Banned Awami League leaders and activists are reportedly returning to Bangladesh through the Comilla border ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and Independence Day. Local sources said that following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in the July uprising, many Awami League and Chhatra League members had fled to India. Now, after the BNP formed the government, they are allegedly reentering the country illegally, as most lack valid passports. Intelligence sources claimed that some returning Chhatra League leaders brought foreign weapons with funding from former Awami League MPs.

Local residents reported that Sajjad Hossain Swapan, a fugitive Awami League leader accused in multiple murder cases, recently returned and began reorganizing party members. BNP officials in Comilla denied any institutional support for the banned group, though some local BNP figures were accused of sheltering Awami League members in exchange for money. The BNP’s grassroots expressed anger over joint iftar events involving both parties.

Border Guard Bangladesh officials stated that no illegal entry had been detected so far, while police confirmed that anyone accused in the July uprising cases would be arrested if found.

A shortage of bottled soybean oil has been reported in several markets across Dhaka, with consumers struggling to find one- and two-liter bottles despite stable retail prices. Dealers have reportedly raised wholesale prices, reducing retailers’ profit margins. Open soybean and palm oil prices have also increased. Some shopkeepers said companies are supplying less oil, while panic buying linked to conflict in the Middle East has worsened the situation.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, after meeting with importers and traders, denied any shortage, stating that there is sufficient stock and no reason for price hikes. He attributed the temporary supply pressure to consumers purchasing more than usual out of fear. The minister warned that panic buying could allow unscrupulous traders to exploit the situation and assured that monitoring would be intensified.

Oil companies and importers also rejected claims of reduced production or supply, asserting that distribution remains normal. The ministry confirmed that consumer protection authorities and local administrations will continue market inspections to prevent manipulation.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association (BIPPA) have warned that private sector furnace oil-based power plants can continue production for only about one month with their current fuel reserves. Speaking at a press conference in Dhaka on Monday, BIPPA President David Hasnat and former president Imran Karim urged the government to ensure timely fuel supply and payment of outstanding dues to prevent a severe electricity crisis as irrigation demand and summer heat intensify.

Imran Karim stated that as of early March, private plants held around 130,000 tons of fuel oil, sufficient to operate until April 7–10. He noted that private producers generate roughly half of Bangladesh’s total electricity, but delayed government payments—often six to nine months late—have created financial strain, with dues reaching about Tk 14,000 crore. Karim also argued that furnace oil remains comparatively stable in price, unlike LNG, which has seen sharp increases.

BIPPA Vice President Faisal Ahmed Chowdhury emphasized the sector’s growing local expertise, while Hasnat cautioned that the country could face a 3,000-megawatt power shortfall during peak heat if short- and long-term plans are not implemented.

The Government of Bangladesh has introduced a new policy to enhance transparency and accountability in distributing stipends to primary school students. Announced on March 9, 2026, by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the 'Primary Education Stipend Program Implementation Guidelines 2026' mandates that stipend funds be sent directly to the mother’s registered mobile banking account. In the absence of the mother, the father or a legal guardian will receive the payment through the same digital process.

According to the new guidelines, all students of government primary schools, PTI-affiliated experimental schools, and those run by the Child Welfare Trust will be eligible, with a maximum of two children per family allowed to receive stipends. Monthly payments will vary by grade, ranging from 75 taka for pre-primary students to 200 taka for grades six to eight. Students must maintain at least 80% attendance and achieve minimum academic performance to continue receiving benefits.

The Directorate of Primary Education will oversee the fully digital distribution system, coordinated with the Finance Division, Bangladesh Bank, and mobile financial service providers. Any irregularities in fund distribution will be subject to legal action.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said his party will speak for people's rights in parliament and support any initiative that ensures those rights. He warned that if rights are violated, they will not remain silent but will protest and, if necessary, resist. He made these remarks on Monday at an iftar event in Dhaka organized by the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), attended by leaders from several political parties.

