Adviser Rizwana Hasan has announced that the government has granted policy approval for amendments to the Women and Child Protection Act. The decision was made during a special meeting chaired by the Chief Adviser on Monday. Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul has drafted the amendments, which aim to reduce the investigation period for rape cases from 30 days to 15 and shorten trial durations from 180 days to 90. The revised law will also allow trials to proceed based solely on medical certificates, even without DNA reports, if deemed necessary by the judge.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called upon the police to take a fresh oath, pledging to serve the people without obstruction. “We must not hinder the public; we must ease their path and stand by them. If we do this, there will be no problems in this country,” he stated. He emphasized the need for the police to be seen as protectors rather than enforcers, adding, “Law is our common refuge, and the police should be its guardians. If we can establish this image, people will forget the past grievances. The stains of the last 16 years cannot be erased overnight, but we can start fresh and build a new reputation.”

The Election Commission (EC) has sent a letter expressing disagreement with certain recommendations made by the Reform Commission. The EC’s letter highlights concerns over specific proposals that it believes could impact the integrity of the electoral process. The details of the objections have not been disclosed, but sources suggest that they relate to structural changes in election oversight and procedural transparency.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has held his first phone conversation with Donald Trump since Trump’s re-election. During the call, the two leaders discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to achieving a fair and lasting peace and expressed hope that U.S.-Turkey relations would improve under Trump’s leadership. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of lifting sanctions to restore stability and facilitate the establishment of an effective new administration in Syria.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday regarding a possible resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Speaking aboard Air Force One while traveling from Florida to Washington, Trump stated, “We want to see if we can bring an end to this war. Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance.” He added that discussions were already underway, and last week, he had attempted to secure Putin’s backing for Ukraine’s proposed 30-day ceasefire.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain has accused Indian media of disseminating misinformation about Bangladesh globally. “The people of our country must stay vigilant against false narratives spread by Indian media,” he warned. Addressing Bangladesh’s transition out of the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, he clarified, “We are not seeking to delay our LDC graduation. This has been known for a long time, yet businesses have taken little action to prepare. By 2026, we will complete our graduation process—there’s no turning back.” He also acknowledged ongoing passport issues faced by Bangladeshi expatriates in Oman and assured them that the government is actively working on a solution. Additionally, he mentioned that within two months, the government would introduce significant reforms in the textile sector.

Police have arrested five individuals in Laksam for allegedly gang-raping a 19-year-old woman inside an abandoned house belonging to an Awami League leader. The suspects include Mohammad Ali (25), Masud (23), Monir Hossain Hridoy (23), Al Amin (23), and Bilkis Akter Kalpana (40). Four of them directly took part in the assault, while Bilkis allegedly facilitated the crime by providing her residence for the act.

A tragic accident occurred in Ullapara, Sirajganj, on Monday when schoolgirl Ritu Khatun was struck by a train. Locals reported that Ritu, who had been living with her aunt after losing both parents, was a student of Ullapara Merchants Pilot High School. It is suspected that she deliberately lay on the railway tracks before a freight train from Rajshahi to Dhaka ran over her at Charghatina rail crossing, severing her head from her body.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has issued an apology after facing widespread criticism for suggesting that the word “rape” be replaced with terms like “violence against women” or “harassment.” His remarks drew condemnation from various quarters, including the Chief Adviser’s Office and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). In his statement, the commissioner clarified, “During discussions on violence against women and children, I referred to rape as a broader form of violence. If my remarks offended anyone, I sincerely apologize.”

As part of preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, the Election Commission (EC) held a meeting with heads of missions from 19 OIC countries. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, along with three election commissioners and the EC secretary, were present. The meeting aimed to update OIC nations on election readiness and seek their cooperation.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the VAT return submission deadline for this month to March 18 due to technical issues. Typically, the deadline is the 16th of every month. The NBR informed customs and VAT offices of this decision on Sunday. Currently, around 325,000 VAT-registered businesses file returns online, while 23% still submit hard copies.

An MRT police sub-inspector and another officer were suspended on Monday for assaulting four DMTC workers. Additionally, a three-member inquiry committee has been formed. Following this decision, metro rail workers withdrew their strike. Authorities assured that swift action would be taken to meet their demands.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated that police officers are frontline defenders of law and order, and neglecting them will hinder national progress. He emphasized that without security, no development plan can succeed. While acknowledging past issues within the police force, he called for their active role in building a ‘New Bangladesh.’ He also urged citizens not to waste the opportunity presented by the July Movement for national reconstruction.

A Dhaka court has sentenced Arshad (22) to life in prison for raping a 7-year-old girl in Abdullahpur 11 years ago. He was also fined Tk 100,000, with an additional one-year imprisonment if unpaid. The court ordered that the fine be recovered from his assets and given to the victim’s family.

DIG Gazi Jasim Uddin has taken charge as the head of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The CID confirmed that Jasim assumed the role on Sunday. Previously, on March 9, CID’s former chief Additional IGP Motiur Rahman Sheikh was transferred to the police headquarters. Jasim will serve as acting CID chief until a permanent appointment is made.