The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against former Land Minister Narayan Chandra Chanda for allegedly amassing wealth beyond known income sources during his tenure. A separate case has also been filed against his wife, Usha Rani Chanda, on similar charges. Investigations found that Narayan Chandra Chanda possessed illegal assets worth Tk 17.97 million, while his wife had Tk 6.24 million in undeclared wealth. The ACC stated that the cases were filed as the charges were found to be substantiated.

Police obstructed a protest march by teachers demanding the nationalization of MPO-listed educational institutions and related benefits. The teachers began their march from the National Press Club on Monday, but were stopped as they approached the Secretariat. For the past month, they have been staging sit-ins and symbolic hunger strikes in front of the Press Club. The protesting teachers stated, “We do not believe in mere assurances. The government must announce on-site that our demands are met; otherwise, we will continue our protest with our families.”

The Bangladesh Bank has announced that bill auctions will be held on four days in March to regulate market liquidity. According to a notice issued on Monday, auctions for 30-day, 90-day, and 180-day bills will take place on March 5, 12, 19, and 27. Investors can place bids for a minimum of Tk 1 million or any multiple thereof. The notice also stated that bids must be submitted electronically, quoting the total face value and the proposed purchase price at a discount per Tk 100 face value. Bidding will be open from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM on auction days via the FM module.

Six individuals have been arrested for their involvement in a highway robbery in Naogaon’s Patnitala and Pabna’s Santhia. The gang had blocked a road with fallen trees to loot a passenger bus. Police recovered stolen valuables, local weapons, and a microbus used in the crime. The arrested suspects are Shamim Islam (27), Chandra Barman (30), Abdul Latif (27), Shaharul Islam (37), Shahidul Islam (40), and Shahadat Hossain (40). Law enforcement has sought their remand for further investigation to identify other members of the gang.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has declared that Turkey is no longer a passive observer in global politics but an active “key player.” Speaking at an Iftar event, he stated, “Today’s Turkey is strong, influential, and shaping global affairs. Our nation stands not only for its own people but also for the oppressed and marginalized worldwide.” He emphasized Turkey’s preference for peace and dialogue but warned that “if our extended hand for peace is rejected, our iron fist will always be ready.” Shortly after his speech, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) formally announced a ceasefire.

Despite the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) ending over a month ago, former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has yet to receive his full salary. Out of his $100,000 contract, he has only received $19,000. Frustrated with the delay, Afridi has emailed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), highlighting that his contract stipulated full payment during the tournament. He accused Chattogram Kings of failing to honor their commitment. The franchise, however, claims that delays were due to health issues and assures that the payment will be settled soon. Afridi expressed disappointment but remained silent to protect Bangladesh’s cricketing reputation.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister and cricket World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan is being held in solitary confinement in Adiala Jail, reserved for death row inmates, according to his party, PTI. Party spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram alleged that authorities are preventing Khan from meeting anyone, in violation of court orders. Imran Khan has been in jail since August 5, 2023.

Filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has suggested that slain student Abrar Fahad should be honored in the “Liberation War” category for the Independence Award. Abrar, who was posthumously awarded the honor, is considered by many as a symbol of resistance against sovereignty violations. Farooki remarked that the significance of this year’s Independence Award will be as profound as the Ekushey Padak.

During the winter season, Bagha Upazila in Rajshahi produces around 60,000 kg of date palm molasses, generating transactions worth BDT 15 crore. The region has approximately 4,000 date palm orchards and 30,389 farming households. A single harvester collects sap from 50-55 trees daily. The major trading hubs for molasses are Bagha and Arani markets, where the price per kg ranges between BDT 180-200.

The government has transferred 124 officials holding the ranks of Additional and Assistant Superintendent of Police. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the order as part of an administrative reshuffle.

BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu has warned that the nation could face dire consequences if free, fair, and transparent elections are not ensured. He recalled that elections were conducted within three months after the 1990 mass uprising but expressed concern over repeated delays in the current political landscape. “The longer this continues, the more space fascism will gain,” he stated. He urged the government to conduct a proper election to restore public confidence.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser has indicated that the country’s national elections are likely to be held in December. During a meeting with EU diplomat Hadja Lahbib on Monday, discussions also covered the Rohingya crisis. The EU has pledged €68 million in aid this year to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and local host communities, as well as to address Myanmar’s ongoing conflict. The EU Commissioner emphasized that lasting peace is the only solution to the crisis.

Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has extended his prayers for BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s speedy recovery. In a social media post, he wrote, “May Almighty Allah grant him good health, Ameen.” Fakhrul fell ill after attending a book launch event at Suhrawardy Udyan last week, where excessive dust in the air reportedly caused health complications. Following medical advice, he was hospitalized yesterday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed former US President Donald Trump’s claim regarding a $29 million USAID-funded project in Bangladesh. The project, titled “Strengthening Political Landscape in Bangladesh,” was initiated during Trump’s first term and implemented through an international competitive process, with Development Innovations (DI) as the selected organization. The project, launched in 2017, executed activities worth $14 million and was co-managed by USAID and DFID. DFID had pledged an additional $10 million. The ministry clarified that allegations of the funds being channeled to private entities owned by two individuals are entirely false.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal met with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to discuss sports medicine and development cooperation ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming matches against India. Bangladesh will face India in Shillong on March 25, with the return leg scheduled for November 18 in Dhaka. The national team, led by Jamal Bhuiyan, will conduct a training camp in Saudi Arabia before the match, departing on March 5 and returning on March 18.