The government has declared Dr. Muhammad Yunus, outgoing Chief Adviser of the interim government, as a 'Very Important Person' (VIP) for one year. The decision was announced in a government gazette on February 10, 2026, under Section 2(a) of the Special Security Force Act, 2021. As a result, Dr. Yunus will continue to receive top-level security and protocol from the Special Security Force (SSF) even after stepping down from his position. The order, signed by Secretary Md. Saifullah Panna on behalf of the President, took immediate effect.

According to the gazette, the arrangement ensures Dr. Yunus’s personal safety and reflects the government’s respect for his international stature. While extending VIP privileges to a departing Chief Adviser is not new in Bangladesh, this time the duration has been significantly extended compared to previous instances. In 2006, a similar status was granted for only three months to the then outgoing Chief Adviser.

The decision underscores the government’s intent to maintain high-level security for Dr. Yunus during the post-transition period.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has formed two separate committees to oversee reform implementation and monitor the trial process of the July massacre and enforced disappearances. The announcement was made on Sunday night through a press release signed by Sadia Farzana Dina from the party’s office cell and published on NCP’s verified Facebook page.

According to the release, the reform implementation committee will be led by party member-secretary Akhtar Hossain, with joint convener Sarowar Tushar as deputy head. The committee will coordinate and supervise reform proposals, monitor progress, and liaise with relevant stakeholders. The second committee, formed to monitor the trial of the July massacre and disappearances, will be headed by southern region chief coordinator Hasnat Abdullah, with joint convener Mujahidul Islam Shakin as deputy head. It includes victims’ relatives, legal professionals, and party members.

The trial monitoring committee will observe judicial progress, maintain communication with affected families, and prepare necessary recommendations, according to party sources.

The High Court bench of Justice Rajik Al Jalil and Justice Anwarul Islam concluded the hearing on a writ petition seeking suspension of the implementation of the July Charter on Monday. The court announced that its order on the matter will be delivered today, Tuesday. Acting Attorney General Arshadur Rauf and Additional Attorney General Anik R Haque represented the state, while senior lawyers Ahsanul Karim and Syed Mamun Mahbub argued for the petitioner.

The writ petition, filed on February 18 by Supreme Court lawyer Yunus Ali Akand, challenges the legality of the July National Charter, calling it unconstitutional and unlawful. The petition also seeks an order to halt its implementation. The Election Commission, the Speaker of the National Parliament, and the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Secretary were named as respondents.

Separately, another writ petition challenging the legality of the February 13 referendum and seeking cancellation of its results has been filed by lawyer ABM Ataul Majid Touhid and is awaiting hearing.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam announced the start of a renewed movement against judicial bias, corruption, and dominance. Speaking on Monday at the NCP’s iftar and prayer gathering at the King of Chittagong Convention Center in Panchlaish, Chattogram, he alleged that attempts were being made to use the courts politically to nullify the public mandate from the July referendum that formed the current government. He warned that politicizing the judiciary would have dire consequences.

Nahid Islam urged the government to implement the referendum’s verdict and begin building a new Bangladesh based on the people’s decision. He also called for strong resistance in Chattogram against extortion, land grabbing, and corruption, emphasizing that success would require participation beyond Dhaka-based leadership. The event was attended by NCP leaders Akhtar Hossain, Nasiruddin Patwari, and Hasnat Abdullah, as well as local political figures including the Chattogram City mayor and members of parliament from constituencies 15 and 16.

The remarks reflect the NCP’s growing focus on judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts as part of its broader political agenda.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam warned that NCP activists would obstruct any attempt by the Awami League to resume political activities anywhere in Bangladesh. Speaking as chief guest at an iftar event in Chattogram on March 2, 2026, he declared that NCP and Awami League could not coexist. Nahid also alleged that efforts were underway to overturn the results of a reform referendum through the courts and cautioned that such actions could have serious consequences.

