Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have arrested six individuals in connection with the shooting of a gold trader in Banashree and the subsequent robbery of his jewelry. Law enforcement also recovered the stolen gold and illegal firearms during the operation.

On the night of February 23, Anwar Hossain (42), a gold merchant with a shop in Banashree’s D Block, was shot and robbed while returning home from work. The assailants, riding three motorcycles, intercepted him and stole gold jewelry worth approximately 200 bhori (around 2.3 kg). He was critically injured and hospitalized. Authorities continue to investigate the case.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus presented the prestigious ‘Indomitable Women Awards’ to outstanding individuals in various fields. The recipients included:
• Sharifa Sultana (for contributions to the economy)
• Halima Begum (for achievements in education and employment)
• Marina Besra (as an exemplary mother)
• Lipi Begum (for overcoming life struggles)
• Md. Muhin (Mohana) (for extraordinary contributions to social development)
• Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team (recognized under a special category)

The ceremony was conducted by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Momtaz Ahmed.

Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over recent reports of brutal attacks on women, calling them alarming and completely contradictory to the vision of a ‘New Bangladesh.’ He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equal rights for both men and women. Yunus highlighted the role of women in the July mass uprising, emphasizing their struggles, hopes, and aspirations. He stressed that building a new Bangladesh is impossible without addressing these issues. Additionally, he accused the ousted autocratic forces of investing heavily to create unrest in the country and urged for collective resistance through social unity.

A petrol bomb attack occurred in Mohammadpur around 10:30 PM. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Upon receiving information, police and army personnel arrived at the scene and recovered bottles containing petrol bombs.

The attack took place while people were engaged in Tarawih prayers. Witnesses who noticed the incident immediately raised alarms, prompting locals to gather and alert the police. The joint security forces later recovered two Scotch-taped plastic bottles wrapped in cloth and rope from the site.

The Gana Adhikar Parishad has extended an invitation to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for an Iftar event. The invitation was received by senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Friday night.

According to a statement from the party, a delegation led by spokesperson Faruk Hasan delivered the invitation. The event, scheduled for March 13 at Hotel SkyCity in Malibagh, aims to honor political leaders and commemorate the martyrs of the July-August revolution.

A Dhaka University student, who recently reported being harassed over her attire by university staff member Asif Arnab, is now receiving rape and death threats. She claims her personal details were leaked from the police station.

She expressed frustration over the breach, stating, “The police made my sensitive information public. When I confronted them, they justified it by saying that the FIR (First Information Report) is a public document. Then why include such personal details in it?”

The student also criticized the release of Asif Arnab on bail, calling it an example of impunity. She lamented, “Some people will gather at the police station to free someone who has admitted his crime. This is lawlessness.”

Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, announced that the current government is working towards integrating women into productive sectors to achieve the goal of building a developed Bangladesh. He acknowledged that March 8, International Women’s Day, is celebrated annually in Bangladesh to uphold women’s rights, with this year’s theme being “Rights, Equality, Empowerment – Women’s and Girls’ Development.” Yunus recognized the significant participation of women in the July Mass Uprising and their sacrifices. He stated that Bangladeshi women will build a new Bangladesh in line with global progress. He also highlighted various recognition and incentive activities for women’s contributions, including awards from the Ministry of Women and Children.

The Bangladesh Army has uncovered a secret hideout belonging to the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) in Kaptai, Rangamati. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a raid was conducted on Friday, leading to the seizure of weapons and other military-grade equipment. While returning from the operation, UPDF members attempted to block the army’s path using women and children, but they retreated upon noticing a large presence of security forces. Authorities have urged local residents to remain vigilant.

A mobile court conducting an eviction drive at “Famous Bricks,” an illegal brick kiln in Dumki, Patuakhali, was attacked on Thursday. According to officials, when the team attempted to demolish the kiln, individuals linked to its owners assaulted three to four members of the administration. Meanwhile, the brick kiln’s owner, Md. Qayum, alleged that officials demanded money before the operation, and upon refusal, proceeded with the demolition.

Following the U.S. suspension of military aid to Ukraine, European Union leaders are planning an $860 billion increase in defense spending, a move welcomed by Ukraine. On March 3, European heads of state and government convened in Brussels to discuss strategies for supporting Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also attended the meeting. The discussions focused on how the EU could compensate for the halted U.S. assistance. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would not relinquish any of its controlled territories, insisting that victory must lead to a “peace that suits us.” On the other hand, Trump urged Zelensky to strike a mineral resources deal.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Hamas leaders to leave Gaza immediately or face intensified destruction. He also demanded the release of all hostages held by Hamas. In a direct message to the people of Gaza, Trump stated, “A beautiful future awaits, but if you hold onto the hostages, you are dead!” Earlier, Trump had reaffirmed his strong support for Israel and approved billions of dollars in arms supplies following the ceasefire agreement.

Renowned Bangladeshi pop and band music pioneer Azam Khan is set to receive the prestigious Independence Award posthumously, 14 years after his passing. Known for hits like Ore Saleka, Ore Maleka, Rail Liner Oi Bostite, and Alal O Dulal, Khan, whose real name was Mohammad Mahbubul Haque Khan, was also a freedom fighter. Born on February 28, 1950, he passed away on June 5, 2011. Some of his other notable songs include Ami Jare Chaire, Anamika, Obhimani, Papri, and Je Meye Chokhe Dekhena.

In Srimangal, Moulvibazar, a shocking act of revenge resulted in the poisoning of nine cows belonging to a local farmer. The accused, Ramzan Mia (55) and his son Monir (30), allegedly committed the act on Wednesday night after their goat was confined by neighbor Suleman Ahmed (25) for eating crops from his field. According to the complaint, Suleman, who owns a farm with 20 cows, detained Ramzan’s goat in a pen. This enraged Ramzan and his son, leading them to poison the cattle in retaliation.

During Hizb ut-Tahrir’s “March for Khilafah,” a banned organization, a rickshaw puller was seen being beaten by one of its members in front of the police. Later, security forces detained the rickshaw puller from the scene. This incident sparked outrage on Facebook, with citizens demanding his release. In response to the growing pressure, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan intervened and secured the rickshaw puller’s release from the DB office. He was then taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for medical treatment.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department conducted a raid at an entertainment center in Selangor on Wednesday night, detaining 80 undocumented migrants, including Bangladeshis. Selangor’s Immigration Director Khairul Aminus Kamaruddin reported that among those arrested were 75 women and five men, aged between 17 and 45, from Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. The operation was launched at 10:30 PM following two weeks of intelligence gathering based on public complaints regarding illegal migrants in the area.