BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi declared that if fascism rises again in the country, the spirit of Ekushey will be its greatest resistance. Speaking after laying a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar on Friday morning, he said, "The essence of February 21 is eternal; it inspires young revolutionaries to take to the streets." He described Ekushey as the first step towards independence and recalled how the movement continued to inspire resistance even in oppressive times. Rizvi added, "For 17 years, we fought against tyranny. Despite abductions and killings of our leaders, the bloodthirsty Hasina eventually had to flee."

Student protesters staged a demonstration at the Central Shaheed Minar against the arrival of President Mohammad Shahabuddin Chuppu at the monument. Waving black flags, they chanted slogans such as "Go Back Chuppu" and demanded the resignation of the President, the execution of Sheikh Hasina, and a ban on the ruling Awami League. The protest was part of an ongoing movement that started eight days ago. The march began at Raju Sculpture and moved towards the Shaheed Minar but was halted by police at Shibbari Mor. The protest was led by the National Revolutionary Council.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating alleged corruption in Chattogram WASA’s BDT 3,808 crore sewerage project, led by its Managing Director AKM Fazlullah. On Thursday, an ACC team raided the WASA office and reportedly found preliminary evidence of financial misconduct. The head of the ACC team informed the media that documents have been collected for forensic analysis. There are also allegations that a fire on the third floor of the WASA building in 2020 was an attempt to destroy incriminating records. The ACC has assured a thorough investigation and legal action.

Ferry operations between Daulatdia in Rajbari and Paturia in Manikganj have been suspended due to heavy fog. Seven ferries have been anchored at Daulatdia since 3 AM on Thursday to prevent accidents, according to the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC). Authorities stated that thick fog in the Padma and Jamuna river basins forced them to take this precaution. Operations will resume once visibility improves, and travelers have been advised to remain cautious.

BNP leader Ishraq Hossain issued a stern warning against the rising hostility in student politics. In a Facebook post, he wrote, "Enough is enough. After enduring 16 years of hatred and violence, I don’t want to see this anymore." He emphasized that student politics should not be about dominance but about the historical sacrifices of 1952, 1971, 1990, and 2024, where students fought for people’s rights. He urged student activists to uphold these legacies, saying, "If you can’t follow them, then stop this nonsense."

At least three empty buses exploded in Bat Yam, Israel, on Thursday evening (February 20). Fortunately, no casualties were reported immediately. The area remains tense, with heavy security deployed. Reports suggest that two other buses had explosive devices that did not detonate. Security forces are conducting extensive operations to apprehend suspects. Local media reported that an undetonated device carried a note reading, "Revenge from Tulkarm," referencing the West Bank city recently targeted by Israeli military operations.

Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Syed Refaat Ahmed, stated that February 21 is the first pillar of Bengali national identity. He described Ekushey as a fundamental inspiration for the post-1971 state-building process. Sharing his personal connection, he revealed that his mother was a language movement activist. He made these remarks after placing a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar following the President and Chief Adviser’s tribute at dawn on Friday. He also observed a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs, a moment officially acknowledged in a press release by the Supreme Court.

From early Friday morning, thousands of people gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay tribute to the language martyrs. With songs of remembrance and flowers in hand, individuals from political, social, and cultural organizations joined the commemoration alongside people from all walks of life. Parents brought their children, emphasizing the importance of the day. Many expressed their hopes for a discrimination-free nation and the establishment of fundamental human rights. They also stressed the need for the proper use and practice of the Bangla language. Prior to the public tribute, the President and Chief Adviser paid their respects at the Central Shaheed Minar.

On the occasion of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus paid his heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement. At 12:12 AM on Thursday night, he laid a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar. During this time, the song “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February, Ami Ki Bhulite Pari” played in the background. To honor the martyrs of the Language Movement and to respect their sacrifice, the Chief Adviser stood in silent tribute. Earlier, Professor Dr. Niyaz Ahmed Khan, Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, welcomed the Chief Adviser at the Shaheed Minar premises.

Fazle Rabbi, a second-year science student and leader of the student wing of Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasah, was severely injured in an attack by Chhatra Dal workers in Gazipur on Thursday evening. Rabbi was lured to the Banshpatty area, where he was assaulted with sharp weapons and sticks, causing multiple injuries. Following the incident, Millat campus students staged a protest on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway. Rabbi was later hospitalized at Tongi General Hospital. Police have confirmed the assault stemmed from a minor dispute.

Police discovered the bloodied body of a Chinese national, Wang Ho (38), at a flat in Sector 14 of Uttara on Thursday evening. Wang Ho had been living at the flat with colleagues. According to Uttara West Police, he was murdered approximately 14-15 hours prior, with 11 stab wounds found on his body. The police have yet to identify the perpetrators of the crime. Investigators recovered two mobile phones and blood-soaked clothing as evidence. Both an old and new passport belonging to the victim were also found. Wang Ho, a stone trader, had recently returned to Bangladesh two days ago.

In a clash over the formation of a Union BNP committee in Kachua, Bagerhat, BNP leader Shawkat Hossain (50), who had been seriously injured, passed away while undergoing treatment. The incident occurred on February 11 at Depara Bazar, where a confrontation broke out between two factions of the party. Shawkat Hossain, along with at least 15 others including his brother, Mohammad Liakat Hossain, who was a candidate for the Dhopakhali Union BNP president, sustained severe injuries. Liakat Hossain filed a case naming 11 individuals, including his rival candidate Afzal Howlader, and 50-60 unidentified people. Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the incident.

Speaking via video message at the inauguration of the week-long 7th National Comdeca event at Hardpoint in Sirajganj on Thursday, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus highlighted the significance of the public uprising in July and August, stating that it has paved the way for a new Bangladesh. He urged everyone to remain vigilant to prevent any recurrence of dictatorship and to shape the country into one that benefits future generations. Recalling his days as a scout, Yunus encouraged participants to engage in public welfare activities such as improving public health and sanitation. He assured that the Bangladesh government would continue to support the scout movement in these endeavors.

Editor of Amar Desh, Mahmudur Rahman, urged people to support the youth of the July Revolution instead of criticizing them. Speaking at an AB Party event on International Mother Language Day, he emphasized that young people will make mistakes but can learn quickly. He highlighted that historical revolutions took time for nations to rebuild and expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s youth. He also warned against external dominance and fascism, stressing that unity is key to the country’s progress and sovereignty.

During a meeting with the Election Commission, leaders of the Gana Odhikar Parishad demanded that the Awami League and its allies be disqualified from contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections. They also suggested holding limited-scale local government elections before the national polls. Speaking to the media, party president Nurul Haque Nur called for scrutiny of “phantom political parties” and their exclusion from the electoral process. He emphasized the need for a competent administration to oversee the elections, questioning how a fair election could be conducted under the same administration that has been accused of rigging polls for the past 16 years. He urged the Election Commission to ensure that election-related officials remain free from partisan influence.