File PhotoCHATTOGRAM, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested a fugitive convict who had been absconding for 14 years from the Shitalpur area under Sitakunda Police Station in Chattogram. The arrestee was identified as Abdur Rahim alias Sajib, 35, son of Abdul Hai of Uttar Charipur area under Feni Sadar Police Station. On information about his presence in the Shitalpur area, a RAB team conducted a drive and apprehended him in front of the BM Container Depot at around 2:30 pm on Friday. The court had sentenced him to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined him Tk 100,000. Following his arrest, Rahim was handed over to Feni Sadar Police Station for further legal proceedings.

State Minister for Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam. File PhotoBAGERHAT, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Environment and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam today said a coordinated operation will begin very soon to free the Sundarbans from pirates. A coordinated operation will begin very soon to free the Sundarbans from pirates," he said after visiting Khan Jahan Ali Mazar in Sadar upazila of the district. The state minister said a special plan has been taken in coordination with the law enforcement agencies and related organizations. Above all, we are committed to protecting the Sundarbans and the environment," said Faridul Islam.

Hive marketplaceLOWELL — The Love of Pets market will have vendors offering their handmade goods for pets, including art, accessories, treats, portraits and much more on Saturday, Feb. 21, from noon to 4 p.m., at Hive Public Market, 101 Paige St. Mark your your calendar: “Kween” open Feb. 25 at MRTLOWELL — The Merrimack Repertory Theatre continues its 2025-2026 season with “Kween” by Vichet Chum, starting Wednesday, Feb. 25, and running through Sunday, March 15, 50 E. Merrimack St. Special $5 tickets are available for the first preview on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 7 to 8:40 p.m., followed by a $10 Lowell night on Thursday, Feb. 26. The press opening night on Saturday, Feb. 28, features a community celebration in the lobby following the 8 p.m. performance. Save the date: NRWA programsThe Nashua River Watershed Association invites the public to attend its free community events.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir addressed a doa and iftar mahfil organized by the Sylhet district and metropolitan units of the BNP. Photo: PIDSYLHET, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today called for collective action to advance Sylhet's development, stressing that progress must transcend individual or partisan interests. "We will nurture and strengthen Sylhet's political harmony," he said, adding that any development initiative undertaken for the region would be a collective effort, not a personal one. Describing the Commerce Ministry as one of the government's most challenging portfolios, he noted that maintaining price stability remains a top priority. Ruling BNP lawmaker from Sylhet Emran Ahmed Chowdhury along with leaders of various political parties, attended the event.

State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain today paid tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar under the initiative of BNP Dhaka city south unit. Photo : BSSDHAKA, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain today said the government's goal is to build Bangladesh as a democratic, free and independent sovereign state. The state minister said that the movement of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was to establish the country as an effective democratic state. "Through the recent elections, the country has returned to democracy and an elected government has taken charge. BNP Chairman's Adviser Freedom Fighter Abdus Salam, BNP Dhaka city south unit convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, member secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, State Minister for Road Transport, Railways and Shipping Habibur Rashid Habib and Hamidur Rahman, MP, among others, were present at the event.

An early reflection of this trend is visible in the import of capital machinery. Bangladesh Bank officials say capital machinery imports have increased in recent months compared to any previous period. Sectoral statistics show LC openings for capital machinery increased between July and November of the current fiscal year in sectors including leather, pharmaceuticals, and packaging. However, imports of capital goods in the country’s main export sectors—ready-made garments and textiles—remain slow. This has influenced imports, particularly of certain capital machinery.

Over the past five years, Bangladesh has established a strong position in the European Union (EU) market through consistent growth in readymade garment (RMG) exports. Bangladesh’s RMG exports to the EU market were €14.30 billion in 2021, which increased to €19.41 billion in 2025. By achieving comparatively faster growth during this period of market expansion, Bangladesh has further strengthened its position in the EU market. Despite this limited growth, Bangladesh achieved 5.97% growth, while China’s growth was only 1.17% and Turkey’s exports declined by 10.73%. Bangladesh’s position in the EU market remains strong, but the recent slowdown requires a reassessment of future strategy.

