International Mother Language Day Saturday
The Martyrs Day and the International Mother Language Day will be observed on Saturday, marking the 74th year of the Language Movement. People wearing black badges will also pay a rich tribute to the language heroes by placing wreaths at their graves. The day will also be observed around the world as UNESCO recognised February 21 (Ekushey February) as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. The president and the prime minister will pay homage to the language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early hours of the day. The Department of Public Libraries will hold writing and drawing competitions and discussions on the Language Movement at public libraries at divisional, district and upazila levels.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 06:43 UTC
UN calls for scam centre clampdown amid 'staggering' abuses
The agency released a report documenting torture, sexual abuse, forced abortions, food deprivation, solitary confinement and other abuses. The new report said satellite imagery and on-ground reports show that nearly three-quarters of the scam operations are in the Mekong region and have spread to some Pacific Island countries, South Asia, Gulf States, West Africa and the Americas. The report into forced labour at scam centres in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates between 2021 and 2025, reinforced reports of the deprivation that the scam centre workers are put through. People said that police and border guards were sometimes complicit in the scam centres. The UN said that many of the forced labourers were wrongly treated as criminals once freed.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 06:30 UTC
Scottish fashion seeks new talent for homespun crafts
The rise of fast fashion has made it harder to find young people with manufacturing know-how. - 'On my doorstep' -The mill's partnership with the King's Foundation -- a charity founded by King Charles III and headquartered in the nearby Dumfries House estate -- has helped turn things around. After getting a fashion design diploma at a Glasgow college, Hyslop did a six-week course with the King's Foundation, through which she discovered the luxury mill in her backyard. Dempsey also gives talks to local primary school children with the King's Foundation. Entering luxury fashion in Scotland is "difficult", said Christie, with other major brands usually based in London or other European cities.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 06:18 UTC
SM Parvez appointed as PM's Protocol Officer-2
DHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - SM Parvez has been appointed as Protocol Officer-2 to the Prime Minister's office on a contractual basis. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification in this regard on Thursday. It said SM Parvez has been appointed on the condition that he will relinquish any other profession, business or employment in any government, semi-government or private organization or institution. The appointment will take effect from the date of his joining and will remain valid either for the tenure of the Prime Minister or until the Prime Minister's satisfaction, whichever comes first. Other terms and conditions of the appointment will be determined by a formal contract, the notification added.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 06:15 UTC
Deadly California avalanche search to go through weekend
LOS ANGELES, United States, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The search for a ninth person believed killed in a huge avalanche in California will stretch into the weekend, US officials said Thursday, as atrocious weather continues to hamper operations. "Due to hazardous weather conditions, avalanche victims cannot be safely extracted off the mountain today," the Nevada County Sheriff's office said on Facebook. The statement also noted the women were "experienced backcountry skiers" who were "fully equipped with avalanche safety equipment." Expedition organizers Blackbird Mountain Guides on Wednesday said all staff in the group were professionally trained, and urged people to avoid speculating about the circumstances. "Guides in the field are in communication with senior guides at our base, to discuss conditions and routing based upon conditions.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 05:42 UTC
Striking Argentine workers clash with police in protest over labor reforms
The few buses running in Buenos Aires were nowhere near full, although car traffic was unusually heavy as many workers observed the 24-hour strike against a contentious labor reform. The CGT labor federation said more workers adhered to the walkout call than during any of the previous three strikes. Most recently, Fate -- Argentina's main tire factory -- on Wednesday announced the closure of its plant in Buenos Aires, prompting some 900 job cuts. Last week, thousands of people demonstrated in Buenos Aires as senators debated the reform bill, and clashes with police resulted in about 30 arrests. Almost 40 percent of Argentine workers lack formal employment contracts, and unions say the new measures will make matters worse.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 05:42 UTC
From the sky, NGO searches for west African migrant boats in distress
From the sky, NGO searches for west African migrant boats in distressOFF THE COAST OF THE CANARY ISLANDS, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Every hour is crucial when searching for distressed west African migrant boats in the Atlantic, where the long route and harsh weather easily spell disaster, a nonprofit that conducts aerial surveillance told AFP during a recent mission. "People could be dead or dying from dehydration, heat stroke or any other conditions," pilot Omar El Manfalouty told AFP. Migrants departing from west Africa and travelling up the Atlantic are usually trying to reach Europe via the Canary Islands off northwest Africa. More than 3,000 migrants died in 2025 while attempting to reach Spain clandestinely, according to the Spanish NGO Caminando Fronteras. In the Mediterranean, it has already helped spot more than 1,000 boats, alerting international NGO rescue ships which then go and help.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 05:40 UTC
UN panel aims for 'human control' of AI: Guterres
NEW DELHI, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - UN chief Antonio Guterres called for "less hype, less fear" over artificial intelligence as he said Friday that a new expert panel aimed to "make human control a technical reality". "Science-led governance is not a brake on progress," Guterres said, adding that 40 members were now confirmed for the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 05:36 UTC
Int’l Mother Language Day tomorrow
