Bangladeshi exporters have expressed renewed concern following U.S. President Donald Trump’s abrupt decision to increase a planned global tariff from 10 percent to 15 percent within 24 hours. The tariff, announced for 150 days after a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated Trump’s earlier reciprocal tariffs, has created uncertainty about when it will take effect. Although the new rate remains below the 19 percent set under the Bangladesh-U.S. trade agreement, exporters say the policy volatility poses long-term risks.

Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said the previous reciprocal tariff’s cancellation means the current trade deal with the U.S. will also lapse. However, trade experts caution that Bangladesh cannot easily withdraw from such agreements without facing pressure in global forums. Policy Exchange of Bangladesh Chairman Dr. M. Masrur Reaz noted that the Supreme Court’s ruling removes the threat of a 37.5 percent counter-tariff, opening room for renegotiation of unfavorable terms.

Market analysts believe the 15 percent tariff could temporarily benefit Bangladesh’s apparel exports by lowering import costs for U.S. buyers, but competition from China, Vietnam, and India is expected to intensify once the new structure takes effect.

Three people were injured in a violent attack on business establishments at Paghar Jhinu Market in Tongi, Gazipur, on Sunday afternoon. The victims, identified as businessman Shahadat Hossain, Firoz Mia, and shop employee Rohan, were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Witnesses said a group of assailants fired several blank shots during the incident, spreading panic across the area. Police from Tongi East Station visited the scene following the attack.

According to local residents, the assault followed an earlier attack on Saturday on a local studio owner, allegedly by a group led by Jasim alias Chor Jasim. On Sunday, the same group reportedly launched another assault on Liton Enterprise, looting around seven lakh taka and several mobile phones. When shop owners tried to resist, the attackers allegedly stabbed several people before fleeing after firing blank rounds.

Tongi East Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Hasan confirmed the firing of blank shots and said legal action is in process. He suggested the incident may have stemmed from previous enmity.

A bumper potato harvest is underway in Bogura, where farmers and agricultural officials expect total production to surpass the district’s target of about 1.235 million tons this season. Favorable weather, use of high-yield varieties, and organic fertilizers have contributed to strong yields across 55,454 hectares of farmland. Early varieties have already reached markets, selling at 40–60 taka per kilogram, while wholesale prices range between 600 and 750 taka per maund.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension in Bogura, potato yields have steadily increased since the 2011–12 season, when production was just over 1.1 million tons. Farmers report healthy crops free from cold injury and late blight disease, with fields in Sadar, Shibganj, Sonatala, Dhunat, and Sherpur still vibrant. The district’s 33 cold storages can hold slightly over 200,000 tons of potatoes.

Officials note that the absence of storms and timely use of land after Aman rice harvest have supported the bumper yield. Farmers are optimistic about profits as stable prices continue throughout the year.

Jamaat-e-Islami has started the process of selecting candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the national parliament following the 13th parliamentary election. The party, which won 68 seats, is expected to receive around 12 of the 50 reserved women’s seats. Discussions are ongoing within the party’s women’s wing, which will propose names to the central decision-making forum for final approval by the parliamentary board. The selection aims to include both central and regional leaders as well as qualified professionals.

Party sources indicate that several prominent women leaders and professionals are under consideration, including senior members of the women’s division and notable figures from academia and civil society. Jamaat’s leadership has emphasized that the selection will ensure representation from areas where the party did not win general seats. The process will be finalized after the first parliamentary session, in accordance with the Election Commission’s schedule.

If the number of reserved seats increases from 50 to 100 under the proposed “July Charter,” Jamaat could secure up to 24 seats, expanding its selection plan accordingly.

After a gap of 18 months, local leaders and activists raised the national flag at the Shahjahanpur Upazila Awami League office in Bogura. The flag was seen flying on Monday morning at the party office located beside the main highway in the upazila headquarters. According to local residents, the flag was hoisted early in the morning using a GI pipe on the rooftop.

