United News of Bangladesh

Md. Mostaqur Rahman took over as the 14th Governor of Bangladesh Bank on Thursday. Senior officials and staff received the new governor when he reached the central bank headquarters around 11 am. “I have arrived; let me start the work first, then we can talk,” he told reporters while entering the office. Mostaqur, a Fellow of Cost and Management Accountants (FCMA), was appointed for a four-year term by the government replacing ex-governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur. The appointment was announced in a notification issued by the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday. As per the official gazette, the appointment was made under Section 10(5) of the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972, which requires the new governor to sever all other professional affiliations. Mostaqur served as Chairman of the BGMEA Standing Committee on Bangladesh Bank and was a member of the Chittagong Stock Exchange Ltd, according to a central bank press release. He has involved with several leading trade and business bodies, including Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) and Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). He served on various important committees in these organisations. Mostaqur Rahman is an entrepreneur and businessman, and a senior financial governance specialist with over 30 years of leadership experience in corporate finance, export economics, institutional governance, and financial systems management. He has demonstrated expertise in financial oversight, regulatory compliance, banking-sector engagement, and capital management, it said. Moreover, he has extensive leadership experience across multiple sectors including manufacturing, real estate, agro-based enterprises, and industrial ventures, with responsibility for financial planning, investment oversight, and governance frameworks. In his various roles in industry and trade associations, he has significantly contributed to structured dialogue on financial stability, industrial financing, and economic sustainability, said the press release. Mostaqur was born in a renowned Muslim family in 1966. He obtained B.Com (Hons.) and Masters Degree from the Department of Accounting, University of Dhaka. Later, he qualified as a Cost & Management Accountant from the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB). He is also involved in various charitable and community development activities.

Nine distinguished citizens and one organisation on Thursday received the Ekushey Padak this year in recognition of their outstanding contributions to various fields. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman handed over the Ekushey Padak 2026, the country’s second highest civilian award, to the recipients and their representatives at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the morning. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs announced the names of the awardees on February 5, 2026, on the occasion of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day. Each recipient received a gold medal weighing 35 grams, Tk 400,000 in cash and a certificate of honour. The Ekushey Padak is awarded for significant contributions to various fields, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, arts, journalism, literature and education. In the field of arts, actress Farida Akhter Babita received the award for film, Prof Dr Abdus Sattar for fine arts, Marina Tabassum for architecture, Arthy Ahmed for dance, Islam Uddin Palakar for pala music, and Tejos Haldar Josh for sculpture. In music, the late Ayub Bachchu received the award posthumously. His wife, Ferdous Akhter Chandana, received the award on his behalf. In band music, the band Warfaze was honoured with the Ekushey Padak this year. The award was received by the band’s leader, Sheikh Monirul Alam. Shafik Rehman received the award in journalism, while Prof Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar was honoured in education. Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at the venue around 10:53 am. The ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury presided over the function, while Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the award-giving ceremony and read out the citations of the awardees. State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam spoke as the special guest, while Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman delivered the welcome speech. Cabinet members, Members of Parliament, noted citizens, diplomats, senior civil and military officials and other dignitaries were present at the function.

