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.

The United States has withdrawn hundreds of troops from major military bases in Qatar and Bahrain amid concerns over a possible war in the Middle East. The New York Times reported on Friday, citing Pentagon sources, that several hundred soldiers were pulled from Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base and from the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. However, American forces remain stationed in Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. The move is being viewed as a precautionary measure in anticipation of a potential US strike on Iran. Analysts cited in the report suggest that if Washington attacks, Tehran could retaliate by targeting US forces deployed across the region. In a letter to the UN Secretary-General, Iran’s mission chief warned that any attack on Iran would make all enemy bases and assets in the region legitimate targets, holding the United States fully responsible for any resulting consequences. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the largest US military installation in the Middle East, hosting around 10,000 troops and serving as a key hub for regional air operations.

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a proposal to designate a large portion of the occupied West Bank as “state property,” marking the first such move since Israel’s 1967 occupation. The decision targets Area C, which constitutes 60 percent of the West Bank under full Israeli control, with plans to establish settlements there by 2030. The move is seen as part of Israel’s broader effort to expand illegal settlements and assert sovereignty over the territory. Jordan has condemned the decision, calling it a direct threat to its national security and to King Abdullah’s stability. The Jordanian monarch has previously warned that any displacement of Palestinians or dissolution of their national rights would cross his “red lines.” The move has also drawn condemnation from Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, other Arab and Muslim nations, the European Union, and the United Nations. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his opposition to annexation but stopped short of condemning the decision. Analysts in Jordan view the move as sealing the fate of the Oslo Accords and accelerating the collapse of the Palestinian Authority. It could force Jordan to choose between accepting displaced Palestinians or suspending its peace treaty with Israel, a step that could reshape regional geopolitics.

At least 12 people, including a Hezbollah commander, were killed in Israeli air and drone strikes across eastern and southern Lebanon, according to reports on February 21, 2026. The attacks targeted areas in the Bekaa Valley, where initial reports said six people were killed and over 25 injured, later revised to 10 dead and at least 30 wounded. The strikes hit a building in the city of Rayak in Bekaa Governorate, where rescue operations continued to search for survivors under the rubble. The Israeli military stated that it targeted a Hezbollah command center in the Baalbek area, while a Hezbollah source confirmed to AFP that one of its military leaders was among the dead. Separately, an Israeli drone strike hit the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp near Sidon in southern Lebanon, killing at least two people, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Israel said the attack was in response to repeated ceasefire violations and aimed at a Hamas command center, while Hamas condemned the strike, saying civilians were among the casualties.

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.

Hamas has stated that it will not accept any interference in Gaza’s internal affairs, even as it welcomes the deployment of an international stability force in the region. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told AFP on Friday that the group supports a peacekeeping mission that monitors the ceasefire and acts as a buffer between Israeli forces and the Palestinian population, without intervening in Gaza’s governance. The statement followed Thursday’s inaugural meeting of the U.S. President Donald Trump’s Peace Council in Washington, where five countries—Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania—pledged to send troops to the International Stability Force (ISF) for Gaza. Egypt and Jordan will instead provide training to the Palestinian police. ISF Commander Major General Jasper Jeffers said the force aims to deploy 20,000 soldiers and establish a new police unit, with Indonesia ready to send up to eight troops. The development marks a new phase in international involvement in Gaza’s security arrangements, though Hamas has emphasized that any mission must respect Palestinian sovereignty and avoid internal interference.

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.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains ready to pursue peace and diplomacy with the United States despite threats of a possible US attack. In an interview with American television network MS Now on Friday, Araghchi stated that a military invasion of Iran would bring catastrophic consequences for the entire world. He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program has no military solution and that a diplomatic resolution is within reach. Araghchi described the expansion of US military presence in the Middle East as unnecessary and insisted that any agreement must be fair and mutually beneficial. He warned that military options would only complicate the situation and cause disastrous outcomes not only for Iran but for the entire region and international community. A few hours after Araghchi’s remarks, US President Donald Trump told reporters he was considering the possibility of an attack on Iran, according to the same report.

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.