An allegation has surfaced that the father of a local BNP leader has illegally occupied land belonging to C.N.B. Degree College in Niamati Union of Bakerganj upazila, Barishal, and started constructing tin-shed shops there. The incident has sparked anger and concern among residents. According to reports, on Thursday, a group led by Adud Farazi, father of Niamati Union BNP president Sohel Farazi, forcibly took possession of part of the college’s property and began building structures within the boundary of the old college building.

College founder Jobed Ali Khan stated that constructing private establishments on land officially recorded under the institution’s name is completely illegal and lamented the encroachment on educational property for commercial use. He alleged that Adud Farazi, along with Ashok Nandi and Swapan Nandi, occupied the land and erected tin-shed shops, demanding swift administrative action. Acting principal Biplob Halder confirmed that a legal case over the property is ongoing, yet construction proceeded despite the dispute. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rumana Afroze said she had not been informed earlier but promised an investigation and necessary measures.

Attempts to contact the accused for comment were unsuccessful, the report added.

Discussions have intensified over the appointment of a new administrator for the Chattogram Zila Parishad following the BNP’s formation of government after the thirteenth national election. The council, long run by government officials, may soon see a political appointment, with two senior BNP leaders—Engineer Belayet Hossain and Idris Mia—emerging as leading candidates. Party sources indicate that the government has begun vetting potential appointees, and the BNP high command may finalize the decision soon.

Belayet Hossain, a veteran leader from Sandwip and former joint convener of the BNP’s North Chattogram unit, has a long history of political activism and imprisonment. Idris Mia, the current convener of the South Chattogram BNP and a former upazila chairman, is also being widely discussed among party members. Both leaders have strong grassroots connections and are viewed as experienced organizers.

The Chattogram Zila Parishad has been administered by an additional divisional commissioner since its elected chairman’s post became vacant after the council’s dissolution in 2024. A new appointment could revitalize the council’s activities and local governance.

Bangladesh’s domestic debt increased by more than Tk 1.13 trillion during the 14 months of the interim government, according to data from Bangladesh Bank. The total domestic debt stood at Tk 9.24 trillion in July 2024, when the Awami League government was in power, and rose to Tk 10.36 trillion by the end of October 2025. This growth indicates continued borrowing from domestic sources, creating additional pressure on revenue management.

Bangladesh Bank data show that the government borrowed Tk 5.49 trillion from banks and Tk 4.88 trillion from non-bank sources, reflecting a strong reliance on domestic financial institutions. The upward trend in borrowing had already been visible earlier, with domestic debt increasing by about 10 percent year-on-year as of October 2024.

The report suggests that while new borrowing from banks may be slowing, the overall rise in domestic debt continues to strain fiscal stability and highlights the government’s dependence on internal financing channels.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest US aircraft carrier deployed to pressure Iran, departed the US Naval Support Activity Souda Bay base in Crete on Thursday, according to an AFP photographer. Its departure coincided with the start of a new round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva, mediated by Oman’s foreign minister.

The carrier had been stationed at the Crete base since Monday. The US Embassy in Athens declined to comment on the vessel’s presence. The report recalled that President Donald Trump had previously ordered an attack on Iran and repeatedly warned Tehran of military action if it refused to agree to a new nuclear deal. Western countries have expressed concern that Iran’s nuclear program may be aimed at developing weapons.

Washington currently maintains more than a dozen warships in the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, nine destroyers, and three additional warships, underscoring its continued military presence in the region.

Bangladesh Bank’s newly appointed governor, Mostakur Rahman, announced an 11-point plan on his first day in office aimed at accelerating economic recovery and strengthening growth. The central bank’s spokesperson released the written plan on Thursday, outlining measures to maintain macroeconomic stability while promoting investment-driven expansion to create employment opportunities.

According to the official statement, the interim government had stabilized the economy at a low equilibrium after a fragile period, and the new governor emphasized the need to move toward sustainable, inclusive growth. His plan includes maintaining macroeconomic stability, ensuring inclusive growth beyond GDP expansion, reopening closed factories and businesses, reconsidering high interest rates, controlling inflation, ensuring good governance in the banking sector, adopting objective-based and rule-based management, delegating authority to speed up operations, coordinating with other government agencies, and protecting the central bank’s reputation.

The announcement marks the governor’s first policy direction since assuming office, signaling a focus on stability, governance, and coordinated economic management.

The Election Commission (EC) has released a revised gazette correcting the results of the referendum held on February 12, 2026, regarding the implementation of the 'July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Order, 2025'. According to the new figures, the total number of votes cast has decreased by 1,073,616 compared to the earlier gazette published on February 13. The updated count shows 47,225,980 'yes' votes and 21,960,231 'no' votes, reducing both categories by nearly one million and over one hundred thousand respectively.

