DHAKA, Feb 25, 2026 (BSS) - The Mitford branch of the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) arranged a discussion, doa (prayer) and iftar mahfil today to seek forgiveness for the soul of the late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The programme took place this afternoon at the Sir Salimullah Medical College auditorium. Member of Parliament for Dhaka-7, Hamidur Rahman Hamid, attended the event as the chief guest. DAB leaders present as special guests included President Professor Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, Secretary General Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam Shakil, Senior Vice President Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kainan, Senior Joint General Secretary Professor Dr. A.K.M. Khalequzzaman Dipu and Joint General Secretary & BMU Proctor Dr. Sheikh Farhad. Dr. Md. Mehedi Hasan, President of the DAB Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital Branch and Treasurer of the DAB Central Committee, presided over the programme. In his speech, Chief Guest Hamidur Rahman Hamid praised the medical community for its tireless service and called on doctors to continue providing proper care to the poor and destitute. He also assured that he would support the people in any difficulty. DAB President Dr. Harun Ar Rashid highlighted the country's progress, saying that after a long 17-year struggle, a democratic environment has been established. He emphasized that under the leadership of the people's Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, work is underway to implement the country's development roadmap and urged everyone to contribute to national progress in cooperation with the government. Secretary General Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam Shakil echoed similar sentiments, noting that the people have elected the present government through a democratic process and that everyone must support its nation-building efforts. In his closing remarks, Dr. Md. Mehedi Hasan expressed gratitude to all attendees for the successful completion of the event and reiterated the need for collective contribution to the country's development from all sectors.  

DHAKA, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - The River Police conducted a series of nationwide operations over the past seven days to safeguard the country's fisheries resources and ensure safety on waterways, resulting in significant seizures of illegal fishing nets and 306 arrests. During the drives, law enforcement officers recovered a staggering 5,65,93,115 meters of banned illegal nets, 3,993 kilograms of fish, 7,200 fish fry, and 80 kilograms of jellied shrimp, a press release of the force said. Additionally, 310 illegal bushes were removed from various rivers as part of the operation. Legal action was taken against 103 bulkheads in the Naval Court, while four dredgers involved in illegal activities were seized. In total, 306 individuals were arrested in connection with various offenses.  Authorities filed 92 cases, including 56 under the Fisheries Act, 24 under the Reckless Driving Act, nine related to unintentional deaths, and one case each concerning Sand Mahal violations, river pollution, and theft. The River Police also recovered 11 dead bodies during the weeklong operations. As part of environmental protection measures, the seized illegal nets and jellied shrimp were destroyed.  The recovered fish fry were released back into the water to replenish natural stocks, while the remaining fish were distributed to local orphanages. Officials stated that such operations will continue in the coming weeks to combat illegal fishing practices and maintain law and order on the country's waterways.