The Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day-2026 observed today at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR). Photo: BSSRANGPUR, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - The Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day-2026 was observed today at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) with due dignity paying rich tribute to the Language Movement martyrs. At this time, a one-minute of silence was observed in memory of the language martyrs. Later, the Vice-chancellor inaugurated the mourning procession in memory of the language martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Bangla language. Then, the Vice-chancellor placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar paying tribute to language movement martyrs.

CHATTOGRAM, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Navy has seized two engine boats carrying a total of 1,140 sacks of cement destined for Myanmar and arrested 19 smugglers from the Bay of Bengal near St. Martin's Island. Authorities recovered 700 sacks of cement from this vessel, and together with the first boat, a total of 19 members of the smuggling gang were arrested. The Navy said the cement was intended for illegal sale in Myanmar for higher profits. The seized goods and the detained individuals were handed over to the Navy's Forward Base at St. Martin for legal proceedings. The ISPR added that, in addition to safeguarding the country's sea and coastal areas, the Navy continues patrols and operations to combat internal terrorism, drug smuggling, and other criminal activities.

Bangladesh will be land of free thought and speech: Agri ministerMinister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries, and Livestock, Amin Ur Rashid, spoke to journalists at the Cumilla Circuit House. Photo: BSSCUMILLA, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS)- Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Amin Ur Rashid has sought cooperation from all concerned to materialize the hopes and aspirations of the people. “Future Bangladesh will be a country of free thought and speech. Saying that his position in the cabinet is completely voluntary, the agriculture minister said he would not take salaries and allowances nor transport from the government. About fulfillment of longstanding demand for establishment of the Cumilla Division, Amin Ur Rashid said, he would play a leading role for its implementation.

Publish : 21 Feb 2026, 16:55Indian Assistant High Commissioner in Rajshahi, Manoj Kumar on Saturday said the ties between Bangladesh and India are sincere and genuine. Later, he conveyed greetings to the public on behalf of the Indian Assistant High Commission. Speaking to journalists, Manoj Kumar said: "The Bengali language is a common bond between our two countries. It is not only shared but also cherished and preserved through the traditions and culture of both India and Bangladesh." He added: "The relationship between Bangladesh and India is not artificial; it is a sincere and genuine one."

LOS ANGELES, United States, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, 45, has accepted a wild card to play the prestigious Indian Wells WTA hardcourt tournament in March, organizers said Friday. "I'm so excited to be heading back to Indian Wells and can't wait to return home to play in California," Williams said in a statement. "I'm grateful to the tournament for having me back and giving me the opportunity to compete in both singles and doubles." In January, Williams made history as the oldest woman ever to play at the Australian Open, accepting a wild card invitation and pushing 24-year-old Serbian Olga Danilovic all the way before falling in three sets in the first round. She returned from a 16-month hiatus at the DC Open last July.

The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Mumbai observed Great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day today. Photo: Bangladesh Deputy High CommissionDHAKA, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Mumbai today observed the Great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day with due solemnity, paying tribute to the Language Movement martyrs through flag hoisting, wreath laying, discussions and cultural performances. A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the language martyrs, followed by special prayers and munajat seeking eternal peace for their departed souls. Speakers at the event recalled the history of Bangladesh's Language Movement and its enduring legacy. They also referred to UNESCO's 1999 declaration of Bangladesh's Language Martyrs' Day as International Mother Language Day in recognition of the global importance of linguistic and cultural diversity.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Former Brazil captain Neymar said he is thinking of retiring at the end of the year after being hampered by injuries but hopes to go to the World Cup first. The ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain striker returned in January 2025 to his boyhood club Santos from Saudi club Al-Hilal. After an injury-interrupted first season he extended his contract until the end of 2026 but then missed the start of the Brazilian season in January after undergoing knee surgery in late December. "I don't know what will happen from now on, I don't know about next year," the striker told Brazilian online channel Caze. "This year is a very important year, not only for Santos, but also for the Brazilian national team, as it's a World Cup year, and for me too," Neymar said.

Indian Assistant High Commissioner in Rajshahi, Manoj Kumar paid homage to the language martyrs by laying a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar in Rajshahi this morning. Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Indian Assistant High Commissioner in Rajshahi, Manoj Kumar today said the ties between Bangladesh and India are sincere and genuine. Later, he conveyed greetings to the public on behalf of the Indian Assistant High Commission. Speaking to journalists, Manoj Kumar said, "The Bengali language is a common bond between our two countries. He added, "The relationship between Bangladesh and India is not artificial; it is a sincere and genuine one."

A meeting was held at the Prime Minister's Office under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to further strengthen religious and social harmony. Photo: PIDDHAKA, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - A meeting on strengthening religious and social harmony was held today at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in the city’s Tejgaon area. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting, PM’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli told BSS. Ministers, state ministers and concerned senior officials were present at the meeting.

At least five people were killed in a head-on-collision between a gas cylinder-laden truck and a CNG-run auto-rickshaw in front of Kushtia Store on Kushtia bypass road in the district on Saturday afternoon. Officer-in-Charge of Kushtia Highway Police Station Abu Obaid and Senior Station Officer of Kushtia Fire service Ardesh Ali confirmed the matter to Dhaka Tribune. OC Abu Obaid said five people, including the auto-rickshaw driver and four passengers, died on the spot. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, he asaid. However, their detailed identities could not be confirmed immediately.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in the city's Tejgaon area today. Photo: PIDDHAKA, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - A meeting on establishing a cheerful and career-oriented education system, creating employment opportunities, and expanding sports infrastructure and training facilities was held today at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in the city's Tejgaon area. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Saleh Shibli told BSS. Ministers, state ministers and concerned senior officials were present at the meeting.

Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - People in Rajshahi paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the historic 1952 Language Movement today as the nation observed Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day-2026. Under the initiative of Rajshahi City Corporation, the observance began with solemn tributes during the first hour of the day. Administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation and Divisional Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar, accompanied by city officials and representatives of the Employees' Union. The day was also observed with dignity at the University of Rajshahi (RU). Matiar Rahman, and senior officials laid wreaths at the university Shaheed Minar and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the martyrs.

RAJSHAHI, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) today observed the Great Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day with due respect. RUET Vice-Chancellor Professor SM Abdur Razzak laid a wreath at the university's central Shaheed Minar, followed by a one-minute silence. Teachers, students, officers, employees, hall provosts, and different organizations then placed wreaths at the martyr's altar. Throughout the day, RUET organized various programs attended by faculty deans, directors, department heads, hall provosts, teachers, students, officers, and employees. After Zuhr prayers, a special doa and munajat were offered at the central Jame Mosque, seeking forgiveness and eternal peace for the language martyrs.

Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Primary and Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon today underscored the need for restructuring the education system to make it employment-oriented, skill-based and relevant to the demands of the times. "The current conventional education system in the country is contributing to the rising unemployment. The education system will be restructured to make it skill-based, job-oriented, and aligned with modern needs," he said. The event was organised by the Primary and Mass Education Ministry on the occasion of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. The education system will be redesigned to nurture students as competent, employable and productive individuals," he added.

People from all walks of life paid floral tribute to the Language Martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar today. The country observes 'Shaheed Dibash' (Martyrs Day) and International Mother Language Day with solemnity, honoring the memory of the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. Mourners, many dressed in the traditional white and black attire of Ekushey February, offered flowers at the Shaheed Minar altar, lining up barefoot in respect. Security was significantly tightened around the Shaheed Minar for the occasion. This marked the first formal participation of Jamaat at the central Shaheed Minar ceremony.