After overcoming a series of logistical challenges, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 opens its gates in the capital today (Thursday) with organisers promising a 'zero-waste' and  environmentally conscious edition of the country’s largest literary gathering. This year’s fair carries the theme 'Multidimensional Bangladesh' and will run until March 15. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the fair at 2pm. During the opening ceremony, he will also present the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025. Organised by Bangla Academy, the month-long fair remains a central fixture of Bangladesh’s cultural calendar, marking the spirit of the Language Movement and the wider observance of Amar Ekushey. Scale and Layout According to the organisers, 549 publishing houses are participating this year. Of these, 81 stalls are located within the Bangla Academy premises and 468 at the adjoining Suhrawardy Udyan.  In total, the fair features 1,018 units. A 'Little Magazine Corner' has been arranged under the trees near the open stage at Suhrawardy Udyan, with 87 little magazines allocated stalls. The overall layout remains largely unchanged from last year, though some structural adjustments have been introduced.  Due to the positioning of the metro rail station, the exit route has been shifted closer to the temple gate. There will be four entry and exit points at TSC, Doel Chattar, the MRT basing plant and the Engineers’ Institution area. Food stalls have been placed along the boundary of the Engineers’ Institution. Ramadan Arrangements & Environmental focus With Ramadan under way, organisers have made special arrangements at the Suhrawardy Udyan section for Taraweeh prayers.  Bangla Academy assures inclusive, safe Amar Ekushey Book Fair Prayer spaces, washrooms and related facilities will remain available. The fair will be open from 2pm to 9 pm on regular days, with entry closed after 8:30 pm. On holidays, it will run from 11 am to 9pm. Fridays and Saturdays will feature a dedicated Children’s Corner from 11 am to 1:30 pm, hosting 63 institutions across 107 units.  In addition, daily seminars will take place on the main stage from 3pm to 4pm, followed by cultural programmes from 4pm to 5pm. There will also be children’s art, recitation and music competitions, alongside book launch events at Suhrawardy Udyan. This year, organisers have pledged to turn the fair into a 'Zero Waste Book Fair'. The premises will be free from polythene and smoking.  Regular water spraying will be carried out to control dust and mosquito control measures will be in place. Publishers, food vendors and stall operators have been urged to use recyclable and environmentally friendly materials such as jute, cloth and paper for stalls, banners and promotional materials. Security and Last-minute Rush  Multi-layered security arrangements have been implemented across the fairground and surrounding areas.  Archways have been installed at entry and exit points, and extensive CCTV coverage has been set up. No mob threat at Amar Ekushey Book Fair, police on full alert: DMP Members of Bangladesh Police, RAB, Ansar and various intelligence agencies will oversee security.  Adequate lighting has been arranged throughout the fairground and adjacent areas, including routes from Doel Chattar to TSC and Shahbagh, via Matsya Bhaban and the Engineers’ Institution, as well as from Doel Chattar to Shaheed Minar and Chankharpul, and from TSC to Nilkhet. Despite the preparations, some publishers say that complications surrounding the fair’s commencement during Ramadan have left them struggling to complete stall arrangements in time.  Workers were seen busy arranging books and hanging banners even on the eve of the opening. According to several publishers, not all stalls will be fully ready on the first day, with finishing touches likely to continue even after the fair formally begins.

The government has identified a fake website operating in the name of the Ministry of Social Welfare and warned citizens to remain cautious to avoid possible fraud. In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said its official website — www.msw.gov.bd — is functioning normally and remains secure. However, the ministry has found that a fraudulent website using the domain name “mswbd.org” is operating in imitation of the ministry, which may create confusion among the public. The ministry urged citizens to stay alert and not to be misled by the fake website. It also requested the public to inform its ICT wing at 01915026423 if any hacker group or dishonest individual attempts to carry out fraudulent activities using the ministry’s name. As a key ministry providing public welfare services, the Ministry of Social Welfare said necessary legal action will be taken against any group or individual involved in such activities.  

A 14-year-old schoolgirl was stabbed to death by an unidentified attacker in an alley near Hazaribagh Hotel under Hazaribagh Police Station in the capital on Wednesday night. The deceased was identified as Shahriar Sharmin Binti, an eighth-grade student of Rayerbazar High School. She was the daughter of Billal Hossain, originally from Kachikata village in Sakhipur police station of Shariatpur district. Binti had been living with her family on the fifth floor of Babu Commissioner’s house next to Haider Ali Hotel in the Hazaribagh area. The incident occurred around 9:30pm. She was rescued in a critical condition and taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared her dead at around 10:30pm. Hafizur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hazaribagh Police Station, said police visited the scene. “Initially, we have learned that the student was stabbed to death over a love-related issue,” he said. He added that the investigation is ongoing and further details will be shared later.

The government has formed a Cabinet Committee on Law and Order and a Cabinet Committee on National Awards. The Cabinet Division issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has been named convener of the 10-member Cabinet Committee on Law and Order. Other members include the Minister of Social Welfare, Minister of Industries, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Law, Minister of State for Power, Minister of State for Land, Minister of State for Local Government, and Minister of State for Social Welfare. Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been appointed convener of the Cabinet Committee on National Awards. Its members include the Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Culture, Minister of Industries, Minister of Information, Minister of Water Resources, Minister of Relief, Minister of State for Shipping, and Minister of State for Labour.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday condemned the attack on the convoy of Noakhali-6 MP and party leader Abdul Hannan Masud in Hatia, Noakhali. In a post on his verified Facebook page, Nahid Islam alleged that activists of the BNP and Awami League carried out the attack. “Local BNP and rehabilitated Awami League activists jointly attacked Hannan Masud during his visit to Prakasam Bazar in Chanandi union. Several NCP leaders and activists were reportedly injured,” he said. “I strongly condemn such a heinous attack on an elected member of parliament,” the NCP chief added. He also demanded a proper investigation, alleging that law enforcement personnel present at the scene failed to take action. “The failure to protect an elected MP from criminals is alarming for the overall law and order situation in the country,” he said. He also demanded the investigation of every attack in Hatia since the election and arrested those involved.

