Bangladesh Bank’s latest report shows that default loans in the banking sector dropped by Tk 872.98 billion during October–December 2025, bringing the total to Tk 5.57 trillion, or 30.60 percent of total loans. At the end of September, defaults stood at Tk 6.44 trillion, or 35.73 percent. The decline followed large-scale loan rescheduling and policy support introduced ahead of the national election.

Officials said banks typically reduce defaults in the final quarter of the year through intensified recovery efforts and by taking advantage of central bank rescheduling facilities. Under these measures, Tk 26,114 crore in defaulted loans were regularized. The interim government, after taking office, revealed the true scale of defaults previously understated under the former Awami League administration and later introduced initiatives to reduce them.

Sector-wise, state-owned banks held Tk 1.46 trillion in defaults, private banks Tk 3.89 trillion, foreign banks Tk 29.84 billion, and specialized banks Tk 185.46 billion. Provision shortfalls also fell sharply to Tk 1.91 trillion in December from Tk 3.44 trillion three months earlier, indicating improved balance sheet conditions across the sector.

Bangladesh’s export earnings declined by 3.15 percent in the first eight months of the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). From July to February, total export income stood at 31.91 billion dollars, down from 32.94 billion dollars in the same period of the previous year. The sharpest fall occurred in February, when export earnings dropped to 3.50 billion dollars, a 20.81 percent decrease from January and 12.03 percent lower than a year earlier.

The EPB data show that the apparel sector, which contributes 80.85 percent of total export earnings, experienced the most significant contraction. Exports of agricultural products, leather goods, and home textiles also fell, while pharmaceuticals and jute products saw modest growth. Economists and exporters attributed the downturn to additional tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and weakening global demand following joint U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran.

Experts warned that the ongoing geopolitical tensions could further depress export performance in the coming months, potentially deepening economic challenges for Bangladesh.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved a chargesheet against former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, his wife, and 33 others for allegedly embezzling Tk 230 million from United Commercial Bank’s (UCB) Karwan Bazar branch in Dhaka. The case involves accusations of taking loans under the name of a paper-based company falsely registered under an employee’s ownership. The information was confirmed by ACC Assistant Director Md. Tanzir Ahmed on Monday.

According to the ACC, the charges include violations under multiple sections of the Penal Code of 1860, the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1947, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2012. Among the accused are Rukmila Zaman, wife of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and former chairperson of UCB PLC, as well as former and current senior officials of the bank, several executives of Aramit PLC, and individuals linked to hundi operations.

Investigators allege that the accused abused power and influence to withdraw funds through fraud and forgery, later transferring and laundering the money abroad. The ACC has recommended exemption for one accused, Sharif Zahid, from the charges.

A man named Mamun Molla, aged 35, died on Sunday while receiving treatment in Dhaka after being injured in a bomb explosion during a clash in Terokhada upazila of Khulna. The incident occurred on February 25 in the Madhupur area, where tensions between two groups escalated into violence, leading to the explosion that severely injured Mamun. He was first taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka as his condition worsened.

According to Terokhada Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Shahidullah, the clash took place between two groups of the BNP, during which Mamun sustained injuries. He confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. Khulna district BNP convener Moniruzzaman Montu stated that the confrontation stemmed from a struggle for local dominance rather than political rivalry.

Mamun’s body is being brought back to Terokhada for further procedures, while police continue their inquiry into the cause and parties involved in the explosion.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) carried out a raid at the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) office in Chattogram on Monday following allegations of embezzlement and irregularities in several ongoing development projects. An enforcement team from the ACC’s Chattogram office visited the executive engineer’s office to collect his statement regarding the complaints.

According to ACC sources, allegations were received concerning misappropriation of allocated funds and irregularities in project work in Hathazari, Karnaphuli, and Anwara upazilas under the Chattogram district. To verify the authenticity of these claims, the enforcement team has requested all relevant project records for review.

ACC Chattogram Deputy Director Subel Ahmed stated that after examining the documents, a report will be submitted to the commission within a short time.

Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir has issued a strict directive to all field-level police officers to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against extortion. Speaking on Monday, March 2, during an online meeting with district police superintendents from the Police Headquarters, he emphasized the need for firm action against snatching, extortion, and drug-related crimes.

