A case has been filed against Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the NCP, for allegedly making defamatory and threatening remarks against Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, the Prime Minister’s political adviser and a BNP Standing Committee member. The case was lodged on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Hasan Shahadat by Md Ashraful Islam, president of the Ramna unit of the Nationalist Party. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Md Amirul Islam Amir, confirmed that the application had been submitted and that a hearing on its admissibility would take place later in the day.

According to the complaint, Patwari had made false and defamatory statements during and after the 13th parliamentary election, in which he lost to Mirza Abbas. The plaintiff alleged that Patwari continued spreading such remarks through social media and online news outlets, including a Facebook post on March 5 that went viral. The statements reportedly damaged Mirza Abbas’s reputation and were described as offensive and uncivil. The complaint also requested the issuance of an arrest warrant against Patwari.

Bangladesh observed International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, emphasizing women’s empowerment, rights, and social roles. The article outlines that despite notable progress in education, health, and political participation, women in Bangladesh continue to face structural and cultural challenges. The country has achieved significant milestones since independence, including legal reforms such as the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and the Acid Crime Prevention Act, aimed at protecting women’s rights.

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report, Bangladesh ranks highest in South Asia for women’s empowerment, though gender gaps persist in education, health, and employment. Women’s labor force participation reached 42.7% in 2020, but most remain in informal sectors without adequate protection. Political participation has improved, with 85 women contesting the 13th national election and seven elected to parliament. However, patriarchal norms still limit women’s authority in reserved seats.

The article stresses that women’s empowerment is essential for national development. It calls for stronger measures to ensure equal pay, safe workplaces, expanded education in science and technology, and improved maternal health services, particularly in rural areas.

Several political groups formed after the July 2024 uprising, including the National Citizens Party (NCP), have begun renewed discussions on building a broader alliance. Following the end of the interim government and the formation of a new administration, these groups are reassessing their strategies to strengthen organizational capacity, reactivate inactive leaders, and unify fragmented July-aligned platforms. Some factions that split from the NCP, such as those led by former adviser Mahfuz Alam, have launched new political platforms but are expected to maintain implicit support for the July movement’s goals.

The discussions are driven by concerns over the ruling party’s stance on the July National Charter for constitutional reform, the High Court’s rule on its implementation, and fears of authoritarian resurgence. NCP leaders have criticized the government’s approach to justice and reform, pledging to uphold the July Charter and resist any rollback. The party has formed two new committees to monitor reform implementation and justice for July-related killings.

Amid these developments, the NCP is working to reintegrate former members, attract allied groups such as the AB Party and UP Bangladesh, and prepare for coordinated political action to pressure the government into fulfilling reform commitments.

U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed Iran for a deadly bombing at a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, that killed at least 165 people. Speaking to reporters at Dover Air Force Base on Saturday, Trump dismissed suggestions that the United States was involved in the attack, asserting, “It was Iran.” He also said he had no indication of Russian involvement or evidence that Russia was assisting Iran.

Trump further commented on Kurdish forces, stating that he did not want Kurdish fighters to enter Iran. He added that the U.S. goal was to see a president in Iran who would not lead the country into war.

The bombing in Minab has sparked widespread international attention and debate over who was actually responsible. Discussions and disputes continue among various parties regarding the true perpetrators of the attack.

U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed Iran for a deadly bombing at a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, that killed at least 165 people. Speaking to reporters at Dover Air Force Base on Saturday, Trump dismissed suggestions that the United States was involved in the attack, asserting, “It was Iran.” He also said he had no indication of Russian involvement or evidence that Russia was assisting Iran.

Trump further commented on Kurdish forces, stating that he did not want Kurdish fighters to enter Iran. He added that the U.S. goal was to see a president in Iran who would not lead the country into war.

The bombing in Minab has sparked widespread international attention and debate over who was actually responsible. Discussions and disputes continue among various parties regarding the true perpetrators of the attack.

