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.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued an urgent directive to 30 major Hajj agencies to complete all visa processing for pilgrims by March 5. The letter, sent on Wednesday, instructed agencies to finalize health checks, vaccinations, and group formations for pilgrims. A total of 7,355 pilgrims under these agencies are still awaiting health examinations, with Bangladesh Overseas Services having the highest number pending at 1,306 and Ehsan Air Travels the lowest at 10.

According to the ministry, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah Ministry requires all visa processing to be completed by March 20. Pilgrims must obtain fitness certificates and vaccinations before applying for visas. The process, including technical steps and group formation, typically takes five to ten days, though technical issues could cause delays.

The ministry also warned that offices in both Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will close around March 20 due to Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, urging agencies to complete all procedures well in advance to avoid disruptions.

Newly elected Member of Parliament for Jhenaidah-2, Ali Azam Md. Abubakar, declared that no form of extortion will be tolerated in his constituency. He made the statement on Thursday afternoon while addressing a reception event held at the hall room of Porahati Union Parishad in Jhenaidah Sadar upazila. The event was organized to honor him following his election victory.

During his speech, Ali Azam emphasized his commitment to building a just society and state, noting that Jamaat-e-Islami is dedicated to this goal. He also pledged to work in coordination with the administration to maintain law and order and warned that strict measures would be taken against extortionists, criminals, and drug dealers. The reception was attended by local Jamaat leaders, including Alomgir Hossain, Akidul Islam, and Torikul Islam.

The MP’s remarks signal an intention to strengthen governance and public safety in the constituency through cooperation with law enforcement and community leadership.

Bangladesh Bank announced that disciplinary action will be taken against officials involved in a mob incident that occurred at the central bank on Wednesday. The announcement was made by spokesperson and executive director Arif Hossain Khan during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. He stated that the new governor has pledged to establish good governance within the institution and that those linked to the mob culture will face measures under the bank’s HR policy.

Earlier in the day, the new governor formally joined the central bank and held a meeting with senior officials. The press conference was organized to share decisions from that meeting. During the meeting, the governor emphasized cooperation in reopening closed factories and promised policy support to promote economic growth and employment.

According to the report, the incident involved several officials who forced the governor’s adviser Ahsan Ullah out of the bank premises and compelled a deputy governor to sign transfer orders under pressure. The bank’s leadership has indicated that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns for the 2025–26 fiscal year by one month. According to a notification signed by Md. Ekramul Haque, Second Secretary (Tax Law-1), taxpayers can now submit their returns without penalty until March 31, 2026. The decision was made under Section 334 of the Income Tax Act, 2023, with prior government approval and in the public interest.

Previously, the deadline for individual and Hindu Undivided Family taxpayers was February 28, 2026. The NBR had already extended the filing period three times earlier, each time by one month. Normally, the last date for submitting income tax returns in Bangladesh is November 30.

The latest extension aims to provide additional time for taxpayers to complete their filings and comply with the updated tax regulations for the current fiscal year.

A Dhaka court has granted a two-day remand for Masudur Rahman, who was detained in Malaysia on suspicion of militant involvement. The order was issued on Thursday, February 26, 2026, by Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana after hearing a remand petition filed by Sub-Inspector Md Aminul Islam of Airport Police Station. Malaysian police had handed Masudur over to Bangladeshi authorities the previous evening, after which he was arrested under Section 54 and produced before the court.

During the hearing, the prosecution argued that Masudur had posted content on Facebook related to groups such as Al-Qaeda, Hamas, and the Taliban while in Malaysia, prompting his detention there. The prosecution sought five days of remand to investigate his possible links, devices used, and any financial connections. The court, however, approved two days of remand.

Masudur reportedly admitted in court that he shared such posts from a religious perspective and claimed he did not realize they could harm Bangladesh’s image abroad.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan has directed that all ongoing tender works under the city corporation be completed within the stipulated time. He announced that any irregularities in previous tender processes would be reviewed and properly investigated. The administrator made these remarks on Thursday, February 26, 2026, during an introductory and exchange meeting with officials and employees of DNCC’s regions 1, 6, 7, and 8 at Uttara Sector 6 Community Center.

In his address, Khan emphasized that mosquito control cannot rely solely on insecticides and called for greater social awareness and monitoring. He instructed mosquito control workers to perform their duties sincerely and on time, and warned that no unauthorized work would be allowed within the city corporation. He urged all officials to remain attentive to their responsibilities and maintain punctuality at workplaces.

Member of Parliament for Dhaka-18, S M Jahangir Hossain, attended as a special guest and urged swift action to resolve waterlogging in Dakshinkhan and to establish a DNCC office in Uttarkhan to ease public access to services.