The IGP instructed both highway and district police to intensify operations to curb extortion, robbery, and snatching on highways. He also directed measures to ensure safe and smooth travel for homebound people during the upcoming Eid, including preventing traffic congestion and ensuring passenger safety. Fakir urged officers to treat citizens respectfully at police stations so that they leave with satisfaction, stressing that no innocent person should face harassment.

He called on all district police superintendents to work in unity to build a safer Bangladesh. Senior officials, including additional IGPs, were present at the Police Headquarters during the meeting.

The prosecution has requested the International Crimes Tribunal-1 to formally frame charges and begin trial proceedings against former Food Minister Kamrul Islam and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon in a case related to crimes against humanity during the July Revolution killings. The hearing took place on Monday before a two-member judicial panel led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumdar, with Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as the other member.

Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam presented three charges against the accused, alleging that Kamrul and Menon incited the use of lethal weapons and curfews against unarmed students and civilians to sustain the Sheikh Hasina government. The prosecution claimed that their actions led to shootings in areas including Badda between July 19 and August 5, 2024, resulting in killings for which they bear superior command responsibility.

Following the hearing, the defense sought more time, and the tribunal scheduled the next hearing for March 11. Both accused, arrested in 2024, were brought from prison to the tribunal for the session.

India and Canada have signed a long-term agreement for uranium supply, announced after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in New Delhi. The deal, valued at around three billion US dollars and lasting ten years, was formally exchanged on Monday morning, followed by a joint press conference confirming the agreement.

Canada, the world’s second-largest uranium supplier, has been providing uranium to India since 2013. The newly signed contract will be executed by Cameco, one of the world’s leading uranium fuel producers. According to BBC reports, India is seeking alternative energy sources such as uranium, oil, gas, and coal amid pressure from the United States to reduce energy imports from Russia.

During Carney’s visit, the two countries also signed cooperation agreements in defense, education, and energy sectors. Both leaders indicated that India and Canada are moving toward finalizing an economic cooperation agreement within the year, following nearly fifteen years of free trade discussions.

Two people were killed in separate road accidents in Lakshmipur on Monday, March 2. Elderly man Anwar Hossain and young motorcyclist Rakib Hossain died in the incidents that occurred in Sadar and Raipur upazilas. Rakib, son of Jahangir Alam from Shakchar area, died after his motorcycle was hit by a bus on the Lakshmipur-Majuchowdhuryhat road. Anwar, a tube-well mechanic from Charpata area, was struck by a CNG-run auto-rickshaw in front of the Raipur Fish Breeding and Training Center.

Police and witnesses said the bus was heading from Lakshmipur toward Majuchowdhuryhat when Rakib’s motorcycle came under its wheels as the bus tried to change lanes. Police recovered the body and sent it to the Sadar Hospital morgue. In the second incident, Raipur police reported that Anwar was severely injured after being hit by the auto-rickshaw and was declared dead at the Upazila Health Complex.

Authorities have seized the bus involved in Rakib’s accident, while the driver fled the scene. Police said efforts are underway to arrest the driver and legal action is being prepared.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stated that even if the Strait of Hormuz is closed due to ongoing tensions among Iran, Israel, and the United States, there will be no immediate crisis in food or fuel supplies for Bangladesh. He said the government has sufficient reserves to prevent any negative impact on market prices. The minister made these remarks on Monday after meeting Indian Ambassador Pranay Kumar Verma at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

Muktadir added that the government is closely monitoring the international situation and that Bangladesh has successfully managed similar challenges in the past. He noted that if the strait remains closed for a long time, ships would have to travel around the Cape of Good Hope, raising transportation costs and potentially affecting prices, though such a situation has not yet arisen. The government has prepared for essential goods and energy supplies and will observe developments over the next few days.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral trade, digital infrastructure, and technology cooperation. India’s ambassador reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening trade ties and normalizing visa operations soon.

The European Union’s Gas Coordination Group will meet on Wednesday to assess the impact of the spreading conflict in the Middle East on gas supplies. An EU spokesperson confirmed the meeting on Monday, noting that the group will review the situation following recent disruptions in energy production.

