DHAKA, March 10, 2026 (BSS) - The ministry of Home Affairs today held a meeting to review the proposal of creating 4,000 Sub-Inspector (SI) posts to strengthen the capacity of Bangladesh Police in maintaining law and order across the country. According to a ministry official, the review meeting was held this afternoon in the conference room of the ministry with Senior Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury in the chair. The meeting discussed a proposal received from the Police Department regarding creation of 4,000 unarmed SI Grade-10 (Unarmed) posts in various units under the organizational structure of Bangladesh Police. During a meeting with the heads of various departments under the ministry on February 23, the minister directed authorities to take immediate steps to fill all vacant posts. Later, on February 26, the Home Minister also announced the immediate recruitment of 180 vacant posts of police sergeants.

The Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) has urged Bangladesh Bank to create a special fund of Tk 30 billion to sustain the country's housing sector amid the impact of the war in the Middle East.Leaders of the organisation raised the demand on Tuesday after meeting newly appointed Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman at the central bank's head office.According to a press release issued by REHAB, a delegation led by its President Md Wahiduzzaman briefed the governor on the current state of the housing sector and stressed the need for policy and financial support from the central bank, according to bdnews24.com.REHAB leaders said the housing sector is a key component of the national economy, with more than 250 industries directly and indirectly linked to it.They noted that rapid urbanisation and population growth have been steadily increasing the demand for housing.However, they said recent global instability and the war situation have driven up construction material costs, created financing difficulties and fuelled market uncertainty.In this context, REHAB called for the urgent formation of a Tk 30 billion special fund to keep ongoing projects running and sustain activity in the housing sector.Leaders said such a fund would help construction work continue despite the economic pressures stemming from the war situation.They also underscored the importance of introducing long-term housing loans at low interest rates for middle and lower-middle-income groups.The proposal included launching a special fund or refinancing scheme to provide 30-year housing loans at single-digit interest rates.REHAB's demand letter stated that long-term housing financing could be facilitated by establishing a strong mortgage bank similar to those in other countries.The organisation also sought policy guidance from the central bank to simplify housing loan approval processes in banks and reduce processing time.REHAB proposed introducing a "First Home Buyer Scheme" for first-time buyers, calling for reduced down payments and easier loan conditions.The proposal also emphasised incentives for environmentally friendly housing projects, including special financing facilities to boost investment in green buildings, solar energy and sustainable construction systems.REHAB further suggested providing low-interest loans for housing projects in district and Upazila towns to ease development pressure on Dhaka.In addition, the organisation demanded that the housing sector be recognised as a "productive sector".It argued that despite employing around 4 million people, the housing and construction sector is currently classified as unproductive in Bangladesh Bank's list.After the meeting, REHAB leaders handed over a letter to the governor and expressed hope that the central bank would extend necessary policy and financial support in view of the sector's importance.

In a statement following a Paris meeting of G7 energy ministers on the economic fallout of the Middle East war, IEA executive director Fatih Birol said he was "in close contact" about the situation with energy ministers from key energy producers and consumers around the world. In addition to the challenges of transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a substantial amount of oil production has been curtailed. He said the G7 meeting addressed "all the available options, including making IEA emergency oil stocks available to the market." On Monday, a meeting of G7 finance ministers also discussed a possible release of strategic oil reserves, but French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said later the situation was "not there yet". French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven advanced economies, said on Monday the G7 would this week discuss a possible release of strategic oil reserves.

Photo: BSSDHAKA, Mar 10, 2026 (BSS) – A court here today issued arrest warrants against 22 individuals in connection with the killing of mentally disabled youth Tofazzal Hossain, who was suspected of theft, inside Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall at Dhaka University (DU). Some university students reportedly caught him and first took him to the guest room of the hall’s main building. Realizing that he was mentally ill, the students then took him to the hall’s canteen and gave him food. Citing irregularities in the initial investigation, the Dhaka University administration expressed dissatisfaction with the police-submitted charge sheet. The court today issued arrest warrant against the 22 fugitive accused.

Gi Soon Song, Director of Human and Social Development Division at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), meets with Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon at the Education Ministry in the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday.Photo: BSSDHAKA, March 10, 2026 (BSS) - Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today said cooperation from international development partners is very crucial for improving the quality of the country's education system. He expressed hope that the existing partnership and cooperation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the education sector would continue in the future. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the development of Bangladesh's education sector, particularly on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), teacher training and various development programmes in primary education. ADB Director Gi Soon Song highly appreciated the various initiatives taken by the government for the development of the education sector in Bangladesh. He said ADB would continue its technical and financial support to the country's education sector in line with the priorities set by the Bangladesh government.

DHAKA, March 10, 2026 (BSS)— Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi believes the youngsters in his squad will be highly motivated to showcase their skills as Pakistan take on Bangladesh in a three-match ODI series starting tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Much of the discussion ahead of the series has centred on Pakistan’s decision to send a young squad that includes six uncapped players. “We just want to give opportunities to our youngsters because they are our future,” Shaheen said. He added that up to three players could make their debut in the first ODI against Bangladesh. He has been a top performer in T20 and also in List A cricket for Pakistan,” he said.

Home Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed spoke as the chief guest at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum at the Supreme Court Bar Association auditorium in Dhaka. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Mar 10, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government has come this far by following the constitution and will continue to move forward in the same way. He added that the responsibility of ensuring whether constitutional provisions are upheld ultimately lies with the Supreme Court. The discussion was chaired by Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers Forum President and Bangladesh Bar Council Vice Chairman Senior Supreme Court lawyer Zainul Abedin, MP. The programme was attended by leaders and lawyers of the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers Forum and was conducted by the organization’s Organizing Secretary Advocate Gazi Kamrul Islam Sajal.

