The Jagannath University branch of the University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) has demanded the resignation of the university’s current vice-chancellor. In a press release signed by branch president Professor Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin on Sunday, the organization alleged that the vice-chancellor has prioritized political agendas over institutional development, leading to instability on campus.

According to the statement, Jagannath College was converted into a university in 2005 but has since struggled to achieve its goals due to political influences. Following the mass uprising of August 5, 2024, controversies reportedly arose over the appointment of the current vice-chancellor. UTAB claimed that the vice-chancellor failed to implement the outcomes of joint movements by teachers, students, and staff, and that recent clashes during the university journalists’ association election further disrupted campus stability.

The UTAB branch expressed no confidence in the vice-chancellor and urged him to resign respectfully. It also warned of complete non-cooperation if he refuses to step down.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that a comprehensive plan has been adopted to bring a major transformation to Bangladesh’s communication system under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Speaking on Sunday after inspecting the Diabari Metro Rail Depot following a ride from the Secretariat Station, he said visible improvements in the transport sector would soon be achieved with the cooperation of all stakeholders, ensuring safe and comfortable travel for citizens.

The minister noted that the metro rail has already gained public trust as a successful and commuter-friendly project. He added that the government is considering introducing monorail services in densely populated areas, viewing metro rail as the backbone of the transport network. The government aims to build an integrated modern public transport system combining monorail, metro rail, and bus services in the capital.

At a separate coordination meeting, State Minister for Bridges and Shipping Rajib Ahsan instructed agencies to prepare for safe and smooth Eid travel, emphasizing early identification and resolution of potential challenges at bridges.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) has called on people to pray for an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He made the appeal on Sunday evening while addressing an iftar gathering at Gulshan Central Mosque in Dhaka, hosted by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman.

During his speech, the minister urged everyone to pray for the protection of Bangladesh and for divine help in resolving the nation’s problems. He also requested prayers for protection from conspiracies by adversaries. Additionally, he sought prayers for the souls of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, as well as for the well-being of Prime Minister Tareq Rahman.

The event concluded with a special prayer for peace, prosperity, and progress of the country, the nation, and the Muslim Ummah. The Director General of the Islamic Foundation, A. Salam Khan, mosque committee leaders, and around 10,000 fasting participants attended the gathering.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the lack of transparency in state decision-making and the continued ineffectiveness of the Information Commission. At a press conference organized by the Right to Information Forum in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi on Sunday, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that even during the interim government, there was a lack of goodwill in ensuring the right to information, and many government decisions were made in secrecy.

He stated that despite the existence of the Right to Information Act, the commission had been rendered ineffective during the 16 years of the Awami League government, and the same situation persisted under the interim administration. He added that the failure to form the commission for one and a half years, despite legal obligations, was embarrassing and reflected a disregard for public trust.

The Right to Information Forum presented several demands to improve access to information, including forming a politically neutral commission, incorporating proposed amendments before presenting the ordinance to parliament, and ensuring public consultation before finalizing any legal changes.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that military cooperation between Iran and Russia remains ongoing and is not a new development. In an interview with NBC, he described the relationship as a long-standing strategic partnership, emphasizing that it has existed for many years and continues to this day.

When asked whether Iran is receiving assistance from Russia, Araghchi said the two countries have maintained military ties for a long time. He added that while he does not have detailed military information about whether Russia is helping Iran identify U.S. targets, the relationship between the two nations is very strong.

Araghchi reiterated that the cooperation is not secret and will continue into the future, underscoring the enduring nature of Iran-Russia strategic relations.

National Citizens Party (NCP) member secretary and parliamentarian Akhtar Hossain has accused BNP lawmakers of violating the July Charter implementation order on the day of their oath-taking. Speaking at a discussion titled “Constitutional Recognition of July: Citizen Expectations from the Government and New Parliament” at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka, he urged BNP MPs not to fall into conspiracies and instead participate in the nation-building process.

Hossain stated that under Article 8 of the July Charter order, MPs were required to take an oath both as members of parliament and as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, which BNP MPs failed to do. He said this omission disrespected the people’s sovereign will. He also criticized BNP for shifting its stance on the referendum and attempting to challenge its outcome in court.

Hossain called on BNP MPs to take the Constitutional Reform Council oath before the next parliamentary session on March 12. He emphasized that NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami members had already taken their oaths and were committed to fulfilling their public responsibilities.

Allegations of irregularities and obstruction in nomination paper distribution have surfaced surrounding the Barishal District Lawyers Association executive council election. Former secretary and senior lawyer Kazi Munirul Hasan raised the complaints at a press conference held on Sunday afternoon at the Barishal Press Club. He claimed that despite approaching the chief election officer twice on March 5 to collect nomination papers for the president post, he was denied the forms both times, prompting anger among attending lawyers.

In his written statement, Hasan described the 146-year-old Barishal District Lawyers Association as a non-political professional organization representing lawyers from diverse backgrounds. He expressed concern that attempts were being made to turn the upcoming election into a one-sided process, contrasting it with the recently held national election, which he said was conducted in a free and democratic environment.

Hasan urged the authorities to announce a new election schedule to ensure a fair and acceptable process. Several pro-Awami League lawyers, including Delwar Hossain Dilu and Anwar Hossain Mizan, were present at the press conference.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman extended heartfelt greetings to women in Bangladesh and around the world on International Women’s Day. In a Facebook post on Sunday, he acknowledged women’s indispensable contributions to family, society, economy, and nation-building.

Dr. Rahman emphasized the need for a Bangladesh where women have fair opportunities in education, employment, and leadership, and where workplace and wage discrimination are eliminated. He urged the state and society to stand firmly against violence, harassment, and humiliation of women, and called for collective efforts to increase female participation in science, technology, education, and innovation.

