Photo : BSSNARSINGDI, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - To keep prices of essential commodities stable, MP Khayrul Kabir Khokon today conducted a market monitoring drive at the district's largest wholesale and retail hub, Boro Bazar. Khokon visited various wholesale depots and retail shops selling rice, lentils, edible oil, vegetables and other daily necessities this afternoon. He also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to create artificial shortages or hike prices unjustifiably. Khokon said the initiative aims to keep commodity prices within the reach of ordinary citizens and prevent dishonest syndicates from destabilizing the market. He added that such market monitoring efforts would continue regularly.

DHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS)- The seventh round of Bangladesh ChampionshipLeague (BCL) football begins from Sunday with three matches billed forthe day at three separate venues. On the day, Little Friends Club take on Dhaka Rangers Football Club atShaheed Barkat Stadium in Gazipur, Dhaka Wanderers Club face Suktara JuboSangsad at Fortis ground Jalshiri and BRTC Sports Club meet City Club atBashundhara Kings arena practice ground in the capital. All the matches kick off at 2.45 pm. In the remaining seventh round matches on the following day (Feb 23),Chittagong Abahani Limited will play against Khelaghar Samaj Kalyan Samity atBashundhara Kings arena practice ground while Wari Club take Chattogram CityFootball Club at Fortis ground in Jalshiri.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Collage Photo: BSSDHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today phoned his Bangladesh counterpart Tarique Rahman congratulating him on assumption of the country's 11th Prime Minister. "Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim talked to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman over phone around 3pm today, congratulating him and his party BNP on landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary elections," Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli told BSS this afternoon. He said during the conversation, the both leaders exchanged greetings and stressed strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly nations. They also discussed exporting manpower from Bangladesh, the press secretary added.

Renowned Bengali writer Mani Sankar Mukhopadhyay, popularly known as “Sankar,” passed away on Friday afternoon at the age of 92, leaving a lasting void in Bengali literature. Born into a middle-class family in Howrah, West Bengal, India, Shankar began his early life struggling on the streets of Kolkata in search of work. The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, expressed grief, saying: “His passing marks the fall of a brilliant star in Bengali literature. Generation after generation of Bengali readers has been mesmerized by his creations.”Shankar’s accolades include the Sahitya Akademi Award (2003), the Banga Bibhushan, and other honors. He also served in prominent roles, including the Sheriff of West Bengal, reflecting his multifaceted contributions beyond literature.

The emphatic win propels Bangladesh into the tournament final, where they will face India “A” in a highly anticipated title clash on Sunday. For Pakistan, bowlers kept things tight early, but Bangladesh managed to eke out enough runs to set a defendable target. Despite periodic breakthroughs, no other Bangladeshi batter supported Fahima with significant scores, leaving the final total below par on paper but competitive in the context of the slow pitch. Other bowlers including Fariha Trisna, Farjana Easmin, and Fatema Jahan supported in restricting Pakistan’s batting depth. Bangladesh’s comprehensive victory reflects their growing strength in women’s cricket and sets up a compelling final against tournament favourites India.

A 65-year-old inmate of Dhaka Central Jail died at Dhaka Medical College HospitalInmate Abdul Khaleque brought to DMCH in an unconscious state around 12:30am on Friday where doctors pronounced him dead. Prison guard Abdullah said the inmate fell ill suddenly during the night. Following jail authorities’ instructions, he was rushed to the DMCH emergency department for advanced treatment. Md Faruk, officer in charge of the DMCH Police Outpost, said the body was kept in the hospital morgue for an autopsy. After completing the autopsy and legal procedures, the body will be handed over to the family.

The government has finalized the portfolios of eight advisers to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who were appointed to minister and state minister ranks in the new administration. Earlier, on Tuesday, the government had appointed a total of 10 advisers, leaving two without assigned portfolios for the time being. Minister-rank advisers and their portfoliosAccording to the notification, five advisers at the minister rank have been given key responsibilities:Political Advisers: Senior leaders Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Nazrul Islam Khan, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed have been appointed as the prime minister’s political advisers. State minister-rank advisers and their portfoliosThree advisers at the state minister rank have been assigned portfolios across multiple ministries:Brigadier General (retd) Shamsul Islam has been given responsibility for the Ministry of Defence. The portfolios for the remaining two advisers are expected to be announced at a later date.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Friday said police will question teenagers found roaming the streets at night as part of efforts to curb what he described as “unwarranted roaming.”“Teenagers must not roam the streets unnecessarily at night. If found outside late, police will question them,” he said, adding that any constitutional concerns arising from such measures would be addressed later. Milon made the remarks while exchanging views with local administration officials in Kachua Upazila of Chandpur in the afternoon. The minister also issued a warning against corruption among government officials and employees. I will ensure this place remains clean.”Officials present at the meeting included Chandpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nazmul Islam Sarkar, Superintendent of Police Robiul Hasan, Kachua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmudul Hasan Russell, among others.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Friday urged authorities to maintain law and order and prevent mob formation, while also keeping commodity prices under control during Ramadan. Speaking at an views exchange meeting with government officials and employees at the conference room of the Faridpur deputy commissioner’s office, she said: “Attention must be paid so that a mob is not formed. During Ramadan, commodity prices must be kept at a tolerable level, and security must be ensured for everyone regardless of political affiliation. The meeting was chaired by Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Kamrul Hasan Mollah. Special guest speeches were delivered by Faridpur-4 Member of Parliament Shahidul Islam Babul.

