European Union Election Observation Mission human rights analyst Ann Marlborough paid a courtesy visit to Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the commission’s office. During the meeting, Marlborough briefed the commission on the EU’s observation activities during Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and presented the mission’s preliminary post-election statement.

Discussions focused on election-related violence, human rights violations, and threats to democracy in developing countries like Bangladesh. Both sides emphasized ensuring transparency, security, and fairness in the electoral process, as well as protecting the voting rights of women, third-gender individuals, and ethnic minorities. The chairperson highlighted the expansion of the commission’s jurisdiction under the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025, noting that the new legal framework would strengthen institutional capacity for human rights protection.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to enhance cooperation and partnership between the EU mission and the commission to advance human rights protection in Bangladesh.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Dr. AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad has described the 2009 Pilkhana killings as a premeditated massacre rather than a mutiny. Speaking on Tuesday morning at a discussion organized by Sushil Forum at the National Press Club to mark the 'Pilkhana Killing Day,' he claimed the incident was a deliberate act aimed at weakening Bangladesh’s army. Azad alleged that the then government orchestrated the event and that if the army had been allowed to act, the losses would have been less severe.

He further asserted that the killings were linked to earlier incidents in Roumari and Paduya and reflected an attempt to turn Bangladesh into “Sikkim.” Azad also referred to a statement allegedly made by a former Indian foreign minister in the Lok Sabha about taking revenge for those incidents. During the event, he prayed for the victims, expressed sympathy for the affected families, and called for justice and the release of those he said were unjustly detained.

The discussion was chaired by Sushil Forum president Md. Zahid and attended by journalist leaders, academics, and Jamaat members.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has termed the president’s behavior unacceptable. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, he alleged that the president concealed key facts regarding the events of August 5, 2024. Rahman claimed that the president’s current statements contradict what he told political leaders and later conveyed to the nation about the alleged resignation of the fugitive prime minister.

In his post, Rahman questioned whether the president would reconcile the differences between his earlier and current remarks, noting that millions of people had heard the original statements. He asserted that the nation is not naïve and that such conduct from the highest office of the state is unacceptable.

The comments reflect Jamaat-e-Islami’s dissatisfaction with the president’s handling of past political events, highlighting ongoing tensions between the opposition and the head of state.

Four police officers have been temporarily suspended following an incident in which a Dhaka University student was assaulted during an anti-drug operation at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. The action was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon by Mohammad Masud Alam, Deputy Commissioner of the Ramna Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

According to the official, the incident occurred after a verbal altercation between the student and police personnel escalated. The four officers who were on duty at the time have been closed, meaning they were temporarily removed from active duty, and departmental action will be taken against them.

The DMP has described the event as an unwanted situation arising from a misunderstanding during the operation. Further internal proceedings are expected to determine disciplinary measures against the involved officers.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, held a courtesy meeting with the United Arab Emirates Ambassador Abdullah Ali Kasef Al-Moudhir on 24 February at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Dhaka. The meeting emphasized the long-standing historical and fraternal ties between Bangladesh and the UAE and reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to expanding and deepening bilateral relations.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in religious affairs, increasing people-to-people contact, and promoting cultural exchange to foster mutual understanding. Both dignitaries also exchanged views on modernizing religious services, strengthening institutional capacity, and applying digital technology to make faith-based education and support programs more effective and timely.

The meeting concluded in a spirit of goodwill and strategic partnership, with both parties reiterating a shared vision to elevate Bangladesh-UAE relations to a higher level in the coming days.

A renewed debate has emerged in India over whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is adopting an “Israeli model” in its governance of Kashmir. The discussion resurfaced after former Indian Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, speaking at a private event in New York in November 2019, suggested applying such a model in Indian-administered Kashmir. His remarks came months after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status in August 2019, amid strict security measures and political detentions.

Analysts cited in the report argue that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s Hindutva-based ideology shares similarities with Israel’s identity-driven state model, influencing closer bilateral ties. The article also highlights domestic controversies such as “bulldozer justice” in BJP-ruled states, where homes of alleged rioters were demolished, and the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling against property destruction without due process. Defense cooperation between India and Israel has deepened, including drone purchases and joint training.

Further disputes involve surveillance technology, notably allegations of Pegasus spyware use against journalists and opposition figures. Critics claim Kashmir remains under heavy militarization and surveillance since 2019, while the government maintains these measures are necessary for counterterrorism and development.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi met with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) on Tuesday at her office in the ministry. The meeting took place in Dhaka and was attended by State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat.

The report noted the official nature of the meeting but did not provide details about the topics discussed or any outcomes. The presence of both the minister and the state minister highlighted the diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Japan within the civil aviation and tourism sectors.

No further information was provided regarding the agenda or future cooperation plans stemming from the meeting.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Chapainawabganj has arrested a husband and wife accused of leading a fraud ring that stole Tk 2.13 million through mobile banking platforms Nagad, bKash, and Rocket. The arrests took place on Monday morning at their home in Chhoto Bongram Uttarpara, Rajshahi. The detainees were identified as Mobarak Hossain, 55, and his wife Sultana Khatun, 45. The CID disclosed the details at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

According to CID Inspector Rozaul Karim, the couple collected SIM cards from beggars under the pretense of distributing food aid, then opened mobile banking accounts using those SIMs. They bought the SIM cards back for Tk 100–200 along with PIN codes and used them to impersonate relatives of targeted victims, claiming illness to extract money through mobile transactions. The arrests were made with the help of information technology during an investigation into an embezzlement case filed at Gomostapur Police Station.

