A massive fire broke out in the Sajek tourist area of Rangamati around 12:30 PM on Monday (February 24) and remains uncontrolled despite four hours of effort. The fire reportedly started from an electrical short circuit in a resort. The army and locals are assisting in firefighting, but water shortages are hindering efforts. Over 50 resorts, houses, and restaurants have been destroyed. No casualties have been reported so far. Authorities have requested helicopter assistance to help contain the fire.

A fire broke out at a jute warehouse in the Adamjee Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Narayanganj’s Siddhirganj on Monday (February 24) at around 9:30 AM. Two firefighting units managed to bring the blaze under control after an hour of efforts, confirmed Mohammad Miron Mia, an officer at Adamjee Fire Service. The fire reportedly started at the rear section of a warehouse belonging to U.H.M. Limited, a garment factory. Factory personnel initially attempted to put out the fire but failed, prompting them to call the fire service. The extent of the damage has not yet been determined.

Sarjis Alam, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, announced that the movement, along with the National Citizens Committee, will soon launch a new political party. The unveiling is scheduled for February 28 at 3:00 PM on Manik Mia Avenue, near the National Parliament. Alam emphasized the need for a strong political party to realize the dreams of a new Bangladesh, standing on the sacrifices of past martyrs and promising a better future for the next generation.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General, Professor Mia Golam Porwar, announced that, considering the current national situation, the party has canceled its planned mass sit-in in front of the Chief Adviser’s office on February 25. Additionally, the previously declared voluntary imprisonment campaign by Jamaat’s Amir, Shafiqur Rahman, in the court premises has also been called off. Senior leadership requests were cited as the reason behind this decision. The announcement was originally made by the Jamaat Amir on Facebook on February 21.

Mahmudullah will be part of Bangladesh’s playing XI for today’s match against New Zealand. The all-rounder has been actively participating in practice sessions in Rawalpindi, including a fitness test. Back in Cardiff, it was Mahmudullah who guided Bangladesh to a victory over New Zealand, securing a spot in the Champions Trophy semifinals. Can Mahmudullah once again lift Bangladesh from the edge of defeat? Though he missed the game against India due to injury, he is now fully fit and ready to play against New Zealand. As a result, Soumya will be making way for him.

Dr. Atiur Rahman served as the Governor of Bangladesh Bank from 2009 to 2016, inheriting a strong banking sector. However, his tenure saw mismanagement, operational weaknesses, and undermining of the central bank’s autonomy, which ultimately weakened the sector. He played a pivotal role in the destruction of the banking industry. In early 2010, the Hallmark and Basic Bank scandals rocked Sonali Bank, leading to massive fraud at both institutions. Despite the scale of these scams, under Atiur’s leadership, Bangladesh Bank failed to take decisive action. During his time, the focus shifted to facilitating defaulters, and it was under his watch that Bangladesh Bank’s reserve funds were looted.

Last Thursday, a controversy arose when an Awami League leader, Longa Babu, a suspect in the July Revolution-related Minhaz murder case, was initially detained by police but later released. This prompted public criticism. The leader was re-arrested later that evening, and an investigation committee has been formed to look into the incident. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) stated that Babu was released initially due to signs of a heart attack, but he was arrested again after further review.

On Monday (February 24), after a hearing at the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka, former Minister Amin Hossain Amu was formally arrested in connection with the Mizanur Rahman murder case. During the proceedings, he was seated on a wooden stool at the dock, where he listened to the hearing for 20 minutes. At 10:11 AM, Amu and ten other former ministers and mayors of the Awami League government were brought to court. They stood at the dock during the proceedings.

