A new mobile application, ‘HELP,’ has been launched in Dhaka to enhance the safety of women in public transportation. This app allows women to instantly seek assistance from law enforcement in cases of harassment or sexual assault while traveling. Users can also file complaints through the app using their smartphones and internet access. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali stated that many victims hesitate to report such incidents, making this initiative a significant step forward. Reports submitted through the app will now be treated as formal complaints (FIRs).

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that sooner or later, Vladimir Putin will have to come to the negotiating table. Speaking at a virtual summit of the “Coalition of the Willing,” he urged world leaders to increase pressure on Russia while reinforcing their support for Ukraine. The summit’s primary goal is to influence the United States to provide stronger security guarantees for Ukraine. Earlier, Russia had outlined conditions for ending the war and presented a list of demands for restoring relations with the U.S.

An iftar event was organized at the Intercontinental in honor of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, while welcoming Guterres, remarked, “You have brought us an early Eid.”

Expressing admiration for Guterres’ commitment to Bangladesh, Yunus said, “I am speechless by your words on making this country successful. Your visit has brought immense joy to this nation. The people of Bangladesh are deeply moved by your speech and your promise of support.”

He emphasized the unity among students in shaping the country, stating, “Bangladeshis debate over many issues, but one thing unites them all – the desire to build a new Bangladesh. There is no disagreement on this.”

The Chief Adviser also praised Guterres for his efforts regarding the Rohingya crisis, saying, “What you did for the Rohingyas yesterday has won everyone’s hearts. People see you as an angel, and their only message is – they want to return home.”

Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Muhammad Talebur Rahman reported that 2,485 cases were filed for traffic violations in the capital between Thursday and Friday. During the operation, 316 vehicles were impounded, and 124 were towed. “This crackdown is part of our efforts to maintain traffic discipline in Dhaka, and it will continue,” he stated.

Police have arrested 35-year-old Sabul Mia in Chatak for allegedly attempting to rape a 10-year-old madrasa student. The incident occurred on Friday morning when the victim went to her madrasa for Quran lessons. Sabul reportedly lured her into an empty classroom on the second floor and attempted to assault her. Hearing the girl’s screams, locals rushed to the scene, but Sabul managed to flee. A group reportedly tried to cover up the incident, but when the news spread, enraged locals attacked and vandalized Sabul’s house at night.

Two construction workers lost their lives, and at least three others sustained injuries after being trapped under a collapsed wall during a drainage construction project in Sirajganj. According to Sirajganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Humayun Kabir, the incident occurred on Saturday morning in the Sahednagar Beparipara area. Five workers were excavating for the drainage system when a nearby house’s wall suddenly collapsed, burying them under the debris. The injured workers were taken to the hospital, where two later succumbed to their injuries.

Following the death of former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, the university administration has declared Sunday a holiday in his honor. According to university traditions, announcements were made via public address systems, and special prayers were held at the central mosque. The family has determined the location for his funeral and burial, which the university administration has respected.

A collision occurred between the Dhaka-bound Dhumketu Express and the Panchagarh-bound Banglabandha Express near Rajshahi Station’s wash pit. Wash Pit Supervisor Shahabul Islam stated that a signal malfunction caused Banglabandha Express to derail after striking Dhumketu Express. Multiple coaches from both trains were damaged.

There is a strong possibility of joint secretary-level promotions in the administration this month. The SSB Board has completed its process, and a summary report may be sent to the Chief Adviser’s office within a few days. The Ministry of Public Administration is prioritizing officers from the 24th batch of the BCS administration cadre for promotions. A total of 475 deputy secretaries’ records have been reviewed, with 275 expected to be promoted. However, those who served as Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in the 2024 dummy elections are under scrutiny and have been placed in the red zone, though some are reportedly using lobbying tactics to secure promotions.

After nine months, SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission has launched to rescue astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, who have been stranded in space. Elon Musk’s SpaceX has taken charge of the mission, ensuring their safe return to Earth. The mission marks a crucial step in space rescue operations and the future of manned space exploration.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that visa sanctions have been imposed on Thai officials involved in the forced deportation of 40 Uyghurs to China on February 27. “I have ordered the immediate enforcement of these sanctions,” Rubio stated. He condemned China for its ongoing persecution, torture, and crimes against humanity against the Uyghur minority. He also urged host countries not to deport Uyghurs seeking refuge. Thai authorities had previously detained over 300 Uyghurs who fled China in 2014.

The High Court will deliver its verdict on the Abrar Fahad murder case this Sunday. According to the Supreme Court’s website, the bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain has set the date for the ruling. Abrar, a second-year student at BUET, was beaten to death by leaders and activists of the student wing of the ruling party on October 7, 2019. In 2021, 20 BUET students were sentenced to death, and five others received life imprisonment for their involvement in the killing.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam stated that Bengali nationalism was used as a pretext to impose anti-Islamic sentiments on Islamic scholars and madrasa students. He accused the ruling class of harboring Islamophobia, claiming that recent mass uprisings have partially countered it, but the struggle is far from over.

Speaking at an Iftar gathering at Tamirul Millat, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that no religious or ideological bias undermines citizens’ rights. He called for equal treatment of all and urged the state to safeguard everyone’s rights.

Upon hearing about the transfer of Officer-in-Charge (OC) Farid Ahmed from Nandail Model Police Station, numerous creditors gathered at the station, accusing him of irregularities and corruption.

There are allegations that on the night before his departure, the OC registered five cases in exchange for a hefty bribe. Appointed as OC on September 26, he faced rising crime rates, including theft and robbery, during his tenure. Despite receiving three excellence awards from Mymensingh district police, he struggled to control politically motivated crimes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it would take departmental action against former Bangladesh Ambassador Harun Al Rashid, who fled to Canada after resigning. Harun was ordered to return to Bangladesh on December 11 but left his post on February 27 without approval and moved to Ottawa. He is also accused of attempting to downplay the political unrest in Bangladesh after August 5.