In an interview with BBC on Thursday, Professor Muhammad Yunus stated that it is up to the Awami League to decide whether they want to participate in the upcoming elections. “I cannot make that decision for them,” he said. He further clarified that it is the Election Commission’s responsibility to determine which parties can contest the elections. The chief advisor mentioned that the national parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place between December this year and March next year. Reflecting on his initial experience in governance, he admitted to being unprepared for the challenges but emphasized that restoring law and order and stabilizing the economy were top priorities for the new government.

The U.S. Trump administration is set to deport undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants, similar to nationals of other countries residing illegally. The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka recently informed the Bangladesh government about the deportation process. However, the exact number of Bangladeshi immigrants facing deportation and the timeline for the process remain unclear. An inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by Home Affairs Advisor Jahangir Alam, was held at the Secretariat on Wednesday to discuss the matter. The Bangladeshi government has agreed to take back its citizens but has requested that they not be deported in shackles, as seen in the case of Indian nationals. The U.S. has agreed to this request.

An armed man was severely beaten by locals in Dhaka’s Moghbazar area on Wednesday night after a mosque loudspeaker announcement alerted residents. Police sources identified the injured man as Mahfuzur Rahman, an associate of top criminal Subrata Bain. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for initial treatment. Following the incident, police and military forces launched an operation in the Moghbazar T&T Colony area, which is still ongoing. After receiving medical attention, Rahman was handed over to his family.

Hundreds of women took to the streets in a torch rally, demanding a complete ban on public smoking. Local residents joined the protest in solidarity, urging strict enforcement of Bangladesh’s Tobacco Control Act (2005). Protesters called for a nationwide smoking ban in public places and strict measures against illegal drug dealers. They also voiced concerns over the rampant spread of drugs in the Lalmatia area, where young boys and girls are openly using narcotics, leading to a rise in juvenile delinquency.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a final warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza. In a statement, he urged Hamas leaders to free the captives and leave Gaza, emphasizing that the people of Gaza have a chance at a better future. “A bright future awaits you, but if you keep the hostages, that won’t happen. If you take such actions, you are dead!” Trump wrote. Meanwhile, for the first time since 1997, his administration has engaged in direct talks with Hamas. On the other hand, Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza, causing severe shortages of food and humanitarian aid.

On Wednesday, Shahadat Hossain (27), a leader of the anti-discrimination student movement, was brutally attacked in Tongi over a minor dispute. The victim has filed a formal complaint at Tongi East Police Station. Shahadat stated that his motorcycle was rear-ended by a pickup van, and when he protested, the driver and a group of garage owners launched an armed attack on him. He sustained serious injuries to his hands, back, and head and is currently receiving medical treatment.

A devastating fire broke out late at night in a slum near the Shahi Mosque in Gabtali. Eight fire service units have been deployed to control the blaze. Fire service officer Rakibul Hasan confirmed the incident, stating that they received the fire alert at 3:08 AM at Abdullah Slum in Gabtali. Immediate response teams rushed to the scene and worked tirelessly to contain the flames. The cause of the fire and details on casualties remain unknown. According to the latest reports, the fire has been extinguished.

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Jasim Uddin was appointed as the 27th Foreign Secretary. However, since assuming office, no international narrative has been shaped regarding the July Revolution, nor have any necessary reforms been undertaken—an omission for which he is being held responsible. Reports suggest that he labeled several pro-Awami League officials as “deprived officers” in his recommendations. During the previous administration, Jasim Uddin received a Public Administration Award under a fascist regime. Despite nationwide protests, he remained loyal to the Hasina government, even posting in favor of the Awami League on Facebook. However, he failed to exert any pressure on India to stop Hasina’s anti-Bangladesh activities from Delhi or to ensure her return.

The Ministry of Law has recommended the withdrawal of 4,615 cases filed against political leaders, activists, and innocent individuals, citing political retaliation and other unjustified reasons. In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry stated that a committee, led by the legal adviser, made the recommendation after holding six meetings. The committee includes senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Public Security Division, additional secretaries, joint secretaries, and representatives from the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced retaliatory tariffs on India and other countries that impose what he calls unfair trade duties. The new tariffs will take effect from April 2. Citing India as an example, Trump criticized the country for imposing over 100% tariffs on U.S. automobiles. He stressed that the U.S. must counter unjust trade policies, assuring that, despite potential price increases, the move would not significantly harm the American economy. The retaliatory tariffs could impact China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union.

Representatives from the U.S.-based think tank Right to Freedom have inquired about the July massacre, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings over the past 15 years, and the tribunal’s judicial process. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam stated that they assured full cooperation in prosecuting crimes against humanity and pledged to provide necessary recommendations. The U.S. representatives emphasized that the Bangladesh government must ensure proper justice so that such crimes do not recur in the future. Additionally, the prosecutor mentioned that permission has been sought for a one-day interrogation of Akram, who was shot in Gazipur while pinned down.

The ban on sending Bangladeshi workers to Lebanon has been lifted following an improvement in the country’s security situation, the Bangladesh Embassy in Lebanon has announced. However, specific conditions apply: every recruitment demand must be verified by the Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut, and workers can only be sent to areas with suitable working conditions, excluding Lebanon’s southern regions bordering Israel. The ban was initially imposed after the embassy advised workers against traveling to Lebanon on August 8 last year. Amid the conflict, 1,246 Bangladeshis were repatriated from Lebanon on 19 flights between October 21 last year and early this year.

Students of Rajshahi University (RU) withdrew their railway blockade on Wednesday afternoon after one and a half hours of protest against Dhaka University-centric dominance. The students called off the blockade while announcing a three-point demand, which includes: ensuring student representation in national reforms based on merit across all educational institutions, including RU, Chittagong University, Jahangirnagar University, Jagannath University, seven colleges, private universities, national universities, and madrasas; restructuring key state institutions such as the Reform Commission, Public Service Commission (PSC), and University Grants Commission (UGC) to ensure inclusive participation; and formulating a roadmap for a “Decentralized Bangladesh” through power decentralization.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has convened a ministerial-level meeting in Saudi Arabia to address the brutal actions of occupying Israeli forces against Palestinians. Interim government’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain is set to depart for Jeddah on Thursday to participate in the meeting scheduled for March 7. Sources confirm that he will return to Bangladesh on March 8 after the discussions.

Following a meeting of the advisory council, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed acknowledged that the high prices of essential goods are causing hardship for some people. However, he stated that prices have not increased compared to the previous year and assured that the government is working to bring them down further. Addressing concerns about rising unemployment, he mentioned that many businesses were forced to shut down under the previous government due to their own actions. The government aims to provide employment opportunities for affected workers but cannot accommodate everyone. He emphasized that reducing unemployment would lead to economic improvement, and financial incentives are being provided across various sectors.