A report titled “72 Rapes in the Last 65 Hours,” published in Daily Janakantha, has been debunked as false. The article, which used screenshots of old news to claim the incidents occurred within 65 hours, was found to be inaccurate. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing clarified the information, stating that exaggerated reports or false statistics on such serious crimes create confusion. The interim government remains committed to bringing all offenders of rape incidents to justice.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will embark on an official visit to Turkey today, Monday, according to Anadolu Agency. The visit will focus on discussions between Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on bilateral cooperation, trade, energy, and tourism. The two ministers are also expected to discuss the resolution of the Ukraine conflict through a just and lasting peace, as well as the recent dialogue between the United States and Russia, with Turkey’s involvement. Additionally, reports suggest that Turkey may present its plan to eliminate “terrorist forces” from Syria during this visit. The regional stability and territorial integrity, including discussions on Israel, will also be key topics of conversation between the two ministers.

On February 25 and 26, 2009, 57 army officers were killed in a BDR mutiny at the Pilkhana headquarters in Dhaka. At the time, Sohail Taj, the then Minister of State for Home Affairs, was abroad in the United States. Journalist Elias Hossain, writing from abroad, claimed that army sources had suggested Sohail Taj may have been involved in the BDR killings. Elias warned that Taj should be cautious to prevent his escape abroad. In response, Sohail Taj condemned these allegations as propaganda and expressed his readiness to cooperate with investigations, but also stated that he would not return to politics.

On February 25 and 26, 2009, the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Headquarters in Pilkhana, Dhaka, was attacked by rebel soldiers, resulting in the deaths of 57 army officers. At the time, Sohel Taj, the then-State Minister for Home Affairs, was residing in the United States. Expatriate journalist Elias Hossain has written that military sources had informed him of Sohel Taj’s potential involvement in the BDR massacre. Elias warned that Taj should be cautious about traveling abroad. In response, Sohel Taj condemned these claims as propaganda and expressed his readiness to cooperate with any investigations, while also stating that he would not enter politics at this time.

The Bangladesh Air Force has dismissed reports that local miscreants from Samitipara launched a surprise attack on the Cox’s Bazar Air Force base on Monday, calling the news misleading. Meanwhile, ISPR stated that rumors are being spread claiming that a young man was killed by Air Force gunfire in Cox’s Bazar. According to the statement, a sudden attack by some local miscreants left four Air Force personnel injured, who are currently undergoing treatment.

Zakir Hossain (32), the personal secretary of former mayor Jahangir Alam, was detained by students and handed over to the police. The incident occurred around 12:30 AM on Sunday at Chandna Chourasta area. Following his arrest, Zakir was implicated in several cases, including extortion, land grabbing, and anti-discrimination student movements. Officer-in-charge of Basan Police Station, Kaisar Ahmed, confirmed that Zakir is facing multiple charges. As part of a special operation, dubbed “Operation Devil Hunt,” he was arrested and sent to jail following a court order.

পুলিশের আইজিপি বাহারুল আলম জানিয়েছেন, ছিনতাইরোধে পুলিশের তিনটি বিশেষায়িত ইউনিট সোমবার সকাল থেকে মাঠে নামছে। ঢাকা মেট্রোপলিটন পুলিশ, র‍্যাব ও এন্টি টেরোরিজম ইউনিট যৌথ অভিযান চালাবে। আইজিপি বলেন, দিনেরাতে ছিনতাই বেড়েছে। ছিনতাই প্রতিরোধে সোমবার সকাল থেকে বিশেষ একটি ব্যবস্থা বাস্তবায়ন করার সিদ্ধান্ত নেওয়া হয়েছে। এভাবে উন্নতি না হলে আমাদের অন্য পরিকল্পনায় যেতে হবে। বাহারুল বলেন, একটি গোষ্ঠী চায় না বাংলাদেশে স্থিতিশীল পরিবেশ বজায় থাক। সেটার পেছনে রাজনৈতিক উদ্দেশ্য থাকতে পারে। তিনি বলেন, অপারেশন ডেভিল হান্ট মূলত যারা সন্ত্রাস করে, সমাজবিরোধী তাদের বিরুদ্ধে।