Noor Banu Kabir from Dinajpur has been honored with the 'Best Indomitable Woman' award by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. The award was presented by President Md. Shahabuddin at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on the occasion of International Women’s Day. She received the award in the 'Successful Mother' category, having earlier been recognized at the Rangpur divisional level.

Eighty-six-year-old Noor Banu Kabir, wife of freedom fighter Alhaj Mohammad Humayun Kabir of Balubari, Dinajpur, was born in Lalpur village of the then undivided Dinajpur district. Despite studying only up to the sixth grade, she dedicated her life to ensuring her ten children received higher education and became established in their careers. Among them, seven earned postgraduate degrees, one completed graduation, and two studied up to the intermediate level.

Her children now serve in various professions, including teaching, journalism, government service, and agriculture, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education and perseverance.

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that modern journalism cannot thrive under outdated structures and emphasized the government's goal to establish an international standard of journalism in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at the Dhaka Sub-Editors Council’s iftar event at the National Press Club on March 9, he said that the government will ensure full media freedom and formulate necessary policies through discussions with journalists.

Swapan noted that while the government envisions complete media freedom, it must not lead to chaos. He added that the government will not tolerate media owners who fail to pay journalists’ salaries. He also stressed that only thoughtful individuals should remain in the journalism profession and announced that a comprehensive policy will be introduced soon.

The event was presided over by Dhaka Sub-Editors Council President Muktadir Anik and conducted by General Secretary Jawhar Iqbal, with additional remarks from leaders of the Dhaka Journalists Union.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all banks to ensure adequate cash availability in ATM booths across the country ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. The central bank’s Payment Systems Department issued a circular on Monday instructing scheduled banks, mobile financial service providers, and payment service institutions to maintain uninterrupted operations of all digital transaction systems, including point of sale (POS), e-payment gateways, and mobile financial services.

The circular emphasized that ATMs must remain operational at all times, with technical issues resolved promptly and security guards kept on alert. Banks were also instructed to ensure continuous POS services for customer convenience and to raise awareness among merchants and clients to prevent fraud. For e-payment gateways, the use of two-factor authentication in both card-based and account-based transactions was mandated.

Mobile financial service providers such as bKash, Rocket, and Nagad were asked to guarantee uninterrupted transactions and to notify customers via SMS for every transaction, regardless of amount.

Chattogram Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ahsan Habib Palash stated that cannons would be deployed if necessary to ensure security in Jungle Salimpur. He announced that two permanent checkpoints would be established in the area, each equipped with necessary police weapons. The DIG made the remarks on Monday afternoon at the entrance of Jungle Salimpur while briefing reporters about the ongoing joint security operation.

According to the DIG, the joint operation began at 6 a.m. Monday with participation from the army, police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). By noon, 15 individuals had been detained, though none were identified as major suspects. The main accused in a RAB officer murder case, Yasin, reportedly escaped before the operation began. A total of 3,057 personnel from multiple forces took part, and two camps—one for police and one for RAB—have been established to maintain security.

The DIG urged the divisional commissioner and administration to expedite implementation of development plans for the large area, emphasizing continued law enforcement presence and regular searches from the new camps.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has requested the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to deploy the army at key fuel depots across the country, citing fears of unrest due to fuel shortages. The appeal follows disruptions in fuel imports and distribution caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East. The government has introduced rationing and reduced fuel supply from depots by 25 percent, triggering public anxiety and hoarding in some areas.

According to BPC’s letter, depots in Chattogram’s Patenga, Khulna’s Daulatpur, Sirajganj’s Baghabari, Narayanganj’s Godnail and Fatullah, Dinajpur’s Parbatipur, and Barishal are considered at risk. The corporation emphasized that these depots are key point installations requiring urgent security measures. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Division has instructed district administrations to conduct mobile courts to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, while central and regional monitoring cells have been established.