The minister said Allah blesses people with wisdom before wealth, adding that the initiative taken by Zahirul Islam reflects his generous mindset, according to a PID handout. “Today’s initiative is undoubtedly a noble work which will play a positive role in shaping the future generation,” he said. “The students receiving assistance today will become the nation’s assets in the future and contribute to society,” he said. Speaking about his responsibilities, the minister said agriculture, fisheries, livestock and food sectors are closely linked to the country’s economy. Haji Md Zahirul Islam chaired the event, which was attended by teachers and students of the school as well as local political leaders.

International Mother Language Day was observed with due respect and solemnity at the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan. The mission premises were decorated with banners, Bengali alphabets, and posters highlighting Language Day. On the occasion, a temporary Shaheed Minar was constructed to pay tribute to the language martyrs. Messages from the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. Following the discussion, special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of the language martyrs and the continued welfare of the country and the nation.

The 13th National Parliament is likely to go into its maiden session on March 12 next month or one or two days earlier, said Home Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. “The first session of the National Parliament will begin on March 12 next month or one or two days earlier,” he told journalists on Saturday night. The BNP leader said the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected during the session. “During this session, the ordinances promulgated during the tenure of the interim government will be placed before Parliament, and an obituary motion will also be presented,” he added. Meanwhile, Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has been chosen as the Leader of the Opposition by opposition MPs.

An analysis of the affidavits of the prime minister, ministers, and state ministers shows that 19 cabinet ministers and 16 state ministers identified themselves as businesspersons. Despite being career politicians, only two cabinet members mentioned “politics” as their profession: Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman and Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon. The list also includes State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam; State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain; State Minister for Environment Sheikh Faridul Islam; State Minister for Labor and Employment Nurul Haque Nur; State Minister for Disaster Management M Iqbal Hossain; State Minister for Housing Ahmad Sohel Manjur; and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayem. State Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Dr AZM Zahid Hossain—former personal physician to ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia—and State Minister for Health MA Muhit, who identified himself as a physician, researcher, teacher and consultant. State Minister for Finance and Planning Jonaed Saki listed publishing as his profession, while State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury described himself as an IT scientist.

This scenic conservation area along the South Saskatchewan River is a favourite among daytime hikers, but we were there for a celestial show. There was little expectation of seeing the Northern Lights in full from Cranberry Flats, particularly in July. The best seasons to observe the Northern Lights from Cranberry Flats are autumn (September to October) and spring (February to April). Cranberry Flats Conservation Area is indeed an excellent spot for stargazing. Cranberry Flats, named after the highbush cranberry native to the river flats, features a mix of sandy riverbank, native prairie, and forest ecosystems that support a wide range of species.

Even when parents do not smoke themselves, the poison of secondhand smoke enters their children’s bodies. Secondhand smoke means that even if a person does not smoke, smoke from someone nearby using cigarettes, bidis, or other tobacco products enters their lungs. In primary schools across the city, 92% of children tested showed high levels of nicotine in their saliva, indicating exposure to secondhand smoke. A study titled “The Effect of Adult Smoking Behavior on Children’s Exposure to Secondhand Smoke” found that children in major South Asian cities are heavily exposed to secondhand smoke. Published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, the study stated that secondhand smoke exposure among children is extremely widespread.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu today spoke at a discussion as the chief guest marking 'Shaheed Dibosh' and International Mother Language Day' at the Lalmonirhat Zila Parishad auditorium. Photo : BSSLALMONIRHAT, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu today said the radiant flame of Ekushey showed the nation the path to independence, inspiring generations with the spirit of sacrifice, protest and uncompromising struggle for rights. "Ekushey teaches us to think, to love and to uphold the glory of sacrifice. Ekushey means never bowing the head; it means a strong voice of protest and an uncompromising journey to realize our rights," he said. The minister was addressing a discussion as the chief guest marking 'Shaheed Dibosh' and International Mother Language Day' at the Lalmonirhat Zila Parishad auditorium this morning.

No one will speared for extortion, crimes: Iqbal HassanPhoto : BSSSIRAJGANJ, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today said no one will be speared for extortion and criminal activities. "Strict legal action will be taken against them," he said while exchanging views at district administration office here. Iqbal Hassan said, "As per the government's instructions, our ministry is adopting a 180-day program." Iqbal Hassan said, "We want to break away from the traditional ways and give a truly development-oriented society. Officials from the district administration, police department, government officials and officials from Palli Bidyut, PDB, Petrobangla, NESCO, NAOPAZECO, and PGCB were present at the event.