The High Court has suspended the Election Commission’s (EC) public notice regarding the registration of new political parties. Additionally, the court issued a ruling questioning the legality of the notice. The petition was filed by Hasnat Kaiyum, who argued that EC rules require a political party to have committees in at least 100 upazilas and 22 districts. However, in three hilly districts, there are only 20 upazilas combined, effectively barring indigenous groups from forming regional political parties.

Hindu nationalist groups launched attacks on Muslims in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Monday night. Rioters threw stones, set shops and vehicles on fire, prompting police to use tear gas. Authorities later imposed a curfew. At least six civilians and three police officers were injured. By early Tuesday morning, police had arrested 20 individuals. The violence erupted following false rumors that Muslims burned the Quran in retaliation for the vandalization of Aurangzeb’s tomb.

The tenure of the commission investigating enforced disappearances under the ruling League government has been extended until June 30. Formed on August 27, the commission was tasked with investigating disappearances between January 6, 2009, and August 5, 2023, under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956. The initial deadline for submitting the report was March 14, but it has now been extended. The five-member commission is chaired by Moinul Islam Chowdhury.

One of Bangladesh's largest rail bridges, the Jamuna Rail Bridge, has been inaugurated. The opening ceremony took place at 11:40 AM on Tuesday at Ibrahimabad Railway Station in Tangail. The event was attended by Bangladesh Railway Secretary Fahimul Islam as the chief guest, alongside special guests—Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinchi and JICA South Asia Division Director Mr. Ito Teruyaki. Following the inauguration ceremony, the dignitaries will travel by train to Saydabad Railway Station in Sirajganj, where the Jamuna Rail Bridge authorities are scheduled to hold a press conference.

Garment workers in Gazipur staged a two-and-a-half-hour blockade on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway after one of their colleagues, Sabina Yasmin (29), was fatally struck by a speeding private car.

The protest escalated when police attempted to disperse the demonstrators, leading to clashes between law enforcement and the workers. At least 10 people, including six police officers, were injured in the altercation.

According to witnesses, Sabina, an employee of Refitt Garments Limited, was returning to the factory after the iftar break. Around 7 PM, while crossing the highway near the factory, a fast-moving Dhaka-bound private car hit her, leaving her critically injured. She succumbed to her injuries on the way to the hospital.

In Jessore, a known criminal, Mir Sadi Ahmed (32), was shot dead by another notorious gangster, Tattoo Suman. Both Suman and the deceased Sadi were operatives of top crime boss Mehboob Rahman Mansel. Initial reports suggest that the murder was a result of an internal conflict over money distribution.

The attack occurred on Monday night when Sadi, accompanied by his cousin Rakib, arrived in front of their house on a motorcycle. Suman and Mehedi ambushed them, stabbing Sadi. As Rakib tried to restrain Tattoo Suman, the attackers fired multiple rounds, hitting both Sadi and Rakib before fleeing the scene. Sadi sustained gunshot wounds to the neck and chest and later succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

Thousands of garment workers from Signet Group took to the streets in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on Tuesday morning, demanding their Eid bonuses. The protest began at 6:30 AM, with workers vowing not to leave until their demands were met.

According to the protesters, the factory management had informed them that no bonuses would be given this Eid. Workers requested at least a partial bonus, but the management outright refused, leading them to take to the streets. The workers declared that they would continue their demonstration until their demands were fulfilled.

France is seeking the return of the Statue of Liberty from the United States. On Sunday, French lawmaker Raphaël Glucksmann made the call, arguing that the values for which the statue was gifted no longer align with present-day America. The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of American independence, was presented as a gift from France in 1885, representing human rights, freedom, and democracy. Glucksmann stated that those who still believe in scientific freedom and human rights should support reclaiming the statue. He also criticized Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine and various immigration policies.

Several Hindutva groups have threatened to demolish the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have warned that if the tomb is not removed, it could face the same fate as the Babri Masjid. The tomb, located in Khuldabad, Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) district of Maharashtra, has become the center of controversy. On Monday, Bajrang Dal supporters staged protests in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district, demanding the removal of the tomb. Hindutva organizations argue that Aurangzeb’s tomb symbolizes oppression and tyranny and should be taken down. Previously, BJP leaders had also called for its removal, a demand that was supported by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis.

Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB) is reportedly considering appointing an individual who is the prime accused in a corruption case. The move has sparked controversy, with many questioning the rationale behind hiring someone with pending legal charges. Critics have urged authorities to reconsider the decision in the interest of transparency and accountability.

In a shocking incident in Bishwanath, Sylhet, a 14-year-old boy was brutally tortured on suspicion of cattle theft. The child, son of day laborer Rohel Mia from Majonpur village, was assaulted at the residence of acting Union Parishad Chairman and Ward-4 member Laek Ahmed. He was later admitted to Osmani Hospital in critical condition before being transferred to a private hospital for better treatment. Laek Ahmed denied any involvement in the incident.

A nine-day public entry restriction has been imposed at the National Memorial ahead of Independence and National Day. A notice has been posted at the main gate, citing preparations for official tributes from the President, Chief Adviser, and foreign diplomats on March 26. During this period, cleaning and beautification work will take place. The gates will be reopened to the public after the official ceremonies.

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced traffic control measures in areas like Panthapath and New Market to manage congestion. According to a directive issued by the DMP Commissioner, traffic diversions may be implemented between 1 PM and 10 PM on March 21, 22, and 26 until the day before Eid. Rickshaw drivers and passengers have been requested to use designated lanes for smooth traffic flow.

Two students from Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST) have been temporarily expelled over allegations of blasphemy. Proctor Prof. Dr. Kamruzzaman Khan stated that the accusations emerged on Friday, March 14, after controversial Facebook posts and comments by Bikarna Das Divya and Pronoy Kundu went viral. Following protests by students demanding their expulsion, the university administration issued show-cause notices to the accused. As their responses were deemed unsatisfactory, an emergency meeting on Sunday resulted in their temporary expulsion.

Due to Israel’s blockade, one million children in Gaza are experiencing extreme hunger, according to UNICEF. The organization reported that thousands are deprived of clean water and basic sanitation. “Immediate access to water and electricity is necessary to save children’s lives,” said UNICEF Regional Director Eduardo Beigbeder from Deir al-Balah. He emphasized that water is a fundamental human right and should not be denied. While UNICEF and its partners are striving to provide aid, Beigbeder warned that unless the blockade is lifted or a lasting ceasefire is established, the crisis will continue to worsen.