This contrasts with the start of the war in Ukraine when journalists were allowed to travel freely and citizens posted images of Russian strikes. However, being given permission to work outside has not prevented journalists from being stopped and questioned by security forces, with the risk of detention. The bombing has also taken a physical and mental toll on journalists in Iran, whose sleep is constantly interrupted by nighttime air strikes. The guidelines bar journalists from disclosing information about military planning and preparations, air defences, and impact sites and locations. Faced with unprecedented attacks from Iran, the Gulf monarchies have imposed tight restrictions on journalists.

DHAKA, Mar 10, 2026 (BSS) - The government has decided to keep import and export activities running on a limited scale at customs houses and stations across the country during the upcoming Holy Eid-ul-Fitr holidays to ensure uninterrupted trade. According to an official directive, customs houses and customs stations will continue to process import and export-related activities from March 17 to March 23, except on the day of Eid. Officials said the decision aims to facilitate smooth trade operations and prevent disruptions in the supply chain during the extended holiday period. The directive also asked the concerned customs authorities to take necessary measures to ensure that import and export-related services remain operational on government and weekly holidays within the specified period. The move is therefore expected to provide relief to exporters by ensuring that cargo handling, documentation and clearance processes can continue during the Eid holiday period.

DHAKA, March 10, 2026 (BSS)-Habiganj District team beat Narshingdi District team by 2-1 goals in a Surma zone match of the U-17 National Football Championship held at Divisional Krira Complex in Sylhet today. In the proceeding, Monir Mia and Arko Deb Borma scored one goal each for Habiganj in the 40th and 49th minutes while Nabil Hasan scored a lone goal for Narshingdi in the 85th minute of the match. In the day’s another match, Cumilla Under-17 team split point with Sylhet team when their match ended in a 2-2 goal draw also held at the same venue. In the day’s match, Atik Hasan and Md Arafat scored one goal each for Cumilla in the 45+5th and 75th minutes while Ahmed Ahasan Tayef and Shakhawat Hossain Mahin netted one goal apiece for Sylhet in the 34th and 90+5th minute respectively.

File PhotoDHAKA, Mar 10, 2026 (BSS) - The ACC today submitted a charge sheet against former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and his wife Lutful Tahmina for acquiring wealth beyond their known sources of income and money laundering. The information was confirmed by Mohammad Akhtarul Islam, Deputy Director of the Public Relations Department of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). According to the ACC investigation, assets worth about Taka 18,43,58,974 were found in the name of Lutful Tahmina, including both movable and immovable properties. As a result, the ACC reported that Tk 14,86, 97,470 worth of assets were acquired beyond known sources of income. The investigation also found Taka 6,65,70,780 deposited in a bank account of a company owned by Lutful Tahmina as suspicious.

DHAKA, March 10, 2026 (BSS)- Brothers Union Club beat PWD Sports Club by 3-0 goals in the group A match of Federation Cup that resumed at Bashundhara Kings arena in the capital today (Tuesday). In the day's match, Pakistani forward Shayek Dost Guinean forward Kerfala Kouyat‚ and substitute forward Insan Hossain scored one goal each for Brothers who led the first half by 1-0 goal. The early breakthrough came when Shayek scored the first goal in the 12th minute and after the break Kerfala Kouyat‚ doubled the lead scoring the second goal in the 58th minute of the match. Insan sealed the victory scoring the third goal for Brothers Union in the 90+4th minute of the match. The day's win saw, the all orange Gopibagh outfit Brothers Union Club raised their tally to seven points from three matches whilePWD remained with their previous collection of three points playing two matches.

“Since the ODI World Cup is ahead, we have already started our preparation. Miraz also urged players to clearly understand their roles and perform accordingly to help the team win the series. Since taking over the ODI captaincy, Miraz has gone through a difficult phase both as a player and as a leader. Bangladesh have lost four of their last five ODI series, along with disappointing performances in the ICC Champions Trophy last year. The Pakistan series is particularly important for Bangladesh as they look to secure valuable ranking points in their bid for direct qualification to the 2027 World Cup.

PARIS, France, March 10, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The European Space Agency said it is investigating a fireball that streaked across the skies of Europe on the weekend before reportedly punching a football-sized hole in the roof of a German home. The fireball broke up into small meteorites, some of which reportedly struck at least one house in the German town of Koblenz, the ESA said in a statement late Monday. Objects around this size strike Earth somewhat regularly, from once every few weeks to once every few years, the agency explained. The fireball came days after the ESA announced that a massive asteroid would not smash into the Moon in 2032. But fresh data from the James Webb Space Telescope last week also confirmed it would miss the Moon, according to the ESA.

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, March 10, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Madagascar's leader,Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has sacked his prime minister and dissolvedthe cabinet he appointed soon after seizing power following youth-ledprotests five months ago. The colonel chose Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo, from the private sector, asprime minister after a military power grab that sent former president AndryRajoelina fleeing in October. A new prime minister will be appointed "shortly", he said, without providinga timeline or a reason for the dismissal. The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) was due to convene ameeting Tuesday on Madagascar, marking its fourth since October. Days later in Paris, he and President Emmanuel Macron announced a "renewed"and "balanced" partnership with France, the former colonial power.