Following a petition by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), a court has ordered the seizure of 304.59 acres of land in Lama Upazila of Bandarban, held under lease and purchase agreements in the name of Fawzia Islam, wife of former minister Tajul Islam. The petition alleges that Fawzia illegally acquired assets worth BDT 69 million, aided by funds allegedly misappropriated by her husband. It also cites suspicious transactions across 11 bank accounts involving over BDT 271 million, allegedly used to conceal the sources of illicit income.

The BGMEA has called for maintaining the current corporate tax rate of 12% for export-oriented garment factories and 10% for LEED-certified factories until June 30, 2028. Any changes before that could undermine investor confidence, they warned. During a pre-budget discussion organized by the NBR, the association also urged for a tax regime that encourages both domestic and foreign investment in the textile sector.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that the Chief Adviser aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with all SAARC countries, including India, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Nepal. “We’ve decided to develop an economic zone for Nepal in northern Bangladesh,” he said. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary is expected to visit soon for bilateral discussions. “Our foreign policy is pro-Bangladesh. Every move is made to uphold the country’s interests,” the press secretary emphasized. Reviving SAARC is a key priority for the current administration.

A fire broke out Monday night at the village home of Saddam Hossain, central president of the banned student organization Chhatra League, in Panchagarh. Locals noticed the blaze at midnight and attempted to control it before fire services arrived. Two units from Boda Fire Station extinguished the flames. Initial damage is estimated at BDT 100,000. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

NCP leaders Nahid Islam and Dr. Tasnim Zara held discussions with ambassadors from eight EU countries—Spain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway. The EU delegation shared their support for democratic progress in Bangladesh. “It was an honor to join our convenor in this open dialogue,” Dr. Zara said. The EU emphasized the importance of engaging with the newly formed National Citizens’ Party and supporting democratic development.

The Election Commission has begun preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections. Officials met with the Directorate of Printing and Publications to assess paper needs, estimated budgets, and timeframes for printing election materials. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said they aim to complete procurement and printing within four months prior to the polls. “We are back-calculating all tasks to align with the eventual election schedule,” he added.

NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah stated in a Facebook post, “Ever since our refusal to compromise with the Awami League was labeled as ‘indecent,’ their rallies have only grown larger.” Warning those engaging in “politics of compromise,” he added, “Decide soon where you stand with the Awami League. If not, while you continue compromising, I’ll continue being ‘indecent.’ And trust me, you won’t be able to handle that.”

NCP leader Shamantha Sharmin explained the party’s limited presence at New Year events in Dhaka, stating that NCP currently has only one central committee with 217 members. Many of them are working at local levels across the country. She said the party prioritized strategic deployment across the capital, given the history of disruptions at such public events. “We tried to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration by spreading out rather than concentrating in one place,” she added.

Young members of the Marma community celebrated the Sangrai Water Festival in Bandarban’s Kuhalong Union with vibrant splashes and cultural performances. Tradition holds that this joyful water-play fosters romantic connections that often lead to marriage. Regional Council member KS Mong inaugurated the event by the Sangu River, featuring traditional dances, boat races, and greasy bamboo climbing contests. Across the hill tracts, communities also observed religious rituals and held traditional cake-making competitions throughout the night.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed authorities to take robust and proactive steps to prepare for Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. “We must ensure no sector suffers losses during the transition while also maximizing the benefits of graduation,” his press secretary stated. A dedicated team will be formed to monitor the process. Special Assistant Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury added that protecting key export sectors like garments is a top priority. Implementing reform commission recommendations could also help meet international labor compliance standards swiftly.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has confirmed meeting BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia during his recent Brussels trip. “We worked together for many years. She is unwell, and it is our moral responsibility to check on her,” he said. When asked about any communication with BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, he responded, “When two people meet, many things are discussed.” He declined to elaborate further. During the trip, Jamaat leaders also met with members of the South Asia Caucus of the European Parliament and officials from the EU’s South Asia desk.

Former press secretary to Khaleda Zia, Maruf Kamal, has revealed that Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman and Naib-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Abu Taher recently met with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Tareque Rahman at Tareque’s residence in London after their return from a European tour. Details of the meeting remain undisclosed. Kamal hinted that this meeting may either signal a political development or be merely a courtesy visit—only time will tell.

The shutdown of 170 madrasas in India’s Uttarakhand state has drawn strong condemnation from the Young Ulema Society, known for leading the July uprising. In a statement, they described the move as a blow to India’s secularism and a systematic attempt to marginalize Muslim education and culture. They said, “If 170 temples were shut down in Bangladesh, the world would erupt in protest.” They also criticized the rising state-sponsored suppression of Muslim institutions, prayer practices, and religious attire in India, calling for global accountability.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) conducted a raid at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) today, focusing on financial irregularities in the Mujib Centenary program. Assistant Director Mahmudul Hasan stated that Tk 250 million was reported as spent for a concert and related events, although actual spending was just Tk 70 million. Documents were also requested regarding ticket sales revenue of Tk 20 million, which was not reported. ACC suspects embezzlement may exceed Tk 190 million. Additional irregularities were found in third-division team selections as well.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Jabed Iqbal from RAB-2 has been suspended following his February 11 arrest under a warrant issued by the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973 (Section 3). According to a Home Ministry notice, his suspension is in accordance with Section 39(2) of the Government Service Act, 2018. He will remain eligible for subsistence allowance during this period, as per government rules.