Thousands throng Baitul Mukarram for 1st Friday prayer of Ramadan
Thousands of Muslims poured into the National Mosque Baitul Mukarram on the first Friday of the holy month of Ramadan to offer Juma prayers in an atmosphere marked by devotion, restraint and spiritual reflection. From early morning, people from different parts of the capital flocked to the mosque to take part in Juma prayers, considered highly significant during Ramadan — the month of fasting, self-discipline and increased worship. The mosque premises and surrounding areas were filled to capacity as people stood shoulder to shoulder in prayer, seeking blessings and forgiveness. Many were seen arriving well ahead of time to secure a place inside the main prayer hall, while others offered prayers on the mosque premises.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
Trump warns of bad things if Iran fails to reach deal as US carrier moves closer
Trump said he believes 10 to 15 days is enough time for Tehran to make a deal, but talks have remained stalled for years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is ready for any scenario and warned Iran against attacking Israeli territory. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful and says current talks should focus only on nuclear issues. While Trump previously claimed US and Israeli strikes had destroyed Iran’s nuclear sites, the extent of the damage remains unclear as international inspectors have been barred from access. The United States and its allies continue to suspect Iran’s program could eventually be used to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran has consistently denied.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 11:35 UTC
UK's Hinkley Point nuclear plant costs raised to œ35 bn: EDF
PARIS, France, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - French energy group EDF on Friday raised the budget for the long-delayed Hinkley Point C nuclear plant in Britain, saying construction costs were now estimated at 35 billion pounds ($47 billion), with the first reactor due to come online in 2030. The new budget is above the range of 31-34 billion pounds announced in January 2024, and well above the initial estimate of 18 billion pounds when the project was launched in 2016. The new starting date falls inside the range of 2029 and 2031 that EDF gave in a January 2024 update. Hinkley Point C is one of a small number of European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) worldwide, a next-generation design from EDF that has been plagued by massive cost overruns and construction delays. France's only EPR project to date, at Flamanville in Normandy, has also suffered delays and budget overruns.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 08:51 UTC
Florida airport to be renamed after US President Donald Trump
Florida airport to be renamed after US President Donald TrumpWASHINGTON, United States, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - An airport in Florida will soon be renamed after US President Donald Trump, after a bill proposing the change was approved by the state's legislature on Thursday. Florida's Republican-led legislature approved a bill to rename the Palm Beach International Airport as the "President Donald J. Trump International Airport," state records show. The airport in Palm Beach, a town known for its sandy beaches and luxurious estates, is just minutes away from Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. It would then become the latest institution to be renamed after Trump. Trump has also sought to rename New York's Penn Station and Washington's Dulles International Airport after himself, according to US media reports, although those efforts were rebuffed.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 08:47 UTC
Kim Jong Un vows to boost living standards as he opens rare congress
Kim Jong Un vows to boost living standards as he opens rare congressSEOUL, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to lift living standards as he opened a landmark congress, state media said Friday, offering a glimpse of economic strains within the sanctions-hit nation. At the last party congress in 2021, Kim made an extremely rare admission that mistakes had been made in "almost all areas" of economic development. It is just the ninth time the Workers' Party congress has convened under the Kim family's decades-long rule. The meeting was shelved under Kim's father Kim Jong Il, but was revived in 2016. - 'Biggest enemy' -The ruling parties of China and Russia -- North Korea's longtime allies -- sent friendly messages to mark the start of the meeting.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 08:25 UTC
Scrutiny on Flick rises as Barca seek recovery
That was hot on the heels of a 4-0 humiliation by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, arguably Barca's worst performance since Flick's arrival. Since Flick arrived Barca have played an ultra-attacking style with a high defensive line, leading to a lot of high-scoring games. Player to watch: Isi PalazonRayo Vallecano forward Palazon impressed in the 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid last weekend, without getting on the scoresheet. 9 - Real Madrid matches since Alvaro Arbeloa's arrival, and the team have scored in each of them. FixturesFriday (all times GMT)Athletic Bilbao v Elche (2000)SaturdayReal Sociedad v Real Oviedo (1300), Real Betis v Rayo Vallecano (1515), Osasuna v Real Madrid (1730), Atletico Madrid v Espanyol (2000)SundayGetafe v Sevilla (1300), Barcelona v Levante (1515), Celta Vigo v Mallorca (1730), Villarreal v Valencia (2000)MondayAlaves v Girona (2000)
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 07:23 UTC
DMP: No security threat over Feb 21 celebrations
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Friday said there is no security threat centring on paying tribute to the Language Martyrs on International Mother Language Day on Saturday. He shared the information at a press briefing on the security plan for International Mother Language Day at the Central Shaheed Minar on Friday morning. He requested visitors to use Palashi Mor, Jagannath Hall crossing and Shaheed Minar Road to enter the Shaheed Minar area. After paying tribute, they are asked to leave via Doel Chattar or Chankharpul. The DMP commissioner also urged people not to carry any sharp objects or flammable materials to the Shaheed Minar.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 07:23 UTC
