Three people, including the driver of a CNG autorickshaw, were killed and two others injured in a head-on collision between a pickup van and the autorickshaw at Shahpur in Giasnagar area of Moulvibazar early Friday night. The accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. when a Moulvibazar-bound pickup van collided with a CNG autorickshaw heading toward Sreemangal. According to Moulvibazar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Saiful Islam, autorickshaw driver Alinur and passenger Rehan died on the spot. Another passenger, Rubel Mia, who was seriously injured, was rescued by the Fire Service and taken to Moulvibazar 250-bed General Hospital, where he later died. Alinur was from Kalenga village in Kamalganj upazila, while Rehan and Rubel Mia were residents of Dargah Mahalla in Moulvibazar Sadar. The bodies of the deceased have been kept at Moulvibazar Sadar Hospital. Police said legal procedures regarding the incident are ongoing.

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will jointly chair a video conference of Ukraine’s “Coalition of the Allies” on February 24, according to Macron’s office. The meeting coincides with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and aims to coordinate continued support among partner nations. Separately, the European Commission has authorized the German government to assume trusteeship of the German assets of the US-sanctioned Russian oil company Rosneft. The decision ensures that Germany retains control over Rosneft’s operations, including the PCK Schwedt refinery, which supplies most of Berlin’s fuel, after the current arrangement expires on March 10. These developments highlight ongoing European coordination on both military and energy fronts as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, with key allies reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine and energy security within the European Union.

British police continued searching the former Windsor home of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on Friday, a day after questioning him for 11 hours on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. The 66-year-old was released under investigation after his arrest, while officers also raided Wood Farm on the King’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where he currently resides. Unmarked police vehicles were seen entering the Royal Lodge grounds throughout the morning. Thames Valley Police confirmed a full investigation into the alleged misconduct, which carries a potential life sentence if proven. The inquiry follows U.S. government document releases suggesting that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential British government reports with Epstein while serving as a trade representative. The king issued a rare statement emphasizing that “the law must take its course.” Other UK police forces, including London’s Metropolitan Police, are coordinating related investigations into Epstein’s activities, such as possible human trafficking through British airports. Authorities said no new sexual offence allegations have been made within their jurisdiction.

US President Donald Trump has criticized the Supreme Court and announced plans to introduce more tariffs. The statement reflects his continued focus on trade measures and his dissatisfaction with recent judicial developments. The brief update indicates that Trump’s comments link his trade agenda with his stance toward the judiciary, though no further details were provided about the specific tariffs or the court issue involved. The live coverage of the event has concluded, and no additional information or reactions were included in the source.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Iran remains ready for peace and diplomacy with the United States, asserting that a deal between the two countries is achievable despite Washington’s threats. Speaking to US network MS NOW, Araghchi emphasized that Iran’s nuclear programme has no military solution and described the US military build-up in the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers and dozens of fighter jets, as “unnecessary and unhelpful.” He warned that military action would bring disastrous consequences for the region and the international community. Araghchi’s comments came as US President Donald Trump confirmed he was considering limited strikes against Iran to strengthen Washington’s negotiating position. The two sides have held two rounds of talks in the past month, which both described as positive. However, the US continues to deploy military assets near Iran, and Trump has repeatedly threatened further action if Tehran rebuilds its nuclear or missile programmes. Araghchi said Iran will soon submit a written proposal for a deal to US negotiators, noting that both sides have agreed on guiding principles and will next work on finalizing the draft text.

