Fakhrul: Ekushey now free, opens path to democratic Bangladesh
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday night said Ekushey had remained confined under a fascist regime, but this time it is free, creating an opportunity to build a just and discrimination-free democratic Bangladesh. “Ekushey had long remained restricted under a fascist rule, but this time it is free. “We expect to fulfil people’s aspirations in the coming days by building a truly democratic society in Bangladesh based on justice under a democratic government,” Fakhrul said. He said the core spirit of Ekushey was to build a discrimination-free society and state in Bangladesh. We believe that with the inspiration of this new Ekushey we will be able to work for people’s welfare, enrich our mother language and culture, and consolidate the independence, sovereignty and democracy of Bangladesh,” Fakhrul added.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 21, 2026 05:17 UTC
Political drama overshadows Berlin Film Festival finale
BERLIN, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The 76th Berlin Film Festival draws to a close on Saturday after 10 days in which the 22 films in competition were often overshadowed by a row over the role politics should play in filmmaking. On Tuesday, a letter signed by dozens of film industry figures, including Javier Bardem, Tilda Swinton and Adam McKay, condemned the Berlin festival's "silence on the genocide of Palestinians". She called for "cool heads in hot times" and expressed fears that the controversy was crowding out conversation about the films. Set in Chen's native Singapore, the film is a moving family drama which playfully satirises the yawning social disparities to be found in the city-state's glittering skyscrapers. People are not even allowed to mourn their loved ones," Panahi told a talk organised as part of the festival.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 21, 2026 03:42 UTC
Three dead in latest US strike on alleged drug boat: Pentagon
Three dead in latest US strike on alleged drug boat: PentagonWASHINGTON, United States, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - US forces on Friday launched a strike against alleged drug traffickers in the Eastern Pacific, killing three people, the military said. The post included black and white video of the strike that showed an aerial view of a boat before it is bombed and engulfed in flames. The United States began targeting alleged smuggling boats in early September, killing nearly 150 people in total and destroying dozens of vessels since then. The strikes are part of a campaign that Trump's administration has insisted is needed to combat drug trafficking. Maduro is incarcerated in the US awaiting trial for drug and weapons charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 21, 2026 03:29 UTC
Trump imposes 10% global tariff after stinging court rebuke
US trading partners that reached tariff deals with Trump's administration will now also face a 10 percent duty, despite higher levels they may have agreed on previously, the White House said. But a White House official told AFP that the Trump administration would seek ways to "implement more appropriate or pre-negotiated tariff rates" down the line. Still, it marked Trump's biggest defeat at the Supreme Court since returning to the White House 13 months ago. - Doubts on refunds -The Trump administration in court arguments said companies would receive refunds if the tariffs were deemed unlawful. Canada, which has faced repeated tariff threats as Trump questioned the sovereignty of the northern neighbor, said the Supreme Court showed the levies were "unjustified," but the country braced for more turbulence.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 21, 2026 03:26 UTC
Penge and Bridgeman share Riviera lead with McIlroy in hot pursuit
LOS ANGELES, United States, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Marco Penge and Jacob Bridgeman fired impressive seven-under par 64s on Friday to share the US PGA Tour Genesis Invitational halfway lead, one stroke in front of world number two Rory McIlroy. England's Penge posted seven birdies without a bogey on the way to a 12-under par total of 130 at Riviera Country Club, where Bridgeman birdied the last three holes to join him. Penge, Bridgeman and McIlroy were among the four players who emerged from the weather-hit first round sharing the lead on five-under. McIlroy and Bridgeman finished their rounds on Thursday, while Penge and Aaron Rai had to pull double-duty on Friday. His three-over par first round at Riviera marked the third straight event in which he was over par through 18 holes.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 21, 2026 03:21 UTC
Brazil, India eye critical minerals deal as leaders meet
NEW DELHI, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are set to meet in New Delhi on Saturday, seeking to boost cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths. India, seeking to cut its dependence on top exporter China, has been expanding domestic production and recycling while scouting for new suppliers. Officials have said that in talks with Modi on Saturday, the two leaders are expected to sign a memorandum on critical minerals and discuss efforts to increase trade links. Rishabh Jain, an expert with the Delhi-based Council on Energy, Environment and Water think tank, said India's growing cooperation with Brazil on critical minerals complements recent supply chain engagements with the United States, France and the European Union. While these partnerships grant India access to advanced technologies, finance and high-end processing capabilities, "Global South alliances are critical for securing diversified, on-ground resource access and shaping emerging rules of global trade", Jain told AFP.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 21, 2026 03:21 UTC
Coast Guard rescues 55 during anti-trafficking drive in Teknaf
DHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Coast Guard has rescued 55 people, including women and children, during an anti-human trafficking operation in Baharchhara under Teknaf upazila. Coast Guard Media Officer Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq disclosed the information on Friday. He said that acting on a tip-off, separate teams from Coast Guard Outpost Baharchhara, Shahporir Dwip and Teknaf Station carried out a joint operation in the area around 10:00 pm on Thursday. During the operation, the Coast Guard intercepted a boat and rescued 55 victims who were being trafficked to Malaysia by sea. The media officer added that the Coast Guard would continue its operations to curb human trafficking and ensure maritime security in the region.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 21, 2026 01:46 UTC
CNG stations close for 6 hours during Ramadan
File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS)- The government has asked to keep Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations close for six hours from 3 pm to 9 pm every day. The decision was taken to ensure uninterrupted gas supply in the power plants in the evening time during the holy month of Ramadan. Nazmul Haque said the decision was taken due to low pressure of gas in the distribution network. CNG and filling stations will remain open round the clock from March 15 to 25 to ensure fuel supply for vehicles on the highways during Eid vacation. After Eid-Ul-Fitr the CNG stations will remain open as usual with closure for only three hours from 6 pm to 9 pm everyday from March 26.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 21, 2026 00:21 UTC
President for being more mindful in preserving quality, dignity of Bangla
President Mohammed Shahabuddin. File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - President Mohammed Shahabuddin urged all the Bangla-speaking people to be ever more mindful in its proper practice and in preserving its quality and dignity. As Bangla was earned through immeasurable sacrifice and the sacred blood of martyrs', we must be ever more mindful in its proper practice and in preserving its quality and dignity,” he said in a message on the Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day being celebrated tomorrow. “Through supreme sacrifice, they secured the right to their mother tongue, giving birth to our distinct national consciousness. The Language Movement was, in essence, a struggle to safeguard our national identity, individuality, and cultural uniqueness,” said President Shahbuddin.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 23:36 UTC
Corruption-free administration is the govt's main goal: Minu
Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, MP joined a view-exchange meeting with divisional and district-level officials of Rajshahi Division at the conference room of the Circuit House on friday. Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, MP, hassaid that there is no question of any irregularity or corruption. The Land Minister said receiving ministerial responsibility from the RajshahiSadar constituency after a long 46 years is an honor for all the people ofRajshahi. Later, the Land Minister met with senior officials of the divisional anddistrict administrations at the Circuit House conference room. Earlier, the Land Minister was greeted with floral wishes by the RajshahiDivisional Administration, District Administration, DIG, and the PoliceCommissioner's office.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 21:36 UTC
Budgeteer keeps list of charities that got Revo funds
CountryUnited States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Ara
Source:Daily Sun
February 20, 2026 21:20 UTC
CORNELL NOTES | How is No. 11 Men’s Hockey Tackling the Final Stretch? ‘Firing on All Cylinders’
“100%,” Jones said when asked if there’s a playoff feel surrounding the final four games of the regular season. All action will stream live on ESPN+, and live updates will be provided by @DailySunSports on X.NPI Check-InDespite its setbacks from last weekend, Cornell still sits solidly positioned in the national percentage index at 10th. Scouting the OpponentsAs Jones said, Quinnipiac is one of the best, if not the best, teams Cornell has faced this season. “They're a really good line rush team, good faceoff team,” Jones said. Princeton’s 31 points heading into the weekend have it sitting in fifth place, just trailing Harvard in fourth with 32.
Source:Daily Sun
February 20, 2026 20:57 UTC
10-member sub-committee to curb coaching business in Rajshahi
To implement policy-2012 on preventing coaching business by teachers of educational institutions, a 10-member sub-committee has been formed in Rajshahi. According to the notification, the coaching business conducted by teachers of educational institutions is creating inequality in the education system and negatively affecting classroom-based teaching. Other members, by virtue of their positions, include the principals of Rajshahi Education Board Government Model School and College and Rajshahi Government Model School and College; the head teachers of Rajshahi Collegiate School, Government Laboratory High School, Government Promothonath Girls’ High School, Government Girls’ High School (Helenabad), Siroil Government High School, and Haji Muhammad Mohsin Government High School. Golam Mostafa Mamun, member secretary of the sub-committee, said, “Rajshahi has long been known as an education city. Coaching business by teachers of educational institutions is in no way acceptable.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 20:42 UTC
PM Tarique Rahman pays tribute to language martyrs
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the language martyrs at the first hour of Amar Ekushey February, observed as Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day, by placing a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar early Saturday. At 12:08am, the prime minister laid a wreath at the altar of the Shaheed Minar in memory of the heroic martyrs of the Language Movement. Before the prime minister paid his tribute, President Mohammed Shahabuddin placed a wreath at the Shaheed Minar and stood in silence in honor of the language martyrs. Following the president and the prime minister, cabinet members and other important dignitaries placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar one by one. Tight security measures were taken in and around the Shaheed Minar centering on the prime minister’s visit and tribute.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 20:42 UTC