Bangladesh cricketer Saif Hasan has said that missing the World Cup was one of the hardest moments of his career. Although he was selected for the national squad for the first time, he did not play in the tournament after choosing not to travel to India due to security concerns. On February 20, 2026, Saif shared his feelings in a Facebook post, describing the pain of missing his first World Cup as deeply emotional and difficult to move past.

In his post, Saif wrote that playing in a World Cup had been a lifelong dream built on years of hard work and sacrifice. He expressed faith that better things are planned by God and thanked those who supported him mentally during the difficult period. The cricketer emphasized that recovering from the disappointment was not easy but credited his supporters for helping him stay strong.

The incident highlights the emotional toll on athletes when personal safety concerns prevent them from fulfilling career milestones such as representing their country on the world stage.

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.

A young housewife named Arpita Rani Karmakar Sithi, aged 18, reportedly died by suicide in Jautdaibaki village of Lalpur upazila, Natore, on Friday, February 20, 2026. Police and local sources said the incident followed a family dispute over mobile phone use. During an argument, Arpita allegedly poured petrol on herself and set herself on fire. Family members rescued her in a severely burned condition and took her to Lalpur Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared her dead.

Arpita was the wife of Jagai Karmakar, a tea seller from the same village, and daughter of Asim Karmakar from Baneswar Mistri Para in Puthia upazila, Rajshahi. The couple had been married for about two years. According to her husband, disagreements arose because he believed her frequent phone use caused neglect of household duties. He took her phone away, which reportedly upset her deeply.

Lalpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mojibur Rahman confirmed that the body was recovered and a case of unnatural death (UD) has been filed. The body will be handed over to the family after autopsy, and legal steps will follow based on the investigation.

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.

Food, Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin-ur-Rashid said that 70 percent of Bangladesh’s population depends on agriculture and that improving this sector will strengthen the country’s economic position. He made the remarks on Friday morning at a meeting with officials from the agriculture, food, and fisheries departments at the Cumilla Circuit House. The minister described the current administration as agriculture-friendly and committed to working for the welfare of the people.

Referring to the 13th parliamentary election, Amin-ur-Rashid claimed that most of the BNP’s pledges were aimed at farmers and marginalized communities, and that implementing these promises would primarily benefit farmers. He thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for assigning him responsibility for the three ministries, saying he was given a portfolio he personally values. He called for cooperation from all concerned to solve problems and advance the sectors.

Speakers at the meeting discussed the progress of ongoing programs, service quality improvement, and field-level challenges and opportunities, providing necessary guidance for resolving issues.

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.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued 55 people, including women and children, and arrested five human traffickers during an operation in Baharchhara, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The operation took place late Thursday night following intelligence that a group was preparing to traffic people by sea to Malaysia. A suspicious boat ignored a signal to stop and attempted to flee, but was later intercepted near the Kachhapia area of Baharchhara.

Upon searching the boat, the Coast Guard found the victims who had been detained for trafficking to Malaysia. Preliminary questioning revealed that an organized trafficking ring had been luring Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals with promises of better living conditions, high-paying jobs, and low-cost travel abroad. The Coast Guard confirmed that legal proceedings against the detainees are underway.

Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, the Coast Guard’s media officer, stated that the agency will continue similar operations to prevent human trafficking in the future.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to consolidating the progress of democracy in Bangladesh. In a message issued on Friday ahead of the observance of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day 2026, he said that democratic values, people’s rights, and equality were the core spirit of the 1952 Language Movement, through which democracy has now been reestablished in the country.

Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, including Abul Barkat, Abdus Salam, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, and Abdul Jabbar, whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the liberation of then East Bengal. He noted that the movement not only secured linguistic rights but also strengthened the basis of Bengali self-determination, democracy, and cultural identity. He highlighted that UNESCO’s recognition of February 21 as International Mother Language Day honors this legacy.

Calling for the preservation of linguistic diversity and proper use of Bangla, the prime minister urged all to uphold the dignity of all languages and cultures. He also wished success for all programs marking the national observance.