The government of Bangladesh has formally requested a three-year postponement of its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, sending a letter to the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) to seek approval. According to the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the letter, signed by ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, was sent to the CDP on Wednesday. In this context, Bangladesh has formally requested a “crisis assessment” and a possible extension of three years. While the country’s economic challenges were highlighted, no specific recommendations were issued, though the graduation process was described as "challenging" for Bangladesh. Officials said the process has now formally begun, and further decisions will depend on the results of the ongoing assessment.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Rajshahi-6 (Charghat-Bagha) Abu Sayeed Chand has instructed authorities to follow a zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs. Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS)- Member of Parliament (MP) for Rajshahi-6(Charghat-Bagha) Abu Sayeed Chand has instructed authorities to follow azero-tolerance policy regarding drugs. He said that the major problem in Charghat is waterlogging, however, thecauses of waterlogging are not being properly identified. Abu Sayeed Chand made these remarks on Thursday afternoon while speaking asthe chief guest at a view-exchange meeting organised by the UpazilaAdministration with officials and employees of various levels. Charghat-Bagha faces another serious and complex problem-drug, he said,adding, "A zero-tolerance policy must be strictly enforced against narcotics.

Photo : BSSJASHORE, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit today said the government is striving to maintain uninterrupted electricity supply despite current shortages. Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Jashore District Electricity Department officials at the Circuit House, he said efforts are underway to ensure power during Ramadan, particularly for Iftar, Tarawih and Sehri. He also assured that electricity supply to farmers will be prioritized during the upcoming Boro irrigation season, even if rationing is needed. Earlier, the minister arrived in Jashore by air for the first time since taking oath and was welcomed by district administration officials, police and local party leaders.

The government has extended the daily downtime for CNG filling stations during Ramadan to ensure an adequate gas supply for power generation at Iftar. In a notice issued on Friday, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division said CNG stations will remain closed from 3pm to 9pm each day from the first day of Ramadan until Mar 14. The order said that the decision was made to address low pressure in the gas distribution network and ensure an uninterrupted supply during Iftar. However, CNG and filling stations will remain open round the clock from Mar 15 to Mar 25 ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. From Mar 26, CNG stations will return to their usual timetable, closing daily from 6pm to 9pm.

Photo : BSSDHAKA, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh women’s football team reached Sydney safely today (Friday) to participate in the final stage of AFC Women’s Asian Cup scheduled to be held in Australia from March 1 to 21, according to a message received here from Bangladesh Football Federation. Earlier, in the wee hours of today (Friday) the Bangladesh women’s team departed here for Australia to take part in the tournament. Bangladesh, for the first time is going to participate in the final stage of the AFC Asian Cup, grouped with strong China, North Korea and Uzbekistan. Bangladesh eve football team will start their campaign taking on nine times champion China on March 3 at Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney and will play their second match against three times champion North Korea on March 6 at the same venue before facing Uzbekistan on March 9 at Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth. Bangladesh women’s team: Rupna Chakma, Mile Akter, Swarna Rani Mandal, Afeida Khandakar (captain), Kohati Kisku, Nabiran Khatun, Sheuli Azim, Shamsunnajar (senior), Mst Halima Khatun, Surovi Akter Afin, Sapna Rani, Munki Akter, Airin Khatun, Shaheda Akter Ripa, Umehla Marma, Ritu Porna Chakma, Monika Chakma, Maria Manda, Anika Rania Siddiqui, Unnoti Khatun, Alpi Akter, Sauravi AAkanda Prity, Most Sultana Tohura Khatun, Mst Sagorika and Shamsunnahar (junior).

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu today exchanges greets with people at Lalmonirhat Sadar. Photo : BSSLALMONIRHAT, Feb 20, 2026 (BSS) - Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu today said the government is working to launch the ‘Family Card’ scheme ahead of the holy Eid-ul-fitr as part of its 180-day priority action plan. “We want to introduce the ‘Family Card’ before Eid on a priority basis. He said canal identification is currently under way, and the Ministry of Water Resources, LGED, and the disaster management and relief ministry will work together to ensure its success. The minister said steps have also been taken to keep prices stable, maintain law and order, ensure uninterrupted power supply during iftar and sehri, and facilitate smooth Eid travel.