Students of Rajshahi University (RU) withdrew their railway blockade on Wednesday afternoon after one and a half hours of protest against Dhaka University-centric dominance. The students called off the blockade while announcing a three-point demand, which includes: ensuring student representation in national reforms based on merit across all educational institutions, including RU, Chittagong University, Jahangirnagar University, Jagannath University, seven colleges, private universities, national universities, and madrasas; restructuring key state institutions such as the Reform Commission, Public Service Commission (PSC), and University Grants Commission (UGC) to ensure inclusive participation; and formulating a roadmap for a “Decentralized Bangladesh” through power decentralization.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has convened a ministerial-level meeting in Saudi Arabia to address the brutal actions of occupying Israeli forces against Palestinians. Interim government’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain is set to depart for Jeddah on Thursday to participate in the meeting scheduled for March 7. Sources confirm that he will return to Bangladesh on March 8 after the discussions.

Following a meeting of the advisory council, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed acknowledged that the high prices of essential goods are causing hardship for some people. However, he stated that prices have not increased compared to the previous year and assured that the government is working to bring them down further. Addressing concerns about rising unemployment, he mentioned that many businesses were forced to shut down under the previous government due to their own actions. The government aims to provide employment opportunities for affected workers but cannot accommodate everyone. He emphasized that reducing unemployment would lead to economic improvement, and financial incentives are being provided across various sectors.

According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) spokesperson Muhammad Talebur Rahman, a total of 181 individuals were arrested in a 24-hour crackdown from Monday night to Tuesday night across 50 police station areas in Dhaka. A total of 667 police patrol teams, including 340 at night and 327 during the day, were deployed to ensure public safety. Additionally, 71 police checkpoints were set up. Several weapons, five mobile phones, and 8,080 BDT in cash were recovered. Authorities also seized 4.934 kg of cannabis, 3,236 yaba pills, and five bottles of foreign liquor.

Two individuals were beaten by an angry mob in Pirganj, Rangpur, on Tuesday afternoon while allegedly attempting to search a house posing as Detective Branch (DB) police. The mob also set fire to their motorcycle. Another suspect managed to escape. Upon learning about the incident, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, the local police chief, and army personnel arrived at the scene to rescue the two individuals. The detainees have been identified as Mazharul Islam Hira Pradhan (40) and Shakil Mia (32). A case has been filed at the local police station on Tuesday night.

Gazipur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Alamgir Hossain stated that 22 more individuals were arrested today under “Operation Devil Hunt,” bringing the total to 641 arrests over the past 26 days. Among them, Gazipur Metropolitan Police arrested 474 people, while the district police apprehended 167. All the detainees are members and activists of the ruling Awami League. The operation began on February 8, following an attack on students at the residence of former minister Mozammel Haque on February 7, as per the directive of the Home Affairs Adviser.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has issued a warning against fraudsters impersonating ACC officials and conducting fake anti-corruption raids. ACC Director General Md. Akhtar Hossain stated that these individuals are extorting money from businesses and households under false pretenses. He urged the public to verify the identity of officials and report any suspicious activities immediately.

Fourteen Beximco subsidiaries have shut down due to corruption and mismanagement, and the government cannot be held responsible for this, said the Economic Adviser. He argued that using public funds to sustain failing businesses is not viable, as those resources should be allocated to health, education, and social security sectors. However, he noted that the government is assisting in settling outstanding dues for affected workers.

On Wednesday night, authorities seized and burned illegal fishing nets worth 3 million Taka in Barguna’s Patharghata. The operation, conducted by the Coast Guard and Fisheries Department, led to the confiscation of 42 behundi nets, 18 charghera duari nets, and 3 mosquito nets. However, no arrests were made as the illegal fishermen managed to flee.

On Wednesday at 11 AM, former US ambassadors William B. Milam and John Danilovich visited the International Crimes Tribunal. They met with Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam, with special advisor Toby Cadman also in attendance. William B. Milam served as the US ambassador to Bangladesh from 1990 to 1993, while John Danilovich was the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Dhaka in 2007 and 2008.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) formed a five-member committee led by Zia U Ahmed on September 2 to probe 16 years of stock market irregularities, including the Beximco Sukuk bond case. Despite a 60-day deadline, the committee has yet to submit its findings. Allegations have surfaced that one committee member has ties to the Sukuk bond investors, raising concerns about impartiality. Critics argue that this delay reflects deeper issues in ensuring transparency in the financial sector.

Former US President Donald Trump revealed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to initiate peace talks “as soon as possible.” Reading from a letter during his first speech in Congress after securing a second term, Trump praised Zelensky’s willingness to negotiate. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed Trump’s remarks as “positive” but noted that Ukraine still has a legal ban on negotiating with Russia. Zelensky’s chief aide, Andriy Yermak, urged Russia to cease daily attacks if it truly desires peace.

A court has ordered the seizure of former Sirajganj Water Development Board executive engineer Abdul Malek’s tax records following a request by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The ACC is investigating Malek for allegedly concealing wealth and providing false asset declarations. Officials stated that accessing his tax records is crucial to verifying his income, expenditures, and any undisclosed properties.

Bangladesh Coast Guard has conducted extensive operations over the past six months, seizing 31 firearms, including three foreign pistols, 57 rounds of ammunition, 10 blank shells, three sound grenades, 12 cocktails, and 43 hand bombs. Additionally, 70 robbers were arrested. Captain Mohammad Imam Hasan Azad, zonal commander of the Coast Guard’s South Zone, stated on Wednesday that these efforts aim to enhance coastal security and boost the blue economy. The operations also led to the confiscation of assets worth approximately 4.44 crore BDT as part of the mother hilsa conservation drive.

The White House has opposed an Arab-led proposal for Gaza’s reconstruction, discussed in Cairo. National Security spokesperson Brian Hughes stated that the proposal does not align with the on-ground realities in Gaza, which remains uninhabitable and littered with unexploded ordnance. “Trump is committed to rebuilding Gaza without Hamas’ influence,” Hughes added, emphasizing continued dialogue for peace and prosperity. The Arab summit had earlier pledged to rebuild Gaza without displacing Palestinians.