On International Women’s Day, BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman took to Facebook to advocate for women’s empowerment, gender equality, and progress. He acknowledged three extraordinary women in his life—his mother, wife, and daughter—stating that they have been his greatest inspirations. “I have always strived to ensure every opportunity, success, and happiness for them,” he wrote. He further expressed confidence that many others share the same sentiment. Rahman emphasized that every woman deserves the same dignity, protection, and opportunities as men. He also highlighted BNP’s initiatives, such as the ‘Family Card’ program, SME loans for female entrepreneurs, and various educational and vocational training projects, as key efforts in promoting women’s empowerment.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has warned that the recent rise in harassment against women across the country could be part of a conspiracy to portray Bangladesh as an ultra-conservative nation on the global stage. He expressed concern that extremist groups might be fueling such incidents, leaving women feeling increasingly unsafe. Rizvi called for a government elected by the people to ensure women’s security and empowerment. He also emphasized BNP’s commitment to women’s development, promising comprehensive measures for their progress in all sectors. Furthermore, he questioned how legally banned groups could hold rallies and urged the government to remain vigilant against the resurgence of extremism.

NCP leader Sarjis Alam has clarified that his calls for Sheikh Hasina’s trial are unrelated to demands for postponing the elections.

“We demand justice for the mass killings carried out under her orders. Thousands of people were murdered, and their families still don’t know where their loved ones were buried. The least we can expect is justice,” Alam stated.

Previously, he had made a controversial remark, saying, “No one should talk about elections until Sheikh Hasina is brought back and executed.”

His comments have sparked intense political debate over justice and electoral processes.

The National Coordination Party (NCP) has strongly condemned recent cases of violence and harassment against women.

In a statement, the party cited a recent incident where a female Dhaka University student was harassed by a staff member. Even while in police custody, the accused reportedly made derogatory comments about the victim in a media interview.

NCP also highlighted the case of a child being raped in Magura and ongoing cyber harassment targeting female activists. The party denounced these incidents as threats to public safety and demanded strict legal action and justice for the victims.

In response to the rising incidents of violence, harassment, and cyber abuse against women, the National Coordination Party (NCP) has announced a protest rally. The event will take place on Saturday at 4:00 PM in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh.

The demonstration aligns with International Women’s Day 2025, advocating for stronger measures to ensure women’s safety and cyber protection.

Key NCP figures, including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Conveners Samanta Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adib, and Senior Joint Secretaries Tasnim Zarah and Nahida Sarwar Chowdhury, are expected to attend.

The Gana Adhikar Parishad has extended an invitation to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for an Iftar event. The invitation was received by senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Friday night.

According to a statement from the party, a delegation led by spokesperson Faruk Hasan delivered the invitation. The event, scheduled for March 13 at Hotel SkyCity in Malibagh, aims to honor political leaders and commemorate the martyrs of the July-August revolution.

On Friday at around 4:30 PM, police arrested four members of the banned extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir from Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The arrested individuals are Rafsan Ahmed Sajjad (22), Redwan Hasan (21), Habibur Rahman (24), and Abdullah (20).

Earlier that day, the group attempted to hold a protest march in Paltan, prompting police to disperse them using batons, tear gas shells, and sound grenades. Injured member Rafsan was taken to Dhaka Medical by his three associates, who were later arrested.

Shahbagh police confirmed the arrests and stated that legal action is being taken.

An audio clip recently surfaced on the Facebook account of Assistant Press Secretary Fayez Ahmed, revealing a conversation involving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In the clip, Hasina can be heard instructing authorities to “shoot directly” whenever possible.

During the conversation, an intelligence officer inquired whether suspects could be arrested overnight based on photographic evidence. Hasina responded, “I have ordered all of them to be arrested at night.” The intelligence officer then acknowledged the instruction.

Hasina further stated, “I have instructed the RAB, DGFI, and everyone else to capture as many as possible.” She added, “Wherever gatherings are spotted, take action from above—we have already started in some locations.”

