An investigation committee has confirmed that money was illegally collected in the name of online family card applications in Fulbaria upazila of Mymensingh. The committee, led by Upazila Social Services Officer Mozammel Haque, verified that 100 taka was taken from applicants under the direction of Achim Patuli Union Parishad Chairman Imrul Kayes. The confirmation came on Friday afternoon.

The issue surfaced after reports in national newspapers and social media posts alleged that money was being charged for the family card application process. Following public criticism, the upazila administration formed a three-member investigation committee on February 28, appointing Mozammel Haque as its head. The committee was instructed to submit its report within three working days.

According to the committee chief, the investigation found the allegations to be true, and the report will be submitted on Sunday. Upazila Executive Officer Ariful Islam stated that a viral video also proved the irregularities.

Police in Rajshahi have arrested two leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) for allegedly assaulting a college teacher after failing to extort money from him. The arrests were made on Friday night by Boalia police following a case filed by the victim, Assistant Professor Asaduzzaman Jewel of Shah Makhdum College. The accused, Abdullah Al Maruf Shihab, general secretary of the college’s JCD unit, and Abu Sufian Chandan, joint convener of Rajshahi Government City College JCD, were sent to jail through court on Saturday.

According to the case statement, the two accused had been demanding Tk 100,000 from Jewel for the past three months. When he refused, they allegedly threatened him with a knife on November 26 last year and again assaulted him on March 4 near his residence in Kadirganj, issuing further death threats. Both accused denied the allegations, claiming the teacher was an Awami League supporter who filed a false case in retaliation.

Investigating officer SI Mizanur Rahman said the suspects were arrested and sent to jail, and the case is under investigation for further legal action.

Qatar has resumed the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bangladesh after a temporary production halt, according to a report by U.S.-based media outlet Bloomberg. The report stated that a tanker named 'Lebretha' departed from Qatar's Ras Laffan export terminal on Friday, loaded with LNG and heading toward Bangladesh, where it is expected to arrive on March 14. Another vessel, 'Al Ghashamiya,' was also loaded with LNG earlier in the week and is currently waiting in the Persian Gulf.

Bloomberg noted that it remains uncertain whether either shipment will reach its destination, as the Strait of Hormuz—controlled by Iran—has been effectively closed to commercial shipping due to ongoing war conditions. The report added that the 'Lebretha' tanker could serve as floating storage until sea routes reopen.

Earlier, Qatar had shut down its Ras Laffan terminal, the world’s largest LNG export hub, following an Iranian drone attack. Normally, about 20 percent of global LNG supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

A local BNP leader, Md. Jibon Mia, has been accused of failing to pay for a donated cow he purchased in an open auction at the historic Pagla Mosque in Kishoreganj. The auction took place on February 9, 2025, where Jibon Mia bought the cow for Tk 55,000 but did not make the required immediate payment. Mosque officials said repeated attempts to collect the money were unsuccessful, and threats were allegedly made when payment was demanded.

Local sources said Jibon Mia claims to be a member of the Kishoreganj municipal BNP’s Ward No. 5 committee, though the committee has reportedly been dissolved, according to the municipal BNP president. Meanwhile, journalists covering the alleged irregularities in the auction were attacked on Thursday afternoon, reportedly led by Jibon Mia. Four journalists were injured and are receiving treatment at Kishoreganj 250-bed Modern Hospital.

Following the attack, journalist Fayzul Islam Bhuiya Pinku filed an attempted murder case against eight people. Police have arrested Jibon Mia and another suspect named Mona in connection with the case.

Bangladesh Railway has started selling advance train tickets for March 18 today, Sunday, March 8, to ensure smooth travel for passengers heading home for Eid-ul-Fitr. According to railway authorities, all tickets are being sold entirely online this year. To reduce server pressure, the ticket sales have been divided by region and time, with western region tickets available from 8 a.m. and eastern region tickets from 2 p.m.

Tickets for March 13 to 17 trains were sold from March 3 to 7, while tickets for March 18 and 19 are being sold on March 8 and 9 respectively. For return journeys after Eid, advance ticket sales will begin on March 13, starting with tickets for March 23. Subsequent days will see sales for March 24 to 29 tickets.

