A Dhaka court has again postponed the submission of the investigation report in the Bangladesh Bank reserve theft case, marking the 93rd delay. On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam set a new date of April 9 for the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to file the report. The CID failed to submit the report on the previously scheduled date, prompting the court to extend the deadline once more.

The case stems from the February 5, 2016 theft of 81 million US dollars from Bangladesh Bank’s account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The funds were fraudulently transferred using the SWIFT system and later moved to the Philippines. Investigators believe a hacker group, possibly aided by local collaborators, was involved in laundering the stolen money.

Following the incident, on March 15, 2016, Zobayer Bin Huda, Deputy Director of the Accounts and Budgeting Department of Bangladesh Bank, filed a case under the Money Laundering Prevention Act and the Information and Communication Technology Act. The CID continues to investigate the matter.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has begun the trial of Sajib Wazed Joy, son of Sheikh Hasina and ICT adviser, and former state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, in connection with alleged crimes against humanity linked to the July killings. The prosecution opened its introductory statement on Wednesday, marking the formal start of proceedings. The tribunal set February 25 for witness testimony, while Palak, who is under arrest, was brought from prison to the court. Formal charges had been framed against both accused on January 21.

According to the prosecution, three charges were brought against the two. The first alleges that Palak incited violence through social media posts between midnight and 1 a.m. on July 14, 2024, following Joy’s instructions, leading to attacks on protesters the next day. The second charge claims both ordered internet shutdowns and encouraged the use of lethal force, resulting in 28 deaths. The third accuses them of aiding killings in Uttara, where several victims, including a six-year-old, were reportedly killed.

Defense lawyers for both accused sought discharge, arguing insufficient evidence, while prosecutors maintained that the charges were based on credible proof to be demonstrated during trial.

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) became tense again on the anniversary of the 2025 campus violence. Late on the night of February 17, 2026, unidentified youths vandalized the 'Bloodied KUET Corner' exhibition, which had been set up by injured students with university approval to commemorate the previous year’s attack. CCTV footage reportedly showed a group led by a student leader from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal entering the exhibition room at 12:32 a.m. and leaving five minutes later. The incident followed earlier unrest, including the blockade of the vice-chancellor’s residence and banners declaring him unwelcome on campus.

KUET’s Student Welfare Director, Professor B.M. Ikramul Haque, said the same group involved in the February 13 disturbance appeared in the footage and accused them of trying to destabilize the campus again. He announced a meeting to decide next steps. Vice-Chancellor Professor Maksud Helali said he had only been verbally informed about the commemorative program. Chhatra Dal leader Safwan Ahmed Ifaz denied involvement, claiming the exhibition space had been misused and that students had merely “freed” it.

The renewed unrest has raised concern among students and staff just weeks after the national election, with fears of further instability on campus.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized a large consignment of Indian Tapentadol tablets worth approximately Tk 3.12 crore from the border area of Haldegram in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur. The operation was conducted early Tuesday night based on secret intelligence by patrol members of the Mymensingh Battalion (39 BGB) under the Haldegram Border Outpost. The seizure was confirmed in a press release issued by the battalion on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the report, smugglers attempted to bring the Indian Tapentadol (100 mg) tablets into Bangladesh through an innovative method. Acting on the tip-off, BGB personnel launched a raid around 4:30 a.m. When the smugglers realized the presence of the patrol team, they fled the scene, leaving the drugs behind. No arrests were made during the operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Md. Nurul Azim Bayezid, commanding officer of the 39 BGB Battalion, stated that BGB remains vigilant around the clock to protect the international border and prevent illegal activities. He added that strict measures against drug trafficking and illegal infiltration will continue.

Two drivers were killed in a head-on collision between an army truck and a passenger bus in Phulpur, Mymensingh, on Wednesday morning around 10:45 a.m. The accident occurred near Kakli Rice Mill at Balia Mor on the Mymensingh-Haluaghat road. The bus was heading toward Sherpur when the collision left seven to eight passengers seriously injured. The bus driver, who was critically hurt, died while receiving treatment at Phulpur Upazila Health Complex.

Army truck driver Sergeant Rezaul was rescued and taken to Tarakanda Upazila Health Complex, where he also died during treatment. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Mamun, army personnel were returning from the Phulpur camp to Mymensingh when the crash occurred. Army, police, and fire service teams promptly reached the site to conduct rescue operations and clear the traffic congestion.

