Polytechnic students in Chattogram blocked roads demanding cancellation of a 30% promotion quota for craft instructors applying for junior instructor posts. They argue that many craft instructors lack the technical background required for teaching roles. Most only have education up to class 8 or SSC, traditionally serving as lab assistants. Students announced they would continue protests, including hunger strikes, until their demands are met.

A delegation from the National People’s Front, led by Comrade Tipu Biswas, held discussions with the National Consensus Commission. Commission members included Professor Ali Riaz (Vice President), Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, and Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar. The commission has so far held preliminary discussions with 15 political parties.

Tuhin Farabi, personal officer to Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, has been relieved of his duties and instructed not to report to the office. Various allegations have emerged against him. Farabi is known for his role in the quota reform movement and was a member of the central medical wing of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali has directed crime and intelligence units to carry out home raids and arrest active Awami League members involved in recent violence and killings. Protest marches continue across the capital, with many participants facing murder charges. Authorities have been instructed to update citizen information forms to track residents’ movements. The commissioner also expressed frustration over the low number of arrest warrants executed and unresolved cases.

Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the Nationalist Citizens’ Platform (NCP), has welcomed the apology from the Dhaka University Chhatra Dal president for describing the July movement as “so-called.” Abdullah praised the president’s courage to admit his mistake rather than defend it, calling such humility commendable.

He further remarked that despite the passage of several months since the July-August uprising, there has been no official declaration or constitutional acknowledgment of it. Referring to global precedents such as Nepal and Bolivia, where revolutions were ratified through constitutional amendments, Abdullah emphasized the need for a similar approach in this case. He warned that in the absence of formal recognition, statements provoking fresh unrest may continue to emerge.

On Monday afternoon in Cumilla, angry protestors hurled rotten eggs at pro-Awami League lawyers while they were being escorted to a prison van. Among the targeted were the former president and secretary of the Cumilla Bar Association. This incident stems from a violent crackdown on students on August 3, during which shots were fired. A case was later filed on February 12 by Inzamamul Haque Rana, accusing 261 individuals, including 26 lawyers.

Following a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, Islamic Unity Alliance leader Sakhawat Hossain Raji emphasized the need for swift electoral reforms and early elections. He stated, “The government and the Election Commission must ensure elections are held promptly once reforms are complete. True reform can only come through an elected government.” Raji also highlighted the need to eliminate the political “garbage” accumulated over the past 16 years, which he believes is crucial for free and fair elections. He noted that the difference between holding elections in June versus December is minimal, but reforms must come first.

BNP’s liaison committee met with representatives from the Nationalist-Like-Minded Alliance and the Labour Party. They reached a consensus on holding the national elections by December this year and stressed the urgency of publishing a clear electoral roadmap.

Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, president of the Dhaka University unit of JCD, has issued a public apology after referring to the July uprising as the “so-called July movement.” He said it was an inadvertent mistake and emphasized the importance of constructive criticism in advancing the country.

BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan remarked that the party’s demands regarding the upcoming general election are not significantly different from the government’s stance. He called for a clear roadmap with a specific date in December for holding the elections.

In a statement, the Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir strongly criticized Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Roy for referring to the July uprising as a “so-called movement.” Shibir stated that during July and August, students and citizens displayed extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice in standing up against the tyranny of the fascist Hasina regime in Delhi’s favor.

Labeling the movement as “so-called,” they said, dishonors the blood of martyrs, betrays the injured and disabled protesters, and belittles the sacrifices of the student and general public. The statement added that using disparaging language, reminiscent of BAKSAL-era rhetoric, to undermine these sacrifices is unjust and deeply condemnable. Shibir urged Chhatra Dal to show more responsibility in their statements.

NCP’s Joint Secretary Gazi Salahuddin Tanvir has been temporarily relieved of duties and issued a show-cause notice. A report in a national daily on March 11 alleged his involvement in manipulating district commissioner appointments and engaging in commission-based deals for textbook paper supply. The action follows previous verbal warnings for disciplinary breaches.

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) held a rally in Mohammadpur demanding the Awami League be banned and brought to justice within 15 days through a special law, similar to the post-WWII treatment of the Nazi Party. They also criticized BNP for allegedly siding with the ruling party and obstructing reforms.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into national cricketer Shakib Al Hasan over allegations of money laundering and accumulation of illegal wealth. A two-member inquiry team led by Deputy Director Mahbubul Alam has been formed. The ACC has also sent inquiries to the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission. Shakib has previously faced criticism for his alleged links to gambling promotion and stock market manipulation.

Religious Affairs Adviser praised Bangladesh as a global model for communal harmony during a press briefing, citing decades of peaceful coexistence among different faith communities in the country.