Attempts were made to contact Shahjahanpur Upazila Awami League president and former upazila chairman Sohrab Hossain through WhatsApp, but he did not respond. Sub-Inspector Abu Zarra of Shahjahanpur Police Station stated that the police were unaware of the flag-raising event but would investigate the matter.

The incident marks the first time in a year and a half that the national flag has been displayed at the local Awami League office, drawing attention from residents and prompting official inquiry.

Indian diplomat and intellectual Jahar Sarkar has offered a detailed analysis of Bangladesh’s recent political changes and election results. Speaking from Kolkata, he advised that India should patiently rebuild its long-standing friendship with Dhaka while avoiding overt involvement in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. Sarkar emphasized that the political deadlock surrounding Sheikh Hasina needs swift resolution so that bilateral relations are not hindered.

According to Sarkar, India’s policy is undergoing a significant shift as Delhi realizes the risks of relying on a single political figure. After a year of distance, India is now showing greater interest in engaging with the BNP, which he observed has adopted a more moderate stance. He also noted that Jamaat-e-Islami is attempting to improve its image despite limited electoral success, with its growing influence in border areas posing concern for India.

Sarkar expressed mixed views on Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s interim government, praising institutional reforms and the popular “July Charter” but noting shortcomings in law enforcement and bilateral management. He urged India to normalize border trade, ease visa access, and support Bangladesh’s economic stability under Tarique Rahman’s new government.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to expedite the launch of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s Third Terminal, which has faced years of delay due to management and contractual complications. The directive came after a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka, attended by key ministers and aviation officials. Aviation experts said the terminal could open soon if an operator is appointed promptly or if talks with the Japanese consortium are resumed.

The Third Terminal, 99 percent complete, has been stalled by disagreements over operational terms with a Japanese consortium that sought high landing charges, revenue sharing, and control over commercial spaces. The Anti-Corruption Commission has also decided to investigate allegations of misappropriation of about Tk 4,500 crore from the project. Additionally, an international arbitration board has ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh to pay Tk 1,650 crore to a foreign contractor following a dispute.

Design flaws, including the absence of mobile network coverage inside the terminal, are being corrected, which may take another six to seven months. Once operational, the terminal is expected to double the airport’s passenger and cargo handling capacity.

Barcelona regained the top spot in the 2025/26 La Liga season after a commanding 3–0 victory over Levante. The Catalan side dominated from the start, with young midfielder Marc Bernal opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Frenkie de Jong doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, and Fermín López sealed the win in the 81st minute. The three points lifted Barcelona one point ahead of Real Madrid, strengthening their position in the title race.

In the English Premier League, Liverpool secured a dramatic 1–0 win against Nottingham Forest away from home. Despite being under pressure for much of the match, Liverpool’s defense and goalkeeper held firm. In the final moments, Alexis Mac Allister scored from close range after a rebound to secure the victory. The result moved Liverpool to sixth place in the league table with 45 points from 27 matches, boosting their push for a top-four finish. Arsenal also won 4–1 against Tottenham to remain at the top of the standings.

The new government has decided to replace International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam with a new appointee. Advocate Aminul Islam is being considered for the position, according to information shared by British journalist David Bergman on his Facebook profile on Sunday night. A source said Tajul Islam has been informally informed about the decision, though he has not made any public comment. Law Minister Mohammad Asaduzzaman reportedly called Tajul Islam to his office on Sunday to convey the government’s interest in appointing a new chief prosecutor.

Aminul Islam previously served as a member of the legal team defending BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in her corruption case, in which she was sentenced to prison. The report indicates that the government’s decision reflects a shift in the leadership of the ICT’s prosecution wing.

Further details on the timing of the appointment or official confirmation from the government were not available at the time of reporting.

A local BNP leader was shot and injured in Dhaka on Sunday night. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. in front of a shoe market opposite Bashundhara Shopping Mall under Kalabagan Police Station. The victim, Md. Shafiqul Rahman, 55, serves as the joint general secretary of Ward No. 16 BNP. Witnesses said locals rescued the bloodied Rahman and first took him to Comfort Hospital before transferring him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Inspector Md. Faruk, in charge of the DMCH police outpost, confirmed that Rahman is receiving treatment in the emergency department. The bullet struck his left palm. Authorities have not yet identified who carried out the attack or the motive behind it.

