KHULNA, Mar 1, 2026 (BSS) - Newly appointed Administrator of Khulna City Corporation Nazrul Islam Manju today pledged to build the civic body as a "100 percent corruption-free institution" and transform Khulna into a green city with active participation of its residents. He made the commitment after formally taking charge at the Nagar Bhaban this afternoon. The charge was handed over by Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed at a function held at the KCC conference room, where the new administrator was welcomed with flower bucket. Chief Executive Officer (Deputy Secretary) of KCC Rajib Ahmed presided over the programme. Addressing officials and employees, Manju said meeting the expectations of Khulna city dwellers would be his main responsibility.  "We will work from morning till night to build a clean, green and extortion-free city in line with the Prime Minister's directives. KCC will be a completely corruption-free institution," he said, seeking cooperation from all concerned in discharging his duty. He cautioned officials against engaging in any form of illegal financial dealings.  "I will not earn illegal money, and you must not be involved in any unlawful transactions. No bribe will be taken from contractors. They will receive their bills smoothly upon proper completion of work. There will be no commission trade," he added. Emphasizing participatory governance, Manju stressed forming and implementing development plans with citizens' involvement to build a modern and sustainable Khulna. He also called upon residents to plant trees across the city to help turn it into a green and clean city. Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Md Mokhtar Ahmed expressed optimism that Manju would fulfill the expectation of city dwellers through his skill and performance. The programme was attended by KCC officials and staff, representatives of government and private organizations, and leaders and activists of different socio, cultural and political groups.  A special munajat was offered at the end of the programme. According to a gazette notification issued on February 22 by the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry, Manju was appointed as the administrator of KCC.

RAJSHAHI, Mar 1, 2026 (BSS) - Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-5) recovered eight kilograms and 390 grams of gunpowder during a raid in the Taladhari area of Godagari upazila in Rajshahi.  Additionally, 1 kilogram and 170 grams of crushed glass was seized. The operation was conducted around 10:30 pm on Saturday based on a tip-off.RAB said efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved. In a press release issued on Sunday afternoon, RAB stated that an intelligence team from the CPSC unit of RAB-5 received information that several individuals were staying in the Taladhari area under Deopara Union with the intent of carrying out illegal activities.  An operational team subsequently reached the spot. However, sensing the presence of RAB personnel, the suspects quickly fled the scene. After conducting a search, the team recovered a white plastic sack. Inside the sack, explosive-like substances preserved in transparent polythene and broken glass pieces in blue polythene were found. The materials were measured on-site, confirming 8 kilograms and 390 grams of gunpowder and 1 kilogram and 170 grams of crushed glass. The seized items were confiscated in accordance with the law. For further legal action, the recovered materials have been handed over to Godagari Police Station under a General Diary (GD).