He further questioned the government’s handling of a recent assassination case and suggested that public suspicion was growing about foreign influence and political manipulation. Nahid urged NCP members to prepare for upcoming local government elections. Other NCP leaders, including Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah, and Nasir Uddin Patowary, echoed criticism of the ruling BNP, accusing it of rejecting the referendum outcome and fostering corruption and violence.

Speakers at the event emphasized forming NCP committees across cities and warned against any resurgence of fascism or attempts to restore the Awami League to power.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that a database will be created to regulate media access to the Bangladesh Secretariat. Speaking at a meeting organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) in Dhaka on Monday, he said the government plans to issue one or more entry cards per media house to manage access efficiently. He added that accreditation cards would be provided under policy guidelines if any journalist is unfairly excluded.

Swapan explained that the initiative aims to simplify journalists’ entry procedures while maintaining security. He said discussions had been held with the Home Minister on easing the access system and that representatives from media organizations would be consulted before finalizing the plan. The minister emphasized that each media house should designate specific representatives for Secretariat coverage to ensure accountability and reduce unnecessary entry pressure.

He also noted that the new system would help the government maintain accurate records of which media houses send personnel to the Secretariat, improving coordination and transparency in press access management.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the party aims to build a compassionate society where everyone loves one another, regardless of familiarity. He made the remarks on Monday at an iftar event organized by the Bangladesh Workers Welfare Federation at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Kakrail, Dhaka. The event was chaired by the federation’s central president A N M Shamusul Islam and conducted by general secretary Advocate Atikur Rahman.

Dr. Rahman emphasized that fear of Allah is essential for establishing such a humane society and called on the federation to work sincerely for the real welfare of workers. He urged both employers and workers to maintain proper relations, describing them as complementary to each other. He also criticized those who incite conflict for personal gain, saying such actions hinder social harmony and progress.

He further noted that the federation’s mission to protect workers’ rights has only just begun and encouraged continued efforts toward justice and mutual respect in society.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appointed Revolutionary Guards General Majid Ebnolreza as the acting defense minister following the death of the previous minister in a joint Israeli and U.S. attack, according to Al Jazeera. The announcement was made by presidential communications adviser Mehdi Tabatabai through a post on social media platform X, confirming the president’s directive.

The appointment aims to ensure continuity in the operations of the defense ministry and to strengthen coordination in addressing the current situation. The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions following the reported attack that killed the former defense minister.

The move is expected to stabilize the ministry’s leadership and maintain Iran’s defense readiness during a period of uncertainty.

A preparatory meeting was held on Monday at the Rail Bhaban in Dhaka to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable train travel for homebound passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. The meeting focused on maintaining law and order, preventing sabotage, and curbing ticket black marketing. Sheikh Robiul Alam MP, Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping, gave necessary directives to the concerned authorities.

The meeting decided to continue selling an additional 25 percent of standing tickets beyond the fixed seat capacity, as in previous years. The minister instructed that standing ticket holders must not travel in air-conditioned or first-class compartments. Mobile courts will be deployed to detect ticketless passengers, prevent black marketing, and stop roof travel. Measures will also be taken to restrict entry of ticketless passengers at Kamalapur and Dhaka Airport stations.

The meeting, chaired by Railways Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam, was attended by senior officials including the Director General of Bangladesh Railway and state ministers Habibur Rashid MP and Md. Rajib Ahsan MP.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has announced a strict ban on any military or security operations conducted outside the state framework from Lebanese territory. The declaration, issued on March 2, 2026, specifically prohibits Hezbollah from engaging in military activities and confines the group’s role solely to political functions. The prime minister stated that security agencies have been instructed to take necessary measures to prevent any attacks originating from within Lebanon.

According to the official government statement, Hezbollah will now be allowed to operate only as a political organization, with all forms of military action fully prohibited. The directive underscores the government’s effort to assert state control over national security and prevent unauthorized armed operations.

The announcement marks a significant policy stance by the Lebanese government, signaling an attempt to reinforce state sovereignty and reduce the influence of non-state military actors within its borders.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir met with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Dhaka for a courtesy call at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday. The meeting focused on the longstanding and friendly relations between Bangladesh and China, which both sides said were built on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation since the time of Ziaur Rahman.