According to available information, Rahman’s ancestral home is in Sidlai area of Burichang upazila in Cumilla district, and his father’s name is Mofidul Islam.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has invited Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman to visit New Delhi. The invitation was conveyed by Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma during a courtesy meeting with Rahman on Sunday afternoon. The meeting took place as part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two neighboring countries.

According to a statement issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday evening, High Commissioner Verma expressed his government’s readiness to work closely with Bangladesh’s new administration to further advance bilateral cooperation. Minister Rahman emphasized Bangladesh’s intention to build a forward-looking and balanced partnership based on mutual interests for the welfare of both nations’ peoples.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular and constructive communication to strengthen bilateral relations. The invitation marks a continuation of diplomatic efforts to deepen cooperation between Bangladesh and India.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) has finalized its preliminary mayoral candidates for the upcoming Dhaka North and South City Corporation elections. Party leaders confirmed that senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib has been selected for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), while Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has been chosen for Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Adib previously contested the Dhaka-18 parliamentary seat under the 11-party alliance, securing 111,297 votes despite losing to the BNP candidate. He has also represented the party in urban and environmental forums and was an organizer in the July uprising and anti-fascist movements.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, a frontline participant in the July 2024 uprising and former adviser to the post-uprising government, currently serves as NCP’s spokesperson. A central leader of the party, speaking anonymously, said NCP is preparing its nominations assuming the city polls will be held after Ramadan. The party plans to contest the elections in coordination with the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance and will finalize councilor candidates before holding talks with alliance partners.

The NCP’s early candidate announcements indicate its readiness to engage in alliance-based local electoral strategies in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has expressed a special interest in sending Bangladeshi workers to Japan. The announcement came during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday, followed by a follow-up session on Sunday at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. The meeting, chaired by Senior Secretary Dr. Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan, was attended by Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury and State Minister Md. Nurul Haque.

Discussions highlighted Japan’s projected need for about 11 million young workers by 2040 and Bangladesh’s current surplus of 2.3 million youth laborers. The meeting focused on transforming unskilled workers into skilled manpower for deployment abroad, particularly to Japan. It was noted that 53 Technical Training Centers (TTCs) are now offering Japanese language and skill training, up from 33 previously, though there remains a shortage of language instructors.

Participants also discussed collaboration with 200 private training centers and recruiting agencies to expand training capacity. A comprehensive action plan is being prepared for submission to the Prime Minister within seven days, with progress reviews scheduled every two working days.

Dr. Shah Muhammad Aman Ullah, an orthopedic specialist and medical officer at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, has been appointed as the Senior Medical Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office. The appointment was announced on Sunday, February 22, through a notification signed by Mohammad Nur-e-Alam, Deputy Secretary (Deputation-1) of the Ministry of Public Administration.

According to related sources, Dr. Aman Ullah will oversee healthcare services for the officials and employees of the Prime Minister’s Office and coordinate emergency medical support. His role is considered important for ensuring the smooth delivery of health services within the office.

The report notes that Dr. Aman Ullah has previously provided continuous medical care to numerous injured leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organizations during the anti-fascist movement. Known for his modesty, he is described as a trusted physician of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Workers, owners, and residents of Dhaka’s Adabor area surrounded the local police station overnight demanding justice after an armed attack on a garment factory. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when members of a local gang allegedly led by Kala Russell entered the Abir Embroidery factory and injured several workers with sharp weapons after the owner refused to pay extortion money. Two workers, Tofayel and Hafiz Ahmed, were seriously wounded while trying to resist the attackers.

Following the attack, protesters gathered outside Adabor Police Station, chanting slogans throughout the night for the arrest of the culprits. Police later detained five members of the youth gang and confirmed that a case had been filed. According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the attack took place during workers’ salary distribution, and operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Authorities said the situation was brought under control after security forces intervened. The factory owner, Mostafizur Rahman Zohir, who is also the general secretary of the embroidery owners’ association, lodged the complaint that led to the arrests.