A case has been filed at Kotwali Model Police Station against 12 members of the Barishal District Lawyers Association, including its president and secretary. Following the case, joint forces arrested association president Sadiqur Rahman Linkon from a room on the third floor of the association’s annex building around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday. He was later handed over to Kotwali Model Police Station the same afternoon.

The other accused include Barishal District and Sessions Judge Court’s Public Prosecutor Abul Kalam Azad, Metropolitan Court’s PP Nazimuddin Panna, and several other advocates. After the arrest, BNP-aligned lawyers and association leaders protested within the court premises, demanding Linkon’s immediate release. General Secretary Mirza Mohammad Riaz Hossain condemned the arrest inside the court building, calling it a violation of law and demanding the removal of two magistrates he labeled as corrupt.

Members of the Nationalist Lawyers Forum also warned of tougher programs if Linkon was not released and announced a boycott of court hearings until his release.

Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury has officially taken charge as the new Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) in Bangladesh. The appointment was reported on February 25, 2026. He is described as a talented and sharp military officer with a distinguished record of professionalism both at home and abroad.

Chowdhury was commissioned as the second-best cadet of the 29th BMA Long Course and is currently the senior-most officer of his batch. He has completed multiple advanced military courses in Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Pakistan, including staff and artillery training programs. His career includes key instructional roles at the Defence Services Command and Staff College and the School of Artillery, where he contributed to training new generations of officers.

He also served at the United Nations Headquarters from 2016, where his efforts helped Bangladesh maintain its position as a top peacekeeping troop-contributing country. His leadership was recognized for expanding deployment opportunities for Bangladeshi forces and earning the trust of the UN Military Adviser.

The Hollywood horror-thriller film 'Scream 7' is set for a global release on February 27, 2026, including screenings at Star Cineplex in Bangladesh. The film, directed by Kevin Williamson, continues the long-running 'Scream' franchise that began in 1996. It follows the story of Sidney Prescott, who has built a new life in Pine Grove, Indiana, only to face a new Ghostface killer targeting her daughter. The cast includes Neve Campbell, Jasmine Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard, and Courteney Cox.

'Scream 7' blends modern horror with classic slasher elements, focusing on relationships, past confrontations, and a new killer. The project underwent creative restructuring after directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, and stars Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, departed in 2023. Filming took place from January to March 2025. Deadline Hollywood reported on February 5, 2026, that the film is expected to perform strongly at the box office, potentially becoming the franchise’s second-highest domestic opening after 'Scream 6'.

Fans speculate that this could be the final chapter of the series, though future sequels remain possible if the film achieves major success.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon clarified his earlier comments about students roaming at night, stating that his remarks were not a national directive. He made the clarification on Wednesday afternoon at the Education Ministry during a ceremony for handing over junior scholarship results, responding to a question about his previous statement on evening activities.

The minister explained that his comments referred specifically to his electoral constituency, Kachua, where he has repeatedly pledged to curb drugs, eve-teasing, terrorism, and late-night street roaming if elected. He said he had instructed local administration officials to question anyone found roaming at night and to inform their guardians, emphasizing that this was a commitment to his constituency’s parents.

Dr. Milon further stated that he had not issued any national policy or announcement from the Education Ministry regarding this matter, underscoring that it was a personal electoral commitment limited to Kachua, not a nationwide directive.

Bangladesh and Malaysia have agreed to enhance mutual cooperation in religious affairs. The agreement was reached during a virtual meeting held on Tuesday between Bangladesh’s Minister for Religious Affairs Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad and Malaysia’s Minister of Religious Affairs Dr. Zulkifli Hasan.

During the meeting, Minister Kaikobad emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences between the two countries in areas such as Hajj management, zakat administration, and the improvement of religious education systems. He suggested that both nations could adopt each other’s best practices to increase efficiency in Hajj operations and ensure transparency in zakat management. He also highlighted the need for training to enhance the capacity of relevant officials.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with both ministers expressing optimism about expanding future cooperation in religious matters. They also discussed ways to make religious education more effective and relevant to contemporary needs.

