A college student named Juhamul Islam testified as the fifth witness before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday in the case concerning crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The case involves death row convicts Salman F Rahman, former adviser on industry and investment to Sheikh Hasina, and former law minister Anisul Huq. Juhamul described being shot during the protests at Mirpur 10 Circle on July 19, 2024, when security forces and political activists allegedly opened fire on demonstrators.

According to his statement, a bullet entered his left chest and exited through the right side, fracturing bone. He showed his injury marks to the tribunal. He recounted being taken by rickshaw pullers and others to several hospitals, including Shaheed Suhrawardy and Mahakhali Chest Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He also alleged that members of the student wing of the ruling party later harassed injured protesters at the hospital.

Juhamul held former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Anisul Huq, and Salman F Rahman responsible for the incident and demanded justice.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) recognized outstanding contributions to law enforcement and crime control across the city. At the monthly crime review meeting for February, held on March 12, 2026, at DMP Headquarters, top-performing police units and officers were honored. Acting Commissioner Md. Sarwar presented the awards to the winners.

Tejgaon Division was named the best among DMP’s crime divisions, while Mohammadpur Police Station was selected as the best among 50 stations in Dhaka. Assistant Commissioner Md. Shamim Hossain of Demra Zone was recognized as the best officer at the superintendent level. Sub-Inspectors Md. Rakibul Islam Rajib of Gendaria and Md. Jasim of Mohammadpur jointly received the best SI award. Assistant Sub-Inspectors Md. Rokibul Hasan of Mohammadpur and Md. Suman Islam of Gulshan shared the best ASI honor.

In the detective and traffic categories, DB-Motijheel Division was named best detective unit, and Traffic-Mirpur Division received the best traffic unit award. The event, conducted by Joint Commissioner (Crime) Md. Faruk Hossain, also reviewed February’s crime situation and aimed to encourage officers contributing to public service.

Maldivian Airlines, the national carrier of the Maldives, has resumed its Male-Dhaka-Male route, marking the restoration of direct air connectivity between the two South Asian nations. The relaunch flight, operated with an Airbus A320, received a water cannon salute at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday morning. The inaugural flight landed at 5:20 a.m. and departed for Male at 6:20 a.m., carrying a full load of passengers.

The airline will initially operate two weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays, with ticket prices starting at 399 U.S. dollars. Passengers will be allowed 30 kilograms of baggage and complimentary meals. Tickets are available through Maldivian’s website, mobile app, and call center. The service follows a February 23 agreement between Maldivian’s Managing Director Mohamed Ibrahim Yasir and Galaxy Bangladesh Group’s President and CEO Ahmed Yusuf Walid.

Maldivian Ambassador to Bangladesh Shiunin Rasheed said the resumed flights will strengthen bilateral relations and ease travel for expatriate Bangladeshis and Maldivian travelers during Ramadan and Eid. The airline had suspended the route on August 6, 2024, due to political unrest in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Police have released a set of safety guidelines to ensure a secure and smooth celebration of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. In a special message issued from the Police Headquarters on Thursday, citizens were urged to plan their travel early, avoid risky transport practices, and follow traffic and safety rules. Passengers were advised not to travel on vehicle rooftops or goods carriers, to use zebra crossings or foot overbridges, and to avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers.

Drivers were instructed to avoid overspeeding, reckless overtaking, and driving while fatigued or unwell. Similar guidance was issued for waterway and railway travelers, emphasizing the use of life jackets, adherence to weather forecasts, and avoidance of overcrowding. Launch and speedboat owners were told to ensure proper licensing, safety equipment, and to suspend operations during adverse weather.

The police also provided emergency contact numbers for various departments, including highway, railway, and river police, as well as the Rapid Action Battalion, urging citizens to seek assistance when necessary.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman has disclosed his total expenditure for the 13th National Parliamentary Election, amounting to Tk 3,258,238. The information was revealed in the election expense statement submitted to the Election Commission on Thursday, March 12, 2026. According to the report, Tk 1,555,550 was spent on campaign activities, Tk 88,096 on transport, Tk 545,000 on public meetings, and Tk 417,642 on election camp operations.

