Police in Cumilla’s Burichang upazila arrested nine individuals from Nimsar Bazar on Wednesday night for allegedly extorting Tk 3,000 instead of the official Tk 100 market fee. The arrests were confirmed by Burichang Police Station Officer-in-Charge Lutfur Rahman. However, the alleged masterminds, Humayun Kabir, vice-president of the BNP’s Mokam Union unit, and Shakil Hossain Shahin, a member of the same unit, remain at large.

Local traders accused the two BNP leaders of collecting excessive tolls under the guise of market lease fees along the Dhaka–Chattogram highway. Police said the operation was conducted under the supervision of Additional Superintendent of Police (Cumilla Sadar Circle) Saiful Malek after receiving a tip-off about the extortion activities. Burichang Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanvir Hossain confirmed that complaints of overcharging had been received earlier.

Police stated that a case is being processed in connection with the incident, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the main suspects.

The Ministry of Shipping of Bangladesh announced that all sand-carrying bulkhead and dinghy boats will remain suspended from March 16 to 25 to prevent accidents during the Eid-ul-Fitr travel rush. Nighttime speedboat operations have been banned, and wearing life jackets during daytime travel has been made mandatory. From March 17 to 24, only trucks carrying essential or perishable goods will be allowed on ferries to ensure smooth passenger movement. The decisions were taken at a meeting held on February 26 at the ministry.

Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam said passenger pressure on waterways increases significantly during Eid, making safety and comfort a top government priority. Authorities have been instructed to keep roads from Dhaka’s Zero Point to Sadarghat free of congestion from the 15th of Ramadan until the third day after Eid. Law enforcement agencies, including traffic police, naval police, Ansar, and community police, will jointly maintain order and security.

Unfit vessels have been banned, and mobile courts will monitor compliance. Vigilance teams and monitoring units will oversee safety, while rescue and fire services will remain on standby at key river ports.

At a ceremony held on Thursday morning at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, nine distinguished individuals and the band Warfaze were awarded the Ekushey Padak 2026 for their outstanding contributions in various fields. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the country’s second-highest civilian honor to the recipients. The late musician Ayub Bachchu was honored posthumously, and his wife Ferdous Akhtar Chandana accepted the award on his behalf, later expressing gratitude on social media.

Following the ceremony, a statement was released on the official Facebook page of LRB, the band founded by Ayub Bachchu. The post described the state recognition as a tribute to his lifelong dedication to music and his role in enriching Bangla rock culture. It expressed deep appreciation to the government for acknowledging his legacy and noted that such recognition honors the entire music community. The statement also voiced hope that Ayub Bachchu’s creative and patriotic contributions would one day earn him the nation’s highest civilian award.

The message concluded by affirming that although Ayub Bachchu is no longer alive, his music, courage, and dreams continue to inspire future generations of artists.

The new government has decided to waive agricultural loans of up to 10,000 taka, including interest, for farmers across Bangladesh. The decision was made on Thursday, February 26, 2026, during the first cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat. According to official estimates, around 1.2 million farmers will be freed from a total debt burden of approximately 1,550 crore taka.

Cabinet Secretary Md. Nasimul Gani informed reporters that the initiative aims to strengthen farmers’ financial capacity and revitalize the agricultural sector. The waiver applies to outstanding loans of up to 10,000 taka, covering both principal and interest, and will directly benefit marginal farmers who have struggled to repay small loans.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, government and private commercial banks, as well as specialized banks, are owed about 1,550 crore taka in agricultural loans as of February 25. These loans will now fall under the waiver scheme, providing direct relief to about 1.2 million farmers nationwide.

Bangladesh has entered the race for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term after Palestine withdrew its candidacy. The election is scheduled to take place on June 2 at the UN headquarters in New York. Bangladesh’s interim government initially nominated former foreign affairs adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, but later replaced him with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman. Cyprus has emerged as Bangladesh’s rival candidate for the position.

According to the established regional rotation policy, the presidency for this term will be selected from the Asia-Pacific Group of States. The 81st UNGA session will begin in September 2026, and before that, current UNGA President Annalena Baerbock will hold informal consultations with candidates in May 2026.

Bangladesh last held this prestigious position during the 1986–1987 term, when then Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Choudhury served as president of the 41st session. The country now hopes to regain the post after nearly four decades.

