The installation of pre-paid electricity metres has officially begun in Thakurgaon, marking the start of a phased rollout across the district. As part of the inauguration, the first modern pre-paid metre under the programme was installed at the residence. Officials of the Electricity Department said the installation of pre-paid metres would continue in phases in different areas of the district town at a rapid pace. Rangpur Division Chief Engineer Mizanur Rahman, Rajshahi Divisional DGM Sajjadur Rahman, Executive Engineer (retired) and special officer in charge of the pre-paid metre programme Mamunur Rashid, newly transferred Executive Engineer Md. Sirajul Islam and newly appointed Executive Engineer Sumon Adhom were present at the inauguration.

Joint forces have launched a ‘combing operation’ across the Sundarbans aimed at rescuing abducted fishermen and combating piracy in the region. Although extensive searches were carried out on the first day, no abducted fishermen were rescued and no pirates were arrested. Kamal Ahmed, president of the Dublar Fishermen Group, said fishermen have stopped going to sea during the peak fishing season due to fear of pirate attacks, raising concerns of financial losses. He called for the immediate rescue of abducted fishermen and enhanced security in coastal waters. Fishermen reported that 20 fishermen abducted from the Bay of Bengal remain in captivity after a week.

However, the government has appointed administrators to six city corporations, including Dhaka North and Dhaka South. Another strong contender is Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel, BNP joint secretary general and former president of Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP. Earlier, in the 2020 city corporation elections, he contested as the BNP candidate for mayor from Dhaka South City Corporation. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC)In Dhaka North, several BNP leaders are similarly being discussed as potential mayoral candidates. He previously served as member secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan North Jubo Dal and has recently been appointed administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation.

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I am in total agreement with supporting our Olympians and our great country. I do, however, take issue with the wording used by Jimmy’s Famous Seafood and the apparent agreement in using such a derogatory term (“Kudos to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood for standing up for our country,” Feb. 25). I was attempting to pick up our recycling cans that had blown into the roadway. I cannot in good conscience believe this type of language is something to be approved of and hailed as a good idea. — Robin M. Watson, ElkridgeAdd your voice: Respond to this piece or other Sun content by submitting your own letter.

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DHAKA, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an office order reconstituting the District Law and Order Committee, aiming to reinforce coordination among administrative authorities, law enforcement agencies, and key stakeholders to ensure peace and stability at the district level. The order, issued today by the Political Branch-2 of the ministry, outlines a strengthened structure and expanded mandate for the committee to address the overall law and order situation and criminal activities. Under the revised framework, the committee will regularly review incidents of crime and formulate as well as implement strategic plans to maintain normal law and order across the district. As per the new structure, the District Magistrate will serve as Chairperson, while the Additional District Magistrate will act as Member Secretary. Officials said the reconstitution is aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration and ensuring a proactive, coordinated response to law and order challenges at the grassroots level.

Police have recovered a touchstone idol of the Hindu deity Vishnu weighing approximately 137 kilograms from Porsha upazila of Naogaon district. On a tip-off, law enforcers conducted a drive on Wednesday night at the family graveyard of Rashidul Islam in Shitli village under Nitpur union of the upazila. Officer-in-Charge of Porsha Police Station Ziaur Rahman said that preliminary examination suggests the recovered artifact is a stone idol of Vishnu. An investigation is underway, and legal action will be taken against those involved,” the OC said. Authorities said the idol will be handed over to the Department of Archaeology following due legal procedures for detailed analysis and preservation.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister said the government would continue efforts to secure recognition of Bangla as an official UN language. “In time, we may consider whether the Amar Ekushey Book Fair could be organized as the Amar Ekushey International Book Fair,” he said, emphasizing the need to strengthen reading habits and increase research-based publications. ArrangementsA total of 549 publishing houses are participating in this year’s fair, 81 at Bangla Academy and 468 at Suhrawardy Udyan, comprising 1,018 units. The prime minister formally inaugurated the fair at 3:12pm. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has selected the Jamuna State Guest House as his official residence, citing enhanced security arrangements and its proximity to the Secretariat and other key government offices. Officials said the Prime Minister will move into the residence once the refurbishment work is completed. Chief Engineer Md Khalequezzaman Choudhury of the Public Works Department said the Prime Minister has formally expressed his intention to relocate to Jamuna. Renovation work will commence immediately after Prof Yunus vacates the residence. At present, the Prime Minister is conducting official activities from his residence in Gulshan.

State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad visits canal excavation site in Kaharol to boost irrigation capacity. Photo : BSSDINAJPUR, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad today said as part of the government's river, canal and waterbody re-excavation programme, an initiative has been taken to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country. He made the remarks while briefing journalists after visiting an approximately 12-kilometre-long canal in the Balarampur Shahapara area of Kaharol upazila here. Forhad said once the canal in Kaharol upazila is excavated, about 6,000 bighas of land will come under improved irrigation facility. Moniruzzaman, Kaharol Upazila BNP leader and former Upazila Chairman Mamunur Rashid were present, among others.

Heavy rainfall in the month of Kartik last year caused severe devastation for betel leaf growers in the Rajshahi region. Following the 13th national election, betel leaf prices began to rise steadily. The largest betel leaf market in Rajshahi is held in Mochmoil under Bagmara upazila. Since ancient times, offering betel leaf and areca nut has been a gesture of respect and social etiquette in honoring guests. Betel leaf remains a major cash crop in the Rajshahi region, surpassing even mango in economic importance.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are officially married. Sharing glimpses from the ceremonies, Rashmika posted an emotional note introducing Vijay as her husband. Vijay posted the same photographs with a heartfelt caption of his own. The wedding festivities included two distinct ceremonies — a morning Telugu wedding honoring Vijay’s heritage and an evening Kodava (Coorg) ceremony celebrating Rashmika’s cultural background. While Rashmika and Vijay shared select glimpses of the décor on Instagram Stories, their friends posted behind-the-scenes moments as well.

A directive issued by the Rajshahi Range police instructing officers to re-arrest leaders and activists of banned or suspended organizations even after they secure bail has sparked concerns among legal experts, who warn it may violate constitutional protections and established judicial norms. The directive also calls for close monitoring of such individuals and emphasizes adherence to existing laws and regulations in providing protocol and security. Legal and constitutional concernsSenior Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Saeed Ahmed (Raja) criticized the directive, saying no legal framework permits executive instructions to override judicial decisions granting bail. Arrests without specific evidence violate the Constitution, and there is no provision for re-arrest after bail,” he said. He said that the Rajshahi Range letter was seen circulating on social media.