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.

State Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, and Food Sultan Salahuddin Tuku announced that work on the promised farmer card program will begin soon. He made the statement on Wednesday afternoon at the Secretariat during the first working day of the new government, speaking to journalists about his ministry’s upcoming plans.

Tuku said he would hold meetings with officials from the three ministries under his responsibility to plan and initiate future activities. He also sought cooperation from members of the press in carrying out the ministry’s work. The announcement marks one of the first policy steps under the new administration.

The farmer card initiative was mentioned as a commitment, and the minister’s remarks indicate the government’s intention to move forward with its implementation in coordination with relevant departments.

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.

India’s trade deficit rose to a three-month high of 34.68 billion dollars in January, according to data released by the country’s commerce ministry. The increase was driven by a 12 percent rise in imports to 71.24 billion dollars, largely due to higher gold and silver imports, while exports fell 5 percent to 36.56 billion dollars. Economists had expected the deficit to be around 26 billion dollars based on the previous month’s figure of 25.04 billion dollars.

The widening deficit comes as India prepares to send a delegation to Washington next week to finalize a trade deal aimed at reducing U.S. tariffs on Indian goods. The Trump administration had imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports, which officials say will drop to 18 percent this week. President Donald Trump earlier confirmed the reduction, bringing relief to exporters and policymakers.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal told Reuters that the delegation’s visit is intended to conclude the trade agreement. Trump also stated that India has pledged to cut oil imports from Russia and increase purchases of U.S. goods more than twofold.

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.

Farmers in Pakundia upazila of Kishoreganj are increasingly turning to sunflower cultivation due to its low production cost and promising profitability. Supported by the local agriculture department, around 10 bighas of land in areas such as Bara Ajaldi and Chandipasha have been brought under sunflower farming this year. The bright yellow fields have also become a local attraction, drawing visitors and nature enthusiasts.

According to the upazila agriculture office, sunflower farming is both easy and economically rewarding. It holds importance for oil production and has gained popularity for its aesthetic appeal. Farmers are receiving incentives and continuous guidance from agricultural officials, helping them achieve good yields. Local markets are offering favorable prices for sunflower seeds, increasing farmers’ confidence in the crop.

Officials noted that limited availability of oil extraction machines remains a challenge, slightly reducing farmers’ interest. They believe that ensuring adequate supply of such equipment could further expand sunflower cultivation in the region.

Allegations have emerged in Lohagara upazila of Chattogram that relatives of Sheikh Hasina’s military secretary have illegally cut down trees and occupied 12 acres of reserved forest land under the Chunati Range’s Satgar Beat. According to local residents, Anwar Kamal, a member of the South District Awami League and former district council member, along with his cousin Nazrul, cleared the forest area and sold trees without any legal action from forest officials.

Residents further claimed that tree felling continues in several areas near the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway, where more than ten fish projects and numerous betel leaf plantations have been established on forest land. They alleged that a powerful syndicate is destroying the environment by cutting trees and occupying forest areas. Field visits reportedly confirmed large-scale deforestation and land encroachment in multiple locations.

Chunati Range Officer Abir Hossain stated that the deforested area falls outside their jurisdiction, while South Forest Division Officer Mohammad Sohel Rana said legal action will be taken against anyone involved, including forest officials if found complicit.

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.

Bangladesh Bank’s latest banking update report reveals a sharp rise in loan defaults, particularly among large borrowers. As of June last year, 48.2 percent of loans exceeding Tk 50 crore were classified as defaulted, compared to 17.1 percent during the same period in 2024. The report indicates that loan classification ratios have increased significantly across all lending categories between the 2023–24 and 2024–25 fiscal years, signaling mounting pressure on the banking sector’s loan portfolio.

The analysis shows that default rates stood at 16 percent for loans up to Tk 1 crore, 26.1 percent for loans between Tk 1 crore and Tk 10 crore, and 45.7 percent for loans between Tk 10 crore and Tk 20 crore. Sector-wise, business and trade loans had the highest default rate at 44.7 percent, followed by industrial loans at 35.9 percent and construction loans at 27 percent. The overall national default rate rose from 34.6 percent in June to 35.73 percent in September.

Bankers noted that the actual scale of defaults is now more accurately reflected, as previous underreporting during the former Awami League government has ceased. They warned that the default rate may continue to rise in the coming months.

Prices of key consumer goods have increased in markets across Bangladesh ahead of the upcoming Ramadan, with the highest jumps seen in dates, green chilies, bananas, cucumbers, and lemons. The Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) attributed the rise to reduced government monitoring and recent disruptions in product transportation, which created supply shortages. CAB’s senior vice president S.M. Nazrul Hossain said controlling the market is a major challenge for the new government, as unscrupulous traders often exploit the season.

Traders, however, blamed international price hikes and instability at Chattogram port for the increase, particularly in dates. Field visits to major Dhaka markets found Zahidi dates selling at Tk 280 per kg, up from Tk 180 last year, while green chilies rose by Tk 40 per kg. Imported fruits such as apples, oranges, and grapes also became costlier by Tk 20–60 per kg. Despite higher imports of fresh dates this fiscal year, prices remain elevated.

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) said the country has sufficient stocks of edible oil, sugar, onions, and lentils, urging authorities to curb extortion in supply chains and consumers to avoid panic buying to maintain market stability.

On the first day of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh’s (TCB) discounted product sales for Ramadan, long queues and chaotic scenes were observed across multiple points in Dhaka. Crowds gathered behind TCB’s mobile trucks, with reports of pushing, shoving, and even scuffles as people tried to buy goods. Many customers left empty-handed after waiting for hours. The sales began at 11 a.m. on Tuesday and will continue until March 12, excluding Fridays and public holidays.

Witnesses at Topkhana Road, Suritola School, the Secretariat area, and Karwan Bazar reported disorderly lines and alleged favoritism in distribution. Several buyers complained that influential individuals and associates of local leaders were purchasing multiple packages, while ordinary citizens struggled to obtain any. A newspaper vendor described the process as lacking proper regulation and urged government action to restore order.

According to TCB, each truck serves 400 buyers daily, offering a package of five essential items—edible oil, lentils, sugar, chickpeas, and dates—for 590 taka. The program operates through 450 mobile trucks nationwide, including 50 in Dhaka and 20 in Chattogram.

Widespread allegations have emerged in Sitakunda, Chattogram, that large areas of farmland are being filled with sand extracted from the sea under the pretext of establishing factories. Locals claim that during the national election on February 12, when the administration was occupied, a group destroyed hundreds of acres of arable land. Residents accuse individuals linked to industrial interests of cutting soil from croplands and using excavators to raise the land by 40–50 feet. Despite repeated media reports, locals say no visible administrative action has been taken, fueling anger in the community.

In Syedpur Union’s Paschim Syedpur area, locals allege that sea sand is being used to fill farmland for future industrial projects. Advocate Hossain Ashraf warned that such activities are disrupting agricultural production and threatening environmental balance. Similar complaints have surfaced in Bashbaria Union’s Magpukur area, where a company named Automation Engineering has reportedly begun filling about 100 acres, raising concerns about waterlogging and risks to nearby institutions. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that the matter will be investigated and legal action taken if violations are found.

Residents are demanding immediate measures to stop illegal land filling and protect the coastal environment, warning of severe long-term impacts on agriculture and biodiversity.