The Democratic Student Council (DSC) has officially begun its organizational activities. The event was attended by central secretary of the organization Zahid Ahsan, Dhaka University convener Abdul Kader, secretary Mahir Alam, and chief organizer Hasib Al Islam, among others. Zahid Ahsan remarked that in the 54 years since the Liberation War, Bangladesh has not seen any effective political process. Instead, under the guise of student politics, there has been an attempt to destabilize campuses through tagging culture and implementing the agenda of the ruling party. He emphasized that the DSC is committed to establishing politics based on intellect, values, responsibility, and care, aiming to lead the country beyond these issues. Abdul Kader stated that the foundation of the Democratic Student Council lies in the dreams of martyrs and the youth.

Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned and expressed deep concern over the killing of a Bangladeshi youth, Al Amin, by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and the severe injury of another, Bilal. In a statement, the party denounced the killing at the Kasba border and the brutal attack on Bilal at the Jhenaidah border on February 27. Jamaat criticized repeated border killings despite promises to reduce them to zero. The party highlighted that eight Bangladeshi citizens have been killed by BSF in the last three months, calling the situation a serious threat to friendly bilateral relations.

Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) has renamed five key landmarks on its campus. The “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Academic Building” is now the “Kabi Nazrul Academic Building,” while “Sheikh Hasina Hall” has been renamed “Taposi Rabeya Hall.” The “Sheikh Russell Gymnasium” is now the “Bir Sreshtho Hamidur Rahman Gymnasium,” and the “Wazed Miah Higher Education and Research Center” has been renamed the “Institute for Higher Studies and Research.” Additionally, the student hall of the university’s Veterinary College in Jhenaidah has been renamed “Kabi Golam Mostafa Student Hall.” The university’s highest decision-making body, the Regent Board, made these changes in a meeting on Friday night.

In observance of Ramadan, BNP leader Aminul Haque distributed iftar packages to the families of party activists who were victims of enforced disappearances and killings. Acting on the instructions of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Aminul presented these relief items to the families of Nur Alam, former general secretary of Pallabi Thana Jubo Dal, Tariqul Islam Tara, former joint convener of the Thana Chhatra Dal, and Md. Sani, a martyr of the anti-discrimination movement from Ward No. 5 of Pallabi. Aminul emphasized that these families should not feel abandoned and reiterated BNP’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims if they come to power.

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, extended his greetings, emphasizing that Ramadan is a time for spiritual discipline and self-restraint. He highlighted that Muslims dedicate themselves to seeking the mercy and satisfaction of the Almighty. He further noted that by abstaining from food and drink throughout the day, believers strive to attain Allah’s love. Calling for peace and harmony, he urged everyone to refrain from injustice, hatred, and discord to foster a more peaceful society.

At a protest rally demanding the implementation of BNP’s 31-point national reform plan and immediate elections, former BNP youth leader Golam Mawla Shaheen declared that conspiracies and misinformation would not distance BNP from the people. He emphasized that BNP remains the people’s party despite 15 years of severe repression under a fascist regime. “The people of Bangladesh and its youth have been deprived of voting rights for too long. Certain conspirators and agencies are meddling in the interim government to manipulate the national election,” he warned.

BNP has apologized for a statement by its Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, claiming that a bomb attack at the BCS Administration Welfare Association building caused casualties. The party later admitted the statement was based on incorrect information. Initially, Fakhrul blamed miscreants for creating instability, but BNP now clarifies that no such attack occurred. Instead, the casualties resulted from an air conditioner explosion. The party expressed regret for the misunderstanding and acknowledged the error in its previous statement.

Under the directive of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the “We Are BNP Family” organization will distribute Eid gifts to the families of party members who were abducted, killed, or disabled. Additionally, families of those killed or injured in the 2024 mass uprising will receive similar support. The organization’s secretary stated that this initiative has been in place since 2016, reaching approximately 1,200 families annually. This year, the number of beneficiaries is expected to rise to 1,700-1,800.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticized the National Citizen Party for lacking a clear political philosophy, despite making grand statements about the state. He dismissed comparisons between BNP’s formation under military rule and other political narratives, stating that Ziaur Rahman established a new ideological framework distinct from past regimes. Rizvi asserted that Zia was the pioneer of multi-party democracy and did not seize power by dismantling democratic governance. Instead, he restored democracy after the one-party BAKSAL system.

The Brahmanbaria District Student Wing has announced a partial nine-member committee for Nasirnagar’s Chaltapara Degree College, with women holding seven key positions, including president and general secretary. The press release, signed by district convenor Shahinur Rahman and member secretary Samir Chakraborty, has drawn widespread praise for prioritizing female leadership. Kanika Akter has been appointed as president, while Dewan Nusrat will serve as general secretary. Akter credited the inspiration to past mass movements led by women and noted that Tarique Rahman also supports the rise of female leadership.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has urged the Chief Adviser to announce the national election roadmap within March instead of making vague statements. He warned that failure to do so would prompt democratic forces to decide on future political actions. He pointed out that while the Chief Adviser mentioned a December election in foreign media, he should have the courage to declare the same to local media. Criticizing those advocating local elections before national elections, Salahuddin claimed they fear their own standing in the national polls.

The AB Party has announced a daily public Iftar program during Ramadan, distributing healthy and nutritious meals to thousands of homeless and underprivileged individuals. Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju stated that the event will take place at the party’s central office every day at 5 PM. He raised concerns about artificial price hikes during Ramadan and the rise in criminal activities such as theft and robbery. He questioned why, despite the absence of a party-led government, the situation remains unchanged. “The government must pass this test of maintaining stability during Ramadan,” he asserted.

The Gano Odhikar Parishad has demanded the resignation of student advisers and student representatives from the National Citizen Party to ensure government neutrality. Nurul Haque Nur stated that although fascism fell through a mass uprising, domestic and foreign conspiracies have prevented the realization of public aspirations. While welcoming a new political party, he pointed out that one student adviser had resigned, but two others remain. He alleged that a handful of student leaders were interfering in administration, causing discontent. Nur demanded the resignation of the remaining two advisers for the sake of government neutrality and criticized the government’s inaction during a press conference.

The Financial Times has exposed secret global assets belonging to former Bangladeshi minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, revealing ownership of 482 properties worth $295 million. The Bangladeshi government is reportedly seeking to recover some of these assets. The investigation uncovered that Saifuzzaman owns forest land in Florida, luxury properties in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa, and significant real estate holdings across London. His portfolio includes:
• 315 properties in the UK
• 142 properties in Dubai
• 16 properties in New York
• 6 properties in Florida
• 3 properties in New Jersey

The report also found that Bangladeshi elites have acquired an estimated $578 million worth of properties in Singapore and Canada, raising further concerns about wealth accumulation abroad.

Local business owners in Tongi, Gazipur, staged a protest on Saturday at 11 AM, blocking the BRT flyover to demand the construction of a Bailey Bridge over the Turag River. The protest caused severe traffic congestion in both directions. After an hour, the blockade was lifted at noon. Among the protesters were leaders from the BNP’s Tongi East unit, including its president, Javed Ahmed Suman. Speakers at the protest highlighted that Tongi Bazaar has been a historic business hub, and the absence of a Bailey Bridge is severely impacting trade and causing financial losses to businesses and the government.