The EC stated that the revised data was issued under the authority of the commission, though no specific reason for the correction was provided. The updated gazette also indicates that invalid votes increased by 12,559, bringing the total number of valid votes down to 69,186,211. The referendum was held to confirm public approval for the July National Charter, which emerged from the 2024 student and public uprising.

The revised results are expected to finalize the constitutional legitimacy and public consent for the July National Charter once officially endorsed.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury announced that online news portals and IPTV services in Bangladesh will be brought under a formal policy framework. He made the statement on Thursday, February 26, during a visit to the Nandail Press Club in Mymensingh. Chowdhury said that the ministry had been run with irregularities and corruption for the past 17 years, but now all activities would follow proper regulations. He added that discussions on the policy had been held with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The state minister emphasized that individuals operating online portals using only mobile phones must comply with government policies. He stated that the government led by Tarique Rahman does not intend to restrict media freedom, as the prime minister believes that a free press is essential for democratic development.

Later, Chowdhury attended a meeting with government officials at the Nandail Upazila Executive Officer’s conference room, where he provided various directives and advice. He also visited the Nandail Upazila Health Complex to check on patient care services.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), warned that if reform processes do not proceed within the parliament, the movement will return to the streets. He made the remarks on Thursday at an event marking the founding anniversary of the National Student Power held at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka. Nahid said preparations are underway for such a movement if parliamentary discussions remain blocked.

Reflecting on the NCP’s first year, Nahid acknowledged mistakes but emphasized that the party’s foundation lies in the July mass uprising. He alleged that although students played a leading role in that movement, political leaders are now reaping its benefits. He also claimed that, similar to the 1990 uprising, students have again been deceived in the 2024 movement, as leaders have avoided taking oaths for the reform council while citing referendums.

The event was attended by leaders and activists from various levels of the NCP and National Student Power, underscoring the party’s continued focus on student-led reform efforts.

Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan announced that newly appointed governor Mustakur Rahman has formally taken charge after stepping away from all business affiliations. The statement came on Thursday, February 26, following a meeting between the new governor and officials from various departments of the central bank.

According to the spokesperson, the governor’s main objective is to create employment opportunities. The meeting focused on high interest rates and inflation, with emphasis on maintaining price stability while exploring ways to ease interest rates. The governor also highlighted the importance of reopening closed factories and promoting inclusive economic growth through job creation.

Khan added that the governor instructed departments to coordinate their activities and prepare an action plan to ensure the government does not face challenges due to lack of coordination. The meeting reaffirmed the central bank’s commitment to good governance and policy coherence across departments.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has directed 30 major Hajj agencies to complete all visa processing for pilgrims by March 5. The instruction, issued on February 25, requires agencies to ensure that each pilgrim undergoes a medical check-up, obtains a fitness certificate, receives mandatory vaccinations, and completes group formation before visa submission. The ministry’s letter noted that 7,355 pilgrims under these agencies still need health examinations, including 1,306 from Bangladesh Overseas Services and 10 from Ehsan Air Travels.

According to the ministry, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set March 20 as the final date for completing visa processing. However, the process can take five to ten days after health and administrative requirements are fulfilled, with possible delays due to technical issues. The ministry also warned that offices in both Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia might close around Eid-ul-Fitr, urging agencies to act promptly.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs expressed hope that all agencies would take necessary measures to complete the required procedures within the given timeframe.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on relevant authorities to consider transforming the Amar Ekushey Book Fair into an international event starting next year. He made the proposal on Thursday afternoon while inaugurating the fair at the Bangla Academy in Dhaka. The Prime Minister highlighted the fair’s significance in honoring the martyrs of the language movement and its role in celebrating the spirit of the Bengali language.

He noted that the Ekushey observance has already gained global recognition as International Mother Language Day. Rahman said that turning the book fair into an international event would help citizens engage with world literature and learn about diverse languages and cultures. He emphasized the importance of knowledge, science, and technology in building a merit-based and prosperous society.

The Prime Minister also suggested that Bangladesh should begin efforts to achieve recognition of Bengali as one of the official languages of the United Nations.

A fire broke out on February 26, 2026, around 11:15 a.m. in Barakotha Union’s Ward No. 1 of Uzirpur upazila in Barishal, destroying the homes of five families. The blaze reportedly began at the house of Md. Jalil Mallik and quickly spread to nearby houses. Local residents attempted to extinguish the flames but failed to bring the situation under control before the fire service arrived and contained the fire. The affected families include those of A. Jalil Mallik, Kabir Mallik, Siddiq Mallik, A. Haque Mallik, and A. Rob Mallik.

According to the Uzirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Ali Suza, humanitarian assistance will be provided promptly to the affected families. The officer-in-charge of Uzirpur Model Police Station, Md. Rakibul Islam, stated that the fire service’s initial assessment suggests the fire originated from an electrical short circuit. An investigation into the incident is underway.

Preliminary estimates indicate that the total damage amounts to several lakh taka, with all five houses completely destroyed.

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.