The High Court has issued a rule questioning why guidelines have not been created for the exercise of the President’s pardon power under Article 49 of the Constitution. The Court also inquired whether the lack of such guidelines violates constitutional provisions related to equal protection and individual rights. Cabinet Secretary, Secretaries from the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the Secretary of the National Parliament Secretariat, have been asked to respond within four weeks.

During Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, former Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Sitanshu Kumar Sur Choudhury, was allegedly involved in irregularities and corruption with little hindrance. Although Dr. Atiur Rahman was the official Governor, it was SK Sur who effectively ran the central bank. Sur was found to have approved significant loans from Sonali Bank using forged documents. During the loan fraud incident, Sur interfered with the bank’s regular audits and inspections. In a separate case, the ACC arrested Sur on January 14 for failing to provide an asset declaration.

The Ministry of Health has transferred 29 Civil Surgeons to the position of Officer on Special Duty (OSD). An official order, signed by Deputy Secretary Sonjida Shormin, was issued on Sunday by the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The directive states that the transferred officers are expected to join their new postings by March 6. If they fail to do so, they will be considered immediately released from their current positions starting from March 9.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin assured that the supply of soybean oil will return to normal within the next two days. Speaking to the media on Monday afternoon after inspecting a local market, he acknowledged a temporary shortage but expressed optimism about improvement starting today.

“There is no shortage of essential goods. While the supply of soybean oil has decreased slightly, I expect the situation to improve from today,” he said.

He also noted the fluctuation in cooking oil prices, stating that while soybean oil is being sold at higher prices, palm oil is being sold 25 BDT below the government-set price. “Palm oil accounts for 60% of our total edible oil consumption. Market prices have both increased and decreased simultaneously,” he added.

Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik confirmed that Norway will continue to supply fuel to the United States Navy, despite earlier opposition from Norwegian company Haltbak Bunkers. The company had initially announced they would not supply fuel to the US Navy but changed their stance following a dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. In a Facebook statement after the meeting, they expressed their solidarity with Ukraine, condemning the behavior of the US leaders and praising President Zelenskyy for enduring the “uncivilized treatment” for so long.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Sunday that although he initially supported talks with the United States, he has now withdrawn from that stance in accordance with the decision of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian emphasized that government policies must align with the Supreme Leader’s position. In the impeachment speech of Finance Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati, Pezeshkian highlighted the imbalances in water, gas, electricity, and financial sectors when the government took office. Critics have blamed Hemmati’s economic policies for the rise in the exchange rate of the dollar, soaring food prices, and severe inflation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to strengthen efforts to form a coalition involving the UK, France, and other countries, with an aim to include the United States in supporting Ukraine. During this period, Starmer also revealed a four-step action plan to end the war and protect Ukraine from Russian forces. After a conference with 18 leaders in London, Starmer said, “We are at a crossroads in history.” Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed feeling “strong support” and noted that the conference showcased the “highest level of European unity seen in years.”

On Sunday, France and the United Kingdom proposed a one-month partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. French President Macron announced that the ceasefire would exclude land combat but apply to attacks on air, sea, and energy infrastructure. Following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call, a conference of European leaders was held in London to advance Ukraine’s peace plans. Macron attended the conference, and world leaders reaffirmed their strong support for the Ukrainian leadership. Macron further stated that the second phase of the ceasefire would involve the deployment of European ground troops to Ukraine.

Regarding the heated dispute between U.S. and Ukrainian Presidents at the White House, Finland’s President, Alex Stubb, stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is the true winner of the conflict. Stubb believes that international leaders are now ready to move forward on a more constructive path after the tensions. He observed some changes in NATO under Donald Trump’s administration, describing it as “more transactional,” but also noted that NATO remains strong and alive. Additionally, Stubb praised the leadership of French President Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with King Charles of the United Kingdom on Monday. Trudeau has confirmed that the preservation of Canada’s sovereignty will be a primary focus of their discussion. Earlier last week, King Charles invited Donald Trump to the UK for his second official state visit. During a public meeting at the Oval Office, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer handed over the invitation to Trump. Since his second term as President of the United States, Trump has repeatedly stated that Canada would be better off if it became the 51st state of the U.S.

On Monday afternoon, the Chairman of Sadik Agro, Imran Hossain, was arrested by the CID in connection with a money laundering case. CID spokesperson Jasim Uddin Khan confirmed the arrest. The CID revealed that there is an ongoing case involving the laundering of 133 crore BDT. Imran, along with Touhidul Alam Zenith and the company Sadik Agro, is facing charges under the Money Laundering Prevention Act for laundering the said amount. Additionally, he is accused of fraud.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has sent a letter to India requesting the extradition of Sheikh Hasina to face trial after she fled to India. Relations between Dhaka and Delhi have been strained over several issues, including the construction of a barbed wire fence along the border and the suspension of Indian visas. In an interview with BBC, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus commented that the situation has improved, stating, “The clouds have cleared, and relations with India are now good. Communication is ongoing.” He further emphasized that the negative propaganda was a factor, but both nations are interdependent, and there is no room for deteriorating relations.

Garments workers in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in protest after a female worker, Afsana Akter Laboni, committed suicide by jumping from the roof of a factory. The workers set a vehicle on fire, disrupting traffic. The protestors claimed the factory’s negligence led to her death. Police and military forces intervened, clearing the area by 10 AM. More than fifty nearby factories declared a holiday due to the unrest.

Nabil Hossain, a 22-year-old Chhatra League member from Birampur, Dinajpur, was arrested after posting a photo with a weapon on Facebook, captioned “Sweetheart.” The post included a message threatening suicide if his ex-girlfriend did not contact him. Police apprehended him on Sunday evening from Boro Maath in Birampur. Nabil, a member of the banned Chhatra League branch in Birampur Municipality, was arrested in connection with a murder case and will be sent to Dinajpur court for further proceedings.

The Appellate Division has stayed the High Court’s ruling that canceled the recruitment of 6,531 assistant teachers for government primary schools in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions. The decision was made on March 3, with a hearing set for March 2. The High Court had earlier instructed the government to make appointments based on merit after canceling the previous recruitment. The results for the recruitment were initially announced on October 31, with 6,531 candidates qualifying.