A violent clash erupted between local activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Sakoa village of Mohanpur upazila, Rajshahi, on Saturday night. The confrontation occurred around 8 p.m. during a discussion over appointing an imam for the upcoming Eid prayer. According to local Jamaat leaders, one Jamaat activist named Alauddin was killed in the incident.

Following the death, Jamaat supporters blocked the Rajshahi-Naogaon highway and set fires on the road. Witnesses reported that the dispute began when both groups insisted on appointing their preferred candidate as imam for the Eid congregation. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, leaving several people injured. Alauddin was taken to a local hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Police have deployed additional forces to control the situation. Mohanpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge S.M. Moinuddin confirmed the death and said the situation is now under control.

A Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) student activist was reportedly attacked and injured by Awami League members in Chatkhil upazila of Noakhali on Saturday evening. The incident occurred at Korihati Bazar, where the victim, identified as Md. Faisal, claimed he was assaulted after returning home from Dhaka. Faisal went live on Facebook while injured, stating that Awami League activists attacked him suddenly after iftar, leaving injuries on his hands, head, and back, and also vandalized his shop.

Faisal alleged that despite the BNP being in power, Awami League supporters carried out the attack. He demanded justice from Mahbub Uddin Khokon, a Member of Parliament. Chatkhil Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Mannan confirmed the incident, saying police visited the scene and advised the parties to come to the station. He added that legal action would follow upon receiving a formal complaint.

The report did not mention any arrests or official statements from Awami League representatives regarding the incident.

A protest rally and meeting were held in Banshkhali, Chattogram, on March 7, 2026, against alleged mob violence led by BNP leader Delwar Azim. The incident reportedly involved preventing High Court–reinstated chairman Rezaul Karim Chowdhury Yunus Munshi from entering the Baharchhara Union Parishad office, vandalizing property, and looting materials. The protest, jointly organized by a faction of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, drew several thousand participants who condemned the attack and demanded accountability.

Speakers at the rally said the chairman had regained his position through a High Court order after a prolonged legal process but faced obstruction from Azim’s supporters. They warned that any future attempt to block the chairman’s duties through violence would be met with strong resistance. Delwar Azim denied involvement, claiming he was in Chattogram city during the incident.

The dispute follows administrative delays in implementing the court’s directive to reinstate the chairman, leading to tensions and administrative paralysis in Baharchhara Union. Local residents and political circles have expressed concern over the ongoing uncertainty.

An iftar and discussion event organized by the Sylhet Metropolitan Journalists Union (SMJU) was held in Sylhet’s Ambarkhana area on Saturday, attended by government officials, university vice-chancellors, journalists, and civic leaders. Labor, Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury was present as the chief guest.

In his pre-iftar remarks, the minister referred to the current instability in the Middle East and urged all concerned to act responsibly. He emphasized that ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates remains a top priority. He stated that under the Prime Minister’s directive, a monitoring cell has been formed, and three ministries are working jointly to maintain constant communication to safeguard Bangladeshi workers abroad. Chowdhury reaffirmed that the government stands by expatriates during this critical period.

The event concluded with a special prayer for peace and welfare of the nation and the Muslim community, followed by iftar with attending guests and journalists.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) is set to launch its women's organization, 'Nari Shakti', on Sunday in Dhaka. The inauguration event will take place at 10 a.m. at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha. The program will mark the official beginning of the new wing under the NCP’s structure.

According to the NCP, the event will also include a discussion on the growing violence against women and the need for justice in rape cases. NCP Convener Nahid Islam will attend the program as the chief guest. The initiative aims to highlight women’s issues and strengthen the party’s engagement with gender-related social concerns.

The launch of 'Nari Shakti' signals the NCP’s effort to expand its organizational presence and address pressing issues affecting women in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women’s affairs secretary, Nurunnisa Siddika, extended greetings and congratulations to all women in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion of International Women’s Day. In a statement issued on Saturday, March 7, she said that true empowerment of women is possible only when their safety and dignity are ensured both at home and in society.

