Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has directed police officers to ensure maximum security on February 21, observed as International Mother Language Day and Language Martyrs Day. "Security measures should be taken after reviewing the intelligence information and security risks to deal with any untoward situation considering the gravity and spirit of Ekushey February," he said at a virtual meeting from the police headquarters on Thursday. All metropolitan commissioners of police, range DIGs, district superintendents of police and heads of other units joined the meeting. He also ordered to ensure close monitoring of social media as well as bringing central Shaheed Minars under surveillance in major cities of the country to avoid untoward incidents. The IGP warned the police force about rumors, stating, "Stern action will be taken against rumor-mongers." "Like in the past, citizens of the country should be able to observe the International Mother Language Day peacefully," the IGP hoped.  Additional IGPs Md Kamrul Ahsan, Md Atiqul Islam, Md Mazharul Islam and senior officials were also present at the meeting. Read more: IGP directs police officers to provide proper legal assistance to those who need it

All the educational institutions of the country will be reopened after February 21 as the Covid-19 cases keep falling gradually, Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Saturday said. "The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has no objection to reopening physical classes, but we would suggest the educational institutions to be reopened in compliance with health-safety rules," he said in a views-exchange meeting with district health officials at Gorpara Shuvro Centre in sadar upazila at noon. The minister advised all the students of schools and colleges who have not yet been vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. Also read: Dipu Moni hints at reopening of educational institutions soon "Eighty-five per cent of our target population has been vaccinated so far. So, the risk of infection and death is much lower now," he said.

Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi paid tributes to the 1952 Language Movement martyrs on Friday.