The verdict in the illegal wealth case against former Dhaka South Jubo League president Ismail Hossain Chowdhury, known as Samrat, is scheduled to be delivered today, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the Dhaka Special Judge Court-6, presided over by Judge Md Zakaria Hossain. Court bench assistant Fakir Zahidul Islam confirmed the schedule. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) lawyer Nure Alam concluded arguments on February 9, after which the court fixed the date for the verdict. As Samrat remains absconding, no self-defense hearing was held.

According to court sources, witness testimony in the case concluded on February 2, with all 21 witnesses listed in the charge sheet testifying before the court. The ACC filed the case on November 12, 2019, accusing Samrat of acquiring illegal assets worth Tk 29.48 million. Following investigation, the charge sheet was submitted on November 26, 2020. The court framed charges on July 17 last year and issued an arrest warrant after canceling Samrat’s bail due to his absence.

Samrat was previously arrested in Cumilla on October 6, 2019, during the anti-casino drive and was released on bail on August 22, 2022.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) faces complex political and ideological challenges after assuming state power following the July–August 2024 mass uprising that ended one and a half decades of authoritarian rule. The new government must navigate the difficult process of democratic consolidation while confronting internal weaknesses in political culture and organizational structure. The party’s ideological position remains uncertain as it struggles between liberal democratic ideals and populist tendencies rooted in traditional nationalism.

The article highlights BNP’s internal identity crisis, balancing between secular liberalism and Islamic values that historically shaped its political foundation. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s emphasis on justice-based governance inspired by prophetic principles reflects a tension between religious morality and Western secular democracy. The party must reconcile these competing visions to maintain both its traditional support base and its democratic credibility.

BNP also faces internal disorder, with allegations of extortion and violence by some activists threatening its image. Unless the party curbs such behavior and strengthens institutional accountability, the spirit of the July revolution could be undermined, risking the erosion of public trust and political stability.

Mahmudur Rahman’s report in *Amar Desh* on February 25, 2026, examines the unresolved murder of Sharif Osman Hadi in Bangladesh, noting that while the shooter’s identity is known, the masterminds, motives, and support network remain undisclosed. The article questions whether police investigations are progressing and highlights suspicions of involvement by Indian intelligence agency ‘R’ and local sleeper cells.

Rahman draws parallels between Hadi’s killing and two earlier incidents abroad: the June 2023 assassination of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada and a failed plot to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States. Both cases allegedly involved Indian operatives and professional hitmen. The report details how Hadi’s suspected killers fled toward India shortly after the attack, with conflicting accounts from police and social media sources about whether they crossed into Meghalaya or Assam.

The article concludes that uncovering the truth behind Hadi’s murder is a key test for Bangladesh’s newly elected government. It suggests that cooperation with the United Nations, FBI, and Canadian intelligence could ensure a credible and transparent investigation.

Bangladesh women’s football team is completing final preparations in Sydney ahead of their first-ever Asian Cup appearance. The team will play a closed-door friendly match today against Australian A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers. Head coach Peter Butler said he will use the match to assess the team’s strength, player mentality, and tactical options. The 26-member squad includes both experienced and young players, and Butler emphasized the need for a stronger mindset to perform well in the tournament.

In a video message released by the Bangladesh Football Federation, Butler praised the team’s dedication and training environment in Sydney, noting that he found no faults in their effort. He highlighted that mental readiness is now the key to success. The coach also expressed satisfaction with the facilities and food arrangements at Valentine’s Park, saying the players are enjoying the supportive atmosphere.

The Asian Cup begins on March 1 in Australia, with Bangladesh starting their campaign on March 3 against China. They are placed in Group B alongside North Korea and Uzbekistan, facing a tough challenge in their debut appearance.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has submitted all legal documents related to Shakib Al Hasan’s cases to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, marking the start of the process to bring him back to the country. BCB Chief Executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury Sujon handed over the papers, and board director Asif Akbar confirmed the submission, expressing optimism that Shakib could return before the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan.

The government is reportedly taking a positive stance on Shakib’s situation, following earlier remarks from State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque about keeping sports and politics separate. Although Shakib’s return to Bangladesh appears likely, his participation in the Pakistan series will depend entirely on the national selectors. Meanwhile, Shakib is working on his fitness in the United Arab Emirates, signaling his eagerness to rejoin the national team.

