The hurriedly signed trade agreement with the United States -- concluded on February 9 -- demands immediate and sober reassessment. A trade deal that implicitly conditions economic access on strategic alignment may erode that flexibility over time. Trade rules should enable innovation -- not restrict the state’s capacity to respond to unforeseen technological or market shifts. Approving it without modification may signal continuity -- but at the cost of future policy maneuverability. The decisions taken in the coming weeks will shape Bangladesh’s economic future and geopolitical posture for decades.

President Donald Trump reacted angrily on Friday after the Supreme Court struck down his signature global tariffs, a move that included dissent from two of the three justices he appointed. Trump, who has long expected personal loyalty from his appointees, criticized the court sharply, saying he was “ashamed” of the justices who opposed him and questioning their courage. But the court has also rebuked him publicly, particularly Chief Justice John Roberts, though Trump did not name him in Friday’s remarks. Presidential criticism of Supreme Court decisions has historical precedent. Experts note, however, that Trump’s personal attacks on justices—especially those he appointed—cross a line.

Nazrul Islam Khan, political adviser to the prime minister and a standing committee member of the BNP, has emphasised the need to prioritise the skills and talents of young people in building the country. “We need experience. But what we need most for work is the youth,” he said. Nazrul said integrating the ideas of young people into policymaking would help the country move forward. Quoting former president Ziaur Rahman, he said: “People are not born with just a mouth; they are also born with hands to work.

A low-pressure area has formed over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and the adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify, according to the latest Met Office bulletin. Meanwhile, the ridge of the sub-continental high extends up to Bihar and adjoining areas, influencing the prevailing weather pattern over Bangladesh. The weather may remain mainly dry with a temporary partly cloudy sky over the country. Night and day temperatures may rise slightly across Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday began work at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon for the first time after assuming office. He arrived at the office at 10:10am, where Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon received him. Before entering the main building, the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with officials and employees who had served during the government of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The Prime Minister later planted a sapling of a golden champa tree on the office premises and offered special prayers, expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah. Later, the Prime Minister unveiled commemorative postage stamps marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day 2026.

A meeting on strengthening religious and social harmony was held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting, according to a PMO media release. Ministers, state ministers and relevant senior officials attended the meeting held at the Cabinet Conference Room of the PMO. The prime minister began work at the PMO on Saturday for the first time after assuming office. Though it was a public holiday, he went to the office at 10:10am, where the Principal Secretary, ABM Abdus Sattar, and the Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Rumon, received him.

Olympic chief Kirsty Coventry said on Friday she was unaware that FIFA president Gianni Infantino had attended the first meeting of the Board of Peace alongside US President Donald Trump. World football chief Infantino, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), took part in a meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday. "I wasn't aware that we had an IOC member front and centre as you just shared with me. The Olympic Charter states that members must "always act independently of commercial and political interests as well as of any racial or religious consideration". Trump has struck up a close relationship with Infantino, with the United States co-hosting this year's World Cup along with Mexico and Canada.

Every year on February 21, Bangladesh pauses in solemn remembrance and quiet pride on the occasion of International Mother Language Day. Ekushey is not merely a date on the calendar; it is the moral cornerstone of our nationhood. In recognition of this historic sacrifice, UNESCO’s declaration of February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999 elevated a national memory into a global call to protect linguistic diversity. As a nation navigating political transitions and rapid economic and technological change, we must ensure that the spirit of Ekushey -- courage in the face of injustice and unity in diversity -- informs our civic life. On this International Mother Language Day, let us recommit to safeguarding our linguistic and cultural heritage.

The fight for linguistic rights lies at the heart of Bangladesh's remarkable journey from the depths of tyranny to a proud nation. The spirit of resistance that was originally kindled in the language movement continues to motivate Bangladesh's youth to fight for democracy and justice as the country confronts new chances and challenges. The Language Movement's origins may be found in the British colonial era, when they made Urdu one of the Indian subcontinent's co-official languages. The language movement served as a catalyst for a broader national awareness, going beyond simple protest for linguistic rights. Bangladesh's identity and democratic struggle are pulsated by the language movement, which is more than just a historical chapter.