Dr. Rahman expressed regret that some who were once oppressed are now acting differently, stressing that history repeats itself for those who fail to learn from it. He said their struggle against fascism, corruption, and extortion will continue until a permanent solution is achieved. He also reiterated that before the election, they sought victory for the nation’s 180 million people, not just for their party, but alleged that voting rights were violated.

He further commented on global unrest, saying the Muslim world is suffering the most. He affirmed that Jamaat stands for humanity and will oppose any forces acting against it, regardless of country or origin.

Abdullah Al Jaber, member secretary of Inquilab Monch, stated that the planner behind the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi remains at large. Speaking at a press conference in Shahbagh, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon, he said that although the main accused has been arrested, the key planner and accomplices have not yet been detained. The organization also expressed a lack of confidence in the current administration’s handling of the case.

Jaber called for a separate investigation under the supervision of the United Nations to ensure impartial justice for Hadi’s killing. He said the group would formally request UN intervention from the government. According to him, recent political remarks and police behavior have created confusion and reduced the organization’s trust in the judicial process.

Authorities have arrested two individuals from West Bengal in connection with the murder, including prime suspect Faisal Karim Masud. The state police have filed a case against them for illegal entry into India, and both have been placed in 14-day police custody following their court appearance.

The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) under the Ministry of Education has issued ten directives for all educational institutions under its jurisdiction. According to a recent circular signed by Professor Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel, each institution will organize a one-day training program titled 'Scientific Lifestyle Development and Mental Health Service Activities' for teachers and students. The initiative will be implemented free of cost in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Quantum Foundation under a memorandum of understanding.

The directives include forming a monitoring pool in each institution to ensure daily practice after the training, providing counseling services as per the manual, and involving Bangladesh Scouts as volunteers. Institutions may also include parents in the program if deemed necessary for awareness on non-communicable disease prevention and mental health protection. Regional education officials will assist in coordinating the implementation.

The program aims to promote mental well-being and healthy lifestyle practices among students and teachers through structured meditation and counseling sessions guided by the Quantum Foundation’s manual.

Mohammad Ali Hossain, an officer of the Law and Justice Division and a District and Sessions Judge, has been appointed as the Director General (Legal) of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The appointment was announced on Monday through a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration.

According to the notification, his service has been placed under the Cabinet Division. The appointment marks a new leadership move within the ACC’s legal wing, which handles legal affairs and proceedings related to corruption cases.

The announcement was reported by the national news agency BSS and published by the online edition of Amar Desh on March 9, 2026.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser and Member of Parliament Zainul Abdin Faruk stated that Tarique Rahman would continue as prime minister until 2042. He made the remarks on Monday, March 9, at a discussion and prayer meeting organized by the Ziaur Rahman Social Welfare Forum at the National Press Club. The event was held to pray for the late BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Faruk emphasized that the main goal was to strengthen the leadership of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, rather than focusing on who becomes an MP or minister. He said the new government, led by Tarique Rahman, had already begun implementing initiatives such as the family card and would soon launch an agriculture card and a tree-planting program involving one crore trees. He added that under the new administration, there would be no false arrests or harassment for differing opinions.

The meeting was presided over by Manjur Rahman Bhuiyan, president of the Ziaur Rahman Social Welfare Forum, and was attended by BNP central committee members Farida Yasmin and Advocate Rafique Sikder.

Bogura District Chhatra Dal has announced the dissolution of all ward committees under its upazila, union, and municipal branches to make organizational activities more dynamic. The decision, confirmed on Sunday night by district office secretary Sohan Islam, affects a total of 1,188 ward committees that had reached the end of their tenure.

District president Habibur Rashid Sandhan and general secretary M R Hasan Palash approved the move. According to Sandhan, the dissolution covers 108 union committees with 972 ward committees across 12 upazilas, as well as 108 ward committees under 12 municipal branches. However, the 12 municipal committees and all ward committees under Bogura Municipality remain active.

Sandhan stated that new committees will be formed soon through conferences to replace the dissolved units, signaling an upcoming phase of organizational restructuring within the district branch.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir stated that there is sufficient stock of edible oil in the market and no possibility of a price increase. He made the remarks on Monday after a meeting with edible oil traders at the Ministry of Commerce to review the overall supply situation following reports of minor shortages and slightly higher prices in some areas.