CID officials said the two suspects have been handed over to court, and a remand petition will be filed for further investigation.

Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Tazul Islam, has issued a statement rejecting allegations of corruption and irregularities made against him by fellow prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud. The allegations were reported by several media outlets on Monday, prompting Tazul Islam to respond through a written statement sent to the press on Tuesday.

In his statement, Tazul Islam described the claims as baseless, malicious, and intended to undermine the integrity of the tribunal’s judicial process. He asserted that all actions taken by him and his prosecution team were transparent and lawful. He further alleged that a group was deliberately spreading falsehoods to divert attention from the tribunal’s ongoing and completed trials against former autocrats and perpetrators of genocide.

Tazul Islam urged all concerned to refrain from engaging in what he termed as false propaganda and malicious activities aimed at discrediting the tribunal’s work.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that since August 5, 2024, numerous cases have been filed with thousands of accused individuals allegedly for the purpose of harassment. Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka on Tuesday afternoon, he said that many of these cases appear to have been initiated by opportunistic groups. The ministry plans to review and identify such cases to ensure the rule of law and prevent misuse of the legal system.

Responding to a question about case withdrawals, the minister explained that cases involving murder, drugs, and crimes against women and children have been excluded from consideration, while other cases are being reviewed. He also mentioned that he himself faces multiple cases, including those related to weapons and explosives.

Ahmed added that the government has taken a new initiative to review politically motivated cases for possible withdrawal, emphasizing that the process will be carefully examined to prevent abuse.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced a new email-based one-time password (OTP) system to facilitate online income tax return submissions for Bangladeshi taxpayers living abroad. Announced on Tuesday, the feature allows expatriates to receive OTPs through their registered email addresses instead of mobile phones. The initiative is part of a new 'special registration' process designed for users who previously registered with biometric mobile numbers but are now unable to access mobile OTPs while overseas.

According to NBR, expatriate taxpayers must apply for email verification by sending an email to ereturn@etaxnbr.gov.bd with copies of their passport, national ID, visa page, foreign address, overseas contact number, and proof of departure date. After verification, NBR will approve the request, enabling users to reset passwords, complete registration, and file e-returns using the verified email.

NBR reported that the online filing system has received strong response, with about 3.9 million taxpayers already submitting returns for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The authority urged all taxpayers to file their returns through the e-return system by February 28.

Newly appointed Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Aminul Islam, has pledged to maintain a fully corruption-free tribunal. Speaking at a press conference at his office on Tuesday, he warned that strict action would be taken against any prosecutor or individual found involved in irregularities or corruption. He emphasized that the tribunal would operate according to international standards of justice and that no discussions outside the legal framework would be tolerated.

Aminul Islam stated that his priority is to ensure the tribunal functions strictly in accordance with the law, with increased transparency and efficiency. He mentioned that 24 formal charges have already been submitted, and trials for 21 of those cases are ongoing in two tribunals. Although he has not yet reviewed the case materials, he has requested all files for examination. If any investigation is found inadequate or flawed, corrective measures will be taken as per the law.

He also discussed with the prosecution team ways to expedite case resolution in line with the aspirations of the July Revolution, promising prompt necessary steps.

Around 20 mahogany trees planted to prevent river erosion along an embankment in Kamalpur area of Mithamain upazila, Kishoreganj, were allegedly cut down by local BNP leader Zahidul Alam Jahangir. Residents said the trees, considered symbols of protection against erosion, were removed gradually since August 5, with 10 to 12 trees felled on February 21. Each tree was valued between Tk 20,000 and Tk 25,000. The accused reportedly used electric saws to cut and transport the logs elsewhere.

Jahangir, president of Mithamain upazila BNP, denied the allegations, claiming the trees were not on government land and that each person cut trees from their own property. Local officials stated the trees had been planted under the supervision of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and an NGO named Khoab in the mid-1990s. The felled trees were seized from a sawmill, and a case has been filed.

Police confirmed identifying a worker involved in transporting the logs and are pursuing him to trace the main culprit. The Kishoreganj district BNP secretary said legal and organizational action would follow if the allegations proved true.

Police in Singra, Natore recovered 50 rounds of pistol ammunition from the Nagor River on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The discovery was made around 2 p.m. after two children found a blue plastic box containing the bullets while fishing. The ammunition, marked 'CBC 32 AUTO,' was handed over to police who took it to the station for examination.

According to Singra Police Station Officer-in-Charge A S M Abdun Nur, the bullets were likely abandoned after being submerged in water for a long time. The police have informed the Superintendent of Police and initiated an investigation into the incident. Along with the bullets, a plastic cleaning rod and two brushes used for pistol maintenance were also found in the box.

Authorities are currently investigating the origin and purpose of the ammunition discovered in the river.

Bangladesh’s revenue shortfall crossed Tk 600 billion in the first seven months (July–January) of the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) report released on 24 February. The deficit stood at around Tk 460 billion by December. During this period, NBR collected Tk 2.24 trillion against a target of Tk 2.84 trillion, achieving 12.9 percent growth compared to the same period last year.

The largest shortfall occurred in the income tax segment, which missed its target by Tk 289.25 billion. Import duties fell short by Tk 156.83 billion, and VAT collections were below target by Tk 155.06 billion. In January alone, revenue collection reached Tk 370.33 billion against a target of Tk 525.45 billion, leaving a monthly gap of about Tk 150 billion.

At the beginning of the fiscal year, NBR’s total revenue target was Tk 4.99 trillion, later revised upward to Tk 5.54 trillion by the Budget Monitoring and Resource Committee on 10 November, the report noted.