5 killed in truck-auto rickshaw collision in Kushtia
At least five people were killed in a head-on-collision between a gas cylinder-laden truck and a CNG-run auto-rickshaw in front of Kushtia Store on Kushtia bypass road in the district on Saturday afternoon. Officer-in-Charge of Kushtia Highway Police Station Abu Obaid and Senior Station Officer of Kushtia Fire service Ardesh Ali confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune. OC Abu Obaid said five people, including the auto-rickshaw driver and four passengers, died on the spot. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, he asaid. However, their detailed identities could not be confirmed immediately.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 10:17 UTC
Rethink the US-Bangladesh trade deal
The hurriedly signed trade agreement with the United States -- concluded on February 9 -- demands immediate and sober reassessment. A trade deal that implicitly conditions economic access on strategic alignment may erode that flexibility over time. Trade rules should enable innovation -- not restrict the state’s capacity to respond to unforeseen technological or market shifts. Approving it without modification may signal continuity -- but at the cost of future policy maneuverability. The decisions taken in the coming weeks will shape Bangladesh’s economic future and geopolitical posture for decades.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 09:18 UTC
Trump lashes out at Supreme Court over tariff ruling, targets his own appointees
President Donald Trump reacted angrily on Friday after the Supreme Court struck down his signature global tariffs, a move that included dissent from two of the three justices he appointed. Trump, who has long expected personal loyalty from his appointees, criticized the court sharply, saying he was “ashamed” of the justices who opposed him and questioning their courage. But the court has also rebuked him publicly, particularly Chief Justice John Roberts, though Trump did not name him in Friday’s remarks. Presidential criticism of Supreme Court decisions has historical precedent. Experts note, however, that Trump’s personal attacks on justices—especially those he appointed—cross a line.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 09:18 UTC
Nazrul Islam Khan stresses harnessing youth skills for nation-building
Nazrul Islam Khan, political adviser to the prime minister and a standing committee member of the BNP, has emphasised the need to prioritise the skills and talents of young people in building the country. “We need experience. But what we need most for work is the youth,” he said. Nazrul said integrating the ideas of young people into policymaking would help the country move forward. Quoting former president Ziaur Rahman, he said: “People are not born with just a mouth; they are also born with hands to work.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 09:18 UTC
BMD: Low pressure over equatorial Indian Ocean, Southeast Bay
A low-pressure area has formed over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and the adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify, according to the latest Met Office bulletin. Meanwhile, the ridge of the sub-continental high extends up to Bihar and adjoining areas, influencing the prevailing weather pattern over Bangladesh. The weather may remain mainly dry with a temporary partly cloudy sky over the country. Night and day temperatures may rise slightly across Bangladesh.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 09:18 UTC
PM Tarique begins work at Tejgaon PMO for first time
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday began work at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon for the first time after assuming office. He arrived at the office at 10:10am, where Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon received him. Before entering the main building, the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with officials and employees who had served during the government of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The Prime Minister later planted a sapling of a golden champa tree on the office premises and offered special prayers, expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah. Later, the Prime Minister unveiled commemorative postage stamps marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day 2026.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 09:18 UTC
PM chairs meeting on religious, social harmony
A meeting on strengthening religious and social harmony was held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting, according to a PMO media release. Ministers, state ministers and relevant senior officials attended the meeting held at the Cabinet Conference Room of the PMO. The prime minister began work at the PMO on Saturday for the first time after assuming office. Though it was a public holiday, he went to the office at 10:10am, where the Principal Secretary, ABM Abdus Sattar, and the Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Rumon, received him.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 09:18 UTC
Olympic chief 'unaware' of FIFA president's presence at Board of Peace meeting
Olympic chief Kirsty Coventry said on Friday she was unaware that FIFA president Gianni Infantino had attended the first meeting of the Board of Peace alongside US President Donald Trump. World football chief Infantino, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), took part in a meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday. "I wasn't aware that we had an IOC member front and centre as you just shared with me. The Olympic Charter states that members must "always act independently of commercial and political interests as well as of any racial or religious consideration". Trump has struck up a close relationship with Infantino, with the United States co-hosting this year's World Cup along with Mexico and Canada.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 09:18 UTC
Invoking the spirit of Ekushey