The initiative aims to manage high passenger demand during the Eid travel rush and minimize technical disruptions by staggering online ticket sales across regions and dates.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has strengthened patrols across coastal and border regions to prevent the smuggling of fuel oil and essential commodities. The measure was confirmed on Saturday by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, who said the force is maintaining maximum alert to counter illegal cross-border activities.

According to the Coast Guard, concerns have risen over possible smuggling of fuel and daily necessities into Myanmar amid the ongoing global energy crisis. Continuous day and night patrols are being conducted along coastal zones, waterways, and border-adjacent areas to stop any illicit networks from transporting goods illegally.

The Coast Guard has also urged residents of coastal areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information through its emergency hotline number 16111.

India has raised cooking gas prices as global energy markets reel from ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In Kolkata, the price of a 14-kilogram LPG cylinder rose from 879 to 939 rupees, while the 19-kilogram commercial cylinder increased by 114 rupees to 1,990 rupees. The new rates took effect on Saturday, March 7, across West Bengal, intensifying pressure on household budgets.

According to the LPG Distributors Association spokesperson Bijonbihari Biswas, supply to large customers has been temporarily restricted, and similar measures may soon apply to users of 19-kilogram cylinders. Distributors reportedly have only four to five days of gas stock left. Many residents have begun turning to wood-fired stoves as an alternative amid the price hike.

Stakeholders warn that if the conflict continues, gas prices could rise further. Local consumers expressed concern that the higher costs are straining family finances, with few affordable alternatives available.

A young man named Samad Ahmed, aged 22, was killed in a knife attack during an arbitration meeting in Sikandarpur village under Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet on Friday night. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. when a dispute over a local road between two groups escalated into violence. Police detained six individuals suspected of involvement in the attack.

According to police and eyewitnesses, Samad Ahmed was the son of Abdul Khalik of Sikandarpur village. The conflict had been ongoing between Samad’s family and those of Rahim Ullah’s son Abdus Sattar and Abdul Jabbar. The arbitration meeting was arranged to resolve the dispute, but tensions rose and Samad was stabbed by members of the opposing group. He was taken to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Osmaninagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Murshedul Alam Bhuiyan confirmed the incident, stating that legal action will be taken against those involved. The body was sent to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Bangladesh Bank has received a set of recommendations from leading economists to help the country withstand potential economic shocks stemming from rising tensions in the Middle East. At a meeting held on Saturday, chaired by newly appointed Governor Mostakur Rahman, eight prominent economists advised keeping the policy interest rate unchanged, preserving foreign exchange reserves, and seeking alternative energy sources outside the Middle East.

The economists warned that recent military tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States could disrupt global energy supplies and increase pressure on Bangladesh’s economy through higher fuel costs, reduced remittance inflows, and dollar shortages. They emphasized the need to avoid policies that could worsen inflation, which remains high, and urged proper implementation of social safety programs such as the Family Card initiative.

Additional recommendations included accelerating the release of foreign loans, exploring energy imports from Brunei and Singapore, and forming a crisis management committee to provide regular briefings and prevent public panic. The governor pledged integrity in his role and directed banks to act free from political influence.

A court has sought permission from the Ministry of Public Administration to file a case against Sylhet Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md. Sarowar Alam for alleged non-cooperation in a murder investigation and violation of court orders. The case relates to the killing of a youth named Tajuddin during an anti-discrimination student movement in Sylhet on August 4, 2024. Tajuddin’s wife filed a murder case, and the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) was assigned to investigate. Despite repeated requests, the DC allegedly failed to provide information about the executive magistrate on duty and the order under which shots were fired.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) submitted its report, but the district administration remained silent, stalling the investigation. On February 8, the court ordered the DC to explain within 15 working days why legal action should not be taken for obstructing justice. However, no response was received by March 1. Senior Judicial Magistrate Sudipta Talukdar observed that the DC’s conduct violated multiple sections of the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.

The ministry has been directed to obtain legal approval by April 15, 2026, and inform the court. The court’s strong stance has sparked wide discussion in Sylhet.

