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.

An inspector of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) was shot during an anti-drug operation at Syedabad Bus Terminal under Jatrabari Police Station in Dhaka on Monday, March 2, 2026. The injured officer, identified as Siddiqur Rahman, 40, was struck in the left leg when suspected drug dealers opened fire after detecting the presence of a DNC special team from the Khilgaon region. He was immediately taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors confirmed he is out of danger but preparing for surgery to remove the bullet.

Following the incident, a tense atmosphere prevailed in Syedabad and nearby areas. Police from Jatrabari Station and additional DNC forces launched a combing operation to apprehend the attackers. Eyewitnesses reported panic among commuters as gunfire erupted in the crowded terminal.

A senior DNC official reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on drugs and vowed legal action against those responsible, stating that the suspects have been identified and the operation to arrest them is ongoing.

Three members of a fraud ring arrested in Gobindaganj, Gaibandha, were presented before the Amli Gobindaganj (Chowki) Court on March 1, 2026, following a police case. The accused were identified as Didarul Mia, 21, Liton Akand, 26, and Moktar Ali, 19. Police confirmed the arrests under FIR No. 32 dated July 22, 2025, and GR Case No. 331. The arrests followed a special operation led by Second Officer Mir Kayes in Taluk Rahimapur area of Darbast Union.

During the operation, police and joint forces detained two suspects while others fled. A search of the house led to the seizure of one smartphone, three button phones, and a white Tenda router. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects impersonated government officials to defraud citizens of social allowance funds through mobile payment services.

Police stated that the investigation is ongoing and requested that the accused remain in custody until its completion. The case is being overseen by Gobindaganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mozammel Haque.

Bangladesh Railway will start selling advance train tickets for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr from Tuesday, March 3. On the first day, tickets for March 13 journeys will be available. According to the railway schedule, tickets for March 14 to 19 will be released sequentially from March 4 to March 9.

All tickets for Eid travel will be sold exclusively online this year. To make the ticket purchase process easier for passengers, Bangladesh Railway has decided that tickets for intercity trains operating in the western region will be available from 8 a.m., while tickets for trains in the eastern region will go on sale from 2 p.m.

The decision aims to streamline the ticketing process and manage the high demand for train travel during the Eid holiday period.

An allegation has surfaced in Ramganj upazila of Lakshmipur district that a man named Billal Hossain, identifying himself as a youth leader, has occupied a government canal and is constructing a permanent building. The incident occurred in Brahmpara village of Kanchanpur Union, where Billal, a tea seller, has reportedly been continuing the construction for about a month along the Ramganj-Hajiganj road at Katakhali without any official intervention.

Local residents said Billal has been using his claimed political identity to exert influence and continue the work. In response, Billal stated that many influential people have already occupied government canals and built structures, and he is doing the same on Water Development Board property. He added that some people visited the site but did not ask him to stop the work.

Ramganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farashid Bin Enam confirmed receiving reports about the illegal occupation at Katakhali and said that legal action will be taken soon.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdur Muktadir has expressed commitment to further strengthen and expand bilateral trade relations with India. He made the remarks on Monday, March 2, after a courtesy meeting with the Indian High Commissioner at the Secretariat in Dhaka. The Indian envoy also emphasized India’s interest in deepening ties with Bangladesh’s new government and enhancing people-to-people connections.

During the meeting, both sides discussed mutual cooperation in digital infrastructure and technology exchange to boost the existing trade volume of around 11 billion dollars, including 9.5 billion in imports and 1.5 billion in exports. They also focused on reopening closed border haats and improving land border infrastructure. India showed interest in using the newly built land port at Sabroom, while discussions were held on making operations at Benapole and other ports more efficient.

The minister added that Bangladesh has applied to the United Nations to extend its LDC graduation timeline and that the process is ongoing. He also noted that while there are concerns about possible disruptions in the Hormuz Strait, there is currently no threat to essential imports or fuel supplies.