UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that women’s rights are under threat globally. Speaking at a UN event on International Women’s Day, he said new challenges are deepening long-standing discrimination. He pointed out that digital tools are silencing women, reinforcing bias, and encouraging harassment. Guterres also warned that online violence is escalating real-world violence, and extremism and misogyny are becoming mainstream. Urging global action, he emphasized that gender equality is about power, representation, and building a fairer world for all. (Source: Reuters)

Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura. The victim’s mother filed a case against Sajib Hossain (18), his father Hitu Mia (42), Sajib’s brother Ratul Sheikh (17), and their mother Jabeida Begum (40). The incident took place when the child was visiting her sister’s home. “The police have arrested them, and I demand a fair investigation and exemplary punishment,” said the victim’s mother, Ayesha Akter. A medical board has been formed at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) to oversee the child’s treatment, with authorities confirming that her condition remains critical.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus praised the resilience of women during the July uprising, stating that they stood “like the Himalayas” against fascist forces and deadly weapons. Remembering the female martyrs of the movement, Dr. Yunus emphasized that women still face many obstacles today. “The government remains committed to women’s economic empowerment through financial aid for underprivileged mothers, training programs, microcredit initiatives, working women’s hostels, and daycare centers,” he said. The Chief Adviser also highlighted efforts to curb violence against women, including the introduction of hotlines and updates to the 2010 Domestic Violence Act. Additionally, a Women’s Reform Commission has been established to further safeguard their rights.

A massive fire broke out at Larma Square in Khagrachhari late Friday night, destroying at least 10 shops. Firefighters arrived promptly and managed to control the blaze after half an hour of effort. According to local sources, the fire originated from one shop around 3 AM and quickly spread to nearby establishments. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined.

Bangladesh Army announced via Facebook on Saturday afternoon that 36 members of the banned extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir had been arrested. The arrests occurred after a protest march reached Paltan intersection, where it was blocked by police and army personnel. As demonstrators attempted to breach the barricade, law enforcement dispersed them using batons and took 36 individuals into custody, later handing them over to the police. Additionally, a civilian was reportedly attacked by a Hizb ut-Tahrir member and was also taken to the police station, but was later released upon the intervention of a senior official.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sajjat Ali announced that auxiliary police forces have been deployed in residential areas, shopping malls, and markets to ensure security during Ramadan and Eid. Due to a shortage of police personnel, these privately hired security officers will act as an “Auxiliary Police Force” and will have the authority to make arrests. They have been appointed under the Dhaka Metropolitan Law. The commissioner also urged residents to enhance security at homes and businesses during Taraweeh prayers.

Specialist doctors of the BCS (Health) Cadre have suspended their ongoing strike for 12 weeks after receiving assurances from the government on two key demands. On Saturday, the protesting doctors gathered for a silent march at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) entrance. Later, Dr. Sayedur Rahman, a special assistant professor from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, assured them that their demands would be met within 12 weeks and urged them to resume work. Earlier, government hospital specialists had been protesting for fair promotions and the elimination of all forms of discrimination.

Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, has reported that the condition of the child from Magura remains critical. A special medical board, comprising experts from gynecology and anesthesiology departments, has been formed to oversee the treatment.

Doctors have placed the child on a ventilator to support breathing. The director revealed that the child suffered severe injuries, including trauma to the throat and wounds in the genital area due to inhumane abuse. After a sudden deterioration in her condition on Friday night, she was moved from the gynecology department to the pediatric ICU for intensive care. The medical team is doing everything possible to stabilize her.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have arrested six individuals in connection with the shooting of a gold trader in Banashree and the subsequent robbery of his jewelry. Law enforcement also recovered the stolen gold and illegal firearms during the operation.

On the night of February 23, Anwar Hossain (42), a gold merchant with a shop in Banashree’s D Block, was shot and robbed while returning home from work. The assailants, riding three motorcycles, intercepted him and stole gold jewelry worth approximately 200 bhori (around 2.3 kg). He was critically injured and hospitalized. Authorities continue to investigate the case.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus presented the prestigious ‘Indomitable Women Awards’ to outstanding individuals in various fields. The recipients included:
• Sharifa Sultana (for contributions to the economy)
• Halima Begum (for achievements in education and employment)
• Marina Besra (as an exemplary mother)
• Lipi Begum (for overcoming life struggles)
• Md. Muhin (Mohana) (for extraordinary contributions to social development)
• Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team (recognized under a special category)

The ceremony was conducted by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Momtaz Ahmed.

Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over recent reports of brutal attacks on women, calling them alarming and completely contradictory to the vision of a ‘New Bangladesh.’ He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equal rights for both men and women. Yunus highlighted the role of women in the July mass uprising, emphasizing their struggles, hopes, and aspirations. He stressed that building a new Bangladesh is impossible without addressing these issues. Additionally, he accused the ousted autocratic forces of investing heavily to create unrest in the country and urged for collective resistance through social unity.

The United Nations Office for Human Rights has urged the government to withdraw cases filed against journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists during the previous Awami League administration.

A UN report states, “Take effective measures to protect them from retaliatory violence and ensure that perpetrators of attacks on private property and civilian damages are investigated and prosecuted.” Additionally, the report calls for the closure of the National Telecommunications Monitoring Center and urges security agencies to strictly adhere to Bangladesh’s international human rights obligations.

The UN has also demanded the immediate suspension of draconian laws like the Cyber Security Act.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to create a cryptocurrency reserve using government-owned digital assets. This move aligns with his campaign promise to make the United States the global capital of cryptocurrency.

Trump, the first U.S. president to accept campaign donations in cryptocurrency, has even launched his own digital currency. According to David Sacks, the federal crypto reserve will be funded through fines collected from criminal activities and assets seized in civil lawsuits, which will be converted into Bitcoin by the government.

A petrol bomb attack occurred in Mohammadpur around 10:30 PM. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Upon receiving information, police and army personnel arrived at the scene and recovered bottles containing petrol bombs.

The attack took place while people were engaged in Tarawih prayers. Witnesses who noticed the incident immediately raised alarms, prompting locals to gather and alert the police. The joint security forces later recovered two Scotch-taped plastic bottles wrapped in cloth and rope from the site.

The Gana Adhikar Parishad has extended an invitation to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for an Iftar event. The invitation was received by senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Friday night.

According to a statement from the party, a delegation led by spokesperson Faruk Hasan delivered the invitation. The event, scheduled for March 13 at Hotel SkyCity in Malibagh, aims to honor political leaders and commemorate the martyrs of the July-August revolution.