BNP leader Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie stated during a relief distribution event that illegal weapons from the ruling party’s tenure, along with those looted from police stations on August 5, are now in the hands of criminals. He accused government allies of using these weapons to carry out crimes in society. He urged the authorities to take responsibility and recover these arms to restore stability before the elections. “Reforms will continue, elections will take place, but illegal weapons must be seized beforehand. No one will be allowed to use these arms to take over polling stations in Bangladesh,” he asserted.

A fire broke out at Tanzila Textile Limited in Ashulia’s Baripara area around 10 AM on Wednesday, leaving five workers injured. According to Pranab Chowdhury, Senior Station Officer at DEPZ Fire Station, the fire started due to a burn incident on a stander machine in the factory’s finishing floor. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within 30 minutes using two fire units. Two of the injured workers are in critical condition and have been admitted to different hospitals. The extent of damage is yet to be determined.

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the vandalism and attempted looting during a raid at the Gulshan home of Tanveer Imam’s ex-wife, the former daughter-in-law of the ousted political advisor to Sheikh Hasina, HT Imam. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office’s press wing revealed that the raid occurred on Tuesday night when 20-25 individuals, acting under the guise of a “search,” forcibly entered the house. They were reportedly looking for large sums of illegal money, weapons, and associates of the Awami League. Upon receiving a call, police intervened and arrested three individuals at the scene.

According to a document released by AFP on Wednesday, China is working towards creating 12 million new jobs in the coming years. The country has taken this step due to the significant struggles faced by young people in securing employment. The government document reveals that China is aiming for “nearly five percent economic growth” in 2025. This target comes at a time when the country is grappling with several challenges, including new U.S. tariffs, a permanent crisis in the real estate sector, and persistently low consumer demand. Experts have described this target as ambitious.

The court has ordered the freezing of 39 bank accounts belonging to former minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, which hold a balance of 5.26 crore BDT. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has formed a team to investigate charges of money laundering against him. During the investigation, it was discovered that he might transfer or relocate these assets. On October 17, the court also ordered the seizure of 580 properties, including homes, apartments, and land in Bangladesh and abroad. Among these are 343 properties in the UK, 228 in the UAE, and 9 in the US. Additionally, accounts in banks in the UAE and one in Bangladesh have been frozen.

Faridpur district, the second-largest onion producer in the country, has recently shifted from depending on external sources for onion seeds to becoming a significant supplier itself. Local farmers now provide 50% of the country’s demand for onion seeds. This season, the district’s onion seed production is expected to exceed 400 crore BDT in value, according to the Agriculture Department. The seeds, known locally as “black gold,” are highly prized. A total of 964 tons of seeds will be produced, with the cultivation target set for 1,820 hectares. The district’s central areas are seeing the highest levels of seed production.

Former Minister of Shipping Shahjahan Khan, who was arrested on murder charges during the recent mass protests, has said that he feels safe in jail, away from the reach of terrorists. He made the statement on Wednesday after being brought to court at 10:06 AM. When asked by journalists why he was smiling, Shahjahan replied, “I always smile, and I will continue to do so until my last breath.” When questioned about his well-being in prison, he stated, “I am doing well. At least I am safe from terrorists here.”

In the hearing of their illegal wealth case, controversial contractor GK Shamim and his mother Ayesha Akhtar pleaded not guilty in court. According to court bench assistant Belal Hossain, the defendants presented their defense on the scheduled day. Shamim was brought to court from jail, while his mother, who is out on bail, was also present. The court set a hearing for the defense testimony on March 10. On October 21, 2019, the ACC filed a case against GK Shamim and Ayesha Akhtar for acquiring illegal assets worth 29.7 billion BDT.

A week after the death of 30-year-old Shihab Kabir Nahid in a violent clash between locals and Air Force personnel in Cox’s Bazar, his father has filed a case. The case was lodged at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Police Station on Monday night. While the FIR does not name any specific individuals, it holds Air Force personnel responsible for Nahid’s death. The complaint states that on February 24, around noon, a youth named Mohiuddin informed Nahid’s father that an Air Force member had shot and killed his son. The FIR further alleges that Nahid was fatally shot when he went to witness the clashes.

A Dhaka court has granted a two-day remand for former Justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik in connection with a murder case linked to the recent mass uprising. The court issued the order on Wednesday after the investigating officer requested a seven-day remand. The case involves the shooting of student Md. Abu Zar Sheikh on July 19 in the Pragati Sarani area under Gulshan Police Station. He later succumbed to his injuries at Evercare Hospital on July 27. The victim’s mother, Mosammat Chobi, filed a murder case on November 16, naming Justice Manik as an accused.

Chittagong District Commissioner, Farida Khanam, has expressed her frustration over the ongoing edible oil shortage and the lack of supply. Despite holding four meetings with traders, no significant outcome was achieved, prompting her to state, “Now I want to see whether the power of the state is greater than the power of the businessmen.” She warned of raids in warehouses if the oil supply remains insufficient and declared that this would be the last meeting. She added, “If businessmen from Tiki or City Group are jailed, will they retain any respect?” Farida also stated that, if necessary, she would lead a campaign with student coordinators to ensure oil availability for consumers, warning that the government would take action according to state procedures if traders do not comply.

To promote electricity conservation, Indian Minister Pradyumn Singh Tomar has declared that he will refrain from ironing his clothes for a year. His announcement has sparked widespread discussion and criticism across the state. Tomar, who has previously made controversial statements on energy saving and pollution control, claimed this act would save half a unit of electricity daily. Further emphasizing his commitment, he stated that even on his daughter’s wedding day, he would wear un-ironed clothes. The minister urged everyone to adopt energy-saving practices and take small initiatives to reduce consumption.

Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar (C.R. Abrar), the new education adviser of the interim government, expressed his vision of a future where students can see their prospects and lead the world from within Bangladesh. During his appointment on March 5, Abrar emphasized the need for an education system that fosters equality. Outgoing adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud raised concerns about the previous commissions and lack of training for private-sector teachers, highlighting the importance of a well-structured education system with trained educators.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Prime Adviser, has appointed two new special assistants to his office. Sheikh Moinuddin and Faiz Ahmed Taiyab have been appointed as special assistants to the Prime Adviser, with the official notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Wednesday. To assist the advisers, Sheikh Moinuddin will oversee responsibilities at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, while Faiz Ahmed Taiyab will manage executive duties at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology. During their tenure as special assistants, they will enjoy the rank, salary, allowances, and other benefits equivalent to that of junior ministers.

Education Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has announced that all students across the country will receive new textbooks by March 10. Speaking at his farewell event on March 5, he highlighted the challenges faced in stabilizing the education sector. He emphasized keeping the curriculum unchanged for the next two to three years while modernizing it. Additionally, he announced upcoming increases in allowances for MPO-listed teachers and the establishment of a retirement and welfare fund, which will be gradually expanded in future budgets. Dr. Mahmud is set to step down soon.