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.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by imposing broad tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The 6–3 decision restricted a key economic and foreign policy tool Trump had used to pressure other nations. In response, Trump announced on Friday that he would impose a new 10% tariff on all countries worldwide, using what he described as alternative legal powers. Speaking at the White House, Trump sharply criticized the court, claiming some justices lacked the courage to do what he considered right for the country. He said foreign nations that had taken advantage of the United States were celebrating the ruling but warned their joy would be short-lived. Trump stated he would sign an executive order to implement the new tariffs and initiate multiple trade investigations under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows tariffs against unfair or discriminatory trade practices. The Supreme Court’s decision significantly curtailed Trump’s ability to use tariffs as leverage in trade and diplomatic negotiations, a strategy he had relied on since his first year in office.

Markets across Bangladesh have become unstable at the start of Ramadan, with prices of almost all essential goods rising sharply. Reports from Sunamganj, Naogaon, Kurigram, and Pabna show that vegetables, fish, meat, and grocery items are being sold at significantly higher prices than a week earlier. In Sunamganj, cucumbers and carrots have doubled in price, while onions, garlic, and green chilies have also seen steep increases. Similar trends are reported in other districts, where milk, lemons, and dates are being sold at inflated rates, putting pressure on ordinary consumers. Traders attribute the price hikes to transportation problems, increased demand, and reduced imports. Local business associations and consumer rights officials have acknowledged the situation, saying monitoring and enforcement drives are underway to prevent artificial shortages and overpricing. In several districts, local administrations have pledged to take legal action against traders found guilty of price manipulation. Officials and traders expressed hope that prices of key items such as onions and garlic may stabilize within a few days as supply improves and monitoring continues.

On February 21, 2026, as International Mother Language Day was observed, a report highlighted the alarming global decline of linguistic diversity. According to UNESCO, around 40 percent of the world’s approximately 7,000 languages are now endangered, with one disappearing every two weeks. The loss of a language signifies not only the death of words and sounds but also the extinction of cultural knowledge, traditional wisdom, and ancestral identity. The article traces this crisis to historical and modern forces of forced assimilation, colonial education systems, and the dominance of global languages such as English, Mandarin, and Spanish. Examples include the suppression of Indigenous languages in North America, Australia, and Japan, and the marginalization of regional tongues in India, Ireland, and Latin America. Climate change and urbanization are also accelerating the erosion of linguistic heritage. Despite the grim outlook, the piece notes hopeful signs like the revival of Maori in New Zealand, official recognition of Tamazight in Morocco, and the UN’s 2022–2032 Decade of Indigenous Languages. It calls for political will and global solidarity to protect endangered languages and preserve humanity’s cultural diversity.

Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rob argues that Bangladesh’s democratic journey, long hindered by authoritarianism and power-centric politics, now requires institutional reforms to sustain its post-revolution progress. Writing on February 21, 2026, he highlights that the February 12 election marked a return to democratic governance and that opposition parties must play a constructive role in parliament to ensure accountability and stability. He explains that a shadow cabinet—comprising opposition members who monitor and critique government ministries—can institutionalize this role. Drawing examples from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan, he notes that such bodies serve as “governments-in-waiting,” preparing opposition leaders for future governance. In Bangladesh, the Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP have already announced plans for shadow cabinets, a move welcomed by the ruling BNP. Dr. Rob emphasizes that a single, unified shadow cabinet would foster national unity and effective oversight. He calls for public dialogue to eventually make the shadow cabinet a constitutional institution, arguing that its success could mark a new milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic evolution.

Bangladesh has entered a new democratic phase after ending fifteen and a half years of authoritarian rule, following a peaceful and fair election on 12 February 2026. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formed the government with an absolute majority, while Jamaat-e-Islami became the main opposition, leading a 77-member bloc in the 13th National Parliament. Citizens now expect both sides to ensure stability, uphold the rule of law, and work collaboratively for national progress. Public expectations from the new government include controlling commodity prices, reducing unemployment, improving law and order, and ensuring transparency in administration. Citizens also demand visible progress in curbing corruption, strengthening governance, and expanding digital services. Teachers, students, and professionals emphasized the need for reforms in education, employment, and constitutional implementation, while many called for immediate action within the first 100 days to stabilize prices and restore public confidence. The opposition, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, has pledged to act responsibly in parliament, supporting good initiatives and resisting anti-people policies. Citizens urge both government and opposition to avoid destructive politics and cooperate to sustain peace and democratic accountability.

On the second day of Ramadan, vibrant roadside iftar stalls have sprung up across Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar, Shahbagh, Farmgate, Mohakhali, and Agargaon. From early afternoon, vendors prepare and sell popular items such as chickpeas, puffed rice, beguni, peyaju, potato chops, jilapi, and juices. Low- and lower-middle-income residents, along with drivers, helpers, and street vendors, gather on sidewalks or near their workplaces to break their fasts, often sharing modest meals together. Many say they cannot afford restaurant iftars and find joy in these simple gatherings. Street vendors like Monir Hossain and Mohammad Ismail offer a range of items priced between 5 and 300 taka, while rising food prices have made even basic iftar items costly for daily wage earners. Seasonal traders and even upscale restaurants have joined the roadside market, selling fried snacks and dates under open skies. Health experts, however, warn that such foods often contain harmful colors and spices and may be contaminated by dust, posing risks of indigestion and long-term illness. The bustling iftar trade reflects both the economic pressures and communal spirit of Ramadan in the capital.

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.