Bangladesh Bank will assist in reopening factories that were shut down following recent political changes, according to the central bank’s new Governor, Md. Mostakur Rahman. The announcement was made at an emergency press conference on Thursday afternoon, where bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan conveyed the governor’s directives. Rahman had joined the central bank earlier that morning and held a meeting with top officials before the briefing.

During the meeting, the governor emphasized active cooperation in reviving closed industrial units and pledged policy support to boost economic growth and employment. He praised the previous interim government’s efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability and said he would build on that foundation to restore economic momentum. The governor also highlighted the need for policy incentives and stronger coordination within the banking sector to facilitate industrial recovery.

Rahman further prioritized controlling inflation and stabilizing commodity prices within consumers’ purchasing power. He indicated that high interest rates hindering investment would be reviewed, and institutional governance would be strengthened through rule-based, non-discriminatory decision-making and delegation of authority to accelerate operations.

An earthquake was felt across several parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, at 12:04 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The tremor occurred just 13 hours after a previous quake in the country. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Earthquake Observation and Research Center of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the quake measured 4.8 on the Richter scale.

Authorities reported that the epicenter was located in India’s Sikkim region, approximately 455 kilometers northwest of Dhaka. The report did not mention any casualties or damage. The event marks the second seismic activity within a short span, drawing attention to regional tectonic movements.

Further details on the impact or aftershocks were not provided in the initial reports.

Md. Mostakur Rahman has officially joined Bangladesh Bank as its new governor. He arrived at the central bank’s headquarters on Thursday morning around 10:45 a.m., where he was received by deputy governors and senior officials. Before entering the building, Rahman briefly told reporters that work would come before words.

His appointment came a day earlier, on Wednesday, when Ahsan H. Mansur was removed from the position and businessman Mostakur Rahman was named as the new governor for a four-year term. According to the report, he has taken up the role after stepping away from his business affiliations.

The report also notes that Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed concern about potential conflicts of interest regarding the new governor’s appointment, while the interim government period has seen a rise in domestic borrowing by Tk 1.13 trillion. The central bank spokesperson confirmed that Rahman assumed his duties free from business ties.

The once fast-flowing Karangi River in Bahubal upazila of Habiganj district has dried up, turning into a dead canal. The riverbed has lost navigability, creating an acute water shortage for residents of three unions who depend on it for agriculture and daily needs. The drying of the river has also endangered local biodiversity.

Farmers who previously relied on the river for irrigation during the Boro season are now dependent on mechanical irrigation systems. Environmentalists allege that no government initiative has been taken to restore the river’s flow, and that unplanned embankments built upstream in Chunarughat have worsened the water crisis downstream. Local farmers and residents report difficulties in farming, livestock rearing, and domestic water use.

Community representatives and social workers have called for immediate dredging to revive the river. The Bahubal Upazila Nirbahi Officer stated that discussions with the Water Development Board are underway to take necessary measures under government planning.

Residents of Sreebardi municipality in Sherpur are facing severe hardship due to the absence of a designated dumping station. Household and market waste is being dumped into a leased private pond in the Purbo Chhonkanda area, as well as scattered along roads and open spaces. The situation has led to environmental pollution, foul odors, and health risks for nearby residents.

Local people complain that despite repeated objections, the municipality has not taken effective action. The pond used for dumping is surrounded by densely populated homes, causing unbearable stench and mosquito infestations. Environmental group Sabuj Andolon’s Sherpur unit criticized the worsening waste management, urging the establishment of an eco-friendly sanitary landfill.

Municipal administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Monisha Ahmed stated that due to the lack of municipal land, waste is temporarily being dumped on rented private property. She added that under the upcoming “32 Municipality Project,” plans are in place to build a modern dumping station to resolve the issue.

River erosion has intensified in Jotpara area of Chauhali upazila in Sirajganj as the water level of the Jamuna River begins to recede. The erosion, reportedly caused by the movement of sand-laden bulkheads near the eastern embankment, has put a multi-crore taka river protection structure at serious risk. Locals have staged repeated protests demanding a halt to bulkhead operations to save their homes and farmland.

