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.

Bangladesh Bank has eased regulations for renewing ongoing loans to assist businesses facing current economic challenges. In a circular issued on Tuesday, the central bank instructed that banks must begin the renewal process at least two months before the expiry of any existing loan. If renewal cannot be completed within the stipulated time due to reasons beyond control, the loan may still be renewed until it is classified as defaulted, provided that the delay is properly documented.

The circular further stated that any portion exceeding the approved loan limit must be adjusted before renewal. It also prohibited showing the excess portion as a new loan or transferring it to another account to avoid proper classification. The new policy will remain effective until December 31, 2027, replacing a previous circular issued in June 2025.

The directive was issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, and took immediate effect, signaling regulatory flexibility aimed at maintaining financial stability and supporting business continuity.

The political alliance July Oikya has warned that if the government of Bangladesh pursues a fascist course with foreign support, the student and public movement will revive the spirit of the July uprising. In a statement issued on Tuesday by organizer Munshi Burhan Mahmud, the group said it would resist any attempt to reestablish fascism and would fight to secure the rights achieved through the July movement.

The statement recalled that more than 1,400 people died and over 30,000 were injured during the mass uprising, accusing the current ruling party BNP of undermining that legacy. July Oikya alleged that the government is backing a legal petition challenging the July Charter, referendum, and constitutional reform commission, describing it as a betrayal of the nation. The group also claimed that the government is weakening independent and constitutional institutions, citing incidents involving the Bangladesh Bank and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

July Oikya demanded that the upcoming first session of the 13th National Parliament implement the July Charter, impeach the president under Article 52 for alleged crimes, and appoint neutral leadership to autonomous bodies. It warned that without July’s legitimacy, neither the election nor the government would remain valid.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman has confirmed that the ongoing process to merge five banks will continue. He instructed officials to take all possible measures to recover defaulted loans and to reopen closed businesses within regulatory frameworks. The directives were issued during a meeting with the Bank Resolution Department at the central bank’s headquarters on Tuesday. Mostakur Rahman took office as governor last Thursday, following the removal of Ahsan H. Mansur, who had initiated several banking reforms after the fall of the Awami League government.

According to Bangladesh Bank officials, the merger of Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank into a new entity named Combined Islami Bank will proceed. Administrators appointed by the central bank are currently managing these institutions. The new bank’s paid-up capital has been set at Tk 350 billion, with Tk 200 billion from the government and Tk 150 billion from the deposit insurance fund. The authorized capital is Tk 400 billion, and the headquarters is located at Senakalyan Bhaban in Dhaka.

The governor also directed administrators to ensure depositors can withdraw funds without harassment and to identify those involved in financial irregularities for legal action.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced the cancellation of all flights on six major Middle Eastern routes until March 5 due to ongoing war conditions and heightened security risks in the region's airspace. The state-owned carrier made the announcement on Tuesday, citing disruptions caused by the conflict. The affected routes include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dammam, Doha, and Kuwait. The airline’s General Manager for Public Relations, Bosra Islam, confirmed the decision.

According to the airline, the cancellations follow the temporary closure of airspace by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan since February 28. This closure has disrupted flight schedules at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and affected multiple international carriers. Biman stated that passengers will be informed of new schedules once the situation improves.

The airline advised travelers to stay in contact with its call center or relevant offices for updates, noting that uncertainty will persist until regional airspace tensions ease.

The government has announced a 25 percent fare discount for students, persons with disabilities, and citizens aged over 65 on all types of rail services, including the metro rail. The decision was revealed on Tuesday, March 3, by Road Transport, Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam during a press briefing at the Secretariat. He noted that the implementation of this benefit would take some time.

According to the minister, special options will be added to online ticketing systems to facilitate the discount. Passengers aged over 65 will need to show their national ID cards, while students and persons with disabilities must present valid identification during ticket purchase or travel. Disability cards issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare will be accepted. The minister added that the inclusion of freedom fighters under this scheme had not yet been discussed.

Sheikh Robiul Alam also discussed ongoing efforts to improve railway services, including accelerating current projects and introducing new ones to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. He said preparations were underway to manage increased passenger demand during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman will inaugurate a family card distribution program at the Karail slum in Dhaka on March 10. The announcement was made by Social Welfare Minister Dr. A. B. M. Zahid Hossain after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat on March 3.