Mobile courts in Dhaka have already intervened at several petrol stations found hoarding or halting sales. The government has urged citizens to conserve energy and issued five directives promoting reduced electricity use, avoidance of decorative lighting, and increased reliance on public transport.

Bangladesh Bank has simplified the process for foreign investors to repatriate funds from share transfers and sales in unlisted public and private companies. According to a circular issued on Sunday, investors can now send up to Tk 100 crore abroad without prior central bank approval, a tenfold increase from the previous Tk 10 crore limit. The decision aims to attract more foreign investment by reducing procedural delays and increasing flexibility for non-resident investors.

The new directive allows banks to approve repatriations independently if the transaction value is within Tk 100 crore and based on fair value determined by an independent valuer. Transactions exceeding this limit can also be processed by banks if they do not surpass the company’s latest audited net asset value. For small transactions up to Tk 1 crore, no independent valuation report is required. Banks must form internal committees led by senior executives to ensure transparency and compliance.

The circular aligns valuation methods with International Valuation Standards 2025 and sets strict timelines, requiring banks to complete fund transfers within five working days if no irregularities are found. All completed transactions must be reported to Bangladesh Bank within 14 days.

Representatives of civil society have called on the government to pass the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025 in parliament without any amendments. The appeal was made on Monday during a discussion between newly appointed commissioners and civil society members at the commission’s conference room.

During the meeting, Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the ordinance provides sufficient authority for human rights protection and should be enacted unchanged. He urged the commission to take initiatives for the rights of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, and to develop a comprehensive action plan for addressing human rights violations. CPD Fellow Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya expressed hope that the commission would work independently and emphasized the need for an ombudsman and anti-discrimination law. ALRD Executive Director Shamsul Huda also supported passing the ordinance intact.

Commission Chairperson Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury stated that the commissioners are committed to working sincerely and courageously within the law. He added that a strong, independent, and credible commission is vital for the nation’s interest and could help Bangladesh achieve ‘A’ status soon.

Bangladesh has requested consular access from India for two Bangladeshi nationals arrested in Kolkata in connection with the murder of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid confirmed the request on Monday while speaking to reporters at the ministry. She said Kolkata police detained the suspects on suspicion of involvement in the killing and placed them on a 14-day remand.

According to the minister, Bangladesh has sought access to verify the detainees’ identities, as current information remains insufficient. She noted that Bangladesh and India have a prisoner exchange agreement, which could be used to bring the suspects back once their identities are confirmed. However, she did not specify how long the repatriation process might take.

Hadi was shot and critically injured on December 12 last year in Dhaka’s Paltan area and later died on December 18 while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanam (Rita), met with JICA’s Chief Representative in Bangladesh, Ichiguchi Tomohide, at the minister’s office on March 9, 2026. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present during the courtesy meeting. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan and sought JICA’s assistance in expediting the operational launch of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

During the meeting, the JICA representative assured continued support for the development initiatives of the current government. He also expressed JICA’s commitment to providing necessary cooperation for the advancement of Bangladesh’s tourism sector.

The meeting underscored the importance of Japan’s technical and financial collaboration in Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism infrastructure, signaling ongoing partnership efforts between the two nations.

The government has reinstated former Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) West Zone, Md. Kohinoor Mia, 15 years after his removal from service. A notification issued on Monday by the Discipline-1 Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the previous dismissal order had been revoked. The order, signed by Senior Secretary Manjur Morshed Chowdhury on behalf of the President, also directed that the period since his suspension be counted as part of his service tenure, entitling him to arrears and other benefits.

According to the notification, the decision followed a review of two departmental cases and the disposal of two related criminal cases in court. After these proceedings, Kohinoor Mia submitted a review petition seeking reconsideration of his dismissal. Upon evaluation, the President approved the cancellation of the earlier order, leading to the withdrawal of the 2011 suspension notification issued by the Home Ministry.