Every year on February 21, Bangladesh pauses in solemn remembrance and quiet pride on the occasion of International Mother Language Day. Ekushey is not merely a date on the calendar; it is the moral cornerstone of our nationhood. In recognition of this historic sacrifice, UNESCO’s declaration of February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999 elevated a national memory into a global call to protect linguistic diversity. As a nation navigating political transitions and rapid economic and technological change, we must ensure that the spirit of Ekushey -- courage in the face of injustice and unity in diversity -- informs our civic life. On this International Mother Language Day, let us recommit to safeguarding our linguistic and cultural heritage.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 09:18 UTC
Ekushey February: Bangladesh’s fight for linguistic rights
The fight for linguistic rights lies at the heart of Bangladesh's remarkable journey from the depths of tyranny to a proud nation. The spirit of resistance that was originally kindled in the language movement continues to motivate Bangladesh's youth to fight for democracy and justice as the country confronts new chances and challenges. The Language Movement's origins may be found in the British colonial era, when they made Urdu one of the Indian subcontinent's co-official languages. The language movement served as a catalyst for a broader national awareness, going beyond simple protest for linguistic rights. Bangladesh's identity and democratic struggle are pulsated by the language movement, which is more than just a historical chapter.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 09:18 UTC
Trust Foundation provides free Iftar, Seheri to orphan children throughout Ramadan
Trust Foundation, under the leadership of its chairman Kazi Rafiqul Alam, has launched a humanitarian initiative to provide free daily Iftar and Seheri meals to orphan children throughout the month of Ramadan. The program aims to ensure that vulnerable children receive proper nutrition and care, and that no orphan child sleeps hungry during this sacred time. Every day during Ramadan, Trust Foundation arranges freshly prepared meals for orphan children, supporting them both physically and emotionally. The effort focuses on supporting orphan children who often face difficulties in accessing regular meals, especially during fasting hours. By providing consistent and nutritious Iftar and Seheri, Trust Foundation is helping to reduce hardship and bring comfort and stability to their lives.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 08:19 UTC
Ulkasemi celebrates 19 years as Bangladesh’s semiconductor pioneer
Ulkasemi, the pioneer of Bangladesh’s semiconductor design industry, proudly its 19th anniversary Wednesday, February 18, marking nearly two decades of innovation and global excellence. Among them were Arifa Chowdhury Rahman, chairperson of Ulkasemi, VP of engineering, directors, and all employees. The window is open, but as we know from the semiconductor industry, windows close in nanoseconds," said Mohammed Enayetur Rahman. Ulkasemi is one of only 32 global partners of the prestigious TSMC Design Center Alliance (DCA), a distinction that validates Bangladesh’s engineering quality on the world stage. With ongoing investments in engineering capacity and talent development, Ulkasemi aims to accelerate the country’s journey toward building a multi-billion dollars semiconductor sector, moving Bangladesh beyond traditional exports and into the high-value deep tech economy.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 08:19 UTC
PM Tarique unveils stamps marking Mother Language Day
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday unveiled commemorative postage stamps marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. He released the stamps in the morning at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon. Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam and the ministry’s adviser Rehan Asif Asad were present. The prime minister began work at the PMO on Saturday for the first time after assuming office. Though it was a public holiday, he went to the office at 10:10am, where Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon received him.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 08:19 UTC
PSG decide not to appeal 60 million euros Mbappe payment
Paris Saint-Germain have decided against appealing a French labour court ruling that forced them to pay their former forward Kylian Mbappe up to 61 million euros ($71.8 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses, the club told AFP on Friday. "Paris Saint-Germain is now resolutely turned towards the future, focused on its sporting project and collective success,” the told AFP. The labour court said the final figure of between 60 million and 61 million euros was made up of 55 million euros in unpaid salary and around six million more in holiday payments. After seven seasons with PSG, Mbappe joined Real Madrid where he earns a reported annual salary of 30 million euros. Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 games for PSG but the club won the Champions League for the first time last season following his departure.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 07:29 UTC
Robber held with arms, ammunition in Sundarbans
KHULNA, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) arrested an active member of the notorious Karim Sharif gang along with arms and ammunition from the Sundarbans on Friday afternoon. Lieutenant Commander Siam-Ul-Haq, Media Officer of the Coast Guard, confirmed the information this morning, said a BCG press release. The arrested person was identified as Badsha Sheikh, 25, a resident of Rampal upazila under Bagerhat district. During preliminary interrogation, he confessed that he had long been involved with the Karim Sharif gang, assisting in robbery activities and supplying arms, ammunition and logistics to the group. Legal procedures against the arrested person are now underway, the release said.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 21, 2026 07:27 UTC