The minister explained that recent supply pressure in certain markets resulted from panic buying by consumers, not from any actual shortage. He emphasized that importers and refinery owners confirmed adequate reserves of edible oil. Muktadir urged consumers not to purchase excessively, warning that unnecessary competition could allow unscrupulous traders to exploit the situation.

He further said that monitoring activities would be strengthened to ensure market stability and prevent misinformation. The National Consumer Rights Protection Directorate and district administrations will continue regular inspections, and the government will take action if irregularities are found.

Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited, one of Bangladesh’s most storied sports institutions, has begun a new chapter under fresh leadership. The club held its fourth annual general meeting and board election today at the Dhaka Club. Politician Md. Barket Ullah Bulu, MP, was elected president unopposed, along with sixteen directors who also won uncontested positions. The election was overseen by Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol as chief election commissioner, assisted by three other club members.

Following the election, the newly formed board held its first meeting, where key administrative and sports responsibilities were distributed. Md. Lokman Hossain Bhuiyan was appointed Director in Charge of Administration, Mahbubul Anam as Director of Finance, and Md. Mostakur Rahman as Director of Sports. Mustafa Kamal was named chairman of the football committee, with Md. Abul Kalam MP, M.A. Salam, and Mirza Yasir Abbas as vice chairmen. Masuduzzaman will lead the cricket committee, Sajed A.A. Adel the hockey committee, and Nilofar Chowdhury Moni the women’s wing.

The developments mark the start of a new phase for the club’s management and sporting activities under unified leadership.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has called on BNP lawmakers to take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council at the very beginning of the general session of the National Parliament on March 12. Speaking at an iftar event organized by the Khulna district unit of Jamaat-e-Islami, he said that two oaths were mandatory for the elected MPs to fully implement the July Charter, but the beneficiary party of the July uprising did not take the second oath. He stated that Jamaat would play the role of a responsible opposition party in parliament.

Porwar questioned whether the BNP had forgotten the sacrifices made during the July uprising and warned against authoritarian tendencies. He claimed that there had been a wave of public support for Jamaat’s electoral symbol and alleged post-vote manipulation in ballot sorting and result announcements. He said Jamaat would file a petition in the tribunal against the irregularities.

The event was presided over by Khulna district Ameer Maulana Emran Hossain, with several central leaders of Jamaat and allied organizations attending as special guests.

NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam has warned that the government’s legitimacy will be questioned if it fails to implement the July Charter, citing the old constitution as an excuse. He made the remarks on Monday at the NCP’s Khulna divisional iftar and prayer gathering held at Khulna District Stadium.

Nahid Islam stated that the current government did not come to power through a regular process and that its legitimacy, as well as that of the interim government, stemmed from the July uprising. He emphasized that ignoring the July Charter would undermine the government’s authority. Referring to the joint presence of leaders from BNP, Jamaat, NCP, and other parties at the event, he said the July uprising made such unity possible and called for the implementation of all ordinances issued by the interim government.

The event was attended by Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, Khulna City Corporation administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, and several senior NCP organizers.

Inqilab Mancha has alleged that the masterminds and financiers behind the killing of Shahid Osman Hadi remain at large despite the arrest of the main shooter. At an emergency press conference held in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on March 9, the group’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said they had confirmed the arrest of the prime accused, Faisal Karim Masud, in India. He described the arrest, which came 87 days after the murder, as a significant step forward but insisted that those who planned and financed the attack must also be exposed.

Jaber claimed that an earlier investigation by the Detective Branch attempted to suppress the case, but the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has since taken over. He said the CID confirmed efforts to bring the shooter back to Bangladesh and identify others involved. While thanking investigators for progress, he warned against political bargaining over the arrest and urged swift completion of international legal processes.

Reiterating the call for a UN-supervised investigation, Jaber said the government should update the public on whether the UN has agreed to take charge and what cooperation will be provided to ensure impartial justice.