Pakistan and New Zealand will clash in Colombo on Saturday as the second "Super Eights" phase of the T20 World Cup kicks off without former champions Australia, who shockingly failed to make it out of their group. An injury-depleted Australia endured a chaotic campaign and failed to make the second phase of the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2009. Also in Super Eights Group 1 are Zimbabwe and the West Indies, who meet in Mumbai on Monday, with all that group's games being hosted in India. - England yet to fire -The West Indies toppled England convincingly in the group phase and the two-time champions have all-round strength in depth. Harry Brook's side were unconvincing in wins against minnows Nepal, Scotland and finally Italy, who were making their World Cup debut.

The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin has congratulated Tarique Rahman upon his appointment to the post of the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The head of the Russian government expressed confidence that constructive joint efforts at the government level will be conducive to broader cooperation in trade, economy, investment, culture, and people-to-people ties for the benefit of both nations, said the Russian Embassy in Dhaka on Saturday.

A man has been detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport with a modern automatic air rifle. Nur Hossain, a resident of Chhagalnaiya in Feni, was apprehended Friday night and handed over to the Airport Police Station, said Officer-in-Charge of the police station Mobarak Hossain. According to airport sources, intelligence reports indicated that a sophisticated weapon was being smuggled into Bangladesh from Dubai via Sri Lanka on a FitsAir flight. Nur Hossain, a passenger, was detained and questioned. During interrogation, he admitted that the air rifle had been brought in dismantled form, concealed inside bicycle parts.

The government will begin disbursing honorariums to imams, khatibs and muezzins in some areas ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr as part of implementing an election pledge. He added that providing honorariums to imams, khatibs, muezzins and other religious leaders was a key pledge made by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ahead of the national election. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said Saturday marked the prime minister’s third working day in office. He added that the prime minister had issued several directives aimed at implementing election pledges. Tarique Rahman worked from the Tejgaon office for the first time on Saturday.

The relationship ends, the phone comes out, and, almost without thinking, you check your ex’s social media. But, over the past decade, psychological research has painted a less comforting picture: Repeatedly checking an ex-partner’s social media does not ease heartbreak. Relationships rarely end neatly, especially on social media, where personal stories can be left forever unfinished. Don’t keep checking their social media, and allow your old emotional ties to weaken naturally. “All of the research suggests that, if you can keep yourself away from social media for 30 days, it’s like a detox,” she said.

Coal-fired power plants contribute substantially to environmental mercury pollution. The problem with coal is that although it contains only small amounts of mercury, it is burned in very large quantities. The most-affected communities tend to live near power plants, and are often marginalized or economically disadvantaged groups. In April 2025, the US administration granted nearly 70 coal plants two-year waivers to exceed air pollution limits. The NRDC goes further, citing reductions of up to 90% in coal plants as a result of stricter Biden-era rules.

With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, prices of daily essentials — including local and imported fruits — have surged, adding pressure on consumers. Sellers attribute the hike to higher demand during Ramadan, while buyers say price increases during the month if Ramadan have become a customary practice. Visits to different markets in the capital on Saturday showed apples selling at Tk380 to Tk440 per kg, depending on the variety. Among local fruits, a dozen Sabri bananas were selling at Tk120, while Sagar bananas were priced between Tk120 and Tk150 per dozen. Though available at a few shops, prices were steep, ranging from Tk120 to Tk150 per kg.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee on Saturday said there is no need for a separate oath for the ‘Yes’ vote, as it will automatically take effect once the Jatiya Sangsad is in session. He also urged people to move away from what he described as mob culture, saying it creates disorder and instability. Those who create obstacles to building the country will eventually turn into enemies of the nation,” he said. The minister urged all to refrain from such practices. Among others present at the event were Lakshmipur district BNP Member Secretary Sahab Uddin Sabu, Joint Convener Hasibur Rahman, and Bangladesh Football Federation Vice-President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy.

On the occasion of Amar Ekushey February, Daffodil International University (DIU), located at Daffodil Smart City, observed Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2026 with due respect and solemnity. Teachers, students, and officials participated actively throughout the day, creating an atmosphere of remembrance, pride, and commitment across the campus. On this occasion, the university authorities emphasized the importance of embracing and promoting the spirit of the Language Movement. Everyone must remain conscious and responsible in ensuring the proper practice, correct use, and preservation of our mother language. In recognition of this great sacrifice, 21 February has been internationally acknowledged as International Mother Language Day, which remains an integral part of our national pride and identity.

I was the opposite, irritated, I asked why we had been stopped and demanded an explanation before leaving. It has been years since I had been stopped because they have my fingerprints and iris scan as a pre-check for security. He asked, “Isn’t it time for you to ‘talk your walk’? So returning to ‘talking the walk’, freedom does not arise from wrapping ourselves in the garments of victimhood, but from realizing the power of our own agency. Karim-Aly Kassam Karim-Aly Kassam is an opinion columnist and professor in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment as well as the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program.

Calling a free press essential for democracy, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon says he sees himself as a “guardian of the media”, responsible for ensuring journalists can work independently and without intimidation. “I am responsible, as the minister of information, for presenting all government plans before the nation. “No plan can be implemented if the media are not allowed to work freely and peacefully. It is my duty to act as the guardian of the media.”The minister said democracy cannot function without a free press. “A country’s democracy cannot operate if there is no independent media.

A student thanks Qiu Xiaoqiang with a khata after receiving financial support to return to school. Before coming to Xizang, Qiu worked as a deputy principal in Jiangsu province. Under the approach, each team is deployed to support a school by disseminating effective practices and leaving behind a sustainable local teaching workforce. The school faced long-standing challenges, and Qiu saw specific opportunities in institutional framework, management, and teacher training. As the winter sun rises over the plateau, the campus fills with voices.

Photo: BSSRANGPUR, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - A discussion meeting, reception of language soldiers and award distribution were held in Rangpur city on the occasion of the Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day-2026. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam was present at the event organized by the district administration at the Rangpur District Shilpokola Academy Auditorium in the city today. Regarding the practice of Bengali language, he said, it is necessary for everyone at all levels of the country to practice Bengali language properly. Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Majid Ali, Rangpur Additional Superintendent of Police Md Joynal Abedin, Language Soldier Mohammad Afzal, among others, addressed the discussion. Later, Language Soldier Mohammad Afzal was felicitated.

Advocate Shah Md Wares Ali Mamun paid tribute to the language martyrs by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in Jamalpur. Photo : BSSJAMALPUR, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day were observed in Jamalpur today with due respect and solemnity. The observance began just after midnight with the placing of wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar in the town to pay homage to the language martyrs. They were followed by the District Administration, Police Administration, Civil Surgeon Office, Zila Parishad, Jamalpur Municipality, freedom fighters, Upazila Parishad, District Bar Association, political parties, educational institutions, Press Club and different social and cultural organisations. The District Administration, political parties and various socio-cultural organisations also arranged separate programmes to mark the day.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired a meeting on strengthening religious and social harmony, held at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in the city's Tejgaon area. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting, attended by concerned ministers, state ministers and senior officials. Later, Prime Minister's Adviser Mahdi Amin disclosed the information while briefing the journalists in front of the PMO about the Prime Minister's first day activities at the PMO. Under the Prime Minister's directive, he said, the meeting decided that preparations would be taken to start the programme in phases before the upcoming Eid. During the briefing, Press Secretary Saleh Shibli said that today was Tarique Rahman's third working day as the Prime Minister.