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.

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.

Bangladesh has formally applied to the United Nations to postpone its graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) category by three years. A letter signed by Economic Relations Division (ERD) Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiqui was sent to the UN Committee for Development Policy (CDP) last Wednesday, requesting that the graduation preparation period be extended until November 24, 2029. The country was originally scheduled to graduate on November 24 this year, with the third review process currently underway.

The letter cited multiple global and domestic challenges, including the economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, rising energy and food prices, global monetary tightening, and supply disruptions in shipping. Domestically, declining investment, slower revenue growth, and reduced GDP growth have hindered structural reforms. The government noted that uncertainty over GSP Plus access in European markets and policy shifts by major trading partners could further strain competitiveness.

Following the CDP meeting from February 24–28, a preliminary assessment report is expected within two weeks, with final recommendations and a decision anticipated in September.

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.

Newly elected Member of Parliament for Chattogram-4, Professor Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury, emphasized the need to equip madrasa students with modern, technical, and general education alongside Arabic studies. He made the remarks on Friday, the second day of Ramadan, while addressing a prayer and iftar gathering at the orphanage of Islamia Arabia Madrasa in Kumira Union, Sitakunda. The event began with Quran recitation by a student and included special prayers for national peace and prosperity.

Aslam Chowdhury stated that supporting orphans and underprivileged children is a moral duty and prayed for divine guidance to serve humanity. The program also featured prayers for the late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and for the well-being of BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and MP Aslam Chowdhury. Local BNP leaders, madrasa teachers, and community members attended the event.

Organizers said the initiative aimed to share iftar with orphans and pray for the nation’s welfare. Locals viewed such humanitarian and social efforts as vital for strengthening compassion, harmony, and unity in society.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced that Pakistan will tour Bangladesh in March 2026 for a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. According to the schedule released on February 20, the Pakistan team will arrive in Dhaka on March 9. All three matches will be played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, starting at 2:15 p.m. each day. The series marks Bangladesh’s return to international cricket after a long break, following their absence from the T20 World Cup.

The BCB also confirmed that Bangladesh will play a total of nine bilateral series in 2026. After the home series against Pakistan, the team is scheduled to tour Pakistan in April once the Pakistan Super League concludes. Statistical records show that Pakistan won the last ODI series between the two sides 2–1, while Bangladesh were whitewashed 3–0 in their previous tour of Pakistan.

Bangladesh will aim for a strong comeback on home soil after their extended break from competitive cricket.

State Minister for Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has announced that artificial crises created by syndicates in the food and agriculture sectors will be resolved through continuous monitoring. He made the statement on Friday afternoon while speaking to journalists after a views-exchange meeting at the Tangail Deputy Commissioner’s conference room.

Tuku said that a market monitoring cell has already been formed and that those responsible for market regulation are actively working. He added that the government has just begun its efforts and he will do his utmost to fulfill all promises made to the public. Earlier, the state minister held a meeting with district-level officials, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque, attended by Superintendent of Police Shamsul Alam Sarkar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sanjay Kumar Mahanta, and heads of various district departments.

The minister emphasized that regular supervision and monitoring can solve all problems in the food and agriculture sectors, aiming to ensure stability and transparency in market operations.

A local leader of Islami Chhatra Shibir was allegedly dragged out of a mosque and severely beaten during Tarawih prayers in Sandwip’s Bauria Union on Friday night. The incident occurred at Jamir Majhir Mosque in Ward No. 5, where 20-year-old Jihad, the union’s Shibir secretary, was attacked by several individuals identified as Jasib, Nirab, and Naeem. Witnesses said the assailants entered the mosque, pulled Jihad outside, and assaulted him with sticks and local weapons while chanting political slogans. Worshippers reportedly could not intervene due to the attackers being armed.

Colleagues of the injured claimed the attack was politically motivated, linked to Jihad’s support for the “Dhapipal” symbol in a recent election and internal ideological disputes. He was rescued in critical condition and admitted to Sandwip Upazila Health Complex, where doctors confirmed serious injuries and bleeding marks on his body.

Sandwip Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zayed Noor stated that police are monitoring the situation and will take legal action once a written complaint is filed, assuring that no perpetrator will be spared.

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.