BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that there will be no national consensus on holding the parliamentary and constituent assembly elections simultaneously. He made this remark in a recent interview with Reuters’ Nahid Islam following a proposal to hold both elections together. Salahuddin emphasized that the constituent assembly is solely a forum for drafting the constitution, while the national parliament has the authority to amend it comprehensively. He further added that the proposed extensive amendments would essentially create a new constitution. Additionally, he urged political figures to avoid using unnecessary and politically irrelevant terminology.

After 11 years, Jamaat-e-Islami hosted an Iftar with foreign diplomats in Dhaka on Saturday. The party’s Amir, Shafiqul Rahman, explained that this was not possible during the previous Awami League-led government. He emphasized that an interim government must undertake reforms within state structures to ensure Bangladesh never loses its way again. Rahman further stated that Jamaat has strongly supported proportional representation elections in the country, believing this system will better reflect the people’s will and prevent the return of fascist rule.

A press release sent by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday stated that BNP has postponed its previously scheduled Iftar program with political parties. The statement read, “The Iftar and prayer gathering, organized by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on March 9 with various political parties, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.”

Seven individuals, including Salahuddin Salman, a leader of the anti-discrimination movement, have been sent to jail over charges of vandalizing the business premises of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s uncle, Sheikh Kabir, and extorting 300,000 Taka. Seven minors involved in the case have been sent to the Tongi Juvenile Development Center. The court rejected their bail applications and ordered their detention.

NCP leader Sergis Alam expressed that protecting mothers and sisters from exploitation has become a significant challenge. He criticized the state for failing to provide adequate safety for women, stating that the country must ensure security for all citizens. He urged that personal beliefs should not be forced on others, and the law enforcement agencies must be proactive in preventing harassment, particularly in mob culture, which he believes would prove the law enforcement system’s failure if not addressed. Sergis also spoke about his commitment to promoting women’s leadership in the NCP starting in July.

At a protest rally on Saturday afternoon, Samantha Sharmin asserted that questionable laws cannot guarantee women’s safety. She emphasized that violence against women is incompatible with a peaceful society and that citizen safety, including women’s safety, is under threat in the country. She also criticized the government for suppressing women’s rights over the past 53 years, and in reference to the recent rape of an 8-year-old girl in Magura, Sharmin called for justice on the streets, stating that it proves the persistence of a fascist system. She highlighted the need to bring women’s leadership into the restructuring of the state’s power framework.

Hasnat Abdullah has stated that the anti-discrimination student movement will continue its activities as a platform for a mass uprising. He emphasized that no one, under the guise of coordination, will be allowed to take special privileges or engage in illegal activities. Anyone doing so will be judged according to existing laws. He further mentioned that in many countries, platforms for mass uprisings have continued to operate even after the uprisings, and similarly, this platform will continue its cultural activities and fight against discrimination. It will always play a vocal role against fascism and demand justice.

The National Independent Investigation Commission has summoned 15 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, General Aziz, and Fazle Noor Taposh, to testify regarding the BDR massacre.

Others on the list include Sheikh Selim, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mirza Azam, Bahauddin Nasim, retired Generals Muhammad Shamsul Alam, Molla Fazle Akbar, Moeen U Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud Khandaker, Abdul Kahar Akand, Noor Mohammad, and Monirul Islam.

According to an official statement, their testimonies are deemed essential, and they may appear in person at the commission’s office or testify via online video conference. The commission has been instructed to complete the testimony process by March 31.

Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day at Dhaka University, Salahuddin Ahmed expressed grave concern over the increasing violence against women and children in Bangladesh. “The country’s image is being tarnished both nationally and internationally due to these incidents. Perpetrators must be dealt with harshly,” he said. Ahmed further questioned whether these acts were part of a deeper fascist conspiracy and urged strict measures to root them out. He also reiterated the commitment to women’s empowerment, stating that increasing women’s participation in parliament is a constitutional and legal priority under the 31-point program.

A violent clash broke out between two groups in Madaripur over a dispute for dominance. In the incident, two brothers, Saiful Sardar (40) and Ataur Sardar (35), were hacked to death. Among the three injured, one named Palash Sardar succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Additionally, several houses belonging to Ataur and his relatives were set on fire. Police have arrested two suspects, and extra police forces have been deployed in the area. Reports indicate that Saiful, an Awami League leader, had been attempting to maintain his influence following the government’s downfall, which led to a feud with Shahjahan and Union Parishad Chairman Zainal Mollah. The clash was a result of this ongoing conflict.

On Friday afternoon, the secretary of Jatiya Chhatra Shibir raised questions about the funding sources of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in a Facebook post, responding to similar inquiries about his own organization’s finances. JCD General Secretary Nasir Uddin had earlier questioned how Chhatra Shibir was able to spend BDT 300,000 daily on mass Iftar programs. “Our question is, where do they get so much money from? What is their source of income?” he asked.

Tarique Rahman spoke with the mother of the abused child in Magura over the phone on Saturday. He assured her of full support, including medical treatment for the child. He also assigned overall responsibility for the matter to Dhaka South Jubo Dal’s Member Secretary, Rabiul Islam Nayan.

Speaking to journalists, Nayan stated that Tarique Rahman has taken full responsibility for the child’s medical treatment as well as the family’s well-being. “He has instructed us to ensure that the impoverished family does not feel helpless in any way,” Nayan said. Additionally, Tarique Rahman has emphasized the need to remain vigilant so that the perpetrators do not escape justice.

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.