A protest was held in Dhaka’s Farmgate area condemning extortion and expressing solidarity with victims of recent violent attacks. The event, held on Wednesday, saw spontaneous participation from local residents along with leaders of various political, social, and professional organizations. Speakers strongly denounced the attacks, calling them unacceptable acts of brutality against innocent citizens and political activists who opposed extortion.

Injured participants described how they were deliberately targeted and severely beaten with local weapons for standing against extortion. Their testimonies sparked anger and concern among attendees. Leaders from the 11-party alliance joined the program, pledging unity against terrorism, extortion, and violence, and urging authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Representatives of the National Citizen Party (NCP) reaffirmed their uncompromising stance on protecting citizens’ rights and vowed to continue opposing injustice. They demanded proper medical care for the injured, immediate arrests of the attackers, and exemplary punishment. The speakers also warned that stronger actions would follow if effective measures were not taken to prevent future incidents.

A Dhaka court has issued a travel ban on former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman. The order was given on Wednesday by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Faiz following a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Court bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision. The ACC’s Deputy Assistant Director Abu Mohammad Anwarul Masud had earlier filed the petition seeking the restriction.

According to the ACC application, Habibur Rahman and his associates are under investigation for allegedly acquiring illegal wealth and laundering money abroad through bribery, corruption, and recruitment irregularities. The ACC stated that credible information suggested Rahman was attempting to leave the country, which could obstruct the ongoing inquiry. After the hearing, the judge approved the petition and imposed the travel ban.

The report also notes that on January 26 of the same year, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Habibur Rahman to death for crimes against humanity related to the killing of six people in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area during the July uprising. He is currently absconding.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, visited the graves of soldiers killed in the 2009 Pilkhana massacre. On Wednesday afternoon, he offered prayers for the departed souls at the Banani Military Cemetery, accompanied by party leaders including central executive member Md. Selim Uddin and activists from the Banani and Gulshan units.

During the visit, Dr. Rahman described the slain soldiers as patriotic and among the nation’s finest, expressing deep respect and prayers for their forgiveness. He alleged that the killings on February 25–26, 2009, were planned under the Awami League-led government and called for patience among the victims’ families.

He urged the government to disclose the names of those found guilty in the BDR Investigation Commission report and to ensure their immediate arrest and legal punishment. Dr. Rahman also reiterated his party’s demand for justice in all murder cases related to the incident.

The government has distributed responsibilities to two newly appointed state ministers, according to an order issued by the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, and made public the following day. The office order, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Ajit Dev, stated that the assignments were made in line with a gazette notification issued on February 17.

Under the new allocation, Habibur Rashid has been given charge of the Road Transport and Highways Division and the Ministry of Railways, while Md. Rajib Ahsan has been assigned to the Ministry of Shipping and the Bridges Division. The order also requested relevant authorities to take necessary measures to implement the portfolio distribution.

The announcement formalizes the division of duties among the new state ministers, marking an administrative step in the government’s ongoing cabinet management process.

A Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) study has identified mustard cultivation as a promising way to reduce the economic risks faced by farmers in the haor wetlands, who rely almost entirely on boro rice. Frequent early floods often destroy the single annual crop, leaving farmers in debt and uncertainty. The research suggests that short-duration mustard can be grown on fallow land between the recession of floodwaters and the start of boro planting, allowing farmers to harvest an additional crop and lessen financial vulnerability.

The project, led by Professor A. K. M. Mominul Islam and supported by Professor Md. Parvez Anwar, has been running since 2023 under BAURES with funding from City Bank. Trials in Kishoreganj’s Mithamain area found that the BINA Sarisha-9 variety sown on November 20 produced the highest yield, while subsequent boro rice crops also performed strongly. Researchers noted that about 40% of haor land remains unused in the rabi season, and integrating mustard could make farming more profitable and resilient.

Field results and farmer feedback indicate growing interest in mustard cultivation, though challenges remain due to uneven water recession and unsuitable lowland plots.