Bangladesh’s home series against Pakistan will feature three ODIs at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on March 11, 13, and 15. Fans are anticipating Shakib’s return to home cricket after nearly two years.

A Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica will be broadcast live on February 25, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. The game will be available on Sony Ten, Sony Liv, and Tapmad. Other Champions League fixtures scheduled for the same night include Atalanta versus Borussia Dortmund at 11:45 p.m., and Juventus facing Galatasaray at 2:00 a.m. Additionally, PSG will play Monaco at 2:00 a.m.

The sports schedule also features cricket coverage, with the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand airing live at 7:30 p.m. on T Sports, Nagorik TV, and Star Sports. The listings highlight a busy evening for sports fans, offering both football and cricket action across multiple channels.

The broadcast lineup underscores the growing interest in international football and cricket among television audiences, with major European clubs and national teams featured prominently in the day’s programming.

Sources indicate that the banned Bangladesh Awami League is planning a symbolic return to politics on March 26, Independence Day. The party, ousted after the 2024 student–public uprising, is reportedly mobilizing mid- and grassroots-level activists from within Bangladesh and abroad to mark its presence at the National Memorial in Savar. Law enforcement authorities have reiterated that no banned party is permitted to operate publicly, while other political groups aligned with the current government have declared zero tolerance toward such activities.

Reports suggest that Awami League leaders in exile, including in India, are coordinating efforts to reopen sealed local offices and reestablish organizational visibility. The party’s cultural wing has been active online, producing propaganda content. Intelligence sources claim that the group’s strategy includes using emotional and media-driven narratives to regain public sympathy. Meanwhile, the government has yet to decide on a formal response, though security agencies have briefed top officials on the situation.

Legal experts cited in the report note that any attempt to revive a banned party without court or government approval would be unlawful and politically risky.

Traders in Jhenaidah municipality have demanded an end to alleged illegal extortion and excessive market taxes imposed by a leaseholder. On Tuesday, business owners from the New Hatkhola market held a press conference accusing the leaseholder of collecting arbitrary fees under the guise of municipal and district administration charges. They claimed that the leaseholder, using political influence, was collecting large sums monthly without official receipts.

Several traders reported that the tax on raw goods had risen from four taka per maund to 160 taka, while goat sellers said they were being forced to pay 2,000 taka per sale. The traders warned that if authorities failed to stop the alleged extortion, they would close the markets and launch a strong protest movement.

Leaseholder Akhtar Hossain denied the allegations, saying fees were being collected as before. The municipal administrator promised to display an official tax list soon, while the district commissioner assured strict action, including lease cancellation, if overcharging was proven.

The Bangladesh government has announced the formation of a new and stronger investigation commission to ensure justice for the 2009 Pilkhana massacre. The decision was revealed by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed after a law and order committee meeting at the Secretariat on Monday. He said the commission will conduct a thorough reinvestigation of the incident to identify those responsible and ensure justice for the victims. The announcement coincided with the 17th anniversary of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of 57 army officers and 17 others at the then Bangladesh Rifles headquarters in Dhaka.

According to the minister, the decision to form a new commission aligns with the government’s electoral pledge to revisit the Pilkhana tragedy. He noted that the commission’s findings will guide subsequent actions, reaffirming the government’s full commitment to justice. The minister declined to provide further details, citing the sensitivity of the matter.

The Pilkhana massacre, one of the darkest chapters in Bangladesh’s history, continues to evoke national mourning and calls for accountability. The new commission is expected to reopen the path toward closure for victims’ families and the armed forces community.

The government will launch the Family Card program on March 10 as part of the BNP’s election pledge, initially covering one union in each of 14 upazilas. The decision was made at a committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Cabinet Division, according to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. The Prime Minister will inaugurate the program in Bogura, and the initiative will gradually expand nationwide.

After the meeting, Social Welfare Minister Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain said the program aims to empower women by providing Tk 2,500 per card. He emphasized that the distribution will be free from political or religious bias. The rollout will begin on a limited scale, expanding from one ward to full unions and eventually to all upazilas across the country.

