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.

In Dhaka’s Lalmatia D Block, a volunteer-run initiative called ‘Mehmankhana’ has become a vital source of daily meals for the city’s underprivileged. Without political or corporate backing, a group of young volunteers prepares and distributes iftar and one daily meal to around 1,500 to 2,000 people every day during Ramadan. The beneficiaries include rickshaw pullers, day laborers, street children, and low-income workers who gather before sunset to receive food in an orderly manner.

The initiative, founded by Asma Akhter Liza during the COVID-19 lockdown, began with meals for 50 to 100 people and has since expanded to serve thousands. Volunteers cook and serve dishes such as khichuri, chickpeas, puffed rice, fruits, and drinks, maintaining hygiene and discipline throughout the process. Contributions come from individuals donating rice, lentils, oil, chicken, or money via mobile payment.

Beyond Ramadan, Mehmankhana continues to distribute food across Dhaka and operates a small school named ‘Ananda Pathshala’ for disadvantaged children, reflecting its broader humanitarian mission.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has confirmed that the country currently holds adequate fuel reserves and there is no justification for raising prices due to the ongoing war situation. At a press conference held on Tuesday at the BPC headquarters in Karwan Bazar, Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman stated that Bangladesh has a total of 136,000 metric tons of fuel oil in stock. He added that alternative markets are being considered in light of the global conflict, but the existing reserves are sufficient to prevent any immediate price increase.

To ensure uninterrupted supply, BPC has completed letters of credit for seven ships as of Monday. The current stock is expected to last 14 days for diesel, 28 days for octane, 15 days for petrol, 93 days for furnace oil, and 55 days for jet fuel. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held meetings with key ministers and officials to review preparedness and instructed all relevant ministries to remain active in ensuring energy security.

Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir both expressed confidence that the government’s coordinated efforts would maintain stability in the energy sector despite global uncertainties.

Thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates have been stranded across the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting several countries to close their airspace. The resulting flight cancellations have left many unable to return to their workplaces, with expiring visas and mounting financial strain. At Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport alone, 147 international flights were canceled in four days, while Chattogram’s Shah Amanat Airport saw 35 cancellations. Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended all flights on six Middle Eastern routes until March 5.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said it has formed a four-member committee and a special cell to assist affected workers and resolve visa complications. Qatar’s Interior Ministry extended all expiring visas by one month without fees, while the UAE embassy in Dhaka will issue temporary travel permits once flights resume. Expatriates described living in fear and uncertainty, unable to work or move freely amid the conflict.

Officials said the government is monitoring the situation and coordinating with embassies to address visa and repatriation issues, hoping for a quick resolution.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and former adviser to the interim government, announced that he will make his bank statement public on Wednesday, March 4. The declaration came after the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) sought details of his bank accounts. Mahmud made the announcement in a verified Facebook post shortly after midnight on March 3, stating that he had already submitted his income and asset records to the Cabinet Division before resigning from his advisory post.

Later that night, Mahmud told the media that questions had arisen about whether the disclosure of his bank information was lawful. He reiterated his plan to release the statement himself to maintain transparency. Mahmud previously served as adviser for the Local Government and Youth and Sports ministries in the interim government and resigned on December 10 before the 13th national election.

The move follows growing scrutiny of political figures’ financial transparency, though the source does not specify any official response from the BFIU or other authorities.

US-Bangla Airlines has announced two special flights on the Dhaka–Dubai–Dhaka route to repatriate Bangladeshi nationals stranded in the United Arab Emirates due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The first flight will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 7:20 p.m. today and return from Dubai at 12:20 a.m. local time. The second flight will leave Dhaka at 5:15 p.m. tomorrow and return from Dubai at 10:00 p.m. local time.

The flights will be operated using Airbus A330-300 aircraft with 436 seats. The flight numbers are BS-341 for Dhaka–Dubai and BS-342 for Dubai–Dhaka. The Dubai Airport Authority has granted permission to US-Bangla Airlines, Emirates, Air India, and several other carriers to operate special flights considering the overall situation.

Priority will be given to Bangladeshi passengers whose visas have expired or are about to expire. Passengers are advised to contact US-Bangla Airlines sales centers or nearby travel agencies in Bangladesh or the UAE for ticket booking information.

The appointment process for a new vice-chancellor at Dhaka University has become uncertain after current Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan submitted his resignation on February 22 but continues in office as it has not yet been officially accepted. The delay in appointing a successor has caused administrative stagnation, with officials reporting that only routine tasks are being completed while major policy and academic decisions remain on hold.

State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj stated that Dr. Khan will remain in charge until formal handover, after which the next-in-command will temporarily assume responsibility before a permanent appointment is made following global best practices. The Prime Minister has reportedly shown interest in ensuring international standards in the selection process, possibly through a search committee led by the Education Minister.

University officials warned that prolonged uncertainty could further slow academic and administrative operations, affecting admissions, development projects, and upcoming events. The Education Ministry emphasized that the government aims to bring long-term reforms rather than make hasty decisions.

The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has requested all banks to provide detailed information on the accounts of Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and former adviser to the interim government. The directive was issued on Monday through official letters sent to all banks, asking for account opening forms, transaction records, and other related data within three working days.

According to the report, the request was made based on a complaint received by the BFIU. Asif Mahmud previously served as an adviser to the ministries of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports during the interim government period.

The BFIU’s move indicates an ongoing financial inquiry, though the nature of the complaint or the scope of the investigation has not been disclosed in the report.

Police in Chattogram have arrested Md. Babu Sheikh, 50, identified as the main suspect in the killing of seven-year-old Jannatul Naima Ira. The second-grade student went missing on Monday after leaving home to visit her grandfather’s house in Sitakunda’s Kumira area. According to police, the suspect lured Ira with chocolate and took her to the top of Chandranath Hill, where she was brutally assaulted and her throat slit. Despite severe injuries, Ira managed to walk out of the forest before collapsing. She was taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital but died early Tuesday.

Police Superintendent Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan said the attack stemmed from a family dispute. Investigators recovered chocolate, a bloodstained shirt, and the knife used in the assault. A video showing the suspect walking with Ira led to his arrest. Doctors confirmed Ira’s condition was critical from the start, and samples were collected for further tests to confirm the nature of the assault.

The incident has left the local community in shock, with residents demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrator.

According to the official holiday schedule for this year, the government has set a five-day public holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr from March 19 to 23. Additionally, March 17 has been declared a holiday for Shab-e-Qadr, while offices are scheduled to remain open on March 18. However, a source from the Ministry of Public Administration indicated that March 18 might also be declared a general holiday.

If approved, government employees would enjoy a continuous seven-day break combining Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. The proposal to extend the Eid holiday has already been sent to the Cabinet Division and is expected to be discussed in the upcoming Cabinet meeting on Thursday. Officials believe that a longer holiday period would ease travel pressure before Eid and help reduce road accidents.

The final decision on the possible extension of the holiday will be made at the next Cabinet meeting, according to the report.