Mostakur Rahman has been appointed as the new governor of Bangladesh Bank, replacing Ahsan H. Mansur. The appointment was confirmed through an official notification issued on Wednesday. Rahman is a Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) with over 33 years of post-qualification experience and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Dhaka.

He has been associated with several professional and industry organizations, including the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB), and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). Rahman has served on various key committees within these bodies and has worked closely with regulatory institutions such as Bangladesh Bank and the Chittagong Stock Exchange Limited.

As an entrepreneur and senior financial governance expert, Rahman brings more than three decades of leadership experience in corporate finance, export economy, and financial management. His background includes oversight in manufacturing, real estate, and agribusiness sectors, emphasizing financial planning, investment supervision, and governance frameworks.

The Election Commission (EC) has instructed all candidates who participated in Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election to submit their election expenditure statements by March 14. A letter signed by EC Senior Assistant Secretary A S M Iqbal Hasan was sent to returning officers on February 25, outlining the directive. The EC cited Article 44(g) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, which requires candidates to file their expense returns within 30 days after the publication of the official gazette of elected representatives. The gazette for the recently concluded election was issued on February 13.

According to the EC, all contesting candidates must ensure submission of their expenditure details as per Circular-18 issued during the election period. The commission noted that approximately 2,020 candidates contested in the 13th parliamentary election. The submission deadline of March 14 corresponds to the 30-day period following the gazette publication.

The directive reinforces the EC’s monitoring of campaign finance compliance and aims to ensure transparency in electoral spending as mandated by law.

Rashed Pradhan, vice president and spokesperson of the Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (JAGPA), stated that the current government, which he described as a 'managed vote' administration, cannot ensure a fair trial for the Pilkhana massacre. He made the remarks on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, during a discussion organized by JAGPA at the Shafiul Alam Pradhan Auditorium in Paltan, marking 'Shaheed Sena Dibosh'. Pradhan alleged that both India and the Awami League’s blueprint were responsible for the massacre.

He further said that JAGPA has been claiming since 2009 that the Pilkhana tragedy was planned by India and the Awami League, and that an interim government report has now confirmed this. However, he noted that despite the report, the interim government could not initiate the trial process. According to him, neither the current government nor the BNP would be able to deliver justice, and he called for the establishment of a government representing the oppressed people.

The meeting was presided over by JAGPA presidium member and freedom fighter Syed Shafiqul Islam, with several party leaders also addressing the event.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided to prepare a comprehensive documentation on the activities of foreign observers who participated in the recently held 13th parliamentary election. This is the first time since independence that the EC has taken such an initiative. A 33-member committee has been formed comprising officials from the EC and the Ministry of Information. Senior Assistant Secretary Asma Dilara Jannat has been appointed as the convener, and Deputy Director of the Department of Films and Publications Mamun Or Rashid will serve as the member secretary.

According to an office order signed by EC’s Public Relations Director Md Ruhul Amin Mallik on February 25, the documentation will include photographs and information on the reception, accommodation, and polling center visits of 57 foreign observers who attended the February 12 referendum and national election. The report will be preserved in book form for future reference.

The committee has been tasked with collecting evaluation reports from the observers, compiling write-ups and photographs of their activities, and preparing the final publication.

Member of Parliament Kamruzzaman Kamrul of Sunamganj-1 declared that no extortion will be tolerated in his constituency. Speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting organized by the Madhyanagar Upazila administration on Wednesday, he said that anyone collecting more than the government-fixed market tax will face action. He urged those taking market leases to act responsibly.

The MP noted that the haor region remains underdeveloped compared to other parts of the country and emphasized the need for joint efforts alongside government initiatives to uplift the backward communities. He appealed for sincere cooperation from all sectors to advance the area’s development.

Kamruzzaman added that he wishes to remain close to the people as “their Kamrul,” not as a distant politician, and aims to earn public affection through his work. The meeting, chaired by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ujjal Roy, was attended by representatives of civil society, educators, political leaders, and journalists, who raised issues related to infrastructure, communication, education, and market management.