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.

Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has emphasized the need to document and preserve records of the past 15 years of human rights violations and atrocities committed by the League government, including incidents during the recent mass uprising. He warned that failure to remember the past could pave the way for another oppressive regime in the future. Alam also claimed that $234 billion had been siphoned out of the country, referring to a United Nations report covering events from July 1 to August 5. He urged everyone to read and translate the report widely. Highlighting the period from 2009 to 2024, he stressed the importance of never forgetting history, warning that forgetting past oppression only strengthens authoritarian regimes.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized India’s tariff policies and expressed discontent over Elon Musk’s plans to set up a Tesla factory and showroom in India, according to NDTV. Trump believes that allowing Tesla to manufacture in India would be “unfair” to the U.S. economy. He has previously stated that the U.S. should impose tariffs on India at the same rate as India imposes on American goods. While Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi objected to this approach, Trump has maintained a firm stance. On the other hand, Musk remains focused on expanding Tesla’s presence in India, despite Trump’s opposition.

Once again, Myanmar’s armed rebel group, the Arakan Army, has abducted 19 fishermen along with four fishing boats from the Naf River while they were returning to Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. This incident comes after six Bangladeshi fishermen were taken from the Naf River estuary on February 19, who are yet to be released. The Boat Owners’ Association President, Abdul Jalil, confirmed the incident, stating that the fishermen are now in a state of panic. He urged the government’s intervention to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local administration have assured that efforts are underway to bring the abducted fishermen back.

Today, Bangladesh commemorates Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day, honoring the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. On this day, Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar, and Shafiur sacrificed their lives for the recognition of Bengali as a state language. The nation pays tribute at Shaheed Minars, with thousands walking barefoot to the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. The government has declared a public holiday and arranged official programs, including hoisting the national flag at half-mast, to mark this historic day of sacrifice and linguistic pride.

Malaysian immigration police have arrested 46 foreign nationals involved in an online fraud syndicate. Among them are Bangladeshis, though the exact number has not yet been disclosed. According to Operations Director-General Jafri Taha, the raid took place at 11:30 AM local time on Wednesday. Those arrested include citizens of China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Laos, and Thailand. The syndicate lured victims by offering fraudulent investment opportunities in gold, property, luxury yachts, stock trading, and foreign currencies. Authorities revealed that members of the gang earned between 2,500 and 3,500 Malaysian Ringgit per day from their scams. Investigations are ongoing.