Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Jasim Uddin was appointed as the 27th Foreign Secretary. However, since assuming office, no international narrative has been shaped regarding the July Revolution, nor have any necessary reforms been undertaken—an omission for which he is being held responsible. Reports suggest that he labeled several pro-Awami League officials as “deprived officers” in his recommendations. During the previous administration, Jasim Uddin received a Public Administration Award under a fascist regime. Despite nationwide protests, he remained loyal to the Hasina government, even posting in favor of the Awami League on Facebook. However, he failed to exert any pressure on India to stop Hasina’s anti-Bangladesh activities from Delhi or to ensure her return.

The Ministry of Law has recommended the withdrawal of 4,615 cases filed against political leaders, activists, and innocent individuals, citing political retaliation and other unjustified reasons. In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry stated that a committee, led by the legal adviser, made the recommendation after holding six meetings. The committee includes senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Public Security Division, additional secretaries, joint secretaries, and representatives from the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced retaliatory tariffs on India and other countries that impose what he calls unfair trade duties. The new tariffs will take effect from April 2. Citing India as an example, Trump criticized the country for imposing over 100% tariffs on U.S. automobiles. He stressed that the U.S. must counter unjust trade policies, assuring that, despite potential price increases, the move would not significantly harm the American economy. The retaliatory tariffs could impact China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and the European Union.

Representatives from the U.S.-based think tank Right to Freedom have inquired about the July massacre, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings over the past 15 years, and the tribunal’s judicial process. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam stated that they assured full cooperation in prosecuting crimes against humanity and pledged to provide necessary recommendations. The U.S. representatives emphasized that the Bangladesh government must ensure proper justice so that such crimes do not recur in the future. Additionally, the prosecutor mentioned that permission has been sought for a one-day interrogation of Akram, who was shot in Gazipur while pinned down.

The ban on sending Bangladeshi workers to Lebanon has been lifted following an improvement in the country’s security situation, the Bangladesh Embassy in Lebanon has announced. However, specific conditions apply: every recruitment demand must be verified by the Bangladesh Embassy in Beirut, and workers can only be sent to areas with suitable working conditions, excluding Lebanon’s southern regions bordering Israel. The ban was initially imposed after the embassy advised workers against traveling to Lebanon on August 8 last year. Amid the conflict, 1,246 Bangladeshis were repatriated from Lebanon on 19 flights between October 21 last year and early this year.

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.