Bangladesh feels deeply ashamed and apologizes to Sister Aciya after the tragic death of a child sexual assault victim in Magura. Hasnat Abdullah, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party, called for the rapists’ death penalty to set an example in the country’s judicial history. The child, who suffered abuse while visiting her sister’s house, passed away on March 13, 2025, despite medical efforts. The Bangladesh Army extended condolences to the grieving family and pledged support.

The Indian government has introduced the Immigration Control and Foreigners Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha to curb illegal immigration. The proposed law stipulates a five-year prison sentence and a fine of ₹500,000 for unauthorized entry into India.

The bill explicitly states that no foreigner posing a threat to India’s sovereignty will be permitted entry or residence. Immigration officers will have the authority to arrest suspects without a warrant for violations of immigration laws. Additionally, educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes will be required to report foreign nationals residing on their premises.

Forgery of documents will carry a prison term of two to seven years and a fine ranging from ₹100,000 to ₹1,000,000.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, expressed deep sorrow over the death of child Afsia, a victim of rape in Magura. In a post on his verified Facebook page, he called for the swift punishment of the perpetrators within 90 days and urged the nation to unite in denouncing rapists. Dr. Rahman also prayed for strength for Afsia’s family and all those grieving her loss. He emphasized the need for both individual and institutional efforts to combat such heinous crimes.

The trial for the rape and murder of 8-year-old Asia from Magura will begin within the next seven days, according to legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul. He stated, “We have already arranged to receive the post-mortem report today. Asia’s body will be flown by helicopter to Magura for burial, where government adviser Farida Akhter will be present with the family until the burial.” Dr. Nazrul also confirmed that DNA samples have been collected and expressed hope of receiving the report within five days. Furthermore, statements from 12-13 individuals have been recorded under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

A tragic accident in Chattogram’s Dohazari area on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar Highway has claimed the lives of three people, including two school-going siblings. Another student, Kazi Fahmida Washima Tushin (15), a ninth grader, was critically injured.

The accident occurred around 8:30 AM when a Chattogram-bound Purabi bus rammed into a battery-powered auto-rickshaw from behind. One student and the rickshaw driver died on the spot, while another student succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital.

The deceased have been identified as:
• Ruhul Amin (45), the auto-rickshaw driver
• Umme Habiba Rizvi (15), a school student
• Wakar Uddin Adil (12), a school student

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Islam has urged workers not to block highways in protest over unpaid wages and bonuses ahead of Eid. Speaking to reporters, he acknowledged that every worker has the right to timely wages and bonuses. He emphasized that while factories delaying payments would be held accountable, workers should not resort to road blockades that disrupt public movement. He assured that any grievances could be addressed through appropriate channels and that the police were committed to ensuring public safety during the holiday period. The IGP also noted that during Eid, when Dhaka and surrounding districts become relatively empty, law enforcement would take special measures to prevent theft and other crimes.

The Bangladesh government has extended the magistracy powers of armed forces officials for another 60 days. According to an official gazette notification, commissioned officers of the rank of Captain and above in the Bangladesh Army will continue to exercise special executive magistrate powers across the country. This extension, effective from March 15, 2025, will last for two months.

Renowned Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari has refused to accept the 2024 Wolf Prize, citing Israel’s atrocities in Gaza. The award, established in 1978, honors outstanding contributions in science and arts. Lari, Pakistan’s first registered female architect, has gained global recognition for her innovative designs and humanitarian work. Speaking to Dawn, she stated she had no choice but to reject the award as a stance against injustice. She has previously received prestigious honors, including the 2023 Royal Gold Medal for Architecture.

U.S. President Donald Trump has denied that Palestinians are being forcibly displaced from Gaza, contradicting his previous proposal to turn the region into a luxury destination. Earlier, Trump had suggested that the U.S. should seize control of Gaza and relocate its population, envisioning it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” In his initial proposal last month, he advocated for the permanent removal of Gaza’s nearly two million residents. However, his latest statement on Wednesday insists that no displacement is occurring.

Human rights organization Fortify Rights has urged Bangladesh and the Arakan Army to establish a ‘humanitarian corridor’ to facilitate aid and trade in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The group reported that Myanmar’s military junta has been obstructing humanitarian assistance, exacerbating the suffering of civilians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to discuss humanitarian needs on both sides of the border during his upcoming visit to Bangladesh. Over two million people in Rakhine are in urgent need of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid. Fortify Rights emphasized that establishing a corridor between Bangladesh and Myanmar is crucial for all affected communities.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Achia, a child who was a victim of rape in Magura. According to the Press Wing, the child passed away at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. Doctors declared her dead at 1 PM.

Dr. Yunus has also directed authorities to ensure swift justice for the perpetrators involved in the case.

The interim government is actively working to ensure quality healthcare for the people of Bangladesh, stated Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. In a message marking World Kidney Day, he emphasized that while modern kidney treatment is available in the country, it remains highly expensive. Therefore, alongside treatment, raising public awareness about kidney disease prevention is crucial.

Dr. Yunus also cited a World Health Organization (WHO) warning that by 2040, kidney disease could become the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Bangladesh is witnessing a rapid rise in kidney disease cases as well. This year’s World Kidney Day theme is: “Are your kidneys healthy? Get tested early, protect your kidney health.”

A business leader in Lakshmipur has apologized after publicly forcing several individuals to squat as punishment for eating at a restaurant without fasting during Ramadan. The incident sparked outrage after a video of the punishment went viral. Following police intervention, the trader issued an apology in a video message on Wednesday night, accompanied by the two victims, Munsurul Haque and Md. Saju. In the video, he was seen embracing the victims while expressing remorse. However, the elderly man with red hair and a beard, who was also involved in the incident, was notably absent from the video.

The condition of the child abuse victim in Magura remains extremely critical, according to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), as reported by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. On Thursday, it was revealed that the child suffered two more cardiac arrests today. The second time, it took nearly 30 minutes of CPR to revive them. The child’s brain is no longer functioning, with a GCS (coma) level of 3. Their blood pressure and oxygen levels are dangerously low. The child is currently receiving treatment at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of CMH Dhaka.

A total of 176 Bangladeshi migrants, who were detained or fell victim to human trafficking in Libya, returned home early Thursday morning. The Bangladesh Embassy in Libya had confirmed their repatriation on Wednesday. The embassy also announced that two more flights on March 19 and 26 will bring back over 300 additional Bangladeshis. Among the returnees, 106 were detained at Tripoli’s Tajoura Detention Center, while the remaining 70 voluntarily chose to return due to distressing conditions. The repatriation was facilitated through coordinated efforts by the embassy and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).