Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Mokhles Ur Rahman, stated on Sunday that district commissioners (DCs) who were forced into retirement or made officers on special duty (OSD) will face legal action if they are found to be involved in financial corruption. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he clarified that only those with allegations against them would face lawsuits, while others would not. During the 15-and-a-half-year rule of the ousted League government, over a hundred officials who served as returning officers in three controversial elections are now being removed from their roles or placed on special duty.

The Bangladesh government has forced four Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) of police into retirement. According to separate notifications issued on Sunday by the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, signed by Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, the officials are: DIG Md. Nisharul Arif from the Anti-Terrorism Unit, DIG Md. Abdul Kuddus Amin from the River Police, DIG Md. Azad Mia from the Highway Police, and DIG Amena Begum, NDC. The decision was made in the public interest under the Government Service Act. However, they will receive retirement benefits as per the regulations.

Nepal will start exporting 40 megawatts of electricity to Bangladesh from June under a trilateral agreement involving India. The electricity will be transmitted via Indian territory and sourced from Nepal’s Trishuli (25 MW) and Chilime Hydropower Project (22 MW). The agreement, signed last year, allows annual electricity exports from June to November until 2029. Bangladesh will buy the electricity at 8.17 Nepalese rupees per unit. Nepal plans to increase exports in the future, leveraging its hydropower potential to strengthen regional energy cooperation.

Former State Minister for Home Affairs, Lutfozzaman Babar, is finally returning to his home in Madan, Netrokona, after 17 years. His long-awaited return has sparked major preparations by the district BNP, with celebrations resembling a festive occasion. Supporters and party members are filled with joy. Babar, who served three terms as an MP from Netrokona-4, was also the State Minister for Home Affairs under the Khaleda Zia-led government. He was released from prison on January 16 after serving 17 years and later fell ill in Dubai while performing Umrah. Following his treatment and the completion of his pilgrimage, Babar is finally returning home.

A BNP delegation, led by Abdul Moin Khan, is set to visit China at the invitation of the Communist Party of China. The delegation will leave Dhaka on Monday for a 13-day visit, returning on March 6. Central General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Nasir Uddin, confirmed that the delegation would include Abdul Moin Khan, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anni, Kaiser Kamal, Shahidul Islam Babul, Nurul Islam Nayon, Rajib Ahsan, Nasir Uddin Nasir, and Rukhsana Khondkar. Representatives from allied parties include Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Saiful Haque, Muhammad Rashed Khan, Fariduzzaman Farhad, Maulana Ataullah Amin, Babi Hajjaj, and Syed Ehsanul Huda.

Bangladesh’s foreign reserves have surged to $20.85 billion, driven by a steady flow of remittances from expatriates. In February alone, remittances amounted to $1.93 billion, pushing reserves closer to the $21 billion mark. The country’s gross reserves now stand at $26.11 billion. Bangladesh’s usable reserves are also above $15 billion, well beyond the threshold required to cover three months of imports. These positive developments reflect the country’s financial stability, with a consistent remittance inflow supporting the growth of reserves.

At an event on Sunday at the Sarda Police Academy, Home Minister’s Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated, “The state of Bangladesh belongs to all citizens, not to any political party, group, or community. The Bangladesh Police are independent employees of the republic, adhering strictly to the law.” Addressing the new recruits, he added, “Today marks the end of your year-long basic training. From now on, you will step into the field as well-trained, skilled, and intelligent police officers, dedicated to upholding the rule of law and serving the citizens. I welcome you to this new phase of your career.” He also congratulated the recruits for their impressive parade display.

Bilkis Jahan Shireen, BNP leader, has accused political opponents of plotting conspiracies against her since the fall of the fascist government. In a recent press conference, Shireen denied claims regarding a 10 crore taka pond in Barisal, calling them false and fabricated. She stated her family has legitimate ownership of the land for over 70 years and rejected all allegations. Shireen believes the media is being used to tarnish her image and destroy her political career through deliberate misinformation.

Mohammad Tajul Islam, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal, stated that Sheikh Hasina visited Pangu Hospital and ordered the cessation of medical treatment for those severely injured in the protests, saying “No Treatment, No Release.” Doctors and hospital staff have provided evidence on this matter, which has been presented to the court by the prosecution. Not only patients but also doctors have testified. He mentioned that under the administration’s instructions, the bodies of martyrs were not allowed to be examined, and in some cases, death certificates were not issued. Even when death certificates were provided, the cause of death from gunshot wounds was not mentioned.

The government has officially declared February 25 as ‘National Martyred Soldiers Day’ to honor the 74 victims, including 57 army officers, of the 2009 Pilkhana massacre in Dhaka. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid announced on Sunday that a gazette notification would be issued today, formalizing the annual observance. However, the day will not be a public holiday. This decision aims to recognize the sacrifices of the fallen soldiers while ensuring the tragic event remains a significant part of national memory.

Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam has announced that the national election schedule will be set with December 2025 in mind. The commission aims to start full preparations by July-August. Typically, election schedules are announced 45-55 days in advance, and the EC is working independently without external influence. Discussions are ongoing about local elections coinciding with national polls, but no final decision has been made. The commission assures a timely schedule announcement and a swift election process while ensuring transparency and fairness.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has accused a certain group of deliberately attempting to disrupt unity and peaceful coexistence by inciting religious sentiments. In a statement on Sunday, Rafiqul Islam said that Bangladesh has long been a shining example of communal harmony. “Our culture, traditions, and values are built on mutual respect and coexistence among people of all religions,” he stated.

The statement further alleged that a particular faction has recently been engaging in deliberate religious provocations to undermine this unity. “Especially, offensive remarks and campaigns against Islam, Allah, and the Prophet (PBUH) are attacking our social harmony,” it added. Terming the situation as unfortunate, the movement has urged the government to take action and ensure justice.

Investigations have revealed that outsiders linked to Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Jubo Dal were responsible for shooting students during clashes at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) over the demand to ban student politics. A gunman wearing a black helmet and pants was spotted firing at KUET students from an alley near Khan Jahan Ali Hall. Several JCD and Jubo Dal activists involved in the attack have been identified, and their photos have been posted publicly. Meanwhile, students continue protests with a six-point demand.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for March 2 on the government and Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) appeal against the High Court’s acquittal of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case. Previously sentenced to seven years in prison, Zia was cleared by the High Court, prompting an appeal. Her legal team insists they will fight the case legally, reaffirming her innocence.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the review hearing of ATM Azharul Islam, the former acting Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, for Tuesday. Azhar was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity committed during the 1971 war. The Attorney General confirmed that his review petition, originally listed for hearing on February 20, was postponed and will now be addressed. Jamaat leader Shafiqul Rahman has warned that if Azhar is not released, he will voluntarily surrender in court on February 25.