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.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, met with the United Arab Emirates Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al-Hamoudi on Tuesday at the minister’s office in the Secretariat. The meeting emphasized the long-standing historical and fraternal ties between Bangladesh and the UAE and reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to expanding and deepening their bilateral relationship.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in religious affairs, increasing people-to-people contact, and promoting cultural exchange to strengthen mutual understanding. Both parties also explored the use of digital technology to modernize religious services, build institutional capacity, and make faith-based education and support programs more effective and timely.

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

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that city corporation elections in Bangladesh will be held in phases according to the expiration of each corporation’s term. He said both the government and the Election Commission are prepared for the process. The minister made the remarks on Tuesday at the Secretariat after six newly appointed city corporation administrators formally took charge.

Responding to questions from journalists, Mirza Fakhrul said the decision on whether city corporation elections will be held under party symbols will be made in the National Parliament. He explained that political figures have been appointed as administrators instead of government officials to strengthen public engagement and improve service delivery. The minister emphasized that local government elections are a continuous process, beginning with those whose terms have already ended.

The six new administrators pledged to work on mosquito control, traffic management, and road repairs to reduce public suffering. They also announced plans to implement a 60-day action program to ensure better public service delivery.

The Election Commission (EC) has announced the schedule for the Bogura-6 by-election and the Sherpur-3 parliamentary election, which had been postponed earlier due to a candidate’s death. According to the schedule, voting in both constituencies will take place on April 9. The announcement was made by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at a press conference held at the Election Building in Agargaon on Tuesday afternoon.

As per the schedule, the deadline for submitting nomination papers is March 2, scrutiny will be held on March 5, and the last date for withdrawal is March 14. The Sherpur-3 seat no longer requires a referendum since the “yes” vote won in the February 12 national election. BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who was elected from two constituencies, vacated the Bogura-6 seat, prompting the by-election.

The Sherpur-3 election was earlier suspended after Jamaat candidate Nuruzzaman Badal died on February 3 due to kidney disease. Under the Representation of the People Order, valid candidates from that constituency will not need to resubmit nomination papers.

A meeting between Bangladesh’s Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj, and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen was held to strengthen bilateral cooperation in education, technology, and language. The discussion focused on expanding Chinese language education and developing skilled human resources among the youth. The Chinese side announced a target to bring around 10,000 Bangladeshi students under Chinese language education, aiming to enhance employment opportunities in about 1,000 Chinese companies operating in Bangladesh and in 17 other countries.

The initiative includes joint programs with Dhaka University, North South University, BRAC University, and the University Grants Commission, with plans to launch courses at Chittagong University this year. Proposals were made to set up 300 smart classrooms in 150 schools, nine broadcasting centers, and modern labs equipped with updated software and hardware. A pilot project is already underway. The two sides also discussed modernizing polytechnic curricula, offering scholarships, and organizing study tours for Bangladeshi delegations to China.

The minister expressed optimism that this collaboration would strengthen Bangladesh-China educational and technological ties and help Bangladeshi youth achieve international-level skills.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has reduced the retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for February 2026. The price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder has been lowered by 15 taka to 1,341 taka. The new rate took effect from 6 p.m. on February 23, following an official announcement on February 24. This adjustment follows the last revision on February 2, when the price was increased by 50 taka to 1,356 taka per cylinder.

According to BERC, the price reduction aligns with recent fiscal changes by the National Board of Revenue (NBR), which withdrew the existing 7.5 percent VAT at the local production and trading levels and the 2 percent advance tax on imports. Instead, a 7.5 percent VAT has been imposed at the import stage. In the same notice, BERC also reduced the price of autogas by 0.28 taka per liter, setting the new consumer price, including VAT, at 61.86 taka per liter.

The adjustments aim to keep LPG prices affordable for consumers and stabilize the domestic energy market, as stated in the regulatory announcements.

Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the newspaper Amar Desh, stated that the ongoing killings in Gaza are connected to struggles over religious beliefs, global energy control, and the establishment of geopolitical hegemony. He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Global Zionist Aggression and Human Rights Violations in Gaza: Our Responsibilities,” organized by the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JAKSU) during the sixth International Quds Week celebration.

Rahman argued that divisions among Muslims worldwide have enabled continued Zionist aggression and human rights violations in Gaza. He said that while a small state like Bangladesh cannot directly resist militarily or economically, it can contribute intellectually. He emphasized that Bangladesh can play a significant role from intellectual, moral, and diplomatic positions by building public opinion, conducting research and analysis, writing, and raising awareness internationally.

The discussion was chaired by JAKSU General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif and attended by several university teachers and student leaders, including Professor Dr. Mohammad Bilal Hossain and Mohayminul Hasan Riad.

New Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam announced that allegations of bribery involving the prosecution team in a war crimes case will be investigated. The claims concern efforts to make former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun a state witness. Aminul Islam made the statement on Tuesday during a press conference at the International Crimes Tribunal, emphasizing his need to understand all tribunal activities and case details before proceeding.

The allegations were raised by Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud against former Chief Prosecutor Tazul Islam, both appointed during the interim government period. Mahmud made the accusation through a Facebook post by lawyer Kazi Mostafizur Rahman Ahad, which discussed the issue of state witnesses. Aminul Islam stated that he would review all such complaints as part of his new responsibilities.

The announcement signals an internal review within the prosecution team amid concerns about integrity in handling war crimes cases at the tribunal.