Upon learning about movements near Mohammadpur Police Station, Hasina directed RAB to be sent to the area. She then gave an explicit order, saying, “I have issued an open directive—use lethal weapons, shoot on sight.”

The conversation raises serious concerns regarding the government’s handling of security operations.

Rashed Pradhan, spokesperson for the National Democratic Party, stated that the Awami League has consistently distorted history to sell the spirit of the liberation war. He claimed that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not seek the independence of Bangladesh but aspired to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Pradhan highlighted that Sheikh Mujib concluded his speech on March 7 by saying “Long Live Pakistan.” He also discussed the distortion of history from the 1971 war and stressed the need to learn from the past. Pradhan emphasized that to build a sovereign and prosperous Bangladesh, the country’s united efforts must reject Awami League’s policies and Indian dominance.

In a press conference on Friday, the Nationalist Student Party (JSD) rejected allegations made by Sarjish Alam, the spokesperson of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), regarding the North South University student protests. The student group called the accusations ‘baseless and fabricated.’ They also questioned the funding sources of the NCP, citing concerns over financial support from wealthy individuals and the Student Shibir’s iftar funds. The student group condemned Alam’s post, which labeled North South University students as ‘terrorists, criminals, and beggars,’ and warned that blaming the student group for internal party disputes was a deliberate lie.

Speaking to worshippers after Friday prayers at Khilgaon Chourasta Jame Mosque in Dhaka, BNP leader Mirza Abbas declared that no criminal would be spared, regardless of their affiliation.

“If the police release any extortionist upon someone’s request, I will personally recommend action against that officer to the higher authorities,” he stated. Abbas emphasized that extortionists and terrorists must be resisted, regardless of their political alignment.

He further warned that if any BNP leader lobbies for the release of extortionists and criminals, they too must be handed over to the law. “During autocratic rule, no one could raise their voice in protest, which emboldened those in power. We must resist extortionists,” he asserted.

On Friday afternoon, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam stated that the identities of ‘Anti-Discrimination’ or ‘Coordinator’ no longer exist. He urged legal action against anyone misusing these identities for wrongdoing.

Nahid mentioned that the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is no longer in its previous state; instead, a student organization has emerged from it. Addressing a Reuters interview, he clarified that some statements were misquoted. “I had mentioned that our financial support mainly comes from well-off individuals and well-wishers in society. We are moving towards a crowdfunding approach,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence against women, including rape and harassment, across different parts of the country. The National Citizens’ Party strongly condemns these incidents.

Police arrested Rishad Hasan Prince, a former central committee member of the banned student wing and ex-vice president of Barguna District Student League, in Barguna Municipality on Friday. He was later presented in court under a special powers act case filed by a youth wing leader, and the court ordered his imprisonment. Barguna Sadar police station officer-in-charge Dewan Jaglul Hasan confirmed that Rishad was arrested based on intelligence reports.

The central committee of the student wing expelled Gazipur district leader Ramiz Uddin Saikat (30) following allegations of assaulting a businessman in Sreepur on Friday. According to reports, the businessman, Enamul Haque Munshi, refused to give Saikat a watermelon without payment, leading to the altercation. While Saikat denied the allegations, claiming that false information was spread against him, eyewitnesses stated that he assaulted Munshi after being refused free goods. Saikat, a former joint general secretary of the district student wing, maintained that the businessman was overpricing the watermelons and attacked him when he protested.

Sarjis Alam clarified that he does not hold the entire student front responsible for the attack on him in Bashundhara Residential Area. He specifically accused Ahmed Shakil, a central committee member of the student wing, of intentionally creating a tense and uncomfortable situation. Sarjis stated, “My stance is clear—the attack is not the fault of the entire Bangladesh Student Front, but rather an individual, Shakil. Since he is an official member of the organization, the student front should conduct a proper investigation and take disciplinary action against him.”