Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sajjad Ali announced that motorcycle patrols would be increased in city alleys to curb crime. He stated that police efforts have significantly reduced snatching incidents, and this progress must be maintained. The commissioner emphasized that supporting police units would also have the authority to make arrests. Additionally, he assured that police would respond within an hour of a general diary (GD) entry and provide an immediate flash report from the crime scene. Ahead of Eid, he urged city residents to take additional security measures for their homes and businesses.

Students and activists at Dhaka University staged a protest against the Israeli airstrikes that killed over 400 Palestinians, violating the ceasefire agreement. The protesters called on Muslim-majority countries to send military support to Gaza to protect Palestinians.

They also urged the International Criminal Court to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders responsible for war crimes. The demonstration was organized by student groups that have been holding a continuous sit-in protest for 34 days, demanding the banning of the Awami League and its allied organizations.

Fifteen Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested at Kuala Lumpur International Airport while attempting to enter Malaysia by posing as cricketers. The Border Control and Security Agency detained them on Monday after they arrived wearing cricket jerseys and presented fake tournament invitations to deceive immigration officers.

An investigation revealed that the invitation letters were fraudulent, and there was no scheduled cricket tournament between March 21 and 23. The detainees also attempted to secure a sponsor as their guarantor, but the person in question admitted to having no knowledge of any such tournament.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain has labeled US intelligence official Tulsi Gabbard’s comments about minority persecution in Bangladesh and the rise of an Islamic Caliphate as “serious and misleading.” He stated that the response from the Chief Adviser’s Office reflects the official position of the Foreign Ministry. “Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks are damaging to Bangladesh’s image and reputation. Bangladesh is globally recognized for its peaceful and inclusive practice of Islam and has made significant progress in combating extremism and terrorism,” the office stated.

Election Commission (EC) officials have postponed their planned ‘Operational Halt’ protest scheduled for Wednesday. This decision follows a letter to the government advocating for the retention of National ID (NID) services under the EC, as well as discussions within the Consensus Commission. The government has proposed forming a ‘Civil Registration Commission’ to streamline NID services, while the Electoral Reform Commission has recommended an independent constitutional body called the ‘National Citizen Data Commission.’ Last Thursday, EC employees staged a ‘Stand for NID’ demonstration at central and field offices. If no visible progress is made, the ‘Operational Halt’ protest may be reinstated on March 19.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam has stated that Bangladesh’s approach to tackling communal violence could serve as a model for the region. He warned that the rise of Islamophobia, religious intolerance, and communal violence would be detrimental to all South Asian nations. “Since July, Bangladesh has taken strict measures to prevent communal violence. Most incidents were politically motivated rather than purely communal,” he noted. Alam emphasized that the vision of communal harmony, as upheld by figures like Dara Shikoh, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and Kazi Nazrul Islam, must prevail. He urged all communities to reject extremism and Islamophobia in the region.

Veteran journalist Shafik Rehman has regained the declaration for the daily newspaper Jaijaidin after 17 years. Previously, the government revoked the paper’s declaration citing violations of publication laws. According to officials, Jaijaidin was in breach of Section 10 of the Printing Presses and Publications (Declaration and Registration) Act, 1973. As a result, the declaration held by publisher and printer Saeed Hossain Chowdhury was nullified.

A court has ordered the freezing of 163 bank accounts belonging to Sheikh Hasina’s Press Secretary Naeemul Islam Khan, his wife Nasima Khan Monty, and their three children. These accounts hold a total of BDT 62.5 million. The investigation revealed that BDT 3.86 billion was deposited into these accounts, of which BDT 3.79 billion has already been withdrawn. Authorities have launched a probe into allegations of money laundering and acquiring assets beyond known sources of income. The court ruled that the accounts must be frozen to prevent the transfer of these funds.

Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has stated that Tulsi Gabbard’s comments will not impact economic relations between Bangladesh and the United States. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s economy is no longer on the brink of collapse; instead, it is making a strong recovery. “Many are now looking at Bangladesh with interest. While some issues remain, the overall situation is satisfactory,” he said. The government is progressing towards the goal of LDC graduation by 2026, and logistical bottlenecks in goods clearance have been resolved. “Businesses often attempt to manipulate systems, but we are working to maintain control,” he added.

The Ministry of Information has issued a directive prohibiting the publication of any identifying details—such as names or photographs—of rape victims in news reports or media broadcasts.

Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has confirmed that Umrah visas for Bangladeshis have not been suspended. He clarified that after reports surfaced about halted visa issuance, the ministry promptly engaged with the Saudi embassy to ensure continued visa processing. On March 13, the Secretary of the Ministry sent a formal letter to the Saudi ambassador in Dhaka. An audio message from the Saudi envoy also reaffirmed that there was no suspension. The adviser urged Bangladeshi Hajj and Umrah agencies to ensure proper bookings and airline tickets for pilgrims through authorized Saudi agents.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense has reported the detection of 59 Chinese military aircraft near its airspace. This is the highest number recorded since last October when President Lai Ching-te referred to China as a ‘foreign adversary.’ Additionally, Taiwan detected nine Chinese warships and two surveillance balloons within a 24-hour period.

Muslim organizations in India have staged large-scale protests in Delhi against the contentious Waqf Bill. Opposition parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, and the Samajwadi Party, also participated. Protesters demanded the bill’s withdrawal. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced another protest in Patna on March 20. The bill mandates that at least two non-Muslim members be included in the Waqf Board, alongside representatives from Shia, Sunni, and backward Muslim communities. It also transfers survey responsibilities from the Survey Commissioner to district collectors and revokes Waqf status from government properties. The opposition has strongly criticized the bill.

A tribunal has sentenced Ziaur Rahman to death for the 2017 rape and murder of 14-year-old Tanzila Akter in Banaghata, Dohar. In addition to capital punishment, he has been fined 200,000 BDT, which will be provided to the victim’s family by selling his assets. Ziaur Rahman is currently absconding, and the court has issued an arrest warrant against him. The crime occurred on October 21, 2018, when Rahman abducted Tanzila from a vegetable field, raped her, and slit her throat.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Managing Director of Titas Gas have been served with a contempt of court notice. The High Court had previously ruled that the gas connection of Capital Board Mills Limited should not be disconnected. However, on March 5, Titas Gas severed the factory’s gas supply, violating the court order. As a result, production halted, leaving 700 workers unemployed and disrupting paper supplies for the National Curriculum and Textbook Board. The notice demands the gas connection be restored within 24 hours, failing which contempt proceedings will be initiated.