Authorities reported that traffic on the Mymensingh-Haluaghat road has since returned to normal, and legal procedures related to the incident are underway.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard rescued nine fishermen alive after their fishing boat drifted in the deep sea near Saint Martin due to engine failure. The incident occurred about 10 nautical miles from the island, and the rescue was carried out by the Coast Guard ship Joy Bangla following an emergency alert through the 16111 hotline. The operation was confirmed by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Siamandul Haque.

According to the Coast Guard, the fishing boat’s engine malfunctioned on Monday, leaving it stranded in the deep sea. Upon receiving the distress information, a special rescue operation was immediately launched. All nine fishermen were rescued alive along with their boat.

After the rescue, the fishermen were provided with food and primary medical care before being handed over to their boat owner. The Coast Guard emphasized the prompt response and coordination that ensured the safe recovery of the crew.

NCP-Dhaka North member Iqbal Hossain was reportedly abducted and tortured in Uttara under the leadership of individuals identified as Awami-linked figures Moyla Delowar and Kawser. The incident came to light on Wednesday morning. According to the report, Hossain was taken from Road 11 in Sector 10 of Uttara by a group led by Delowar, also known as Moyla Delu, and Kawser.

The abductors are described as members of a group associated with former Awami League Ward 54 councillor Yuvraj, who is also a suspect in a previous murder case. Police later rescued Iqbal Hossain unconscious from the ground floor of a house in the area. He is currently receiving treatment at Bangladesh Kuwait Maitree Hospital.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding arrests or the motive behind the abduction, and the investigation appears to be ongoing.

Police in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, conducted a special operation early Tuesday morning and arrested one suspected drug trafficker with 150,000 yaba tablets. The operation began around 4 a.m. based on intelligence that a pickup truck was transporting a large consignment of yaba from the Morichya area toward the Cox’s Bazar–Chattogram highway. Officers set up a temporary checkpoint near Shikolghata Bridge and intercepted a pickup that attempted to evade police. After a chase, the vehicle stopped near Ramu Central Government Primary School, where one suspect, Md. Harun, 29, was detained with a sack containing the drugs.

Police reported that the seized sack contained 15 packets, each holding 10,000 yaba tablets. The pickup used for transport had no registration number. Law enforcement officials stated that preparations are underway to file a case under relevant narcotics laws. Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) Alok Biswas confirmed the seizure, while Ramu Police Station’s Investigation Officer Md. Farid said efforts continue to arrest the remaining suspects.

Authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance in the area to prevent further drug trafficking attempts.

Police in Sitakunda, Chattogram, have launched an anti-drug operation, arresting three members of the same family from Kolabaria Adarsha village in Baraiahdala Union. The detainees are Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, 24, his father Bahar Uddin, 55, and mother Bibi Mariam alias Kohinur Akter, 45. Acting on a tip-off, police conducted a special raid on the night of February 17 and recovered 52 pieces of yaba from Hridoy, who was known locally as a top drug dealer. The family allegedly ran the operation under CCTV surveillance for a long time.

Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohinul Islam said initial information suggests the entire family was involved in drug trading and that Hridoy faces multiple criminal cases, including murder, robbery, and narcotics charges. Legal action is underway, and police have pledged to continue the anti-drug drive under a zero-tolerance policy.

Local residents, who had previously organized human chains demanding tougher action, expressed relief at the arrests and hope that continued enforcement and community awareness will help make the area permanently drug-free.

A Jamaat supporter named Abbas Uddin, aged 55, died on Tuesday afternoon while undergoing treatment at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit in Dhaka, five days after being severely burned in an arson attack at his fish farm in Lakshmipur. The incident occurred last Wednesday night at Jitu Agro Fish Farm in Char Ramani Mohan Union of Sadar upazila, where unidentified assailants allegedly set fire to the house on the farm. Abbas’s wife and other family members escaped, but he was trapped inside and sustained serious burns before being taken to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

According to his son, Elahi Prince, Abbas was a member of Jamaat in Lakshmipur Municipality’s Ward 6, while his wife, Sultana Razia Lucky, serves as the local women’s wing president. Prince claimed his father was targeted for his political affiliation and described him as a martyr. Lakshmipur Jamaat city leader Abul Farah Nishan said the attack occurred on the eve of the election and confirmed Abbas’s political involvement. Police said they were aware of the incident but had not yet received a formal complaint.

Authorities stated that legal action would follow once a written complaint is filed.