According to residents, continuous bulkhead traffic along the eastern bank has endangered around 500 households and large areas of cropland, as well as public institutions including the upazila complex, schools, and markets. In Bagutia Union, geo-bag dumping along a three-kilometer stretch has been damaged due to bulkhead movement close to the bank, threatening nearby villages.

Local authorities, including the Chauhali police and the assistant commissioner (land), have intervened to stop bulkhead movement after residents gathered to block them. Officials confirmed that bulkhead operations have been halted, though a few vessels remain stuck due to navigability issues.

Bangladesh has imported fruits worth around Tk 5,000 crore during the ongoing Ramadan season, as local fruits are not in season. Despite a 30 percent increase in import volume compared to last year, retail fruit prices have risen by at least 30 percent per kilogram. Prices continue to climb daily by Tk 5 to Tk 8. Chattogram port data show large imports of apples, grapes, oranges, and dates, with total customs revenue exceeding Tk 2,500 crore.

Importers and traders attribute the high prices to heavy import duties of up to 136 percent, high transport and refrigeration costs, and additional port handling expenses. The Chattogram Fruit Traders Association argues that fruits are treated as luxury goods, urging the government to reduce duties during Ramadan when domestic supply is low. Port officials note that over a thousand refrigerated containers of fruits remain undelivered, which could ease prices once released.

Consumer rights advocates allege that market syndicates are manipulating supply to inflate prices, warning that without stricter monitoring, imported fruits will remain unaffordable for ordinary consumers.

Bangladesh Bank has reported a rise in the country’s total foreign exchange reserves, which reached 35.31 billion US dollars as of February 25, 2026. The information was confirmed by Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of the central bank, on Wednesday. According to the latest data, the gross reserve stood at 35.31 billion dollars, while under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method, the reserve amounted to 30.28 billion dollars.

Just two days earlier, on February 23, the gross reserve was recorded at 34.86 billion dollars, and the BPM6-based reserve stood at 30.10 billion dollars. The net reserve is calculated following the IMF’s BPM6 standard, which deducts short-term liabilities from the total reserve to determine the actual amount.

The increase in reserves indicates a positive shift in the country’s foreign currency position, as reflected in the central bank’s latest update.

Following the cancellation of Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur’s appointment, five senior officials of the central bank were reassigned. The internal order, issued on Wednesday, transferred four directors and one additional director to new departments or offices. The reshuffle included changes between the Human Resources, Financial Institutions Inspection, and Banking Regulations and Policy departments, as well as postings to the Motijheel and Sadarghat offices. The order stated that the transfers would take immediate effect, and officials were instructed to hand over their current duties before joining their new posts.

In a separate order, the bank canceled earlier transfer orders for three officials who had been reassigned after being served show-cause notices. These included the director of the SME and Special Programs Department, an additional director from the Foreign Exchange Policy Department, and a joint director from the Banking Regulations and Policy Department.

The administrative changes come amid broader internal adjustments at Bangladesh Bank following the leadership transition.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur left office on Wednesday amid protests and ultimatums from officials. Shortly after his departure, the government canceled his appointment and named businessman Mostakur Rahman as the new governor. Mansur held an emergency press conference at 2 p.m., describing the protests as a conspiracy by vested interests. He said issues such as bank mergers, state policy, and political economy were not matters for employee organizations to debate.

Mansur explained that the merger process aimed to protect the interests of 7.6 million depositors who had been unable to withdraw their funds for two years. He alleged that a group was spreading misinformation to derail the recovery of merged banks and return them to former owners. Responding to questions about resignation demands, he said he came to serve, not for a job, and would act according to administrative procedures.

After the press conference, media outlets reported the government’s appointment of a new governor. Mansur told journalists he had not resigned but left the office after seeing the news of the new appointment on television.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur left office on Wednesday amid protests and internal unrest among bank officials. Following his departure, the government canceled his appointment and named businessman Mostakur Rahman as the new governor. The situation inside the central bank turned chaotic as officials expelled the governor’s adviser Ahsan Ullah and security director Faruk Howlader, prompting additional police deployment.

