The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed concern over the rising inhumane treatment of Muslims in India. The agency also recommended imposing targeted sanctions on India’s intelligence agency, RAW, over allegations of involvement in the assassinations of Sikh separatists in the US and Canada.

The report highlighted that religious freedom in India deteriorated further in 2024, with increasing attacks and discrimination against religious minorities. It criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP for spreading hate speech and misinformation against Muslims during last year’s election campaign. It also recalled Modi’s remarks in April, where he referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” who have “too many children,” linking this to opposition parties’ electoral interests.

Railway Advisor Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan has revealed that Bangladesh Railways spends 2.5 times the revenue it generates, attributing the losses to corruption and operational inefficiencies. He emphasized the need to curb wasteful expenses and unauthorized travel, warning that continued financial mismanagement could jeopardize railway services. The ministry has set a target to reduce spending per revenue taka below two and has tasked officials with tackling corruption. Meanwhile, a delegation led by Dr. Yunus is visiting China to discuss railway development, including the procurement of new coaches and infrastructure upgrades.

A U.S. intelligence report has identified India, alongside China, as a ‘state accomplice’ in supplying precursor chemicals for illicit fentanyl production. The report, released Tuesday, highlights India’s role in providing raw materials to criminal organizations involved in manufacturing synthetic opioids. Fentanyl is the deadliest drug in the U.S., responsible for over 52,000 deaths in the 12 months leading up to October 2024. The assessment places India as the second-largest supplier after China.

Dhaka Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Zillur Rahman faced sharp criticism from war veterans after equating the July 2024 movement with the 1971 Liberation War. During a public event, he stated that the fight for democracy in 2024 was a continuation of the struggle for independence. This statement provoked strong objections from freedom fighters present, who demanded he retract his remarks. Following protests, both the civil surgeon and a veteran later apologized.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a temporary suspension of green card applications for certain refugees and asylum seekers due to additional screening measures. The directive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will impact refugees and those seeking protection through immigration courts. Asylum seekers must prove they were persecuted due to their race, religion, or political beliefs.

On the occasion of Independence and National Day, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Md. Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury, and Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam paid respects to the martyred police officers at Razarbagh Police Lines. Led by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali, leaders from the Police Service Association and Bangladesh Police Women Network also placed wreaths in honor of the fallen police heroes.

A devastating fire in Dighinala, Khagrachari, burned at least 20 shops to ashes. The blaze broke out at Boalkhali New Market around 1:30 AM on Tuesday night, quickly spreading from one shop to another. Hotels, grocery stores, cooling corners, and timber shops were among those destroyed. Four fire service units managed to bring the fire under control after two hours of effort. Initial estimates suggest damages exceeding Tk 100 million.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas dismissed the notion of a ‘second independence’ while responding to the Chief Adviser’s speech. He reaffirmed that Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 and rejected any suggestion that another independence movement had taken place. His remarks came after BNP leaders paid tribute to the grave of Ziaur Rahman on Independence Day.

After paying tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial, Adviser Rizwana Hasan stressed that reaching a consensus on necessary reforms is the only way to earn public trust. She noted that while traditional challenges persist, discussions on various reforms have begun. She emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair election process and addressing the brutal killings that took place in July and August, vowing to deliver justice to restore public confidence.

As part of a nationwide ICE operation, over 10,000 immigrants were arrested across the United States. By March 9, more than 46,000 detainees were held, nearly 50% of whom had no criminal record. In December 2024, New York City reached a $92.5 million settlement for unlawfully detaining immigrants. A class-action lawsuit claimed that the city violated the law by detaining immigrants beyond their release dates based on ICE requests. As a result, affected individuals could receive up to $10,000 in compensation.

In his Independence Day message, Army Chief General Wakar-uz-Zaman paid tribute to the martyrs, recalling how the people united on March 26 to resist the Pakistani occupation forces. He highlighted that the nation achieved victory through a bloody nine-month-long struggle, giving birth to Bangladesh. He assured that the army remains ever-prepared to make the highest sacrifices to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty. He further stated that the army is undergoing modernization through strategic planning, the acquisition of advanced weaponry, and improved training to tackle 21st-century challenges.

While paying tribute to the valiant soldiers of 1971 at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on Wednesday, Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan stated that while 1971 gave birth to the nation, over the years, the true essence of independence had been eroded. He asserted that the 2024 uprising was necessary to safeguard the freedom achieved in 1971. Earlier, President Md. Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus had also paid their respects at the memorial at sunrise on the 55th Independence Day.

On the occasion of the Great Independence and National Day, President Md. Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus paid deep respects to the heroic martyrs by laying wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar. The President placed his wreath at 5:55 AM, followed by the Chief Adviser at 6:11 AM. The Chief Adviser also signed the visitors' book at the memorial premises. Following this, members of the Advisory Council, families of the Bir Sreshtho awardees, war-wounded freedom fighters, and valiant freedom fighters paid their respects. Later, foreign diplomats, various political and social organizations, and people from all walks of life laid wreaths at the memorial in honor of the martyrs.

Following the posthumous Independence Award for Abrar Fahad, his brother Faiyaz expressed gratitude but stated, "True recognition of Abrar’s sacrifice will only come when future governments no longer need to compromise with Delhi to stay in power."

The Dhaka South City Corporation has announced that 'Bangabandhu Avenue' will now be named 'Shaheed Abrar Fahad Avenue.' Other notable renamings include:

'Bir Muktijoddha Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Sarani' renamed to 'Inner Ring Road'

'Bir Muktijoddha Lieutenant Sheikh Jamal Sarani' renamed to 'Jhauchor Main Road'

'Bir Muktijoddha Advocate Kamrul Islam Sarani' renamed to 'Kamrangirchar Loharpool Buriganga Road'

'Shaheed Sheikh Russell Children's Park' renamed to 'Kalabagan Children's Park' and 'Jatrabari Children's Park'

'Mayor Sheikh Taposh Bridge' renamed to 'Kamrangirchar Bridge'

'Mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokon Social Event Center' renamed to 'Gendaria Social Event Center'

'Mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokon Park' renamed to 'Sarafatganj Park'

'Bir Muktijoddha Advocate Kamrul Islam Social Event Center' renamed to 'Kamrangirchar Social Event Center'

'Mayor Hanif Auditorium' renamed to 'Nagar Bhaban Auditorium'