The reinstatement marks the conclusion of a long administrative process that began with his suspension in February 2011.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to explore ways to make Bangladesh’s zakat management system more effective and organized. The directive came during a meeting on zakat management held on Monday at the Cabinet Division, confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony. The meeting discussed how efficient zakat management could contribute to poverty alleviation and decided to restructure the Zakat Board.

A proposal was made to form a committee led by Religious Affairs Minister Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad, including Baitul Mukarram Mosque’s Khatib Allama Mufti Abdul Malek, As Sunnah Foundation Chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah, and several Islamic economists and scholars. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will propose the full list of committee members within ten days. The committee will soon submit its recommendations to the Prime Minister regarding zakat management and board restructuring.

The meeting followed the Prime Minister’s remarks at an iftar event on March 7, where he emphasized that proper zakat management could play a vital role in eradicating poverty within 10 to 15 years.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the special 'Family Card' program for women-led households at an event in Banani’s T&T playground near Karail slum in Dhaka tomorrow. The announcement was made at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Social Welfare in Dhaka on Monday. The program is being piloted in 15 wards across 13 districts, where data from 67,854 women-led families have been collected and verified through multi-level committees.

Based on a software-driven proxy means test, 37,567 families have been finalized as eligible beneficiaries. Each selected household will receive a contactless Family Card equipped with QR code and NFC technology. The beneficiaries will get a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500 through direct digital transfer to their mobile wallet or bank account. Families with government jobs, pensions, large businesses, or luxury assets are excluded from eligibility.

For the pilot phase, Tk 38.07 crore has been allocated, with Tk 25.15 crore for direct cash support and Tk 12.92 crore for data collection, system setup, and card preparation. The Family Card Implementation Guideline 2026 has been published on the ministry’s website.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government is taking steps to bring back two suspects in the murder of Inquilab Mancha leader Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The main accused, Faisal Masud, and his associate, Alamgir Hossain, were arrested in West Bengal, India. Speaking to reporters after a district law and order committee meeting in Cox’s Bazar on Monday, the minister confirmed that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure their return.

He explained that Bangladesh and India have a bilateral agreement on the extradition of accused persons, under which the two suspects can be repatriated soon. The Home Ministry has already initiated the necessary procedures in this regard. Responding to another question, the minister said it is wrong to label every incident as mob violence, adding that the government does not tolerate such acts and is working to prevent them.

Salahuddin Ahmed also announced that the government has decided to launch a nationwide anti-terror operation immediately after Ramadan, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no criminal operates outside the law.

Authorities in Chattogram closed the Bayezid–Faujdarhat Link Road early Monday ahead of a joint forces operation in Sitakunda’s Jungle Salimpur to arrest suspected criminals and recover weapons. Police set up checkpoints at both ends of the road, halting all civilian traffic from morning to evening except for administrative vehicles. The closure caused major inconvenience for university students and city-bound commuters who rely on the route for quick access to Chattogram.

Residents and students expressed frustration that the road was sealed without prior notice. Two private universities, Asian Women’s University and Southern University, were particularly affected as hundreds of students struggled to reach their campuses. Local businesses reported that shops and restaurants along the road were ordered to remain closed, while vehicles bound for other districts were forced to take longer routes through congested city areas.

Police officials said the restrictions were temporary and would be lifted once the operation concluded. They confirmed that Jungle Salimpur was now under full control, with two temporary camps established to prevent the return of armed groups.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced the indefinite suspension of its flights to Doha, Sharjah, Kuwait and Dammam due to the ongoing security crisis in the Middle East. The decision was confirmed in a press release signed by the airline’s General Manager of Public Relations, Bosra Islam, on Monday. The airline stated that these routes will remain closed until further notice.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, a total of 335 international flights have been cancelled from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport since February 28, 2026, following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. Several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Jordan, have closed their airspace since that date, severely disrupting regional air travel.

Biman also announced that flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi will remain suspended until March 10, 2026, pending improvement in the situation and approval from relevant airport authorities. The airline said it is closely monitoring developments and will update passengers promptly through its call center.