The Supreme Court has said that necessary legal action has been taken over the disorderly incident during a session at the Barishal Additional Chief Metropolitan Court on Tuesday. In a statement on Wednesday, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court said that on February 24, a group of lawyers created a ruckus inside the courtroom, misbehaving with the judge on duty. Video footage showed benches and other furniture being damaged, and aggressive behaviour towards the judge. The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate adjourned the session and moved to a private room due to the hostile environment, severely disrupting normal court proceedings. The lawyers also staged protests inside and outside the court, demanding the removal of the judge. The incident came to the notice of the Supreme Court, which said legal action has been taken. A double bench of the High Court Division issued a contempt of court rule on February 25. Meanwhile, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Court, Barisal, has filed a case under sections 4 and 5 of the Crimes Prejudicial to Law and Order (Speedy Trial) Act, 2002, and sections 186, 189, 190, 228, and 353 of the Penal Code, 1860. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take prompt action. The Supreme Court urged all concerned to exercise restraint, act responsibly, and respect the law to protect the dignity and independence of the judiciary and ensure the smooth functioning of courts. Meanwhile, a case was filed against 20 people naming 12 senior lawyers by Barishal’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court’s bench assistant Rajib Majumdar, said an official of the court. Following the filing of the case, Barishal Bar Association President Linkon was arrested in the morning and subsequently sent to jail on charges of vandalism in the courtroom and contempt of court. Al Mamun Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station, said that the main accused in the case has been arrested. A drive is underway to arrest the remaining accused.  Hafiz Ahmed Bablu, Barishal's Assistant Public Prosecutor and Organizing Secretary of the District Jubo Dal, said that lawyers will not participate in court proceedings in Barishal for an indefinite period in protest against this arrest and the case.

Bangladesh Railway will start selling advance train tickets for Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims, from March 3 to March 9. Besides, it will operate five pairs of special trains in addition to regular services for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure safe and convenient travel for homebound passengers. The return journey tickets will be sold from March 13 to March 18. All tickets will be sold online. The decision was taken at a preparatory meeting held on February 22, at Rail Bhaban to discuss arrangements for the upcoming festival. The special trains will operate on the following routes: Chattogram–Chandpur–Chattogram, Dhaka–Dewanganj–Dhaka, Bhairab Bazar–Kishoreganj–Bhairab Bazar, Mymensingh–Kishoreganj–Mymensingh and Joydebpur–Parbatipur–Joydebpur routes. Besides, weekly off-days for intercity trains will be suspended from March 16 until the day before Eid. Divisional and zonal monitoring cells will be formed to ensure punctuality and passenger safety. However, extra coaches will be attached as per demand and relief trains will remain ready for emergencies. Goods trains, except container and fuel trains, will be suspended from March 19 midnight to 6 pm on Eid day. Law enforcement agencies, including Government Railway Police (GRP), RAB, BGB, and local police, will check entrance of ticketless passengers at the rail stations. Passengers are requested to not to rely on social media links for ticket purchases and report any fraudulent sources to the authorities.

Bangladesh Bank has announced the immediate transfer and reassignment of five senior officials in the wake of Wednesday’s leadership change, according to an official directive. The central bank’s official directive, signed by Director (HRD-1) Md Tarikul Islam, affect four directors and one additional director, with several key departmental moves at the institution’s headquarters. ·         Md. Zabaidul Islam, Director, has been shifted from Human Resources Department-1 to the Financial Institutions Inspection Department. He is to join the new department after completing his current recreational leave. ·         Md. Shahid Reza, Director, moves from the Financial Institutions Inspection Department to Human Resources Department-1. ·         Md. Bayezid Sarkar, Director, has been reassigned from Banking Regulation and Policy Department-1 to the Motijheel Office, where he will serve as In-charge Executive Director (Core). ·         Gazi Md. Mahfuzul Islam, Director, previously acting as In-charge Executive Director at the Motijheel Office, is transferred to Banking Regulation and Policy Department-1. ·         Md. Kamrul Islam, Additional Director, has been moved from the Governor’s Office to the Sadarghat Office. Bangladesh Bank extends loan rescheduling deadline for raw jute exporters All changes are effective immediately, reflecting the central bank’s broader administrative realignment amid a transition in top leadership.