The meeting was attended by several senior ministers and advisers, including the finance and planning minister, local government state minister, and cabinet secretary, reflecting the government’s coordinated approach to implementing the Family Card initiative.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of bank accounts and savings certificates belonging to former Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General Harunur Rashid and his wife, Fateha Farvin Luna. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating allegations that the couple amassed illegal wealth worth about Tk 1,000 crore and laundered money. The order was issued on Tuesday by Judge Sabbir Fayez of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court, confirmed by court bench assistant Riaz Hossain.

According to the ACC’s petition, the investigation uncovered evidence of substantial movable assets inconsistent with the couple’s known income sources. The ACC requested the freeze to prevent possible transfer of funds, including over Tk 6.4 million in fixed deposits at One Bank and savings certificates under the National Savings Directorate.

The court’s decision marks a significant step in the ongoing corruption inquiry, as investigators continue to trace the origins and movement of the alleged illicit assets.

Authorities at Lucknow University in Uttar Pradesh sealed the historic Lal Baradari building, which houses the campus’s only mosque, without prior notice. The closure prevented Muslim students from offering prayers since the start of Ramadan, prompting protests by several student organizations. Demonstrations were held late Sunday and Monday nights, with additional police deployed to maintain order. Protesters alleged that the administration deliberately locked the mosque to restrict prayers during the holy month.

University officials stated that the mosque was sealed due to the building’s deteriorating condition, describing it as structurally unsafe. Students countered that the 200-year-old structure had long served as a prayer site and that the gate was welded shut without consultation. On February 22, Muslim students prayed outside the locked building while Hindu students formed a human shield to ensure their safety, an act praised locally as a symbol of communal harmony.

Separately, former BJP MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunpuria faced criticism after a viral video showed him refusing a blanket to a Muslim woman during a relief event in Rajasthan, drawing condemnation from opposition leaders.

Prices of essential commodities in Rangpur city have sharply increased since the start of Ramadan, causing distress among low-income and working-class residents. Consumers allege that traders have formed syndicates to manipulate prices in the absence of effective market monitoring. Field visits to several municipal markets revealed significant price hikes in almost all Ramadan-related goods, particularly dates, chickpeas, spices, and poultry.

Buyers report that traders are charging arbitrary prices, with some varieties of dates selling two to three times higher than last month. Local traders attribute the rise to reduced supply, higher wholesale prices, and increased transport costs. The price of local chicken has doubled, while vegetables, lemons, and spices have also seen steep increases. Consumers demand stronger oversight of wholesale markets to prevent manipulation.

Officials from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection stated that monitoring drives will continue throughout Ramadan, warning of fines and legal action against price gouging. The Rangpur district administration confirmed that executive magistrates are conducting inspections to ensure fair pricing for consumers.

A devastating fire broke out at Kamarhat market in Chandraganj, Lakshmipur Sadar upazila, on Tuesday night following a gas cylinder explosion. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., destroying ten shops including clothing, grocery, and electronics stores. Witnesses said the explosion originated from a cylinder in Bahar’s shop, and the flames quickly spread to adjacent stores. A fire service unit arrived promptly and brought the blaze under control after an hour of effort.

Lakshmipur Fire Service Station Officer Ranjit Kumar Saha said initial findings suggest the explosion started from Bahar’s shop. District Commissioner S.M. Mehedi Hasan confirmed that the fire service contained the blaze and that the upazila executive officer inspected the site. Authorities stated that financial assistance will be provided to affected shop owners.

Officials added that the exact cause of the explosion and the total extent of the damage will be determined after a full investigation.

In Chattogram, a total of 186 garment factories have closed over the past 18 months following the July Revolution, according to industry and police data. Of these, 111 factories were permanently shut by owners, while 76 remain temporarily closed. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) confirmed that 19 of the closed factories were large-scale members, including six under the Well Group. Around 27,766 workers lost their jobs, though about 18,000 have since found new employment.

Investigations revealed that eight of the 19 large factories were owned by fugitive Awami League-linked businessmen who fled after the political upheaval, while nine others closed due to banking complications tied to merged and inactive banks. BGMEA officials said the sector’s recovery was hindered by financial instability and weak banking operations, despite improved trade conditions with the United States. Many large factories have shifted to subcontracting, leaving smaller units struggling for orders.

Industry Police reported that 55 more factories are now at risk, with concerns over paying wages and bonuses before Eid. Business leaders expressed cautious optimism that new government policies and revived banking operations could help the sector recover.