Bangladesh’s revenue shortfall crossed Tk 600 billion in the first seven months (July–January) of the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) report released on 24 February. The deficit stood at around Tk 460 billion by December. During this period, NBR collected Tk 2.24 trillion against a target of Tk 2.84 trillion, achieving 12.9 percent growth compared to the same period last year.

The largest shortfall occurred in the income tax segment, which missed its target by Tk 289.25 billion. Import duties fell short by Tk 156.83 billion, and VAT collections were below target by Tk 155.06 billion. In January alone, revenue collection reached Tk 370.33 billion against a target of Tk 525.45 billion, leaving a monthly gap of about Tk 150 billion.

At the beginning of the fiscal year, NBR’s total revenue target was Tk 4.99 trillion, later revised upward to Tk 5.54 trillion by the Budget Monitoring and Resource Committee on 10 November, the report noted.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, met with the United Arab Emirates Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al-Hamoudi on Tuesday at the minister’s office in the Secretariat. The meeting emphasized the long-standing historical and fraternal ties between Bangladesh and the UAE and reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to expanding and deepening their bilateral relationship.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in religious affairs, increasing people-to-people contact, and promoting cultural exchange to strengthen mutual understanding. Both parties also explored the use of digital technology to modernize religious services, build institutional capacity, and make faith-based education and support programs more effective and timely.

The meeting concluded in a spirit of goodwill and strategic partnership, with both sides expressing a shared vision to elevate Bangladesh-UAE relations to a higher level in the coming days.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that city corporation elections in Bangladesh will be held in phases according to the expiration of each corporation’s term. He said both the government and the Election Commission are prepared for the process. The minister made the remarks on Tuesday at the Secretariat after six newly appointed city corporation administrators formally took charge.

Responding to questions from journalists, Mirza Fakhrul said the decision on whether city corporation elections will be held under party symbols will be made in the National Parliament. He explained that political figures have been appointed as administrators instead of government officials to strengthen public engagement and improve service delivery. The minister emphasized that local government elections are a continuous process, beginning with those whose terms have already ended.

The six new administrators pledged to work on mosquito control, traffic management, and road repairs to reduce public suffering. They also announced plans to implement a 60-day action program to ensure better public service delivery.

The Election Commission (EC) has announced the schedule for the Bogura-6 by-election and the Sherpur-3 parliamentary election, which had been postponed earlier due to a candidate’s death. According to the schedule, voting in both constituencies will take place on April 9. The announcement was made by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at a press conference held at the Election Building in Agargaon on Tuesday afternoon.

As per the schedule, the deadline for submitting nomination papers is March 2, scrutiny will be held on March 5, and the last date for withdrawal is March 14. The Sherpur-3 seat no longer requires a referendum since the “yes” vote won in the February 12 national election. BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who was elected from two constituencies, vacated the Bogura-6 seat, prompting the by-election.

The Sherpur-3 election was earlier suspended after Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badal died on February 3 due to kidney disease. Under the Representation of the People Order, valid candidates from that constituency will not need to resubmit nomination papers.

A meeting between Bangladesh’s Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj, and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen was held to strengthen bilateral cooperation in education, technology, and language. The discussion focused on expanding Chinese language education and developing skilled human resources among the youth. The Chinese side announced a target to bring around 10,000 Bangladeshi students under Chinese language education, aiming to enhance employment opportunities in about 1,000 Chinese companies operating in Bangladesh and in 17 other countries.

The initiative includes joint programs with Dhaka University, North South University, BRAC University, and the University Grants Commission, with plans to launch courses at Chittagong University this year. Proposals were made to set up 300 smart classrooms in 150 schools, nine broadcasting centers, and modern labs equipped with updated software and hardware. A pilot project is already underway. The two sides also discussed modernizing polytechnic curricula, offering scholarships, and organizing study tours for Bangladeshi delegations to China.

The minister expressed optimism that this collaboration would strengthen Bangladesh-China educational and technological ties and help Bangladeshi youth achieve international-level skills.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has reduced the retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for February 2026. The price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder has been lowered by 15 taka to 1,341 taka. The new rate took effect from 6 p.m. on February 23, following an official announcement on February 24. This adjustment follows the last revision on February 2, when the price was increased by 50 taka to 1,356 taka per cylinder.

According to BERC, the price reduction aligns with recent fiscal changes by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), which withdrew the existing 7.5 percent VAT at the local production and trading levels and the 2 percent advance tax on imports. Instead, a 7.5 percent VAT has been imposed at the import stage. In the same notice, BERC also reduced the price of autogas by 0.28 taka per liter, setting the new consumer price, including VAT, at 61.86 taka per liter.

The adjustments aim to keep LPG prices affordable for consumers and stabilize the domestic energy market, as stated in the regulatory announcements.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper Amar Desh, stated that the ongoing killings in Gaza are connected to struggles over religious beliefs, global energy control, and the establishment of geopolitical hegemony. He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Global Zionist Aggression and Human Rights Violations in Gaza: Our Responsibilities,” organized by the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) during the sixth International Quds Week celebration.

Rahman argued that divisions among Muslims worldwide have enabled continued Zionist aggression and human rights violations in Gaza. He said that while a small state like Bangladesh cannot directly resist militarily or economically, it can contribute intellectually. He emphasized that Bangladesh can play a significant role from intellectual, moral, and diplomatic positions by building public opinion, conducting research and analysis, writing, and raising awareness internationally.

The discussion was chaired by JAKSU General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif and attended by several university teachers and student leaders, including Professor Dr. Mohammad Bilal Hossain and Mohayminul Hasan Riad.

New Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam announced that allegations of bribery involving the prosecution team in a war crimes case will be investigated. The claims concern efforts to make former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun a state witness. Aminul Islam made the statement on Tuesday during a press conference at the International Crimes Tribunal, emphasizing his need to understand all tribunal activities and case details before proceeding.

The allegations were raised by Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud against former Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam, both appointed during the interim government period. Mahmud made the accusation through a Facebook post by lawyer Kazi Mostafizur Rahman Ahad, which discussed the issue of state witnesses. Aminul Islam stated that he would review all such complaints as part of his new responsibilities.

The announcement signals an internal review within the prosecution team amid concerns about integrity in handling war crimes cases at the tribunal.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned the police assault that seriously injured several journalists while they were performing their professional duties. In a statement issued to the media on Tuesday, the party’s Assistant Secretary General, Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, denounced the incident that occurred during an ongoing anti-drug operation at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.

According to eyewitness accounts cited in the statement, at least three journalists—Tofail from Bangla News, Akash from NPB News, and Kawsar Ahmed Ripon from Ajker Patrika—were seriously injured while live broadcasting the event. The party described the attack as an unacceptable interference with press freedom and the right to gather news. Zubair emphasized that journalism serves the public interest by revealing the truth and should never be suppressed through violence.

He urged the government to ensure the safety of journalists and media institutions, provide proper medical treatment for the injured reporters, and identify and take legal action against the responsible police officers through a thorough investigation.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman suddenly fell ill on February 24, 2026, while traveling to attend a discussion meeting and iftar gathering organized by Kafrul West Police Station in the Sheorapara area of Dhaka. He was scheduled to attend the event as the chief guest but became unwell on the way.

According to Dhaka North Jamaat’s Naib-e-Ameer Abdur Rahman Musa, Dr. Rahman began vomiting and became physically weak during the journey, which prevented him from reaching the venue. Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Selim Uddin requested prayers for his quick recovery.

The report did not mention whether Dr. Rahman received medical treatment or his current health condition following the incident.

Three officials of Bangladesh Bank were transferred a day after receiving show-cause notices for calling Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur a 'dictator' during a press conference. The transfer order was issued on Tuesday by the central bank’s Human Resources Department. The officials are Naushad Mostafa, Director of the SME and Special Programs Department and General Secretary of the Blue Team; A.K.M. Masum Billah, President of the Bangladesh Bank Officers Welfare Council; and Golam Mostafa Shraban, the council’s General Secretary.

According to the report, the three officials had organized a sudden press conference on February 16, where they criticized the governor over several issues, including the merger of weak banks with EXIM and Social Islami Bank and the process of issuing digital bank licenses. Following the event, they were served show-cause notices and subsequently reassigned to different regional offices.

Naushad Mostafa was transferred from the head office to Barishal, Masum Billah to Rangpur, and Golam Mostafa Shraban to Bogura, as per the official order.

Garment workers from S M Fashion factory blocked the main road in Mirpur-11, Dhaka, on Tuesday afternoon demanding payment of their overdue wages and allowances. The protest began around 1:30 p.m., halting traffic in the area. Workers said the factory management had promised to pay their January salaries and benefits on Monday but failed to do so, prompting them to take to the streets in anger.

Police intervened, and by 3:00 p.m. the workers ended their blockade following discussions between worker representatives and the factory management. According to Pallabi Police Station Officer-in-Charge A K M Alamgir Jahan, the factory owners assured that all outstanding payments would be made by Thursday. Traffic movement on the Mirpur-11 road returned to normal after the workers dispersed.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Dhaka’s garment sector over delayed wage payments, a recurring issue that often leads to worker protests and temporary disruptions in industrial areas.

A Dhaka court has issued an order prohibiting retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Bangladesh Police Sheikh Nazmul Alam from leaving the country. The order was passed on Tuesday by Judge Md Sabbir Foyez of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Court bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain confirmed the matter.

According to the ACC’s petition, a significant investigation is underway against Sheikh Nazmul Alam concerning allegations of corruption and illegal accumulation of wealth. Reliable sources indicated that he was attempting to leave the country, prompting the ACC to seek a travel ban to ensure an unhindered investigation.

The court’s decision aims to facilitate the ongoing inquiry by preventing any potential obstruction that could arise if the accused were to leave Bangladesh during the investigation process.

An article published on February 24, 2026, highlights that excessive or unplanned holidays in educational institutions significantly disrupt students’ learning continuity and academic progress. The report explains that while periodic breaks are necessary for rest, frequent or extended closures caused by administrative decisions, political events, weather disruptions, or social factors can slow curriculum completion, reduce teaching efficiency, and weaken exam preparation.

The analysis notes that such interruptions create knowledge gaps, force teachers to spend valuable time reviewing old lessons, and increase stress among students who must rush through condensed material. It also points out that students from disadvantaged backgrounds suffer more due to limited access to supplementary learning resources during breaks. Administratively, unplanned holidays compel schools to make ad hoc adjustments such as rescheduling exams or shortening lessons, which can compromise teaching quality.

The article concludes that repeated disruptions may have lasting effects on students’ motivation, discipline, and long-term academic and professional outcomes. It calls for careful planning of holiday schedules and strategic interventions, including digital learning support, to maintain consistent, high-quality education.

The government has appointed Md Ali Hossain Fakir, currently the head of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) and an Additional Inspector General of Police, as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP). The appointment was announced on Tuesday through a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Md Ali Hossain Fakir is a member of the 15th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Police) cadre. His ancestral home is in Bagerhat district. The official circular confirmed his promotion and new assignment as the country’s top police officer.

The announcement marks a key leadership change within the Bangladesh Police, as the government continues its process of senior-level appointments in the law enforcement sector.