During the discussion, the two sides exchanged views on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure development, energy, information technology, education, and human resource development. The adviser thanked China for its continued support in Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress and described China as one of the country’s key development partners.

The Chinese Ambassador assured continued assistance for Bangladesh’s ongoing development initiatives and expressed commitment to expedite projects of mutual interest. Both parties emphasized maintaining close communication and coordination to elevate bilateral relations to new heights in the future.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan informed US Ambassador Brent Christensen that security measures have been strengthened in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone, including the US Embassy, due to the ongoing Iran war. The announcement came during a meeting at the Secretariat on Monday, where the minister said Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forces had been deployed alongside regular law enforcement to enhance vigilance.

According to a ministry statement, the meeting covered law enforcement cooperation, counterterrorism, illegal migration, and the implementation of the SPEAR program and Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV) system. The minister described the United States as a close ally supporting Bangladesh’s security and counterterrorism efforts. Ambassador Christensen expressed interest in finalizing a memorandum of understanding to implement the SPEAR program and warned that US funding could be withdrawn if delayed.

Christensen also noted US support since 2010 in training around 30,000 Bangladeshi police officers and providing equipment, though he expressed concern that frequent transfers and retirements had limited results. The minister promised corrective steps and directed officials to organize a workshop with relevant stakeholders.

Journalist Mostafa Zulfiqar Hasan, also known as Hasan Shiplu, has been appointed as the Deputy Press Secretary to the Prime Minister. The appointment was made on a contractual basis through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Monday, March 2, 2026. According to the notice, he will serve under the Prime Minister’s tenure or until further satisfaction, whichever comes first.

The appointment terms specify that Hasan must resign from any other professional, business, or institutional affiliations, whether governmental, semi-governmental, or private. His salary will be at the final stage of the Grade-4 pay scale, effective from the date he assumes office. Additional conditions of the appointment will be determined through a formal contract.

Hasan Shiplu currently serves as the Deputy Head of News at Ekattor TV and previously worked for a long period at the daily Kaler Kantho.

The government of Bangladesh will distribute honorarium allowances to religious institutions across the country ahead of the upcoming Eid, according to Ismail Jobiullah, adviser to the Ministry of Public Administration. Speaking to journalists on March 2, he said that 4,908 mosques will receive the payments before Eid, along with 990 temples, 72 Buddhist monasteries, and 198 churches.

Jobiullah explained that the initiative is part of the government’s election manifesto commitments under the leadership of Tareq Rahman. The plan includes a pilot scheme running until June, under which each union will have one mosque receiving monthly honoraria of Tk 5,000 for the imam, Tk 3,000 for the khatib, and Tk 2,000 for the khadem. Additionally, each mosque will receive a Tk 3,000 Eid bonus, with Tk 1,000 allocated per person.

He added that the pilot project will cover 4,900 mosques across unions and municipalities, along with the listed temples, monasteries, and churches. Once expanded nationwide, the program could include over 400,000 mosques.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that young professionals are the main driving force behind Bangladesh’s future development. Speaking on Monday, March 2, at the ‘Leadership Dialogue and Iftar Mahfil’ organized by the Forum of Young Professionals (FYP) at Six Seasons Hotel in Dhaka, he emphasized the importance of moral leadership, innovative thinking, and collective responsibility among the youth for sustainable national progress.

Agrani Bank Limited Chairman Syed Abu Naser Bakhtiar Ahmed, attending as a special guest, highlighted that financial awareness and entrepreneurial spirit are essential for professional success and national prosperity. FYP adviser Rashed Ul Haque Sarkar presided over the event, outlining the forum’s achievements and future plans, reaffirming its commitment to leadership development and professional excellence.

The event also honored dedicated FYP members for their contributions to the organization and community service. A leadership dialogue before the iftar discussed challenges and opportunities for young professionals, concluding with a communal iftar that strengthened unity and collaboration among participants.