'Enough stocks to keep markets stable during Ramadan'
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Friday said the government has adequate stocks of essential commodities to keep market prices stable during the holy month of Ramadan. “The main responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce is to ensure price stability of essential food items. The minister said when the current government assumed office, there was little scope to take special measures ahead of Ramadan. Minister Muktadir speaking to journalists at Sylhet Osmani International Airport after exchanging greetings with officials of different government departments and party leaders. “To attract investment, we need to improve communication systems, reduce red tape and ensure a supportive environment, including political stability,” Muktadir said.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 07:23 UTC
Govt has sufficient stock of essentials during Ramadan: Commerce Minister
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir briefed journalists at Sylhet Osmani International Airport today. Photo: PIDSYLHET, Feb 20, (BSS) – Minister for Commerce, Industry and Textiles Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today said one of the main responsibilities of the Ministry of Commerce is to keep the prices of essential commodities stable. However, the positive side is that the amount of food stock we have is sufficient to keep the market prices stable,” he said. The commerce minister made the remarks while exchanging greetings with officials of different government entities and BNP leaders and activists at Sylhet Osmani International Airport. Sylhet lawmaker MA Malik, Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi, Sylhet Range DIG Md Mushfequr Rahman, Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury and acting President of Sylhet City BNP, among others, were present.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 07:21 UTC
Land Minister directs officials to perform duties with integrity
Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu spoke at an exchange meeting today in the conference room of Rajshahi Circuit House. Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu today instructed officials to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, efficiency, and a strong sense of constitutional duty. Speaking as the chief guest, the Land Minister said, "I am a son of the soil of Rajshahi. Addressing administrative officials, the minister warned that negligence in duty would not be tolerated. To avoid public suffering during the month of Ramadan, the Land Minister instructed officials to take special preparations, stressing coordinated efforts in market monitoring, law and order, and public services.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 07:21 UTC
RAB tightens nationwide security for Feb 21: DG
"RAB has taken all necessary measures to maintain overall law and order across the country, especially centering the Central Shaheed Minar. In response to the question, he clarified that there were no security concerns associated with the observance of Martyrs' Day. The Bomb Disposal Unit and Dog Squad will conduct necessary sweeping activities to ensure the security of the premises, he continued. "All battalions will ensure security in coordination with local public representatives and other law enforcement agencies. The control room at RAB Headquarters will monitor and coordinate security arrangements nationwide," the DG added.
Source:Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha
February 20, 2026 07:07 UTC
EC asks to preserve CC camera footages of polling stations as document
Video footage captured by closed-circuit cameras at the polling stations of the recent general election and referendum would be preserved at the offices of assistant returning officers. The EC in a letter signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain asked the returning officers to preserve the video footage at the office of the assistant returning officers concerned. The 13th parliamentary election and referendum were held at 42,659 polling stations in 299 out of 300 constituencies across the country on February 12 last. Some 90 percent of the polling stations were under CC camera surveillance. In the election, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured 209 parliamentary seats, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 06:43 UTC
FIFA to lead $75m Palestinian soccer rebuilding fund
FIFA will spearhead a $75 million fund to rebuild soccer facilities in Gaza that were destroyed by the war between Israel and Hamas, President Donald Trump and the sport's governing body said Thursday. "I'm also pleased to announce that FIFA will be helping to raise a total of $75 million for projects in Gaza," said Trump. The FIFA communique did not mention Trump's $75 million figure, and said funds would be raised "from international leaders and institutions." Infantino has fostered close ties with Trump, awarding him an inaugural FIFA "Peace Prize" at the World Cup draw in December. At Thursday's meeting, the FIFA president donned a red baseball cap emblazoned with "USA" and "45-47," the latter a reference to Trump's two terms in the White House.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 06:43 UTC
Abdus Sattar Patwari appointed as PM's research officer
The government has appointed Md Abdus Sattar Patwari as Research Officer to the Prime Minister on a contractual basis. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification in this regard on Thursday. It said Md Abdus Sattar Patwari has been appointed on the condition that he will relinquish any other profession, business or employment in any government, semi-government or private organisation 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 the contract, the notification added.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 06:43 UTC
Dhaka ranks second among world’s most polluted cities
Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked second among the world’s most polluted cities on Friday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 299 at 08:45am. The city’s air was classified as ‘very unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season.
Source:Dhaka Tribune
February 20, 2026 06:43 UTC