The Ministry of Health has transferred 29 Civil Surgeons to the position of Officer on Special Duty (OSD). An official order, signed by Deputy Secretary Sonjida Shormin, was issued on Sunday by the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The directive states that the transferred officers are expected to join their new postings by March 6. If they fail to do so, they will be considered immediately released from their current positions starting from March 9.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin assured that the supply of soybean oil will return to normal within the next two days. Speaking to the media on Monday afternoon after inspecting a local market, he acknowledged a temporary shortage but expressed optimism about improvement starting today.

“There is no shortage of essential goods. While the supply of soybean oil has decreased slightly, I expect the situation to improve from today,” he said.

He also noted the fluctuation in cooking oil prices, stating that while soybean oil is being sold at higher prices, palm oil is being sold 25 BDT below the government-set price. “Palm oil accounts for 60% of our total edible oil consumption. Market prices have both increased and decreased simultaneously,” he added.

According to a report by India’s state-run news agency, Press Trust of India (PTI), at least 13 Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in Tripura and Meghalaya on charges of illegal entry. The Border Security Force (BSF) stated that four of them were detained in Tripura, while the remaining nine were apprehended in Meghalaya. Additionally, the BSF reported seizing illegal drugs and contraband worth approximately ₹21.3 million during the same operation.

A 37-year-old Indian national, Shaon Karmakar, was apprehended by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Monday while attempting to enter the country illegally through the Comilla border. Karmakar, a resident of Khayerpur police station in West Tripura, was found in possession of an Aadhaar card issued by the Indian government, a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, and a State Bank Classic Visa card. He has been handed over to Kotwali Police Station for further legal proceedings.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to strengthen efforts to form a coalition involving the UK, France, and other countries, with an aim to include the United States in supporting Ukraine. During this period, Starmer also revealed a four-step action plan to end the war and protect Ukraine from Russian forces. After a conference with 18 leaders in London, Starmer said, “We are at a crossroads in history.” Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed feeling “strong support” and noted that the conference showcased the “highest level of European unity seen in years.”

On Monday afternoon, the Chairman of Sadik Agro, Imran Hossain, was arrested by the CID in connection with a money laundering case. CID spokesperson Jasim Uddin Khan confirmed the arrest. The CID revealed that there is an ongoing case involving the laundering of 133 crore BDT. Imran, along with Touhidul Alam Zenith and the company Sadik Agro, is facing charges under the Money Laundering Prevention Act for laundering the said amount. Additionally, he is accused of fraud.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has sent a letter to India requesting the extradition of Sheikh Hasina to face trial after she fled to India. Relations between Dhaka and Delhi have been strained over several issues, including the construction of a barbed wire fence along the border and the suspension of Indian visas. In an interview with BBC, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus commented that the situation has improved, stating, “The clouds have cleared, and relations with India are now good. Communication is ongoing.” He further emphasized that the negative propaganda was a factor, but both nations are interdependent, and there is no room for deteriorating relations.

Garments workers in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in protest after a female worker, Afsana Akter Laboni, committed suicide by jumping from the roof of a factory. The workers set a vehicle on fire, disrupting traffic. The protestors claimed the factory’s negligence led to her death. Police and military forces intervened, clearing the area by 10 AM. More than fifty nearby factories declared a holiday due to the unrest.

Following Sheikh Hasina’s escape to India, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to India requesting her extradition for trial. Additionally, issues such as the construction of barbed wire fences on the border and the suspension of Indian visas have caused strain in the relationship between Dhaka and Delhi. In an interview with BBC, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said, “The clouds have cleared; relations with India are now good. There is constant communication. The propaganda was a mere factor. The two countries are interdependent, and there is no room for poor relations.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was admitted to United Hospital on Sunday after suddenly feeling unwell. A member of the BNP media cell, Shairul Kabir, informed the public that Fakhrul’s health has significantly improved. Kabir mentioned that the BNP Secretary General had attended a book unveiling ceremony at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, where the dust and dirt in the area made him feel ill.

A BNP leader in Gazipur’s Kaliganj has been accused of attempting to seize land and threatening the victim with eviction. The leader, Md. Ahmadul Kabir Khan Naeem, admitted to making the threats, claiming he spoke out of anger. The dispute involves a long-standing conflict over land between neighbors. A lawsuit has been filed in court by the victim’s family, who allege physical assault and verbal abuse during the incident on February 12.

Former Minister of State for Industry, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, announced at the court premises that he has completely withdrawn from politics. “I no longer hold any party position. At 76, I cannot continue in politics. We want new leadership to emerge,” he stated. On this day, Kamal Ahmed Majumder, along with five others, was escorted to the court’s dock at 10 AM under police custody. The judge arrived at 10:07 AM. During this time, Majumder requested the court for a copy of the Quran and medical supplies.

Nabil Hossain, a 22-year-old Chhatra League member from Birampur, Dinajpur, was arrested after posting a photo with a weapon on Facebook, captioned “Sweetheart.” The post included a message threatening suicide if his ex-girlfriend did not contact him. Police apprehended him on Sunday evening from Boro Maath in Birampur. Nabil, a member of the banned Chhatra League branch in Birampur Municipality, was arrested in connection with a murder case and will be sent to Dinajpur court for further proceedings.

A fire broke out at a residential hotel in Shahjadhpur, Dhaka, killing four people. Fire Service Duty Officer Rashed Bin Khalid confirmed the incident on Monday, March 3. The identities of the victims have not been revealed, but it is known that all were male. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Thick smoke was seen coming from the building, and the fire caused heavy traffic congestion in the area, disrupting the movement of locals.

The Appellate Division has stayed the High Court’s ruling that canceled the recruitment of 6,531 assistant teachers for government primary schools in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions. The decision was made on March 3, with a hearing set for March 2. The High Court had earlier instructed the government to make appointments based on merit after canceling the previous recruitment. The results for the recruitment were initially announced on October 31, with 6,531 candidates qualifying.