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.

Bangladesh received $2.79 billion in remittances during the first 25 days of February 2026, equivalent to about Tk 34,062 crore at an exchange rate of Tk 122 per dollar. On February 25 alone, expatriates sent Tk 1,317 crore. The figures were released by Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan on February 26.

According to the central bank, remittance inflows during the same period last year totaled $2.28 billion, marking a 22.4 percent increase this year. From July 1, 2025, to February 25, 2026, total remittances reached $22.22 billion, compared with $18.24 billion during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

The data indicate a steady rise in remittance inflows, reflecting stronger contributions from Bangladeshi expatriates and potentially supporting the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) office in Rangpur has filed a case against former Rangpur City Corporation mayor Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa, three contractors, and four Meghna Bank officials for allegedly embezzling Tk 42.67 million. The case was lodged on Wednesday afternoon at the Senior Special District Judge’s Court in Rangpur. The ACC’s integrated district office deputy director, Shawon Mia, confirmed the filing on Thursday.

According to the case details, the accused allegedly colluded to fraudulently misappropriate Tk 42,675,503.33 from Meghna Bank’s Rangpur branch. The accused include contractors Abdur Rakib, ATM Fuad Hossain, and Rafiqul Islam Dulal, as well as former bank officials Mahfuzul Islam, AKM Shafiqul Momtaz, Atikur Rahman, and Manjur Hossain Patowary. The ACC stated that the investigation confirmed the allegations before the case was filed.

The case has been filed under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, and further legal proceedings are expected to follow based on the court’s direction.

Newly appointed Chief of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Aminul Islam stated that no innocent person will face harassment under his authority, while no criminal will escape justice. He made the remarks on Thursday during a press briefing at the office of the Chief Prosecutor of the tribunal in response to questions from journalists.

Aminul Islam emphasized that internal disputes or counter-allegations among prosecutors will not affect the tribunal’s judicial process. He described himself as someone who does not compromise and assured that as long as he holds the position, he will maintain integrity in his duties. He reiterated that the tribunal will continue its work without interruption despite internal disagreements, comparing the institution to a family that resolves its issues internally.

The Chief’s comments come amid reports of mutual allegations among prosecutors, but he insisted that these matters will be handled internally and will not hinder the tribunal’s operations.

A Dhaka court has postponed the submission date for the reinvestigation report in the murder case of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, to March 11. The decision was made by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Joshita Islam’s court on Thursday, February 26, after the investigating officer failed to submit the report. This marks the ninth time the submission date has been extended.

According to case details, Hadi was shot by assailants on a motorcycle in Dhaka’s Paltan area on December 12 after Friday prayers and later died in Singapore on December 18 while under treatment. The case was subsequently converted into a murder case. Earlier, the Detective Branch had filed charges against 17 individuals, including former ward councilor Taizul Islam Chowdhury Bappi and Faisal Karim Masud. However, Inquilab Moncho’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber filed a petition expressing dissatisfaction with the DB’s report, prompting the court to order further investigation by the CID.

The court’s latest order extends the timeline for CID to complete and submit its reinvestigation findings.

Renowned South Asian actress Bobita received the Ekushey Padak 2026 from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs on Thursday morning. The event took place at 11:30 a.m., where Bobita was honored for her contributions to cinema. After receiving the award, she spent time with distinguished guests and posed for photographs, accompanied by her sister Champa and other family members.

Expressing her gratitude, Bobita said she felt deeply honored to receive one of the nation’s highest civilian awards. She dedicated the award to the late filmmaker and martyr intellectual Zahir Raihan, crediting him for introducing her to the film industry. Bobita has acted in nearly 300 films and previously received multiple National Film Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. She also gained international recognition for her role in Satyajit Ray’s film “Ashani Sanket.”

Bobita stated she would only return to acting if a story centers around her and genuinely appeals to her artistic sense.

A 15-year-old girl named Amena Akter was reportedly abducted and killed in front of her father in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi area on Wednesday night. Her body was found the next morning in a mustard field in Kotalir Char Dorikandi under Mahishashura Union, with a scarf wrapped around her neck. According to family members and locals, Amena’s father, Ashraf Hossain, had been living in the Bilpara area with his wife and daughter for work purposes. They alleged that about 15 days earlier, a local youth named Noor Mohammad Noora and several others had abducted and assaulted the girl, which was later settled locally.

On Wednesday night, while Ashraf Hossain was taking his daughter to her aunt’s house, Noora and five others allegedly forced Amena away from him near Baraoitola. After a night of searching, her body was discovered the next morning. Police said preliminary information suggested Amena had a romantic relationship with Noora, which her family did not accept. One suspect has been detained, and the investigation is ongoing.

Police are working to identify all involved, and the father has demanded exemplary punishment for the killers.

An extortion case has been filed in Chattogram against Harualchhari Union Chairman Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury and his associates for allegedly demanding Tk 5 million from a brick kiln owner and assaulting him. The case was lodged on Thursday, February 26, 2026, by businessman Md. Shafiul Alam at the Chattogram Chief Judicial Magistrate Court. The accused include the chairman, his associate Alauddin, and two to three unidentified persons.