Earlier in the day, the Bangladesh Bank Officers’ Welfare Council held a protest demanding withdrawal of show-cause notices and transfers of three officials. They accused the governor of autocratic behavior and ignoring legitimate demands. Several senior officials criticized Mansur for excessive contractual appointments and questioned his leadership decisions. In response, Mansur held a press conference describing the protests as a conspiracy by vested interests and defended his policies on bank mergers and depositor protection.

Shortly after his press conference, news broke that the government had appointed a new governor. Mansur said he had not resigned but left after learning of the appointment through media reports.

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar’s Sagaing region on Wednesday night, February 25, 2026, at around 10:51 p.m. local time, with tremors felt across Bangladesh including the capital Dhaka. The Meteorological Department’s Seismic Observation Center confirmed the event, noting that the quake originated about 75 kilometers southeast of Myanmar’s Maulike area at a depth of approximately 101 kilometers.

Meteorologist Farzana Sultana stated that the epicenter was in neighboring Myanmar, about 462 kilometers from Dhaka, and described it as a moderate earthquake. The tremors were more noticeable in Cox’s Bazar and surrounding areas, where residents in places such as Ukhiya, Teknaf, Ramu, Lama, and Naikhongchhari reported shaking.

Residents in multi-story buildings in Cox’s Bazar said they felt the tremor strongly and were alarmed. This follows an earlier 5.9 magnitude earthquake recorded on February 3 in the same region, indicating continued seismic activity near Bangladesh’s southeastern border.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that Bangladesh is reviewing trade and tariff issues with the United States, describing the situation as still evolving. He made the remarks on Wednesday, February 25, after a meeting with business representatives at the Ministry of Commerce to determine the next steps regarding the trade agreement with the U.S. State Minister for Commerce Md. Shariful Alam, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, senior officials, and business leaders were present.

The minister explained that the U.S. Supreme Court had declared previous tariff rates untenable, leading to new tariffs of 10 percent and later 15 percent for all countries. However, Bangladesh has not yet received any official written communication from the U.S. government. He added that under U.S. law, the new tariff interpretation must be approved by Congress within 150 days. The minister also noted that the previous interim government had signed a trade deal with the U.S., but its implications are still under review.

He emphasized that the agreement remains sensitive and that premature comments could be inappropriate. Business representatives discussed sectoral challenges and market issues during the meeting.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the replacement of the Bangladesh Bank governor is part of a broader set of changes under the new government. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on February 25, 2026, he explained that the government is making adjustments in various institutions to implement its priorities and programs. He described the process as normal and said further changes would occur as needed.

The government recently removed Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur from the post of Bangladesh Bank governor and appointed Md. Mostakur Rahman, F.C.M.A., in his place. According to a notification from the Financial Institutions Division, Rahman will serve a four-year term under the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972, effective immediately. He must sever ties with other organizations before assuming office and will receive salary and benefits from the central bank as per contract terms.

Dr. Mansur had been appointed in August 2024 for a four-year term but was removed after about one and a half years in the position.

Nagad has announced a special campaign for users of its Islamic Wallet during the holy month of Ramadan, offering participants the opportunity to perform Umrah. According to the company, users must complete transactions totaling at least 3,000 taka, excluding person-to-person (P2P) transfers, to qualify for the campaign. The initiative will run from the first to the last day of Ramadan, with winners selected through a lottery among eligible participants. Selected winners will be contacted directly by Nagad Islamic’s customer service center.

Professor Dr. H. M. Shahidul Islam Barakati, chairman of the Nagad Islamic Shariah Board, stated that the campaign aims to encourage devout Muslims to use Nagad Islamic for their Ramadan purchases and transactions, offering them a chance to visit the holy Kaaba. Nagad clarified that all campaign-related decisions rest with the company and that participants must have active, fully verified Islamic Wallet accounts.

The company also warned that any attempt to misuse the campaign or engage in suspicious transactions would result in immediate disqualification from the program.