He added that a just society built on morality, humanity, and family values can ensure women’s true dignity, stressing that every woman, regardless of religion or community, deserves respect and cooperation. He concluded by expressing hope for a Bangladesh where every woman can live safely and move toward a promising future.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has issued a show-cause notice to Ashraful Islam, president of the party’s Ramna Thana unit, for filing a case against Nasiruddin Patwari, the chief organizer of the National Coordination Platform (NCP). The notice, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, was issued on Sunday. It stated that Ashraful Islam filed the case without party approval, violating organizational discipline, and was instructed to submit a written explanation to the party’s central office in Naya Paltan within 48 hours.

Earlier that morning, Ashraful Islam had filed a case with the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Hasan Shahadat’s court against Nasiruddin Patwari, accusing him of criminal intimidation and defamation of Mirza Abbas, the Prime Minister’s political adviser and a BNP Standing Committee member.

The BNP leadership’s action underscores its emphasis on maintaining internal discipline and centralized decision-making in handling legal or political disputes involving party members.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has called on citizens to refrain from creating unrest and to allow the current government to function. Speaking as the chief guest at an iftar gathering organized by the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in Kakrail, Dhaka, on Sunday evening, he emphasized the need for stability and patience among those seeking the government’s downfall. Abbas cautioned against provocative actions and urged people to prioritize national stability.

He stated that a democratic government has come to power after 18 years and should be given the opportunity to work until the next election, when the public can decide its fate. Abbas also criticized attempts to blame the current administration for the failures of previous governments and rejected efforts to hold the BNP responsible for past governance issues. He said the BNP is working to revive the nation and expressed hope that acting chairman Tarique Rahman would continue the legacy of past BNP leaders in rebuilding Bangladesh.

Abbas concluded by urging those attempting to topple the government to put the country’s stability first.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has alleged that the ruling party came to power through engineered election results and has forgotten the spirit of the July Revolution. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and iftar gathering organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Barishal Metropolitan on Sunday, he said the people are preparing for the future and that Jamaat will participate in all upcoming local government elections, including district, upazila, and union council polls.

During his speech, Parwar emphasized that the Quran, revealed in the month of Ramadan, is a complete code of life and a guide for justice. He said that establishing a Quran-based society requires pious individuals in every sphere of the state, from police officers to ministers. Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal, speaking as a special guest, claimed that votes cast in favor of Islam were taken away, citing a former adviser’s statement as evidence.

The event was presided over by Jamaat central working committee member and Barishal city chief Maulana Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babar, with several other local leaders also addressing the gathering.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has questioned why the BNP opposes implementing the July Charter, which was endorsed by a national referendum. Speaking at an iftar event in Dhaka’s Kakrail on Sunday, he urged the BNP to honor its earlier commitment to the people, noting that 69 percent of voters supported the reform agenda. He warned that ignoring this mandate would mean disregarding the entire July framework that underpins national unity and governance.

Dr. Rahman said Jamaat accepted the election results despite grievances, emphasizing that acceptance does not mean tolerating injustice. He alleged that the election outcome was manipulated, depriving many of their rights, and vowed to continue the struggle through legal, political, and parliamentary means. He also condemned attacks on Iran’s sovereignty as violations of international law and called on the United Nations to act to preserve global peace.

Speakers at the event reiterated their commitment to implementing the July Charter and ensuring justice for past killings, warning that any deviation from the July spirit could trigger renewed public protests.

The Dhaka University branch of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a 21-member committee for its 2026 session. The announcement was made on Sunday through a press release signed by branch president Mohiuddin Khan. The release listed the names and positions of newly appointed secretaries, including Asif Imam as office secretary, Miftahul Hossain Al Maruf as publicity and media secretary, and several others assigned to various organizational roles.

According to the statement, the committee includes secretaries for departments such as human resource development, education and training, sports, student rights, IT, international affairs, and science. The announcement follows an earlier partial committee declaration on January 5, when Mohiuddin Khan was named president, Ashiqur Rahman general secretary, and Sajjad Hossain Khan organizational secretary.

The formation of the full committee marks the completion of the Dhaka University branch’s leadership structure for the 2026 session, consolidating its organizational framework for upcoming activities.

Iran has declared that it will not accept any foreign interference in the process of selecting its new Supreme Leader. Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated that the decision is entirely an internal matter for Iran. Speaking to NBC, Aragchi confirmed that the Assembly of Experts will be responsible for choosing the next Supreme Leader and that the process will take place soon.

He emphasized that Iran’s political institutions, including the presidency, cabinet, and parliament, continue to function normally. Aragchi also responded to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, reiterating that Iran will not tolerate any external involvement in its domestic affairs.

Aragchi stressed that the selection of a new leader is solely the concern of the Iranian people and not of any other country.

At a citizens’ dialogue held on Sunday at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka, participants warned that failure to implement the July Charter could lead to political instability and division in the country. They emphasized the need for visible government action and responsible engagement from all political forces to safeguard national unity. The event, titled “Constitutional Recognition of July and Citizens’ Expectations from the New Parliament,” was organized by the newly formed platform Ganovote Bastobayon Nagorik Forum.

Speakers included civil society leaders, academics, human rights activists, and representatives from several political parties. Badiul Alam Majumdar of Sujan said the solution to the ongoing referendum debate lies in the government’s July Charter implementation order and the people’s verdict, not in the constitution. Other participants, including lawyer Shishir Monir and activist Shahidul Alam, cautioned against judicial involvement in political matters and urged respect for the people’s mandate.

Several speakers called for political compromise and warned that ignoring the July Charter could reopen divisions and invite instability, urging the government to act swiftly in the national interest.