The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) formed a five-member committee led by Zia U Ahmed on September 2 to probe 16 years of stock market irregularities, including the Beximco Sukuk bond case. Despite a 60-day deadline, the committee has yet to submit its findings. Allegations have surfaced that one committee member has ties to the Sukuk bond investors, raising concerns about impartiality. Critics argue that this delay reflects deeper issues in ensuring transparency in the financial sector.

Former US President Donald Trump revealed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to initiate peace talks “as soon as possible.” Reading from a letter during his first speech in Congress after securing a second term, Trump praised Zelensky’s willingness to negotiate. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed Trump’s remarks as “positive” but noted that Ukraine still has a legal ban on negotiating with Russia. Zelensky’s chief aide, Andriy Yermak, urged Russia to cease daily attacks if it truly desires peace.

A court has ordered the seizure of former Sirajganj Water Development Board executive engineer Abdul Malek’s tax records following a request by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC is investigating Malek for allegedly concealing wealth and providing false asset declarations. Officials stated that accessing his tax records is crucial to verifying his income, expenditures, and any undisclosed properties.

Bangladesh Coast Guard has conducted extensive operations over the past six months, seizing 31 firearms, including three foreign pistols, 57 rounds of ammunition, 10 blank shells, three sound grenades, 12 cocktails, and 43 hand bombs. Additionally, 70 robbers were arrested. Captain Mohammad Imam Hasan Azad, zonal commander of the Coast Guard’s South Zone, stated on Wednesday that these efforts aim to enhance coastal security and boost the blue economy. The operations also led to the confiscation of assets worth approximately 4.44 crore BDT as part of the mother hilsa conservation drive.

BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury dismissed any connection between Sheikh Hasina’s legal proceedings and the upcoming elections. Responding to a statement by Sargis Alam, Khasru stated, “The electoral process cannot be stalled. A democratically elected government will ensure Hasina and her authoritarian regime face justice.” He criticized the government’s approach to environmental issues, saying, “Instead of supporting industries like shipbreaking, they are merely monitoring and imposing restrictions.”

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi accused certain anti-public advisers of preventing the Chief Adviser from addressing teachers’ demands. He criticized the government for ignoring non-MPO teachers who are protesting for survival, calling them “victims of hunger and neglect.” Rizvi stated, “Teachers, who shape our future generations, are forced to stand on the streets, demanding basic sustenance, while the government turns a blind eye.” Since February 23, non-MPO teachers under the United Non-MPO Alliance have been staging continuous protests for their demands.

The White House has opposed an Arab-led proposal for Gaza’s reconstruction, discussed in Cairo. National Security spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that the proposal does not align with the on-ground realities in Gaza, which remains uninhabitable and littered with unexploded ordnance. “Trump is committed to rebuilding Gaza without Hamas’ influence,” Hughes added, emphasizing continued dialogue for peace and prosperity. The Arab summit had earlier pledged to rebuild Gaza without displacing Palestinians.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Russia on March 7 for discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other key officials. According to Hindustan Times, the visit aims to boost trade, balance bilateral commerce, and ensure continued Russian energy supplies to India amid increased Western sanctions. The discussions may also cover the Ukraine conflict. India had previously faced diplomatic challenges during the Biden administration due to its stance on Russia.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed authorities to align labor laws with international standards to improve the lives of millions of workers. He emphasized that the process must be completed positively and without excuses. He gave these directives during a meeting with the Ministry of Labor and Employment officials ahead of the International Labor Organization's 353rd session in Geneva, scheduled for March 10-20. The Bangladeshi delegation at the session will be led by M. Sakhawat Hossain, the ministry's adviser. The Chief Adviser also stressed the importance of worker insurance and healthcare services.

On Wednesday, the National Independent Investigation Commission on the BDR massacre released a public notice encouraging individuals to provide relevant information through its official website, bdr-commission.org. The notice called for witnesses to come forward, emphasizing the importance of testimony. The 2009 Pilkhana tragedy resulted in the deaths of 74 army personnel, with allegations of both domestic and international conspiracies surrounding the incident.

In his farewell speech, Wahiduddin Mahmud highlighted the long-standing discrimination between Ebtedayee madrasa teachers and government primary school teachers, despite following the same curriculum. Efforts are underway to eliminate this disparity, with over 6,000 teachers from 1,519 madrasas set to receive MPO benefits in the first phase. Ministry sources indicate that the new government has been working on this since November-December last year. The outgoing education adviser signed the necessary documents before leaving office, and once the Chief Adviser approves, teachers are expected to start receiving salaries by May.

On Wednesday, the Assistant Director of the District Consumer Rights Protection Department, Md. Asadul Islam, conducted an operation in Noakhali's Sonaimuri upazila to ensure fair pricing during the holy month of Ramadan. Five businesses were fined a total of 24,000 Taka for violating consumer rights laws. Asadul Islam stated that legal action was taken against these establishments while others were issued warnings. The operation was supported by members of the district's special task force and a team from the District Battalion Ansar.

There are reports of fish being looted from a haor water body in Kishoreganj’s Itna district by a group of poachers. The lessee of the water body, Ranjit Chandra Das, has claimed a loss of crores of taka due to the incident. According to reports, 600 to 700 people from areas in Moulvibazar, Netrakona, and other districts, armed with fishing poles and sticks, descended upon the water body known as Daillong Afania. When the locals tried to stop them, they were reportedly attacked and threatened with violence. The lessee shared that he had spent around 3.25 crore taka to create a fish sanctuary after acquiring the lease from the Fishermen’s Cooperative Society. Despite threats and intimidation, the poachers made away with all the fish. The administration has promised to take action if a formal complaint is filed.

During an inspection of six canal excavation projects under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), environmentalist and adviser Rizwana Hasan emphasized the importance of restoring water flow in Dhaka’s canals to prevent waterlogging. She pointed out that even a little rain floods areas like Dhanmondi. “To address this, the canal excavation project is ongoing. Six canals are already being worked on, and by the end of the year, a total of 19 canals will be excavated,” she stated. Additionally, she announced plans to plant flowering plants, fruit trees, and bird-friendly vegetation along the canal banks.

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, has extended support to young innovator Zulhas Molla, who built and flew his own aircraft in Shibalaya, Manikganj. On Wednesday, district BNP coordinator Afroza Khan Rita and “We Are BNP Family” convener Atikur Rahman Ruman handed Zulhas Molla a financial aid of 50,000 BDT at Jafarganj Bazaar. Zulhas, who completed his SSC from Jionpur BK School in 2014, was unable to pursue further studies due to financial constraints and currently works as an electrician in Dhaka.