A low-cost milk and egg sales program was inaugurated in Naogaon on Friday to ensure relief for residents during the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative was launched at the Naogaon District Livestock premises by Zahidul Islam Dhalu, Member of Parliament for Naogaon-5 (Sadar). According to the District Livestock Office, consumers can purchase one hali (four pieces) of eggs for 28 taka and one liter of milk for 70 taka. The program will continue throughout Ramadan except on government holidays.

The inauguration ceremony was chaired by District Livestock Officer Dr. Mahfuzar Rahman, with Additional Superintendent of Police Joybrata Pal attending as a special guest. In his remarks, MP Zahidul Islam noted that many low-income people cannot afford milk, eggs, or meat, leading to nutritional deficiencies. He emphasized that the Livestock Department’s initiative would help meet their protein needs and suggested adding affordable meat sales.

Following the MP’s suggestion, Dr. Mahfuzar Rahman announced that a similar low-cost meat sales program would be launched soon.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will place a floral wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar at 12:01 a.m. on Friday to honor the language martyrs on the occasion of Shaheed Dibosh and International Mother Language Day. The information was confirmed by Mujibul Alam, senior publicity assistant of Jamaat’s central publicity department.

Newly elected members of parliament from the 11-party alliance will accompany Dr. Rahman during the tribute. Following the ceremony, he will visit the Azimpur graveyard to pay respects at the graves of the language martyrs and offer prayers for their souls.

The event marks Jamaat-e-Islami’s formal participation in the national observance of the day, reflecting the party’s acknowledgment of the historical significance of the language movement.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s new government has assigned specific portfolios to eight advisers holding ministerial and state minister ranks. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Friday, February 20, 2026, confirming the distribution of responsibilities. Earlier in the week, ten advisers had been appointed to the new administration.

According to the notification, Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed were named political advisers with ministerial rank. Md. Ismail Jabiullah was assigned to the Ministry of Public Administration, while Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir received the Ministry of Finance portfolio. Among advisers with state minister rank, Brigadier General (Retd.) Shamsul Islam was given the Ministry of Defence, Mahdi Amin was assigned to the Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment ministries, and Rehan Asif Asad was given responsibility for the Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology ministries.

The order is expected to make the administrative and policy functions of the respective ministries more dynamic, according to the announcement.

The National Revolutionary Council’s convener, Khomeni Ihsan, announced a six‑month ultimatum to ensure the trial and punishment of those accused in the July massacre. Speaking after Friday prayers at a protest rally near the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, he also demanded the abolition of what he called the fascist constitution and a legal ban on the Awami League and similar organizations. Ihsan warned that if justice was not delivered within six months, nationwide protests and parliamentary blockades would follow.

During the rally, Ihsan accused the ruling BNP of betraying the July revolution’s martyrs by allowing the Awami League to reopen offices and by avoiding constitutional reform. He alleged that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Law Minister Asaduzzaman had shown reluctance to outlaw the Awami League. Other speakers, including Naeem Ahmad and Syed Kutub, criticized the 1972 constitution as an obstacle to democratic progress and called for a new people‑oriented charter.

The council urged all pro‑democracy groups to unite for a mass movement to draft a new constitution, warning of intensified street action if their demands remain unmet.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu announced that the government will launch the 'Family Card' program before the upcoming Eid as part of its 180-day priority plan outlined in the election manifesto. Initially, the initiative will be implemented as a pilot project in eight upazilas. The minister made the announcement on February 20 during a visit to Gokunda Bazar in Lalmonirhat, marking his first official tour of his home district after taking oath as minister.

Dulu stated that four cabinet meetings have already been held to advance the 180-day special package. The government is currently identifying genuinely impoverished families to bring them under the Family Card scheme, with plans to expand coverage gradually. He also mentioned joint efforts among the Water Resources, Local Government, and Disaster Management ministries for canal excavation and renovation, and a national plan to plant 25 crore trees, including a target of 5 crore this year.

The minister emphasized maintaining price stability and law and order during Ramadan and ensuring uninterrupted electricity and safe travel for homebound people during Eid.