Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to European allies at the EU Summit on Thursday. “We are deeply thankful that we are not alone,” he said. He also accused former US President Donald Trump of aiding Russia in dismantling the global order, adding that Trump’s stance on Ukraine has left all of Europe anxious. EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe is facing an unprecedented threat and convened a special meeting of 27 EU countries in Brussels to discuss defense spending and the possibility of forming a military alliance.

Seven individuals, including two women, were arrested for involvement in robbery and mugging in Savar, police announced at a press conference on Thursday. The operation led to the recovery of 13 stolen mobile phones. On March 1, a victim named Lutfor Rahman was mugged by a group of 7-8 individuals, including two women, on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway while heading home.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that UN Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Dhaka from March 13 for a four-day trip, titled “Ramadan Solidarity Visit.” As a gesture of solidarity with the Muslim community, he will observe one day of fasting during his stay. Last year, Guterres visited Egypt and Jordan, where he also fasted in respect for Muslim traditions. This will be his second visit to Bangladesh, following his 2023 trip focused on the Rohingya crisis and climate change.

Railways Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam announced that advance train ticket sales for Eid-ul-Fitr will begin on March 14 and continue until March 20. This year, five special Eid trains will operate, with the Eid travel period starting from March 24. The number of additional trains is yet to be finalized, but routes will be determined based on passenger demand. Each day, 35,315 advance tickets will be available from Dhaka.

A court has imposed a travel ban on 23 individuals, including former Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman and economist Abul Barakat, in connection with the embezzlement of BDT 2.98 billion. The order came on Thursday following an appeal by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Others on the list include Abu Hena Mohammad Raji Hasan, Ismat Ara Begum, Dr. Jamal Uddin Ahmed, and Professor Nitai Chandra Nath. The ACC stated that the accused were attempting to flee the country, which could obstruct the investigation.

Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho warned that if there is any delay in the trial of the July-August killings, students will take to the streets again, just as Abu Sayeed and Mir Mughdo did. Speaking at an event titled “With the Injured Fighters of Bangladesh”, he handed over BDT 5 lakh to the family of slain student leader Nurul Amin and BDT 1 lakh each to 47 injured individuals. The recent uprising in Cox’s Bazar resulted in four deaths and 82 injuries, with documents verified for 62 injured individuals.

A mobile court in Nalchity, Jhalokathi, fined Hawladar Bricks BDT 2 lakh on Thursday for illegally using agricultural soil in brick production. Another kiln, SRB Bricks, had its drum chimney demolished, and bricks were destroyed by the fire department before shutting down operations. The drive was led by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, with officials from the Department of Environment in attendance.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that Bangladeshi expatriates can now apply for new passports, reissues, or corrections using their birth certificates. A directive has been sent to the Director General of the Department of Passports. The Security Services Division stated that applicants can request age corrections of up to eight years based on their birth certificates.

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that no one other than law enforcement agencies has the authority to conduct raids. Addressing concerns about mob justice in the country, he acknowledged its existence, saying, “Mob incidents are happening, and we cannot deny it. The public must be aware. Chaos among the people cannot be allowed.”

He further assured that necessary measures are being taken to prevent robbery and mugging ahead of Ramadan and Eid. Law enforcement agencies are strengthening security in areas along highways where robberies have been reported.

Renowned writer, researcher, and politician Badruddin Umar has announced that he will not accept the Independence Award. In a statement sent to the media on Thursday, he said, “Since 1973, I have been offered awards from various government and non-government organizations, but I have never accepted them. Now, the interim government has announced that they will present me with the Independence Award. I thank them for this, but I cannot accept it.”

It is worth noting that the Independence Award is the highest state honor in Bangladesh, presented annually on March 26, Independence Day, since 1977.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Md. Tajul Islam, announced on Thursday that those responsible for crimes against humanity in July-August will face justice.

“The brutal attacks on our brave sons will not go unpunished. We will hold accountable the masterminds and key perpetrators behind these atrocities,” he said.

Tajul Islam clarified that the entire police force is not under scrutiny, but over 50 officers have been named as suspects. “While more than 2,000 people were killed in Bangladesh, our focus is on those who orchestrated this massacre—Sheikh Hasina and her inner circle—not lower-ranking officials like constables,” he added.

Bangladesh will soon decide whether to refer the July genocide case to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, according to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. During a meeting with international legal expert Toby Cadman, discussions covered collaboration with the ICC, ensuring accountability for crimes committed during the 2024 student-led uprising, and recovering stolen assets. The UN Fact-Finding Mission previously reported crimes against humanity. The meeting also emphasized the need for international cooperation to bring fugitive perpetrators to justice.

Advisor Asif Mahmud stated, “Abrar Fahad is not just a name; he is a symbol—a chain linking generations in the fight against aggression.”

To honor his legacy, the Kushtia Stadium has been renamed after him. During the event, Abrar’s father, Barkat Ullah, was also present.

Mahmud further added, “Abrar Fahad’s sacrifice inspired the youth during the July Uprising. It was his unwavering spirit that led the nation’s young generation to take to the streets, ultimately forcing Sheikh Hasina—the strongest pillar of aggression in Bangladesh—to flee.”

In recognition of their contributions at the national level, eight prominent figures have been selected for the Independence Award 2025. A government source confirmed on Thursday that an official announcement regarding the recipients will be made soon.

This year’s honorees include:
• M.A.G. Osmani – Chief Commander of the Liberation War
• Prof. Jamal Nazrul Islam – Renowned scientist
• Sir Fazle Hasan Abed – Founder of BRAC
• Badruddin Umar – Writer and intellectual
• Al Mahmud – Eminent poet
• Novera Ahmed – Co-designer of the Central Shaheed Minar
• Azam Khan – The ‘Pop Emperor’ of Bangladesh
• Abrar Fahad – Symbol of resistance against aggression

Cracking down on illegal brick kilns, Adviser Rizwana Hasan stated that there is no room for leniency in environmental crimes. She called on the police and district administrations to take strict action, highlighting that soil is being illegally extracted from agricultural land in Rangpur for brick production. Rizwana emphasized that environmental law (Article 4) mandates government agencies to assist in enforcement efforts. She also urged authorities to launch a weekly crackdown on polythene over the next three months, as it remains a banned product.