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has expelled one student permanently and imposed varying punishments on eight others for sexually harassing a female student on social media. The decision was announced on Tuesday, January 17, following a meeting of the university’s disciplinary committee. The main accused, Suman Majumder of the Computer Engineering and Technology Department (2024–25 session), was expelled for life.

According to university sources, the disciplinary actions were based on the findings of a sexual harassment investigation committee under Section 6 of the RUET Disciplinary Ordinance. Three students were expelled for three academic years for assisting the main accused, while five others were expelled for one academic year for incitement. Additionally, eight of the accused were permanently expelled from university dormitories, and none will receive a character certificate.

RUET’s Director of Student Welfare, Professor Dr. Robiul Islam Sarkar, stated that the university prioritizes the safety and dignity of all students and took prompt action based on the investigation report. He emphasized that RUET maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward harassment on campus.

Police in Companiganj, Sylhet, arrested two individuals early Tuesday during a raid in Nobagi village, seizing a Noah microbus loaded with 1,225 bottles of Indian liquor of various brands. The seized liquor and vehicle are valued at approximately half a crore taka, according to police sources. The operation was conducted based on a tip-off after officers noticed a suspicious black Noah vehicle moving near the border area late at night.

The raid was led by Sub-Inspectors Kamrul Alam and Amirul Islam, along with Assistant Sub-Inspectors Mohammad Ali and Abul Kalam. The suspects, identified as Rakibul Islam Rubel from Kishoreganj and Sagar Molla from Manikganj, were detained from a dirt road in front of a house in Nobagi village. Police said the liquor was being transported illegally from the border area for distribution across the country.

Companiganj Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam Khan stated that regular checkpoints and raids are being carried out based on intelligence reports. The detainees have been charged under the Narcotics Control Act and sent to court.

A house belonging to Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader Yasin Ali Sujon was set on fire after being locked from the outside in Noakhali’s Hatiya upazila early Monday night. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. in Nalarchar village of Chanandi Union, where Sujon’s father, Belal Mia, usually resides. Local sources said a group of miscreants locked the door from outside before setting the house ablaze, destroying furniture and valuables completely. No casualties were reported as Sujon’s father was not home at the time.

Sujon alleged that the attack was retaliation for his public statement dismissing a rape allegation related to voting at Prokolpo Bazar as false. Former Hatiya BNP president Alauddin condemned the incident, saying post-election violence was destabilizing the area and that arson terrorism was unacceptable. Hatiya Jatiya Nagorik Party convener Shamsul Tibriz said he had just learned of the matter and would gather more details.

Hatiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Alam confirmed that police visited the scene and said legal action would follow upon receiving a written complaint from the affected family.

A Dhaka court has sentenced domestic worker Survi Akter Nahid to death for the murder of Afroza Begum and her housemaid Diti in Dhanmondi seven years ago. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, by Judge Tawhida Akter of the Seventh Additional Metropolitan Sessions Court. Another accused, house staff member Bachchu Mia, was acquitted due to lack of evidence, according to state prosecutor Jamal Uddin.

The case stems from the discovery of the bloodied bodies of Afroza Begum, mother-in-law of Kazi Monir Uddin Tarim, and her maid Diti on November 1, 2019, at a fifth-floor apartment in Dhanmondi’s Lobelia House. Both victims had their throats slit. Afroza’s daughter, Dilruba Sultana Ruba, filed the murder case two days later. The investigation was transferred from local police to the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), which submitted charges against two suspects in February 2022.

The court began trial in October 2022, hearing testimony from 25 of 32 witnesses before reaching the verdict. The ruling concludes a high-profile case that drew significant public attention in Dhaka.

A Sirajganj court has sentenced three accused to life imprisonment for the murder of seven-year-old schoolboy Tamim Hossain in Ullapara, following a dispute over local dominance. Each of the three convicts was also fined 20,000 taka. Another accused, Mannan Akand, received a two-year prison term, a fine of 5,000 taka, and an additional three months of imprisonment in default of payment. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. by District and Sessions Judge Md. Iqbal Hossain.

According to the case details presented by the public prosecutor, Tamim had been living at his maternal grandfather’s home in Narsinghapara village for his studies. He went missing on February 10, 2017, and his body was found the next morning in a mustard field with rope marks around his neck and injuries on the back of his head. His father, Soleman Fakir, filed a case with Ullapara Model Police Station against unidentified persons. Police later arrested three suspects who confessed under Section 164 that the killing stemmed from a rivalry over local influence.

After a lengthy trial and examination of evidence, the court found four individuals guilty, sentencing three to life imprisonment and one to a shorter term.