Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that a nationwide operation to arrest extortionists and armed criminals will begin soon, starting from Dhaka. He made the statement on Wednesday after a meeting with senior officials of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) at the DMP headquarters in Ramna. The minister said lists of extortionists and armed offenders are being prepared to bring them under legal action. He emphasized that maintaining law and order and ensuring public peace are top priorities of the current government.

Ahmed stated that the government aims to establish the rule of law and that the police have a crucial role in achieving this goal. He noted that the police institution had suffered under a previous authoritarian system but is now being reformed to serve as a true friend of the people. The minister instructed police officers to act lawfully, maintain accountability, and follow the chain of command.

He also directed the DMP commissioner to form a committee to address Dhaka’s traffic congestion, including measures to regulate battery-powered rickshaws on major and VIP roads.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud, has called on citizens to use electricity and fuel sparingly. Speaking at a press conference at his office in the Secretariat on Wednesday, he said the current energy supply is expected to last through March. Although some shortages may occur, he assured that the situation will not become unbearable and that the government is taking multiple measures to manage it.

The minister explained that the government aims to conserve energy through rationing and has increased border surveillance to prevent fuel smuggling, particularly diesel. He emphasized that there will be no load-shedding for iftar and sehri times during Ramadan. Mahmud also mentioned that global crises could affect Bangladesh but maintained that the current situation remains under control.

He urged citizens to cooperate by avoiding unnecessary lighting, especially in shopping malls, and noted that directives may soon be issued to restrict decorative lighting during the ongoing energy strain.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizens Party (NCP), has called an urgent press conference to disclose his bank statement. The event is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the party’s temporary office in Banglamotor, Dhaka.

The announcement follows the emergence of anonymous corruption allegations submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) by a group claiming to be fans of Sakib Al Hasan. These allegations surfaced after discussions began about Asif Mahmud’s potential candidacy for mayor in the upcoming city corporation election. In response, he decided to make his financial records public to address the claims.

The press conference is expected to focus on transparency regarding his finances and to counter the unverified corruption accusations.

Professor Dr. Ehteshamul Haque, a kidney specialist, explained that fasting during Ramadan may not be safe for patients with elevated serum creatinine levels. He stated that when serum creatinine remains below 3, fasting can be allowed, but if it rises above that level, fasting should be avoided to prevent further kidney deterioration. The risk of dehydration during long fasting hours can worsen kidney weakness and increase creatinine levels.

He recommended that kidney patients who fast should drink adequate water and eat simple foods such as flattened rice, yogurt, and khichuri at iftar. Light meals like roti with chicken curry and fruits such as papaya, wood apple, apple, and pear are suitable, while fried foods should be avoided. Dr. Haque also identified nephritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and repeated urinary infections as major causes of kidney disease in South Asian countries.

He advised regular serum creatinine and urine tests for those with a family history of kidney disease or chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension to detect problems early.

The government of Bangladesh has issued a notification redistributing the portfolios of two advisers and eight state ministers. The Cabinet Division released the order on Tuesday afternoon, formalizing the new assignments across several ministries.

According to the notification, Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Nazrul Islam has been assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture, while Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed will now oversee the Ministry of Industries. Among the state ministers, Md. Shariful Alam has been given charge of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, Sultan Salauddin Tuku of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and Habibur Rashid of the Railways and Road Transport and Highways Division. Md. Rajib Ahsan will handle the Ministry of Shipping and the Bridges Division.

Additionally, Junaid Abdur Rahim Saki has been assigned to the Ministry of Planning, Farzana Sharmin to the Ministry of Social Welfare, Md. Nurul Haque Nur to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Bobby Hajjaj to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.

In Jhenaidah, a man named Abu Zafar formally disowned his son for continuing political activities with the banned Chhatra League. On March 2, 2026, he appeared at the Jhenaidah District Notary Public Office and made the declaration through an affidavit. The document stated that his son, Nahid Hasan Sabuj, joint general secretary of the KC College unit of Chhatra League, had been living separately and engaging in political activities despite repeated warnings.

According to the affidavit, Abu Zafar said his son had been disobedient and living an undisciplined life for a long time. He alleged that even after the organization was banned in August 2024, Sabuj continued to participate in its programs, including raising the flag at the abandoned office of the district Awami League on February 21, which later went viral on social media. Feeling embarrassed, the father decided to sever all familial and legal ties.

The affidavit clarified that the family would bear no responsibility for Sabuj’s actions or financial matters. The legal process was completed through Advocate Md. Sadatur Rahman Hadi. Attempts to contact Sabuj for comment were unsuccessful.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has confirmed that a full investigation is underway into the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho. He said a new investigation process began after the current administration took office, and details will be disclosed once the inquiry is completed. The minister made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to journalists at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police headquarters on Minto Road during a meeting with senior police officials.

During the same event, the minister also discussed efforts to address Dhaka’s traffic congestion, noting that the challenges posed by battery-powered rickshaws would be resolved gradually. Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and Acting DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar, among others, attended the meeting.

The ongoing investigation and the minister’s comments indicate the government’s intent to pursue the case thoroughly while simultaneously focusing on urban management issues in the capital.

The verdict in the Rampura war crimes case, scheduled for announcement today, has been postponed after the prosecution requested a four-week delay to submit new evidence against the accused. Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam stated that after assuming his role, he discovered additional evidence that he deemed necessary to present in the interest of justice. The application was submitted to the International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder, with Justices Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired District Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as members.

The tribunal had earlier fixed today’s date for the verdict on February 15. The case involves charges of crimes against humanity during the July uprising, including the shooting of Amir Hossain and the killing of two others. Fourteen witnesses testified for the prosecution, while accused Chanchal Chandra testified in his defense. The prosecution completed its arguments on January 29, asserting that evidence and witness statements proved the involvement of five accused individuals, four of whom remain absconding.

