On Saturday, Advisor Sharmin S. Murshid visited the child victimized in Magura at Dhaka Medical College. Expressing her frustration, she said, “How can someone lay a hand on a girl who hasn’t even become a woman yet? Has this country become a land for cowards?” She emphasized that it was everyone’s responsibility to suppress such actions. “Do you think our society is healthy?” she asked. The Advisor assured that she would work to ensure justice. She also mentioned that a campaign involving three ministries and communities would be launched, covering 130 camps from Dhaka, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, mothers, guardians, and children from July. “We will keep these camps under surveillance,” she stated.

Four months have passed since the decision to punish those responsible for the murder of Abu Saeed, a student of BUBT, but no legal action has been taken yet. Despite weapons being found in the rooms of the residential hall’s thugs, no case has been filed against them. Students are outraged by the lack of progress. On October 28th, during the 108th Syndicate meeting, two teachers and seven staff members were temporarily suspended. On January 20th, 71 students involved in the murder were temporarily expelled based on their semester status. While students expressed anger over the lenient punishment, the administration ignored their concerns. Although the university administration had decided to take legal action against 15 individuals involved in the murder, no tangible steps have been taken thus far.

Pakistan has instructed all Afghan nationals holding Afghan Citizen Cards to leave the country by March 31, 2025. Since November 2023, Pakistan has been sending Afghan nationals back to their homeland. Although plans to expel all Afghan nationals have been in place, this is the first time the Ministry of Interior has officially confirmed it. Over 800,000 Afghan nationals have already returned to Afghanistan, but an estimated 3 million Afghan nationals remain in Pakistan.

NATO has urged Europe to boost defense production to secure its borders. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the need for increased defense budgets and higher production of military equipment. He stated, “We must spend more to keep ourselves safe.” He also pointed out that the production of military supplies has been insufficient. After the U.S. halted military aid to Ukraine, its effects are already visible, as Russian forces have surrounded thousands of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region.

A protest rally took place in Mohammadpur, Dhaka, calling for the harshest punishment for those involved in the rape of an eight-year-old child in Magura. Protesters expressed anger over multiple recent incidents of rape across the country, where perpetrators are released on bail only to commit even worse acts. The protesters insisted the government must ensure exemplary punishment for each rape incident. One housewife said, “We want women to live safely in society, but we are not being given the safety we deserve. We live in constant fear, not only outside but even inside our homes.”

A fire broke out at the Eltek Aluminum factory in the Fakir Bari area of Gazipur. Six fire units are currently working together to bring the blaze under control. The incident occurred on Saturday (March 8) at approximately 5:30 PM. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 5:50 PM to douse the flames. The extent of damage and whether there were any casualties remain unclear at this time.

A young girl, who was a victim of sexual assault in Magura, was transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka on Saturday at 5 p.m. for specialized treatment. The decision to move her was made following recommendations from the medical board formed for her care, and it came after a visit by Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin Murshid to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital earlier in the day. The child was transferred in a cardiac ambulance, accompanied by a team of doctors.

During a discussion in the capital on Saturday, marking International Women’s Day, Adviser Asif Mahmud stated that the interim government will not spare those involved in sexual assault cases. He assured that justice would be served, and the perpetrators of recent incidents would face exemplary punishment.

He further highlighted that a certain group is misusing religion to harass women, but religion does not support such actions. The event also showcased documentary evidence of self-reliant women’s contributions through various LGED projects, alongside an award and recognition ceremony.

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.