing past Madhyanagar upazila in Sunamganj is rapidly losing navigability, turning into sandbars and threatening the survival of the 150-year-old Madhyanagar market. Once a major rice trading hub, the market now faces stagnation as boat transport has become nearly impossible during dry months. Traders report that goods must be unloaded and reloaded multiple times, increasing both time and costs, while irrigation now depends on deep tube wells due to reduced water flow.

Local traders and boatmen said that from mid-Poush to Chaitra, parts of the river dry up completely, halting large boat movement for three to four months. Business leaders warned that without dredging, the market’s economic importance will vanish. Farmers and traders are already suffering from higher transport costs and reduced trade volume. The Sunamganj district farmers’ association and local business groups have long demanded river dredging to restore navigability.

According to the Water Development Board’s Sunamganj office, a plan to dredge 19 rivers, including the Someshwari, is under consideration. The project awaits approval before dredging can begin.

Markets across Bangladesh have become unstable at the start of Ramadan, with prices of almost all essential goods rising sharply. Reports from Sunamganj, Naogaon, Kurigram, and Pabna show that vegetables, fish, meat, and grocery items are being sold at significantly higher prices than a week earlier. In Sunamganj, cucumbers and carrots have doubled in price, while onions, garlic, and green chilies have also seen steep increases. Similar trends are reported in other districts, where milk, lemons, and dates are being sold at inflated rates, putting pressure on ordinary consumers.

Traders attribute the price hikes to transportation problems, increased demand, and reduced imports. Local business associations and consumer rights officials have acknowledged the situation, saying monitoring and enforcement drives are underway to prevent artificial shortages and overpricing. In several districts, local administrations have pledged to take legal action against traders found guilty of price manipulation.

Officials and traders expressed hope that prices of key items such as onions and garlic may stabilize within a few days as supply improves and monitoring continues.

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.

On the second day of Ramadan, vibrant roadside iftar stalls have sprung up across Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, Farmgate, Mohakhali, and Agargaon. From early afternoon, vendors prepare and sell popular items such as chickpeas, puffed rice, beguni, peyaju, potato chops, jilapi, and juices. Low- and lower-middle-income residents, along with drivers, helpers, and street vendors, gather on sidewalks or near their workplaces to break their fasts, often sharing modest meals together. Many say they cannot afford restaurant iftars and find joy in these simple gatherings.

Street vendors like Monir Hossain and Mohammad Ismail offer a range of items priced between 5 and 300 taka, while rising food prices have made even basic iftar items costly for daily wage earners. Seasonal traders and even upscale restaurants have joined the roadside market, selling fried snacks and dates under open skies. Health experts, however, warn that such foods often contain harmful colors and spices and may be contaminated by dust, posing risks of indigestion and long-term illness.

The bustling iftar trade reflects both the economic pressures and communal spirit of Ramadan in the capital.