According to the complaint, the accused visited the victim’s NS Brickfield on February 11 and demanded Tk 5 million, giving him four days to comply. They allegedly returned on February 15, repeated the demand, and physically assaulted Shafiul Alam by grabbing his shirt collar. The complaint further states that they vandalized machinery and furniture, causing an estimated loss of Tk 50,000.

The plaintiff’s lawyer, Md. Osman Gani, confirmed that the court accepted the case and directed the Bhujpur Police Station officer-in-charge to investigate and submit a report.

The Bangladesh Labour Party has expressed deep concern over recent remarks by President Shahabuddin Chuppu, describing them as inconsistent with his constitutional oath. In a statement issued Thursday, party chairman Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Iran said the President’s comments appeared to contradict the constitutional principles of neutrality, confidentiality, and impartial conduct expected from the head of state.

Dr. Iran emphasized that the presidential oath is not a mere formality but a moral and constitutional foundation for governance. He argued that the President’s recent statements contained political undertones favoring one side while showing bias against another, which he said amounted to a breach of oath. The Labour Party further noted that any disclosure of sensitive state matters or political positions from the presidency would also contradict the oath.

Citing Article 48 of the Constitution, Dr. Iran said the President symbolizes national unity and continuity, and his words should inspire trust across all political lines. The party urged the President to uphold the spirit of his oath and maintain balance, responsibility, and neutrality in future statements.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized the need to increase young people's interest in reading books while inaugurating the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Thursday afternoon. He cited research showing that regular reading strengthens brain cell connections, enhances memory and analytical ability, and reduces the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Rahman noted that while the importance of reading is well known, modern technology has become a major obstacle to this habit. He warned that internet addiction is making the younger generation less inclined toward books, even though reading online is possible. Citing studies from universities in the United Kingdom and Canada, he said excessive internet use poses a serious risk of diminishing students’ interest in study. He urged awareness of the negative effects of internet dependency.

The Prime Minister added that, on average, a person in Bangladesh reads about three books a year and spends only 62 hours annually on reading. He expressed hope that the Ekushey Book Fair would inspire more people to become regular readers and deepen their love for books.

Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that 10,000 new police constables will be recruited soon. He made the statement on Thursday, February 26, 2026, while speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dhaka. The minister said the recruitment process would begin after receiving clearance from the Ministry of Finance.

Ahmed added that additional recruitment for Sub-Inspectors (SIs) and Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) through the Public Service Commission will be announced later. He also stated that instructions have been issued to reorganize law and order committees at district and upazila levels to maintain stability and ensure effective implementation of security plans.

The minister further mentioned that directives have been given to fill 180 vacant police sergeant positions quickly through proper examinations. These measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen the police force and maintain law and order nationwide.

The Sitakunda upazila administration in Chattogram has stopped illegal sand extraction from the coastal area of Syedpur Union and the filling of agricultural land. Following a report published on February 21, 2026, in the newspaper Amar Desh, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abdullah Al Mamun conducted a mobile court inspection and ordered an immediate halt to all sand extraction and land-filling activities. On Thursday morning, another mobile court operation led by Executive Magistrate Sadia Afrin Kochi and Abdullah Al Mamun seized nine dredgers and detained thirteen individuals involved in the illegal activity.

Officials stated that while the Chattogram Port Authority allows limited sand extraction from designated coastal zones, no permission exists for dredging inside the sea. Several institutions were found violating these conditions. Local residents alleged that illegal sand lifting had been ongoing for a long time across multiple unions, damaging fertile farmland and disrupting fishing activities. Fishermen reported torn nets and financial hardship due to the operations.

Authorities confirmed that legal action will follow after verifying land classifications and ownership records, as parts of the filled area include government land without proper authorization.

Bangladesh Bank’s newly appointed Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman stated that he intends to speak less and work more, emphasizing a results-oriented approach. He made the remarks on Thursday morning after arriving at the central bank headquarters, where he was welcomed by deputy governors and senior officials. Following meetings with deputy governors and executive directors, the bank’s spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan briefed the media on the governor’s initial directives.

According to the spokesperson, the governor expressed commitment to supporting the reopening of closed factories and providing policy assistance to boost economic growth and employment. He praised the previous interim government’s efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability and pledged to build on that foundation to revitalize the economy. The governor also highlighted the need to control inflation, stabilize commodity prices, and review high interest rates that hinder investment.

He further emphasized institutional good governance, promising a rule-based, non-discriminatory decision-making process and greater delegation of authority to accelerate operations within the central bank.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani announced that strict action will be taken against government officials and employees who fail to attend office at the scheduled time. He made the statement on Thursday after a cabinet meeting, emphasizing that disciplinary measures will follow existing laws and regulations. Relevant authorities have already been informed of the directive.

Gani highlighted Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s punctuality as an example, noting that the Prime Minister often arrives at the Secretariat before 9 a.m., sometimes without protocol, to avoid traffic and reduce public inconvenience. This practice, he said, has created a sense of time awareness and positive pressure among officials. He added that the Prime Minister has his own office at the Secretariat and may work there any day at his discretion.

Responding to questions about administrative reshuffles, the Cabinet Secretary said such changes occur naturally based on time and necessity. He also confirmed that cabinet meetings will be held every Thursday.