The meeting follows QatarEnergy’s announcement to halt liquefied natural gas (LNG) production at its Ras Laffan and Mesaieed industrial facilities after Iranian drone attacks on those sites. The production halt has led to a sharp rise in European gas prices, reportedly increasing by about 50 percent. The Gas Coordination Group includes representatives from EU member state governments and is responsible for monitoring gas storage and supply security across the bloc.

The group also coordinates emergency measures during supply crises, and the upcoming meeting is expected to focus on evaluating potential risks to Europe’s energy stability and possible response strategies.

European gas prices surged by nearly 50 percent after QatarEnergy announced a suspension of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production following an attack in the Middle East, according to Al Jazeera. Data from the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) showed that the front-month contract at the Netherlands’ Title Transfer Facility (TTF) hub rose by 14.56 euros to 46.52 euros per megawatt hour, equivalent to about 15.92 dollars per MMBtu. Earlier in the day, prices had already climbed about 25 percent before the production halt announcement pushed them higher.

Massimo Di Odoardo, vice president of gas and LNG research at Wood Mackenzie, said that any disruption in LNG supply could intensify competition between Asia and Europe for available cargoes. Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING, warned that if the market begins to price in a prolonged disruption of Qatari LNG supply, TTF prices could rise to between 80 and 100 euros per MWh.

The British April contract also increased by 40.83 pence per therm to 119.40 pence, while Asia’s Japan-Korea Marker (JKM) index jumped nearly 39 percent to 15.068 dollars per MMBtu.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with British High Commissioner Sarah Cook in Dhaka on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral trade relations and exploring new investment opportunities. The meeting took place at the minister’s office in the Secretariat. Both sides emphasized enhancing cooperation for sustainable economic growth and mutual benefit.

During the discussion, the commerce minister highlighted the need for British investment to modernize Sylhet’s tea industry and increase production, noting the sector’s potential for job creation and tourism development. He also urged UK investors to consider investing in fertilizer factories that face gas shortages and in Bangladesh’s growing information and communication technology sector.

High Commissioner Sarah Cook reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to advancing the long-standing trade partnership and expressed interest in supporting capacity building for officials in the ministry’s trade negotiation pool. She also indicated British investors’ interest in sectors such as tea, seafood, leather processing, export diversification, and light engineering.

Law enforcement authorities in Chuadanga have arrested three suspects, including the main planner, in connection with the killing of Jamaat activist Hafizur Rahman during a clash between Jamaat and BNP supporters in the Hasadah area of Jibannagar upazila. Police arrested two suspects, Abdus Salam and Jasim Uddin, on Saturday. Early Monday, a team led by Sub-Inspector Ashraf of the Chuadanga Detective Branch conducted an operation in Joyrampur, Damurhuda upazila, and detained Mehedi Hasan, 35, identified as the prime accused.

According to the Detective Branch, Mehedi Hasan was presented before the court on Monday afternoon, which ordered his transfer to Chuadanga District Jail. The murder case was filed by the victim’s brother, Amir Hossain, naming nine individuals as accused. Following the incident, tension has persisted in the area, prompting police to intensify patrols to maintain order.

Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the investigation or the status of the remaining suspects.

A violent attack took place at the Shyamnagar Upazila Press Club in Satkhira on Monday noon, when a group led by Jubo Dal member secretary Anwarur Islam Angur forcibly entered the club and assaulted its president, Samiul Azam Imam Monir. Witnesses said 25 to 30 activists under the banner of 'People of Shyamnagar' first held a rally accusing Monir of extortion, corruption, and drug smuggling before storming the building. Journalists who tried to intervene were also pushed and assaulted. Monir was dragged outside and beaten with bricks, hammers, and iron rods, leaving him seriously injured.

He was admitted to Shyamnagar Upazila Health Complex, where doctors reported severe head injuries and multiple wounds. Police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, and the officer-in-charge said legal action would follow upon receiving a written complaint. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed that the matter had been reported to the police.

Local journalists expressed outrage, calling the attack a direct assault on press freedom and demanding immediate arrests. The incident followed a report by Monir published on February 23 alleging sand looting involving political groups, after which he had reportedly received threats.