Earlier, the Prime Minister was scheduled to attend a similar family card distribution event in Bogura on the same date. However, the visit was postponed due to the upcoming by-election in the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency. Bogura Deputy Commissioner Taufiqur Rahman confirmed that the March 10 program in Bogura has been suspended and a new date will be announced later.

According to the Deputy Commissioner, the Prime Minister decided not to hold any programs in Bogura before the by-election, leading to the change in schedule.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam MP said city corporation elections will not face major delays, and any administrative measures during delays will depend on national-level decisions. He made the remarks on Tuesday in Sylhet while responding to journalists’ questions during his official visit.

Mir Shah Alam stated that the previous government had amended laws to hold local government elections using national or party symbols, which had drawn criticism. He added that the interim government has issued an ordinance to allow elections under general, non-party symbols. The ordinance will be presented in parliament on March 12, when lawmakers will decide which ordinances to approve.

Earlier in the day, the state minister assured that all citizen-friendly projects of Sylhet City Corporation would receive priority approval. He praised newly appointed administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury for his experience and expressed hope that Sylhet would become a modern city under his leadership.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has directed relevant ministries and authorities to take immediate action whenever there are reports of rising coarse rice prices in the domestic market. The order was issued on Tuesday, according to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, who said the Prime Minister acted after learning that the price of coarse rice, a staple for low-income people, had increased in retail markets. The directive reportedly had a prompt positive effect on the market.

In addition, the Prime Minister instructed that all congratulatory advertisements and banners featuring him on billboards across the capital be removed quickly. He also issued orders to strengthen regular patrols in coastal and Bay of Bengal areas to curb piracy, robbery, and illegal trafficking, and to protect marine resources while ensuring the safety of fishermen.

These directives reflect the government’s focus on market stability, public order, and maritime security, with an emphasis on rapid administrative response to emerging issues.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma met with Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring areas of cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

Following the meeting, Verma said India wishes to work sincerely with Bangladesh’s new government. Discussions covered ways to enhance collaboration in local governance, with Verma highlighting India’s strong Panchayati Raj system as a potential model for experience sharing. He emphasized India’s interest in working closely with Bangladesh on people-centered initiatives and fostering stronger ties based on mutual development goals.

The meeting underscored India’s continued focus on deepening engagement with Bangladesh through practical cooperation in governance and community development.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has requested various chambers and associations to submit their written budget proposals to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) by March 15. The initiative aims to assist in preparing the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Additionally, a soft copy of each proposal should be sent via email to nbrbudget2026@gmail.com. Organizations or offices that are not members of any chamber or association may also send their proposals directly through the same email address.

According to an NBR press release issued on Tuesday, the board prepares revenue policies to support the government’s revenue collection goals. To ensure a participatory, people-oriented, and equitable budget, NBR has consistently sought input from taxpayers, business associations, professional bodies, research institutions, and intellectuals. For the upcoming fiscal year, the board intends to make the revenue collection process more analytical and representative through discussions with stakeholders.

NBR expressed hope that with the cooperation of all concerned, a participatory, business-friendly, and revenue-optimizing budget for 2026–27 can be formulated.

A violent clash broke out on Monday night between supporters of Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir at the Latif Hostel of Tejgaon Polytechnic Institute in Dhaka. The confrontation, reportedly triggered by a dispute over dominance, left at least nine students injured. The injured, aged between 20 and 23, were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

According to hospital police sources, several of the injured arrived at the emergency department early in the morning and received primary medical care. Witnesses and related sources said the incident stemmed from longstanding tension between the two groups within the hostel. Authorities intervened to bring the situation under control.

Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadik Kayem reportedly visited the hospital to check on the injured students.

United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen met with the newly appointed Minister and State Minister of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the minister’s office. The meeting was attended by Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita), MP, and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat.

During the discussion, both sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States. The meeting also focused on seeking U.S. cooperation for the development of Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

The U.S. ambassador assured that his country would continue to extend maximum cooperation to the current government.