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.

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.