Arab leaders recently gathered in Riyadh for an emergency summit on the Gaza crisis. A Wall Street Journal report claimed that Qatar obstructed an invitation to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. However, Doha has strongly refuted these allegations, stating in a Saturday statement that the claims were based on unreliable sources, rumors, and unverified information. The statement also emphasized that Qatar remains one of the largest donors to the Palestinian Authority, reaffirming its strong ties with Palestine.

Officials from 25 different government cadres staged a symbolic strike on Sunday, wearing black badges in protest against the recent suspensions of several colleagues. The protest was led by the Inter-Cadre Discrimination Elimination Council, demanding equal treatment for all cadres. The Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) General Education Cadre, one of the largest groups within the civil service, was heavily involved, with the participation of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) Director General, Professor Muhammad Azad Khan. Protesters claimed that 13 officers were suspended over social media posts, while similar actions by members of the Administration Cadre went unpunished.

The Gazipur Metropolitan Police reported that a joint task force arrested 58 individuals during a special operation named ‘Operation Devil Hunt.’ The operation, which began Saturday morning, continued until 7 AM Sunday. Among the arrests, 44 were made in Tongi West, six in Tongi East, three each in Pubail and Gacha, and one each in Sadar Metro and Konabari police station areas. Since its launch on February 8, the operation has resulted in 440 arrests across the metropolitan area.

The submission of the investigation report in the journalist couple Sagar-Runi murder case has been postponed for the 116th time. Although the report was due on Sunday, the investigating agency failed to submit it, leading the court to set a new deadline of April 6. Notably, on September 30, the case was transferred from RAB to a high-powered task force formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi were murdered on February 11, 2012.

Speakers at the 2025 Calligraphy Art Competition award ceremony highlighted the role of calligraphy artists in the July uprising, particularly in creating graffiti that influenced public sentiment. They emphasized the need for both government and private initiatives to promote calligraphy. A total of nine artists were awarded across three categories. In the junior category, Fatema Kaniz Sajida won first place, followed by Mehjabin Rahman and Sumaiya Sarwat. In the senior category, Naushin Zahra Subha secured first place, with Md. Nazrul Islam and Montazhar Hasan taking second and third, respectively. Among professionals, Munira Mumtahina won first place, followed by Tasrin Sultana Anika and Iftekharul Alam Tawhha.

Following an unprecedented verbal spat between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, concerns are mounting over NATO’s stability and Europe’s security. Analysts believe Trump’s efforts to strengthen ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin have heightened tensions. BBC journalist Jeremy Bowen suggests that this rift signals a deepening crisis between the U.S. and NATO’s European members. Trump stated that Zelensky should return for negotiations only if he is ready for peace. Speculation is growing that Washington may reduce military aid to Ukraine following the dispute.

The seven newly appointed members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) took their oath of office on Sunday. Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed administered the oath at the Judges’ Lounge of the Supreme Court. The members, appointed by the President on February 18, are: Professor Ferdous Arfina Osman, Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, Md. Munir Hossain, Professor Shahnaz Sarker, Professor A.T.M. Farid Uddin, Professor Md. Sharif Hossain, and Anwarul Islam.

Following a meeting of the National Awards Advisory Committee on Sunday, Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that this year’s Independence Award will be given solely based on merit, transcending political and group affiliations. He confirmed that fewer than ten individuals will receive the award. “In the past, controversial individuals and institutions, such as RAB, have received national awards. However, this is the highest honor of our nation, and we have recommended names without political bias,” he stated. Education Adviser added that only those with extraordinary contributions to national life will be honored this time.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the review hearing on the abolition of the caretaker government system for May 8. In 2011, a seven-member Appellate Division bench, led by then-Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque, ruled the 13th constitutional amendment unconstitutional, leading to its repeal by the Awami League government. A petition challenging this ruling was filed in August last year, and the court has now set a date for the review.

During Ramadan, prison authorities have arranged special Suhoor and Iftar meals for inmates across 17 prisons in Dhaka, including the Dhaka Central Jail. According to DIG Md. Jahangir Kabir, inmates who wish to fast will be provided with hot meals for Suhoor. The Iftar menu includes chickpeas, puffed rice, onion fritters, dates, jilapi, bananas, and sherbet, along with eggs. Additionally, hot cooked meals will be served for Suhoor. Regular three meals a day will continue for all inmates, but separate meals will be prepared for those observing the fast.

As tensions in Gaza remain high, Israel has supported a U.S. proposal to extend the ceasefire during Ramadan and the Jewish spring festival. According to the Times of Israel, the 42-day truce is set to expire soon, and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff proposed extending it by an additional month in exchange for the release of all hostages. However, Hamas has rejected the offer, demanding a permanent ceasefire instead.

Over a 24-hour period from February 28 to March 1, eight individuals attempted suicide in Durgapur, Rajshahi, resulting in the deaths of two women. Police confirmed that Durgapur is recognized as a high-risk area for suicides, reporting the highest suicide rates in Rajshahi district. Jannatul Ferdous, 25, from Paikartoli, and Tahmina Khatun, 30, from Tebila, consumed poison due to family disputes. Both succumbed to their injuries, while the others are receiving medical treatment.

A violent clash between two rival groups erupted in Shalla, Sunamganj, on Saturday morning following a public announcement. The two-hour-long confrontation left at least 20 people injured, with homes vandalized and looted. The conflict arose over land disputes and territorial dominance between Afzal Mia’s group from Shrimail village and Juba Dal leader Jubayer Ahmed Dalim’s group. Police reported that the two sides have a long-standing rivalry and have clashed multiple times in the past.

Rowshan Mia, 37, who was critically injured in a robbery attack in Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Dhaka on Saturday. On Friday night, a gang of 10-12 robbers broke into his home, tied up family members, and assaulted them with local weapons. Rowshan and his wife, Asma Begum, sustained severe injuries. Authorities are in touch with the family to take legal action.

Hamas' military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, released a new video of Israeli hostages held in Gaza on Saturday. The footage emerged as the initial phase of a temporary ceasefire neared its end, raising uncertainty about the next steps. The video, verified by AFP, shows several captives. Two individuals in the footage were reportedly released in February, while another pleads for his release. The message accompanying the video stated, "Only a ceasefire agreement can bring them back alive."