Serious allegations have surfaced over the use of substandard bricks and sand in a Tk 3.73 crore road construction project in Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. The project, under the Local Government Engineering Department’s (LGED) rural development initiative for Comilla, Chandpur, and Brahmanbaria districts, covers a 1,500-meter stretch from Guniouk Union Parishad to Bengauta. The contractor, E Smart Construction Ltd, owned by Khairul Hasan, is accused of ignoring instructions to use quality materials, prompting anger among local residents.

Locals claim the work, initially slow, suddenly accelerated to conceal irregularities. On-site observations confirmed workers using low-quality bricks and sand for the guide wall. Representatives of the contractor admitted using the materials supplied by the owner. The supervising officer, Arif Hossain, promised to prevent such practices in the future. Upazila Engineer Aminul Islam Mridha said repeated warnings failed to stop the use of poor materials, while District Executive Engineer Ibrahim Khalil assured that necessary action would be taken after consulting the upazila engineer.

The incident has raised concerns about oversight and accountability in rural infrastructure projects under LGED.

Residents of Fatullah in Narayanganj have temporarily stopped construction work on the Mukterpur-Panchabati flyover, alleging the use of substandard materials. The suspension began on Friday morning at the Kashipur section, where locals accused the contractor of using ordinary concrete instead of RCC and low-quality bricks. They demanded that authorities inspect the site before work resumes, citing concerns of irregularities and corruption in the mega project.

According to residents, poor-quality materials were being used in several parts of the flyover from the Samrat Cinema area to the Kashipur Union Parishad. They claimed that despite informing officials, no one had visited the site. Project Director Wahiduzzaman confirmed that evidence of substandard materials had been found and that the contractor had been asked for an explanation.

The Mukterpur-Panchabati six-lane highway project spans about 10.37 kilometers, including 9.6 kilometers of elevated expressway. Initially budgeted at Tk 2,659 crore, the cost was later raised to about Tk 3,300 crore, with completion extended to June 2026. Two Chinese firms are implementing the project.

Iran has shut down the strategic Hormuz Strait following joint attacks by the United States and Israel, disrupting a key global maritime route for energy transport. The closure has already slowed international sea trade and raised concerns of an impending energy crisis in Bangladesh, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern countries for crude oil, refined fuel, LPG, and LNG imports. Officials warn that prolonged conflict in the region could severely impact Bangladesh’s energy supply chain and increase import costs.

According to shipping and energy officials, around 15 vessels carrying fuel and gas for Bangladesh pass through the Hormuz Strait each month. Although Bangladesh’s refined fuel imports do not directly use the route, the countries supplying them depend on crude oil shipments through it. The closure is expected to raise freight costs and delay shipments, affecting both energy and trade sectors. Industry leaders have urged energy conservation and increased reserves to mitigate potential shortages.

Experts caution that if the Middle East conflict continues, Bangladesh’s limited 25–26-day fuel storage capacity could lead to severe disruptions. They recommend expanding reserves and promoting public austerity to withstand the crisis.

Construction of crop protection embankments in the haor areas of Sunamganj has not been completed within the scheduled timeframe, raising concerns among farmers about potential crop losses. According to regulations, the work was to be finished between December 15 and February 28, but only 78 percent was reportedly completed by the deadline. The Water Development Board (WDB) extended the deadline by 15 days, though field visits revealed slower progress and incomplete sections in several upazilas.

Officials and locals cited poor coordination between the WDB and local administration, delays in forming and approving project committees, and payment complications as reasons for the delay. Allegations also surfaced of project approvals without public hearings, excessive allocations for low-risk embankments, and spending on unnecessary projects. In Tahirpur’s Matian Haor, key embankments remain unfinished, with farmers warning that early floods could submerge vast croplands.

Local organizations, including Haor Bachao Andolon and environmental groups, accused authorities of irregularities and corruption. The WDB attributed the delay partly to election-related disruptions but assured that work would be completed within the extended period.

State Minister for Industries, Commerce, and Jute and Textiles Md. Shariful Alam said the government is prepared to handle any potential impact from the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. Speaking to journalists after visiting Boro Bazar in Kishoreganj on Sunday afternoon, he noted that while the global energy-dependent market may face some effects, the government remains alert. He added that although prices of some goods rose at the start of Ramadan, the market situation is now stable.