Siddika emphasized that March 8 is a day to reaffirm commitments to women’s rights, security, and human dignity. She noted that the theme of this year’s observance, “Today’s steps for tomorrow’s justice—protecting the rights of women and girls,” should be implemented in real life rather than remain symbolic. She expressed concern over recent incidents of violence and insecurity affecting women and girls in Bangladesh.

She added that Islam grants women the highest honor and that ensuring their God-given rights can help build a just and humane society. Siddika called on families, communities, and the state to play responsible roles in creating an environment where women can live safely and contribute fully to national development.

Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her campaign ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Speaking from a protest stage, she warned that if the central government and the BJP continue their actions, she would bring down the Delhi government. Banerjee demanded free and peaceful elections in West Bengal and condemned the alleged large-scale exclusion of names from the voter list.

On the second day of her sit-in protest at Dharmatala, which began on Friday, Banerjee declared that the movement would continue until the full bench of the Election Commission visits the state. She reportedly spent the previous night at the protest site. In a separate announcement, Banerjee said that beneficiaries of the state’s 'Yubasathi' (Yubashree) project would start receiving their 1,500-rupee allowance directly in their bank accounts from Saturday, March 7, instead of waiting until April 1.

She also called on the public to take to the streets on Sunday with kitchen utensils to protest the recent rise in cooking gas prices.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all women around the world on the occasion of International Women’s Day, observed on Saturday, March 7, 2026. In his message, he emphasized that sustainable national development is only possible when women’s rights, education, health, safety, and participation are ensured. He described this year’s theme, “Today’s steps, tomorrow’s justice—protect the rights of women and girls,” as highly significant, noting that women make up nearly half of the global population.

The Prime Minister highlighted the historical contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia to women’s political and economic empowerment, including the establishment of the Women’s Affairs Department in 1976 and the creation of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in 1994. He also mentioned initiatives such as free education for girls up to grade twelve and the current government’s “Family Card” program to strengthen women’s economic empowerment.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring women’s participation in education, economy, health, and politics, and stressed strict measures against cyberbullying and online harassment to guarantee women’s safety.

A week after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran, instability has spread across the Middle East. Despite the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and heavy attacks on Iranian forces, the conflict has escalated into a regional war. President Donald Trump now faces growing challenges in turning military gains into a clear geopolitical victory, with analysts warning of prolonged U.S. involvement.

Experts describe the campaign, named Operation Epic Fury, as the largest U.S. military action since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Trump’s administration says its goals are to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and prevent nuclear weapons development, but critics note the lack of a defined endgame. Rising oil prices due to halted tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and growing voter opposition ahead of midterm elections have added pressure. Some Gulf allies and U.S. strategists have also questioned the political wisdom of the war.

Analysts warn that the economic shock and regional backlash could undermine U.S. influence and Trump’s domestic standing if the conflict continues without a clear resolution.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman hosted an iftar gathering with orphans and Islamic scholars at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Saturday. During the event, he announced a government plan to make zakat management more effective and targeted to combat poverty. Rahman said that with structured and goal-oriented distribution, zakat could play a decisive role in eradicating poverty within 10 to 15 years.

He explained that while many wealthy individuals in Bangladesh already pay zakat privately or through the government’s Zakat Board, the lack of organized distribution limits its impact. Citing research estimates of annual zakat amounts exceeding Tk 20,000–25,000 crore, he emphasized that better planning could transform zakat into a powerful poverty alleviation tool. Rahman proposed identifying poor families and providing targeted zakat support to help them become self-reliant.

Rahman also urged Islamic scholars to raise awareness among the wealthy about responsible zakat distribution and suggested reorganizing the national Zakat Board under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. He expressed hope that Bangladesh could become a model for zakat-based poverty reduction in the Islamic world.