Madaripur-2 Member of Parliament Zahandar Ali Mia has expressed optimism that ordinary citizens will receive their family cards before Eid. He made the comment on Thursday afternoon after a meeting with officials of Rajoir upazila in Madaripur, responding to questions from journalists.

The MP said the government had earlier announced the introduction of family, agriculture, and health cards before the election, as part of its 31-point state reform plan. In line with that initiative, family card distribution has already begun on a pilot basis in 14 upazilas across eight divisions, including one upazila in Rajbari district. He emphasized that the process would be transparent and accountable, conducted online through the Department of Social Services without political influence.

Zahandar Ali Mia added that the digital management system was introduced to overcome past criticisms of irregularities in allowance and aid programs. The meeting was chaired by Rajoir Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahfuzul Haque, with local police and BNP leaders also in attendance.

A Chhatra League leader from Nalchity in Jhalakathi, Rakibul Islam Jomaddar, was temporarily released on parole to attend his father’s funeral on Thursday, February 26. The funeral of his father, Mosharraf Jomaddar, took place at the family graveyard in Kamdevpur village under Subidpur Union. Rakibul, who serves as the organizational secretary of the Subidpur Union Chhatra League, participated in the funeral under strict police supervision and was returned to prison after the ceremony.

According to family sources, Rakibul had been in jail in connection with a political case when his father passed away earlier that morning. Following a family request and administrative approval, he was granted short-term parole to attend the funeral. The event was marked by deep mourning across the area.

Nalchity Upazila Chhatra League president Anik Rahman Sardar expressed condolences to Rakibul and his family, while the local police confirmed that the parole and return were conducted according to official procedures.

India kept their T20 World Cup semifinal hopes alive with a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai. Batting first after losing the toss, India posted their highest total of the tournament, scoring 256 for 4 in 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma hit 55 off 30 balls, Ishan Kishan added 38 off 24, and captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 33 off 13. Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma powered the finish with an unbeaten 84-run stand from 31 balls, Pandya remaining not out on 50 and Varma scoring 44 off 16. India’s innings featured 17 sixes.

In reply, Zimbabwe reached 184 for 6 despite a valiant 97 off 59 balls from Brian Bennett. Arshdeep Singh broke Bennett’s 72-run partnership with Sikandar Raza and took 3 wickets for 24 runs in 4 overs. The defeat confirmed Zimbabwe’s exit from the tournament after consecutive losses, while India stayed in contention for a semifinal spot. South Africa had already secured their place in the last four earlier.

Bangladesh’s Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that no vessel will be allowed to carry excess passengers or increase fares during the upcoming Eid travel period. Speaking after a preparatory meeting at the Secretariat on Thursday, he said necessary measures are being taken to ensure safer and smoother river journeys this year. The minister also assured that there will be no traffic congestion from Zero Point to Sadarghat and that illegal parking will be strictly controlled.

He added that bulkhead vessel movement will remain suspended for five days before and after Eid to ease passenger travel. The minister clarified the distinction between voluntary contributions and extortion, stating that any forced collection of money will be treated as a criminal offense. He emphasized that the ministry will not tolerate extortion and that any illegal collection on routes will face strict action.

The minister reiterated that maintaining discipline in the transport sector and ensuring safe travel are key responsibilities of his ministry, with accountability efforts supported by the Home and Commerce ministries.

Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Food Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said that with proper planning, efficient management, and effective field-level initiatives, agro-products could become Bangladesh’s leading export items. He emphasized that if newly appointed officers work closely with farmers and communities, agricultural potential can be turned into economic strength, ensuring food security and socio-economic development. The minister made these remarks on Thursday, February 26, at the closing ceremony of a five-day orientation course for newly recruited 44th BCS (Livestock) cadre officers at the Soil Resource Development Institute in Dhaka.

He noted that many countries with limited agricultural seasons have made agriculture the foundation of their economies, while Bangladesh’s favorable climate and fertile soil allow year-round production. However, he stressed that more initiatives are needed to achieve the desired economic success. The minister also highlighted the benefits of properly processing and using cow dung to reduce chemical fertilizer use, protect the environment, and preserve soil fertility.

He urged the new officers to serve people with honesty, responsibility, and competence, saying that proper use of natural and agricultural resources would help build a prosperous and sustainable Bangladesh for future generations.