The minister said market monitoring has been strengthened nationwide to ensure price stability and protect consumers’ purchasing power. He emphasized that measures are being taken to prevent unjustified price hikes. Teams from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) are conducting regular monitoring and enforcement drives.

During his visit, the minister interacted with traders and buyers, reviewed the overall market situation, and later inspected TCB’s mobile truck sales operations. He also attended meetings with local officials and journalists and joined an iftar with orphans at a local madrasa.

Global oil prices jumped sharply following US and Israeli attacks in Iran, which have pushed the Middle East into renewed conflict. According to Reuters, Brent crude rose nearly 10 percent in over-the-counter trading on Sunday, reaching around 80 dollars per barrel. Analysts warned that if the current instability continues, crude prices could hit 100 dollars per barrel by Monday.

Ajay Parmar, director of energy and refining at ICIS, told Reuters that any military strike tends to drive oil prices higher, but the key concern now is the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The strait handles about 15 to 20 percent of the world’s total oil, condensate, and petroleum products, and over 30 percent of liquefied natural gas shipments.

Parmar added that if the Strait of Hormuz faces prolonged disruption, oil prices could rise beyond 100 dollars per barrel. The majority of oil transported through the strait goes to Asia, with the rest to Europe, including about 24 percent of China’s total LNG imports.

Large numbers of dead fish have been floating in the Shitalakkhya River in Narsingdi for several days, alarming local residents and fishermen. Although some initially collected the dead fish, many now fear the river could soon become devoid of aquatic life. The deaths have been recurring annually around this time, coinciding with reduced water levels and increased pollution.

According to local sources, toxic liquid waste and chemicals from nearby factories in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka and Gazipur districts are contaminating the river through connecting waterways. The pollution has turned the water black and foul-smelling, severely threatening biodiversity and destroying native fish species. Environmental activists have tried to raise awareness, but authorities have yet to take strong enforcement measures to stop factories from dumping untreated waste.

Officials from the Department of Environment in Narsingdi said they will send letters to inspect factories in Kaliganj and Kapasia upazilas of Gazipur after reports linked their chemical discharge to the fish deaths. Environmental groups warn that without urgent action, aquatic life in the Shitalakkhya may not survive future pollution cycles.

Bangladesh’s Jamuna River in Bogura is facing a severe navigability crisis during the dry season, reportedly due to India’s upstream water control. Local sources said eight river routes have already closed, disrupting transport and causing major hardship for residents. Sandbars have emerged across the river, and ferry operators report that even small boats are struggling to move. Around 200,000 people in 141 riverine villages are suffering from the loss of waterway connectivity.

Officials from the Water Development Board said the Jamuna’s average depth has dropped from about 9.5 meters to around 2 meters, mainly because of dam construction in India and China. The river’s Bangladesh section covers 220 kilometers of its 4,000-kilometer length. Local residents described losing homes and farmland to erosion and facing unemployment during the dry months.

Authorities acknowledged that while dredging has been planned for the Bangali River, no government project currently exists for the Jamuna. Engineers warned that continued upstream damming could turn the region into a desert unless natural water flow is restored.

Bangladesh’s Jamuna River in the Bogura region is facing severe navigability problems due to reduced water flow from India. Local sources report that eight river routes have already been closed this dry season, disrupting transport and increasing hardship for residents. Sandbars have emerged across the river, making navigation nearly impossible and isolating communities dependent on river transport.

Officials from the Water Development Board said the Jamuna’s average depth has dropped from about 9.5 meters to around 2 meters, largely due to dam construction in upstream countries including India and China. The river’s Bangladesh section spans 220 kilometers of its total 4,000-kilometer length. Local boatmen and leaseholders said even small boats now struggle to move, affecting livelihoods in 141 riverine villages with over 200,000 people.

Authorities acknowledged the crisis, noting that while the Bangali River is under a dredging program, no such project exists for the Jamuna. Engineers warned that continued upstream water control could turn the region into a desert-like area unless natural water flow is restored.

ICT, Posts, Telecommunications, Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapon announced that the government will create employment opportunities for one million young people in the ICT sector. He made the statement on Saturday morning while inaugurating a road construction project in Madhupur, Tangail. The minister said the government, under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, has been working from the first day to deliver development and services to people's doorsteps.