Rumeen Farhana has warned that the consequences will be dire if the BNP fails to control its grassroots activists, after she faced obstruction while attempting to pay tribute to Language Movement martyrs at a Shaheed Minar. She warned that failing to act immediately could harm both the party and the government’s reputation. Earlier, during the opening hours of International Mother Language Day, Rumeen encountered a direct confrontation at the Sarail Upazila Shaheed Minar. A group of activists led by former BNP general secretary Anwar Hossain reportedly targeted her with slogans, triggering a scuffle. One of their sons is in the Army, and they tried to exploit that connection, but it did not succeed,” she added.

No precedent anywhere in world of giving life for language: Abdul BariState Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari paying homage by placing wreath to the Language Martyrs at the central Shaheed Minar in Jaipurhat. Photo; BSSJAIPURHAT, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - There is no precedent anywhere in the world for giving one's life for a language, said State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari said UNESCO has recognized the language struggle of Bangladesh and then initiated the International Mother Language Day. He prayed for the eternal peace of all those who sacrificed their lives in the Language Movement, Movement for Self-determination (Swadhikar Andolon), the July-August uprising and the 17-year long democratic struggle.

Jahangirnagar University observes Martyrs' Day, VC pays tribute at central Shaheed Minar.Photo : BSSJAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Jahangirnagar University observed the Martyrs' Day and the International Mother Language Day paying tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement of 1952. At 12:01 am on Saturday, marking the first hour of 'Ekushey February', Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan placed floral wreaths at the university's central Shaheed Minar. He added that UNESCO recognised February 21 as the International Mother Language Day in honour of this history, which is now observed worldwide. Earlier, the VC hoisted the Martyrs' Day flag at the central Shaheed Minar premises while Pro-VC (Academic) Dr M Mahfuzur Rahman, Pro-VC (Administration) Dr Sohel Ahmed and Treasurer Dr M AbdurRab were present, among others. Teachers, officials, employees, student leaders and various organisations including JU Teachers' Association, JU Central Students' Union and Hall students' union, JU Journalists' Association, JU Press Club and others student bodies also placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar.

Trust Foundation, under the leadership of its chairman Kazi Rafiqul Alam, has launched a humanitarian initiative to provide free daily Iftar and Seheri meals to orphan children throughout the month of Ramadan. The program aims to ensure that vulnerable children receive proper nutrition and care, and that no orphan child sleeps hungry during this sacred time. Every day during Ramadan, Trust Foundation arranges freshly prepared meals for orphan children, supporting them both physically and emotionally. The effort focuses on supporting orphan children who often face difficulties in accessing regular meals, especially during fasting hours. By providing consistent and nutritious Iftar and Seheri, Trust Foundation is helping to reduce hardship and bring comfort and stability to their lives.

Ulkasemi, the pioneer of Bangladesh’s semiconductor design industry, proudly its 19th anniversary Wednesday, February 18, marking nearly two decades of innovation and global excellence. Among them were Arifa Chowdhury Rahman, chairperson of Ulkasemi, VP of engineering, directors, and all employees. The window is open, but as we know from the semiconductor industry, windows close in nanoseconds," said Mohammed Enayetur Rahman. Ulkasemi is one of only 32 global partners of the prestigious TSMC Design Center Alliance (DCA), a distinction that validates Bangladesh’s engineering quality on the world stage. With ongoing investments in engineering capacity and talent development, Ulkasemi aims to accelerate the country’s journey toward building a multi-billion dollars semiconductor sector, moving Bangladesh beyond traditional exports and into the high-value deep tech economy.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday unveiled commemorative postage stamps marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. He released the stamps in the morning at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon. Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam and the ministry’s adviser Rehan Asif Asad were present. The prime minister began work at the PMO on Saturday for the first time after assuming office. Though it was a public holiday, he went to the office at 10:10am, where Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon received him.