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem has alleged that a plan is underway to release ruling party leaders while imprisoning activists from the July movement. In a statement issued on Thursday, he claimed that senior Awami League figures, including Bodi and Ivy, were being granted bail and their offices reopened, while a blueprint was being drawn up to detain those involved in the July protests.

Kayem further stated that the government was ignoring the ‘Security Ordinance’ and using a so-called police murder investigation to erase the July movement. He warned that those rehabilitating what he described as fascist forces would eventually face consequences themselves. He also alleged that after a sudden change in the Bangladesh Bank governorship, institutions controlled by government-linked individuals began receiving undue advantages, signaling a return to partisan favoritism that disregards the mandate of reform-minded citizens.

He cautioned that if such trends continue, the nation would face subjugation and urged for wisdom to prevail before history holds everyone accountable.

BNP Chairperson’s adviser and Dhaka-2 MP Aman Ullah Aman stated that anyone engaging in extortion using the party’s name must be apprehended first and will not be forgiven or given any opportunity. He emphasized that both drug dealers and users should be brought to justice. Aman also urged local authorities to intervene in ensuring proper space allocation for housing construction, noting that unplanned development has created difficulties in transporting bodies in some areas.

He made these remarks on Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2026, while addressing a views-exchange meeting at the Savar Upazila auditorium as the chief guest. The event was organized by the Savar Upazila administration and presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam. Officials from various departments, law enforcement representatives, teachers from three unions, and local political leaders attended the meeting.

Aman further reiterated his commitment to building a society free from extortion, terrorism, and drugs, and called for legal action against land grabbers regardless of their affiliations.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M A Muhit announced that the government will recruit 100,000 health workers to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level. He made the statement on Thursday during a visit to the 250-bed General Hospital in Sirajganj, where he spoke to journalists about the initiative.

Dr. Muhit said that hospitals across the country are facing a severe shortage of manpower, and even the existing workforce is not being fully utilized. The ministry is working to ensure that posted staff remain at their assigned locations. He added that the government’s election manifesto prioritized the health sector, with plans to increase the budget and provide training for the newly recruited health workers to improve rural healthcare.

The state minister also noted that issues such as illegal establishments and brokers around hospitals cannot be solved through central directives alone. He emphasized the need for a social movement to combat corruption and ensure citizens’ rights, stating that the government and political parties will continue working toward that goal.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized that establishing a knowledge- and merit-based state and society is essential for Bangladesh to thrive with dignity in a competitive global environment. He made the remarks on Thursday, February 26, 2026, while inaugurating the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 at the Bangla Academy premises in Dhaka under the theme “Multidimensional Bangladesh.” He also reiterated Bangladesh’s continued efforts to have Bangla recognized as an official language of the United Nations.

Rahman suggested transforming the annual Amar Ekushey Book Fair into an international event to promote global literary exchange and multilingual learning. He called for organizing book fairs across all divisions, districts, and upazilas throughout the year, with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Highlighting the negative impact of internet addiction on reading habits, he urged the youth to rediscover the joy of reading printed books.

The event was attended by cultural leaders and government officials, including the cultural affairs minister, who described books as a source of enlightenment and identity. The Bangla Academy president encouraged citizens to gift books during Eid and work collectively toward a knowledge-based, prosperous Bangladesh.

Police in Matlab North, Chandpur, have solved the mystery surrounding the murder of Shakila Akter and arrested the main suspect, Billal Hossain. The arrest was announced at a press conference held at Matlab North Police Station on Thursday morning, where Assistant Superintendent of Police Jabir Husnain Sanib detailed the investigation progress and evidence analysis. Shakila’s body was found on February 16 near the Nandlalpur Shibpur embankment, and she was later identified as a 26-year-old nurse from Rangukhar Kandi village.

According to police, Shakila had returned home on February 11 to vote in the national election and was last seen leaving for work on February 15. Investigators said she had been in a relationship with Billal, with whom she lived in Demra under the guise of marriage. Disputes arose over marriage registration and Billal’s first wife. Police stated that Shakila died by suicide at their rented home, after which Billal allegedly transported and abandoned her body to mislead the investigation.

Authorities said the investigation will continue based on autopsy results and further evidence, with legal action to follow as required.