File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - The Martyrs Day and the International Mother Language Day will be observed tomorrow marking the 74th years of the Language Movement. The day will also be observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the ‘February 21 (Ekushey February)’ as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. All government and private television channels, Bangladesh Betar and community radio stations will air special Ekushey programmes throughout the day. Bangla Academy will host the Ekushey Book Fair, with participation from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Public Library Department, Bangladesh National Museum, National Book Centre, National Kabi Kazi Nazrul Institute, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Islamic Foundation and other publishing organisations. The Department of Public Libraries will hold writing and drawing competitions and discussions on the Language Movement at public libraries at divisional, district and upazila levels.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 05:35 UTC
Govt fast-tracks Family Card rollout before Eid
The BNP-led government has moved swiftly to implement its flagship “Family Card” program, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chairing an inter-ministerial meeting on Thursday to finalize an action plan for the nationwide rollout. He said financial assistance under the new scheme would be more than double the benefits currently offered through existing card and allowance programs. However, he clarified that existing social safety net schemes would continue alongside the new Family Card initiative, which is ultimately intended for universal distribution. What is the Family Card? Each registered household is expected to receive monthly financial assistance ranging from Tk2,000 to Tk2,500, or essential food support of equivalent value.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 05:30 UTC
Messi kicks off MLS season in key World Cup year
"This is a massive year for Major League Soccer," said league commissioner Don Garber, describing the season as "a seminal moment for our sport." The MLS season will this year have a seven-week interruption for the World Cup in June and July. Five MLS stadiums will host World Cup matches, while many more will be used as training facilities and fan zones. An increased number of MLS players are expected to play in the World Cup, including Son -- and potentially Messi, though the Argentina great has not yet confirmed he will participate in a record sixth World Cup. The MLS season resumes for its second half in the rest days between the World Cup semi-finals and final.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 04:55 UTC
Iran warns US bases, assets 'legitimate targets' if it attacks
WASHINGTON, United States, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iran on Thursday warned that US bases, facilities and assets would be "legitimate targets" if the United States follows through on its military threats and attacks. The letter said Iran remains committed "to diplomatic solutions" and "on a reciprocal basis, addressing ambiguities regarding its peaceful nuclear programme." But Iravani warned if Iran faced military aggression, "all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets in the context of Iran's defensive response." Trump has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran, citing a deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters last month then more recently over its nuclear program. On Thursday, Trump said that Iran had at most 15 days to make a deal and again suggested that the United States would attack if failed to do so.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 04:35 UTC
Leipzig host red-hot Dortmund with Champions League hopes slipping away
BERLIN, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - RB Leipzig host in-form Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in the Bundesliga with hopes of Champions League football next season fading away. After a strong start to the season, winning eight and losing just once in a 10-match run, Leipzig have struggled. With only one league defeat this season, Dortmund have gone up a gear in 2026. Leipzig have won their past five home matches against Dortmund by a cumulative score of 13-2. Fixtures (1430 GMT unless stated)FridayMainz v Hamburg (1930)SaturdayWolfsburg v Augsburg, Union Berlin v Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt, Cologne v Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig v Borussia Dortmund (1730)SundayFreiburg v Borussia Moenchengladbach, St Pauli v Werder Bremen (1630), Heidenheim v Stuttgart (1830)
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 03:45 UTC
Japan inflation eases in welcome news for PM Takaichi
Japan inflation eases in welcome news for PM TakaichiTOKYO, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Japanese inflation slowed in January, government data showed Friday, in welcome news for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after her recent election landslide win. Also stripping out energy prices, inflation mellowed to 2.6 percent from 2.9 percent, while headline unadjusted inflation was 1.5 percent, down from 2.1 percent. In the address, Takaichi will likely repeat her campaign pledge to suspend consumption tax on food for two years to help households cope with inflation. "The international situation surrounding Japan and its security environment are growing increasingly severe," Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Thursday. In addition it would cover the capacity of nations in the region to safeguard maritime security, Motegi said.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 03:45 UTC
Venezuela parliament unanimously approves amnesty law
CARACAS, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Venezuela's National Assembly on Thursday unanimously approved a long-awaited amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners jailed for being government detractors. Some fear, however, the law could be used by the government to pardon its own and selectively deny freedom to real prisoners of conscience. "The scope of the law must be restricted to victims of human rights violations and expressly exclude those accused of serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity, including state, paramilitary and non-state actors," UN human rights experts said in a statement from Geneva Thursday. The NGO Foro Penal says about 450 prisoners have been released since Maduro's ouster, but more than 600 others remain behind bars. Rodriguez's interim government has been governing with US President Donald Trump's consent, provided she grants access to Venezuela's vast oil resources.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 03:10 UTC