Additional expenses included Tk 293,890 for agents and staff, Tk 287,000 for accommodation and administrative costs, and Tk 71,060 for social media campaigning. In total, the spending remained within the legally permitted limit. Shafiqur Rahman won the election from the Dhaka-15 constituency, which has 351,718 registered voters. Under election law, candidates may spend up to Tk 10 per voter, setting his maximum allowable expenditure at Tk 3,517,180.

The submitted figures confirm that Rahman’s campaign spending complied with the Election Commission’s prescribed ceiling for candidates.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued strict travel directives ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure safe and smooth journeys for millions leaving and entering the capital. In a public notice signed by Acting Commissioner Md. Sarwar on March 12, DMP announced that from March 17 to 23, 2026, all general trucks, covered vans, and lorries will be barred from highway movement. Vehicles carrying essentials, perishables, medicines, garments, fuel, and fertilizers are exempt from this restriction.

The DMP also urged citizens to avoid several major routes, including the Dhaka–Mymensingh, Dhaka–Chattogram, Gabtoli-bound, and Dhaka–Mawa highways, unless necessary. Transport operators were instructed not to pick up or drop passengers outside terminals, overcharge fares, or sell the same seat to multiple passengers. Drivers must not drive more than five consecutive hours or eight hours daily and must avoid reckless driving, substance use, or mobile phone use while driving.

Passengers were advised to stay alert, avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers, and use footbridges or zebra crossings when crossing roads. The DMP requested public cooperation and provided emergency contact through terminal police control rooms or the national hotline 999.

The Fire Service and Civil Defence Directorate (FSCD) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance aviation safety and emergency response coordination. The signing took place on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at CAAB’s headquarters in Kurmitola, Dhaka. The event was attended by CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafa Mahmud Siddiq as chief guest and FSCD Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal as special guest. The MoU was signed by CAAB Director (ATM) Md Shamsul Haque and FSCD Deputy Director (Operation and Maintenance) Md Mamunur Rashid on behalf of their respective organizations.

According to the MoU, both institutions will cooperate in search and rescue operations, firefighting, joint training, information sharing, and technical assistance to ensure rapid and coordinated responses to emergencies at airports and surrounding areas. The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s aviation safety framework and improve the capacity to manage accidents, fires, and other critical incidents effectively.

Officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and both agencies were present at the signing ceremony.

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has submitted a charge sheet to the court against 24 individuals, including former chairman Nazrul Islam and former chief executive officer Md. Hemayet Ullah, in a case over embezzlement at Far East Islami Life Insurance Company Limited. The charge sheet was filed by investigating officer Shah Minhaj Uddin, following a case lodged on September 13, 2022, by the company’s legal officer Md. Jasim Uddin at Shahbagh Police Station.

According to the police report, the accused conspired to misappropriate company funds by preparing fake documents, vouchers, and extracts outside official board decisions. They allegedly diverted Tk 644.28 crore from the company’s MTDR investments to various affiliated individuals and entities, causing severe financial losses. Additional allegations include embezzlement of Tk 45 crore and Tk 115 crore through property purchases and Tk 92.55 crore through falsified real estate development expenses.

The investigation found that the company is now in deep financial crisis, unable to pay dues to millions of policyholders and employees. Two accused were cleared of charges, and one died in custody. The Anti-Corruption Commission has also filed seven more cases against the same group.

Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The meeting focused on enhancing the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Turkey and explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Discussions covered a wide range of areas including trade and investment, defense collaboration, education and cultural exchange, as well as technology and infrastructure development. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues, particularly challenges facing the Muslim world, humanitarian cooperation, and strengthening mutual support in international forums.

The two parties expressed optimism about further consolidating the historic friendship between Bangladesh and Turkey. Ambassador Ramis Sen reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Bangladesh’s candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Acting Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md. Sarwar announced that additional police forces will be deployed to ensure a smooth and safe Eid travel experience. Speaking on March 12, 2026, at the DMP headquarters during the monthly crime review meeting for February, he emphasized the importance of vigilance to prevent crimes such as mugging and fraud during the holiday period when most residents leave Dhaka.

Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam highlighted the need for special monitoring at major transport hubs including Gabtoli, Mohakhali, Sayedabad, Kamalapur, and Sadarghat. He instructed increased patrol duties across city beats and regular checks of CCTV systems in markets and shopping malls to ensure functionality. The DMP leadership reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy toward any deterioration in law and order.

During the meeting, officers of various ranks were recognized for their performance in maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety in February 2026.

An oil-laden truck that plunged into the Padma River near the Paturia ferry terminal in Manikganj’s Shibaloy upazila was recovered 17 hours after the accident. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, when the truck lost control and fell into the river. The recovery operation, led by BIWTA, TC, and Fire Service teams with the salvage vessel Hamza, successfully retrieved the submerged vehicle at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. The truck was carrying 24,000 liters of soybean oil.

According to BIWTA’s Aricha office executive engineer Rabiul Alam, the truck, registered as Jhenaidah-Dha 41-0042, was traveling from Jashore to Narayanganj. It fell into the river after its brakes failed while disembarking from a ferry at Paturia’s No. 5 pontoon area. Both the driver, Sharif, and his assistant were rescued alive and taken to the upazila health complex for treatment.

Officials confirmed that the oil cargo remained intact and that the recovery teams worked continuously until the vehicle was brought ashore.

Fourteen people were killed in a head-on collision between a bus and a microbus on the Khulna–Mongla highway at Belai Bridge area of Rampal upazila on Thursday afternoon. The victims included a newlywed couple returning from a wedding ceremony. The accident occurred when the microbus, carrying family members of Mongla municipality’s Ward 8 BNP president Abdur Razzak, collided with the bus. Among the dead were seven members of Razzak’s family, five from the bride’s family, the driver, and one other passenger.

Local administration and police quickly arrived at the scene and conducted rescue operations. The district commissioner and police officials confirmed the incident. State Minister Lions Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

Police stated that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Advocate Tazul Islam, former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, has announced the death of his father, Mohammad Fazlul Haque Khan. The news was confirmed through a verified Facebook post by Tazul Islam on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in which he shared that his father had passed away and requested prayers for his departed soul.

Tazul Islam previously served as Chief Prosecutor of the reconstituted International Crimes Tribunal for one and a half years. Under his leadership, the prosecution submitted 24 formal charges related to crimes against humanity committed in July–August before the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Trials of these cases are ongoing in Tribunal-1 and Tribunal-2, with verdicts already delivered in three cases.

The announcement marks a personal loss for the former prosecutor, who remains known for his role in advancing war crimes prosecutions in Bangladesh.

Star Cineplex is set to launch a new multiplex cinema branch in Narayanganj during Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, according to the company. The new branch is located at Simanto Tower in Jalkuri, Narayanganj, and will officially open on Eid day. It features three halls, two with 178 seats each and one with 75 seats, all equipped with modern sound systems, giant screens, and world-class facilities.

Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Assistant General Manager of Media and Marketing at Star Cineplex, described the new branch as an Eid gift for Narayanganj residents, particularly for local movie lovers. He said the opening fulfills a long-standing demand from the area’s audience and reflects the company’s satisfaction in expanding as planned.

Ahmed added that Star Cineplex prioritizes high-quality viewing environments and advanced technology to meet evolving audience preferences. The company plans to open additional branches later this year, extending its presence from major cities to district and sub-district levels across Bangladesh.

The Department of Narcotics Control under the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a recruitment circular for 68 vacant posts in its revenue sector. The announcement, published on March 12, 2026, includes positions across 14 categories ranging from grade 11 to grade 20. The application process began on March 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. and will continue until April 23, 2026, at 5 p.m. Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years of age as of March 1, 2026, and can apply online through the official website http://dnc.teletalk.com.bd.

The circular lists positions such as medical technologist (radiology), pharmacist, physical instructor, lab assistant, dietitian, vocational instructor, ECG technician, linen keeper, ticket clerk, rent collector, assistant steward, ward master, record keeper, and lab attendant. Educational qualifications vary by post, from secondary school certificates to university degrees, with specific technical or vocational training required for some roles.

Application fees range from 56 to 168 taka depending on the post category. All recruitment and examination-related information will be available on the Department of Narcotics Control’s official website.