Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin emphasized the need for political consensus in upholding electoral code of conduct. Speaking at National Voter’s Day celebrations, he stated, “We aim to ensure a free and fair election. We are not working under anyone’s agenda; our priority is the agenda of 180 million people and Bangladesh.” He also warned that rigging elections may bring short-term victory but ultimately harms the political party itself.

In observance of the holy month of Ramadan, the Islamic Foundation has organized a month-long Islamic book fair at the southern courtyard of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The fair was inaugurated on Saturday by Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain.

The book fair will remain open to the public daily from 12 PM to 8 PM. This year, a total of 64 stalls have been set up, offering a wide range of Islamic literature, including translations and interpretations of the Holy Quran, collections of Hadith, and various fundamental and research-based books on Islam.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has seized Tk 2.5 crore from the residence of former DGFI chief, retired Lt. General Saiful Alam. ACC Director General Md. Akhtar Hossain stated on Sunday that on February 27, based on intelligence inputs, law enforcement agencies raided Alam’s Cantonment residence and recovered nearly Tk 2.45 crore. The confiscated money and other evidence have been presented in court. The ISPR has yet to comment on the matter. Notably, Saiful Alam was forced into retirement on September 11.

A sub-inspector of CMP Patenga Police Station, Yusuf Ali, was assaulted by a group of individuals who accused him of being a “fake police officer.” Following the attack, 10 suspects were arrested and will be presented in court today. According to the officer-in-charge of Patenga Model Police Station, the arrests were made on Saturday night during raids in different areas, including Panchlaish, under the directive of the Deputy Commissioner of the CMP Port Division. The attack occurred on February 28 at a police checkpoint on the Outer Ring Road of Patenga Police Station.

Election Commissioner Abul Fazl Md. Sanaullah announced that the final voter list will be published by June 30. Speaking at an event on Voter Day, he explained that while a preliminary voter list has already been released based on 2024 data due to legal obligations, further updates will be made. New data collected from door-to-door surveys will be incorporated, while deceased voters will be removed. He also mentioned that a supplementary voter list will be created and integrated before the final publication. The commissioner expressed hope for a transparent and fair election process.

Arab leaders recently gathered in Riyadh for an emergency summit on the Gaza crisis. A Wall Street Journal report claimed that Qatar obstructed an invitation to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. However, Doha has strongly refuted these allegations, stating in a Saturday statement that the claims were based on unreliable sources, rumors, and unverified information. The statement also emphasized that Qatar remains one of the largest donors to the Palestinian Authority, reaffirming its strong ties with Palestine.

Officials from 25 different government cadres staged a symbolic strike on Sunday, wearing black badges in protest against the recent suspensions of several colleagues. The protest was led by the Inter-Cadre Discrimination Elimination Council, demanding equal treatment for all cadres. The Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) General Education Cadre, one of the largest groups within the civil service, was heavily involved, with the participation of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) Director General, Professor Muhammad Azad Khan. Protesters claimed that 13 officers were suspended over social media posts, while similar actions by members of the Administration Cadre went unpunished.

The Gazipur Metropolitan Police reported that a joint task force arrested 58 individuals during a special operation named ‘Operation Devil Hunt.’ The operation, which began Saturday morning, continued until 7 AM Sunday. Among the arrests, 44 were made in Tongi West, six in Tongi East, three each in Pubail and Gacha, and one each in Sadar Metro and Konabari police station areas. Since its launch on February 8, the operation has resulted in 440 arrests across the metropolitan area.

The submission of the investigation report in the journalist couple Sagar-Runi murder case has been postponed for the 116th time. Although the report was due on Sunday, the investigating agency failed to submit it, leading the court to set a new deadline of April 6. Notably, on September 30, the case was transferred from RAB to a high-powered task force formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi were murdered on February 11, 2012.

Speakers at the 2025 Calligraphy Art Competition award ceremony highlighted the role of calligraphy artists in the July uprising, particularly in creating graffiti that influenced public sentiment. They emphasized the need for both government and private initiatives to promote calligraphy. A total of nine artists were awarded across three categories. In the junior category, Fatema Kaniz Sajida won first place, followed by Mehjabin Rahman and Sumaiya Sarwat. In the senior category, Naushin Zahra Subha secured first place, with Md. Nazrul Islam and Montazhar Hasan taking second and third, respectively. Among professionals, Munira Mumtahina won first place, followed by Tasrin Sultana Anika and Iftekharul Alam Tawhha.

Following an unprecedented verbal spat between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, concerns are mounting over NATO’s stability and Europe’s security. Analysts believe Trump’s efforts to strengthen ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin have heightened tensions. BBC journalist Jeremy Bowen suggests that this rift signals a deepening crisis between the U.S. and NATO’s European members. Trump stated that Zelensky should return for negotiations only if he is ready for peace. Speculation is growing that Washington may reduce military aid to Ukraine following the dispute.

The seven newly appointed members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) took their oath of office on Sunday. Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed administered the oath at the Judges’ Lounge of the Supreme Court. The members, appointed by the President on February 18, are: Professor Ferdous Arfina Osman, Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, Md. Munir Hossain, Professor Shahnaz Sarker, Professor A.T.M. Farid Uddin, Professor Md. Sharif Hossain, and Anwarul Islam.

Following a meeting of the National Awards Advisory Committee on Sunday, Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that this year’s Independence Award will be given solely based on merit, transcending political and group affiliations. He confirmed that fewer than ten individuals will receive the award. “In the past, controversial individuals and institutions, such as RAB, have received national awards. However, this is the highest honor of our nation, and we have recommended names without political bias,” he stated. Education Adviser added that only those with extraordinary contributions to national life will be honored this time.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the review hearing on the abolition of the caretaker government system for May 8. In 2011, a seven-member Appellate Division bench, led by then-Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque, ruled the 13th constitutional amendment unconstitutional, leading to its repeal by the Awami League government. A petition challenging this ruling was filed in August last year, and the court has now set a date for the review.

During Ramadan, prison authorities have arranged special Suhoor and Iftar meals for inmates across 17 prisons in Dhaka, including the Dhaka Central Jail. According to DIG Md. Jahangir Kabir, inmates who wish to fast will be provided with hot meals for Suhoor. The Iftar menu includes chickpeas, puffed rice, onion fritters, dates, jilapi, bananas, and sherbet, along with eggs. Additionally, hot cooked meals will be served for Suhoor. Regular three meals a day will continue for all inmates, but separate meals will be prepared for those observing the fast.