Bangladesh has received a major relief as 15 cargo ships carrying fuel, gas, and industrial raw materials have begun arriving at Chattogram Port despite fears of disruption in the Hormuz Strait due to the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict. According to port authorities, 12 of the ships have already docked, while the remaining three are expected within the week. The shipments include liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and clinker for the cement industry.

The tension around the Hormuz Strait escalated after a joint US-Israel strike on Iran on February 28, followed by Tehran’s warnings. About 20 percent of global oil and LNG supplies pass through this route, making it crucial for Bangladesh, which imports from seven Gulf countries. Four LNG ships from Qatar crossed the strait before the conflict intensified, while one more remains inside awaiting passage.

Officials noted that while current shipments have arrived safely, continued instability could complicate future cargo movements through the strait, potentially affecting Bangladesh’s energy imports.

Twelve ships that departed through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman before the outbreak of war between Iran, the United States, and Israel have reached the outer anchorage of Chattogram Port. Three more vessels are expected to arrive within the week. Among the arrivals, four are carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG), two contain liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and nine are loaded with clinker, a raw material for the cement industry.

According to Khairul Alam Sujon, former director of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, these ships left the Middle East before navigation through the Hormuz Strait was halted due to the conflict. He added that several other ships are still en route, while a few remain near or inside the strait.

Sujon stated that the government, shipping lines, vessel owners, cargo owners, and mariners are closely monitoring the war situation. If threats in the Hormuz Strait subside, normal maritime operations are expected to resume quickly.

Police in Sunamganj arrested six individuals from a gambling den in Shomadnagar village under Rangarchar Union early Friday morning. The raid was conducted around 4 a.m. by officers from the Sunamganj Sadar Model Police Station following a tip-off. The suspects were reportedly caught playing cards at the one-story brick house of Jamal Mia in the village.

According to police sources, the detainees include residents from Shomadnagar, Bongao, and Rampur villages. The arrested individuals were identified as Jamal Mia, Shamsul Haque, Mohammad Delwar Hossain, Md. Yasin, Shah Alam, and Rahim Ali. Police said preparations are underway to file a case against them under the gambling law.

The operation highlights ongoing law enforcement efforts in Sunamganj to curb illegal gambling activities in local communities.

Police in Noakhali’s Begumganj upazila arrested two armed suspects with a foreign-made pistol and two rounds of ammunition. The arrests took place around 1:05 a.m. on Friday night at Kanchihata Sardar Dighi Par Mor in Amanullapur Union. The operation was confirmed on Saturday afternoon by Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Abu Tayeb Md. Arif Hossain.

The detainees were identified as Forhad Islam Fahim, 20, and Tajul Islam Suman, 34, both residents of Amanullapur Union’s Ward No. 1. Police said the Begumganj team was on patrol for warrant execution and recovery of illegal arms and drugs when they spotted three suspicious men near a tea stall. Two were caught after a chase, and one escaped. A pistol and two live cartridges were recovered from Fahim’s possession.

Begumganj police confirmed that a case under the Arms Act has been filed against the two detainees and their absconding accomplice. The arrested men were sent to court on Saturday afternoon.

A sudden shortage of petrol has been reported across multiple filling stations in Rangpur Division, where customers claim a syndicate is deliberately withholding fuel to create an artificial crisis. Despite government instructions on fuel distribution limits, petrol has become unavailable at most pumps, forcing consumers to buy octane instead. In response, the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) and the district administration launched joint drives, fining and warning pump owners for non-compliance.

On Saturday, long queues formed at petrol stations as motorcyclists and car owners struggled to refuel. Several customers accused pump owners of hoarding petrol to manipulate prices, while some station managers argued that supply disruptions were due to depot closures on Friday and Saturday. However, mobile courts found evidence of petrol being withheld despite available stock.

The mobile court fined the Shapla Uniq Petrol Pump Tk 10,000 and the City Petrol Pump Tk 20,000 for creating artificial shortages. Officials confirmed that sufficient fuel supply exists and urged the public not to panic or buy excessively. The inspection drives will continue across all pumps in Rangpur.