Senior BNP leader Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has dismissed the demand for a People’s Assembly election, calling it illogical and baseless. Speaking at an event, he stated that since Bangladesh already has a constitution, there is no need for such an election. He accused the ruling party of using the issue to delay the national elections. Tuku reiterated that BNP’s 31-point reform plan includes constitutional amendments after parliamentary elections but rejected any attempts to postpone the electoral process.

In a 24-hour crackdown, police in Chattogram arrested 39 leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League and its affiliated organizations. The arrests were made between Friday midnight and Saturday midnight. According to Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) sources, those arrested face charges under the Special Powers Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, and Penal Code for their alleged involvement in attacks on students and citizens during anti-discrimination protests. The suspects have been presented before the court.

The National Revolutionary Council has welcomed the recent admission by a former U.S. diplomat regarding Washington’s flawed role during the military-backed caretaker government of One-Eleven. The council stated that U.S. policies enabled the ruling League to seize power, leading to widespread repression of the people, for which the U.S. must take responsibility. They emphasized the need for America to provide compensation and rehabilitation for the victims. Additionally, the council called for an inquiry commission to assess India’s involvement in installing the League in power and its subsequent role in perpetuating fascist repression.

Akhtar Hossain, the secretary of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has demanded the immediate arrest and maximum punishment for those involved in the rape of an eight-year-old child. He stated that the criminals had gang-raped the child, and while two suspects have already been arrested, the party insists on ensuring the harshest penalties for all perpetrators. Akhtar Hossain also criticized the prevailing culture of impunity in Bangladesh regarding crimes like rape and urged law enforcement agencies to take greater responsibility. Earlier, an NCP delegation visited the victim at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman condemned the recent child rape case in Magura, calling it an attack on humanity. He expressed deep concern over the brutal assault on an eight-year-old girl by her own relatives. “This is not just a crime against a child; it is a betrayal of trust and an assault on humanity itself,” he said. Dr. Rahman blamed moral degradation for such incidents and emphasized the need for an Islamic education system to rebuild ethical values. “If Allah ever grants us the opportunity to govern this nation, our first priority will be educational reform,” he declared.

Nurul Islam Saddam, Secretary General of Islami Chhatra Shibir, stated that the growing culture of impunity is responsible for the rise in rape cases. He emphasized that, beyond judicial reforms, Bangladesh must address its moral and educational decline. Citing statistics, he claimed that over 6,000 rape incidents have occurred since 2020, with most cases going unpunished. “Women are marching in the streets demanding capital punishment for rapists, but Islam provided the ultimate solution 1,500 years ago—stoning to death,” he said. He also accused political groups of exploiting the issue while their own members are involved in such crimes.

On Sunday, a student leader from the Student Rights Council, Faridul Islam, held a press conference in Gazipur, claiming that a BNP leader had threatened his life. He also filed a general diary (GD) with the police regarding the incident. Faridul alleged that during a law-and-order meeting at the GMP Commissioner’s office on March 4, BNP leader Tanvir Siraj verbally abused him and issued death threats. “If anything happens to me, Tanvir Siraj will be responsible,” he stated. However, Tanvir Siraj denied the allegations, saying, “I have no enmity with Faridul Islam, nor do I have any cadre group that would harm him.”

Leaders of the AB Party held discussions with former U.S. ambassadors to Bangladesh, William B. Milam and John Danilovich. When asked about their stance on banning the Awami League, AB Party leaders emphasized the need for a national consensus. They stated that any decision regarding the ban should come through a National Consensus Commission. Asaduzzaman Fuad added that the delegation informed the former ambassadors that India is spreading false propaganda against Bangladesh. He urged the U.S. to continue its positive role in supporting democratic movements, including the recent mass uprising.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced a revised schedule for the party’s Iftar gatherings. The event for political parties will now be held on March 19, while the gathering for professionals will take place on March 21. BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will attend both events as the chief guest via video conference. The previously scheduled Iftar event on Sunday was postponed.

A court has ordered the freezing of 191 bank accounts belonging to Summit Group Chairman Aziz Khan, his family, and associated entities. The accounts hold Tk 4.17 billion ($41.74 million). The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) sought the order, citing suspicious transactions and concerns over possible money laundering. The ACC argued that these funds could be transferred abroad or concealed unless immediate action was taken.

A Gaibandha court has sent four suspects to jail in connection with the murder of Jamaat-e-Islami activist Shahabul Islam. The accused include Abdur Razzak Al Rohan, the organizational secretary of the Krishak League’s Sundarganj unit, along with three others. Shahabul was hacked to death at a polling station on January 5, 2014. Ten years later, his brother SM Shahjahan Kabir filed a case on October 22, 2024.

BNP leader Abdus Salam Pinto has accused allies of the fascist government of conspiring to dismantle the nation. He stated that remnants of the oppressive regime still exist in every corner of the country. Pinto urged people to pray during Ramadan for the eradication of fascist rule and called for a unified effort to resist conspiracies, restore democracy, and protect voting rights.

In response to the increasing violence, harassment, and sexual assault against women across the country, the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP's student wing) has announced a nationwide human chain protest on Monday in educational institutions. In a press statement, Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir urged all members to actively participate in the demonstration against deteriorating law and order and the prevailing culture of impunity.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has urged religious leaders and conscious citizens to take a stand against rapists. He emphasized that the perpetrators and their accomplices in the Magura child rape case must receive the highest punishment. He called on society to actively condemn and socially boycott rapists.

Recognizing women's undeniable role in the progress and advancement of civilization, Chhatra Shibir has called for safeguarding women's rights and ensuring their rightful dignity. In a statement, the organization highlighted that during the July uprising, women stood at the forefront alongside students and the public. Many sacrificed their lives in the fight for people's rights. On International Women's Day, Chhatra Shibir honors their bravery and sacrifice. The statement also pointed out that in the past five years, at least 11,758 women and girls have been victims of abuse, with 6,305 cases of rape. The organization strongly condemned these heinous crimes and demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrators while emphasizing the dignity and rights Islam grants to women.