United States President Donald Trump has sharply criticized the Supreme Court after a 6-3 ruling struck down his global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Speaking at a Friday news conference, Trump called the court a “disgrace” and accused it of being influenced by foreign interests. He said he would continue his tariff policy using the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, announcing a new 10 percent global tariff for 150 days to replace some of the duties invalidated by the court. The new measure is expected to take effect within three days. The Supreme Court majority, comprising three liberal and three conservative justices, ruled that only Congress can levy tariffs in peacetime. The decision dealt a major blow to Trump’s economic agenda, which had projected $3.6 trillion in tariff revenue from 2026 to 2035. Oxford Economics estimated the ruling would immediately lower the effective tariff rate from 12.7 percent to 8.3 percent. Trump, however, insisted that his powers under the Trade Expansion Act could yield even higher revenues. Experts warned that the ruling complicates the administration’s ability to impose tariffs quickly, creating uncertainty for businesses and consumers. Analysts said Trump’s alternative approach may sustain tariff burdens but with reduced flexibility and scope.

Bangladesh is observing International Mother Language Day today, February 21, 2026, commemorating the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement who sacrificed their lives for the recognition of Bangla as a state language. The day’s events began at one minute past midnight with the laying of floral wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. President Md. Shahabuddin, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman paid tribute to the language martyrs before the monument was opened to the public. This year’s UNESCO theme is “Youth Voices on Multilingual Education.” In his message marking the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended greetings to speakers of all languages worldwide and paid deep respect to the 1952 martyrs. He emphasized that democratic values, equality, and people’s rights were central to the spirit of the Language Movement and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening democracy. The observance recalls the 1952 protests in Dhaka, where police opened fire on demonstrators defying restrictions, leading to multiple deaths and ultimately securing Bangla’s status as a state language in 1956. UNESCO recognized February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999, and since 2000, it has been observed globally with Bangladesh at its center.

Australia concluded its T20 World Cup campaign with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Oman. Batting first, Oman were bowled out for just 104 runs in 16.2 overs, with Adam Zampa leading the attack by taking four wickets for 21 runs. In reply, Australia chased down the target in only 9.4 overs, finishing at 108 for 1. Captain Mitchell Marsh remained unbeaten on 64 off 33 balls, while Travis Head scored 32 from 19 deliveries before being dismissed just 13 runs short of the target. The win equalled the record for the fastest successful run chase in T20 World Cup history, matching England’s 9.4-over chase against the United States in the 2024 edition. Zampa’s bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award, as Australia’s bowlers set up the victory with disciplined and aggressive spells. This result marked a strong finish for Australia in the tournament, highlighting their batting depth and bowling strength as they exited the competition on a high note.

Barrister Rumin Farhana, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Brahmanbaria-2 (Sarail, Ashuganj, and part of Bijaynagar), was prevented by BNP activists from placing a floral wreath at the central Shaheed Minar in Sarail around midnight on February 20. Witnesses said that as she arrived to pay tribute on International Mother Language Day, local BNP members led by former upazila general secretary Anwar Hossain shouted slogans calling her 'fake' and tore apart her wreath. Police intervened to control the situation, and Rumin left the area under the protection of her supporters. Following the incident, her supporters blocked the Dhaka–Sylhet highway at Shahbazpur First Gate for about an hour, lighting fires on the road and demanding justice. Rumin alleged that some BNP activists had launched a premeditated attack and warned that failure to control local leaders could have serious consequences for both the party and the government. Police Superintendent Shah Mohammad Abdur Rouf confirmed receiving complaints and said video footage was being analyzed for further legal action.

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.

The US Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In a 6–3 decision issued on Friday, the Court stated that the IEEPA does not grant the president the power to impose tariffs. The justices noted that if Congress had intended to give the president such extraordinary authority, it would have explicitly done so, as it has in other trade-related laws. After returning to office last year, Trump used emergency economic powers to impose new tariffs on nearly all of the United States’ trading partners, including Mexico, Canada, and China. His administration claimed the measures were linked to controlling illegal drug flows and immigration. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling does not apply to tariffs on specific sectors such as steel and aluminum, where formal investigations into possible future tariffs are ongoing. Lower courts had previously declared the tariffs illegal, and a federal trade court had suspended their implementation. The Supreme Court’s decision upholds those earlier rulings, marking a significant setback for Trump’s economic strategy, in which tariffs were a central tool.