Swapon added that he aims to make Madhupur-Dhanbari a peaceful and safe area, free from extortion, terrorism, and illegal occupation, as part of his election pledges. He inaugurated the construction of a 700-meter road from Sathi Mor in Madhupur to ease long-standing public suffering in the town center. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward crime and expressed his desire to earn public trust through welfare-oriented development.

Local administrative officials, political leaders, and freedom fighters were present at the event, reflecting cooperation between government and community representatives in implementing local development initiatives.

Advance ticket sales for long-distance buses ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr will begin on March 3. Passengers will be able to purchase tickets for travel between March 12 and the day before Eid. The decision was announced at a meeting of the Bangladesh Bus-Truck Owners Association held in Gabtoli, Dhaka, and confirmed by the association’s secretary, Shubhankar Ghosh Rakesh.

Rakesh stated that tickets will be available both at physical counters and online from the morning of March 3. Passengers can select their preferred bus and seat through the designated website. He emphasized that fares must comply with the rates set by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), and the same rates will apply online. Every ticket counter will be required to display the BRTA-approved fare chart.

To prevent black-market ticket sales, CCTV cameras have been installed at various counters. Rakesh added that any irregularities detected will lead to legal and administrative action by both authorities and the owners’ association.

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has criticized the government for taking what it called a weak step in appointing the new governor of Bangladesh Bank. At a media briefing held on Saturday at the CPD office in Dhanmondi, Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem said the appointment process lacked transparency and that the state had the opportunity to select a more acceptable candidate. He emphasized that a stronger and more credible procedure should have been followed for such an important position.

Moazzem noted that discussions and criticisms have emerged regarding the current governor’s links to loan defaults and special privileges, suggesting that alternative candidates could have been considered to avoid controversy. He also highlighted the need for a clear qualification framework and a formal vetting process for future appointments. CPD praised former governor Ahsan H. Mansur for his reform efforts despite challenges and suggested that retaining experienced leadership could have been beneficial.

The organization further recommended establishing a legal basis and specific criteria for future appointments, similar to India’s Reserve Bank selection process, and warned against loosening financial market regulations amid existing sectoral weaknesses.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) will begin a 10-day special mosquito control 'crash program' from Sunday across its 10 regions. The initiative was announced by DSCC Administrator Md. Abdus Salam during an emergency meeting with health department officials at Nagar Bhaban Auditorium. He declared a 'zero tolerance' stance against negligence, failure, or corruption in mosquito control operations and said he would personally inspect the activities.

The meeting was called following a recent rise in mosquito infestation in DSCC areas. Officials emphasized ensuring the effectiveness of insecticides, following proper methods, and strengthening field-level monitoring. The health department was instructed to work in coordination with the waste management division and to raise public awareness. Mobile courts may be deployed if Aedes mosquito larvae are found.

Discussions also covered training for mosquito control workers and testing new, more effective insecticides. The administrator directed that strict legal action be taken against any public or private establishment that fails to act even after repeated warnings.

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul announced that the Family Card initiative aims to make families economically self-reliant. Speaking at Natore Circuit House on Saturday, February 28, 2026, she said the card will be issued in the name of the senior female member of each family, such as a mother or sister. The project is designed to be universal, with no specific target group, and will gradually include all families.

Sharmin explained that previous welfare cards, including widow, elderly, agricultural, and maternity allowances, faced corruption during distribution. To address this, the government plans to move toward an integrated system that consolidates all benefits into a single card. The Family Card will provide 2,500 taka per family, a higher amount than existing cards.

Initially, the program will prioritize extremely poor, poor, and lower-income families based on a proximity test and scoring system, with eventual expansion to middle- and upper-income groups.

The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) has formally accepted Bangladesh’s request to delay its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category by three years and has begun reviewing the proposal. The matter was discussed during the CDP’s five-day meeting in New York, and officials indicated that a final decision could take several weeks. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, head of the Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism subcommittee, confirmed receipt of the government’s letter but clarified that acceptance of the request does not mean approval, as the committee will first assess the justifications provided.

The Economic Relations Division sent the formal application on February 18, citing global and domestic disruptions that hindered preparation for graduation. The letter referenced the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East instability, global financial tightening, and slow trade recovery. Domestically, it mentioned financial irregularities, political changes in July 2024, and pressure from hosting displaced Myanmar nationals, all contributing to economic instability.

According to CDP sources, a preliminary assessment report may be ready within two weeks, with a final recommendation expected by September following approval from the UN General Assembly.