The tribunal had formally framed charges against the five accused on September 18 last year, following the submission of the formal charge on August 7.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Ahmed announced that the government will soon publish a list of extortionists and terrorists and launch an operation against them. He stated that maintaining law and order remains the government’s biggest challenge. The minister made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon while speaking to journalists.

He emphasized that, unlike the previous government, the current administration will not use the police force for political purposes. The statement signals a renewed focus on law enforcement and accountability in tackling criminal networks.

Further details of the planned operation and the list of individuals involved have not yet been disclosed, but the announcement suggests that action will begin shortly.

A police constable named Sahmul Haque Shanto, aged 23, was seriously injured after being stabbed by a mugger in Tongi, Gazipur, on Wednesday night. Shanto, who serves with the Lalbagh Police Station under Dhaka Metropolitan Police, was attacked around 11 p.m. near the Hossain Market area on the Dhaka–Mymensingh Highway. The assailant, identified as Al Amin alias Roni, 26, was captured by an angry crowd and handed over to police after being beaten.

According to police, Shanto and his colleague Kawsar Islam had come to Tongi for a visit earlier in the evening. When they reached the Nippon Garments area, a group of muggers suddenly attacked them. During the confrontation, Al Amin stabbed Shanto in the neck with a sharp knife, leaving him critically injured. Locals rescued the wounded officer and took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while the injured suspect was sent to Tongi Government Hospital.

Tongi West Police Station’s officer-in-charge said legal proceedings are underway regarding the incident.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has issued a new circular requiring all government, semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous officials and employees to remain in their offices from 9:00 to 9:40 AM daily. The directive, signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani and dated March 2, 2026, aims to enhance citizen service delivery, administrative efficiency, and inter-departmental coordination. Previous circulars on similar attendance requirements were issued in 2019 and 2021.

According to the circular, many officials fail to arrive on time due to participation in official or personal programs such as seminars, workshops, or visits to banks and hospitals, which disrupts communication and affects public service and the government’s image. The new rule instructs authorities to ensure that official programs do not interfere with the mandatory attendance period.

The directive exempts certain categories, including teachers not in administrative roles, roster-duty staff in hospitals or security institutions, emergency service providers, and law enforcement personnel on field duty. Officials are prohibited from leaving the workplace without written permission from the authority.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur held a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman in Dhaka on Wednesday morning. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during Kapur’s official visit to Bangladesh. Earlier, he met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid, and later in the day he was scheduled to meet Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud. Kapur was also expected to attend a dinner and exchange views with business representatives.

According to officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit will cover bilateral and geopolitical issues, including the implementation of a recently signed trade agreement and discussions on a proposed security pact. The visit follows a congratulatory message from US President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasizing trade and defense cooperation. Kapur is accompanied by Laura Anderson, Senior Economic Adviser at the US Department of State.

The United States seeks to finalize two defense agreements, GSOMIA and ACSA, with Bangladesh, with talks on GSOMIA reportedly progressing. The visit may also address the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshis from the US.

On Wednesday morning, State Minister for Land Barrister Kaiser Kamal conducted an unannounced inspection at the Siddhirganj Union Land Office in Narayanganj. Arriving at 9:10 a.m., he discovered that no officials were present and the office was locked. The minister waited for about half an hour on the office veranda before expressing his frustration over the absence of staff during official hours.

Kamal described the situation as unacceptable and warned that strict action would be taken against those neglecting their duties. He emphasized that a government elected by the people must work for the people and that any irregularities or corruption would not be tolerated.

The incident highlights the minister’s focus on administrative accountability and his stance against negligence within government offices.

Bangladesh has consolidated its position as the second-largest apparel supplier to the European Union, achieving a 21.57 percent market share in 2025. According to Eurostat data, the country’s exports to the EU rose from 14,295 million euros in 2021 to 19,414.55 million euros in 2025, marking a 36 percent increase. Despite global demand slowdown, Bangladesh outperformed key competitors such as China, India, and Turkey in growth rate. China retained the top position with a 29.54 percent share, while Turkey and India held 9.27 and 5.03 percent respectively.

Industry leaders attributed Bangladesh’s progress to sustained efforts, competitive pricing, and stable supply chains. They noted that European buyers’ confidence remained strong even amid global economic pressure. The Export Promotion Bureau confirmed that the EU remains Bangladesh’s largest export destination, accounting for the majority of its apparel shipments.

Analysts from the Centre for Policy Dialogue said that advances in sustainable production and eco-friendly factories have strengthened Bangladesh’s position in Europe. They emphasized the need for product diversification and a potential free trade agreement with the EU to maintain tariff-free access after the country’s graduation from LDC status.

Dhaka South City Corporation has declared 12 wards as high-risk areas amid a severe mosquito outbreak across the capital. The decision includes a four-tier monitoring system and the deployment of mobile courts to enforce control measures. The city has launched a month-long cleanliness and crash program, categorizing wards into high, medium, and general risk levels. Seven officials have been assigned to oversee operations, and two executive magistrates will lead mobile court drives.

Residents report that mosquito infestations have reached alarming levels in neighborhoods such as Badda, Rampura, Malibagh, and Shahbagh, where stagnant water and waste accumulation have become breeding grounds. Citizens complain that fogging and awareness campaigns have failed to reduce the problem, and many blame poor waste management and drainage conditions for the persistent crisis.

Dhaka South City’s administrator stated that local imams will be engaged to raise public awareness, and citizens who fail to eliminate breeding sites around their homes may face mobile court action. The city’s efforts aim to curb the spread of dengue and chikungunya as public frustration grows.