In a Facebook post on Wednesday, recently resigned Information Adviser Nahid Islam publicly disclosed his financial records. He stated that before assuming the advisory role, he did not have a bank account. On August 21, he opened an account with Sonali Bank to receive his official honorarium. According to his statement, the account received a total deposit of ৳10,06,886 and withdrawals amounted to ৳9,96,188. Nahid clarified that he has no other accounts and that no new properties have been purchased by his family. Additionally, he mentioned that detailed financial records of his personal staff and associates are available and will be made public if necessary.

While authoritarian regimes gain strength globally, Bangladesh has emerged as one of the few nations that have successfully resisted fascist rule. In 2024, Bangladesh was listed among the four most improved countries in the Freedom Index, along with Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Syria. According to a report by a Washington-based research institute, Bangladesh’s freedom score rose from 40 in 2023 to 45 in 2025 on a scale of 100. However, despite this progress, the country remains classified as “partially free” in terms of political rights and civil liberties.

Dr. Abdul Momen, Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has stated that the ACC is yet to be recognized as a constitutional body. Expressing hope that it will gain this status soon, he emphasized that this would significantly enhance its scope of work. Speaking at a public hearing in Pabna, he acknowledged that the commission is striving to act fairly and independently within its current limitations. Referring to politically motivated cases, he warned that blindly following past examples could lead to similar consequences.

A UN report has revealed that security forces fired at unarmed protesters from close range during the July uprising. Citing Article 7 of the Rome Statute, the UN Human Rights Office stated that the killings by state security forces and ruling party activists could be classified as crimes against humanity. The report also documented cases where military rifles and automatic pistols were used to shoot at protesters’ heads and eyes, indicating intent to kill. These acts were labeled as further evidence of crimes against humanity.

On Wednesday, over 50 injured protesters and family members of the July movement staged a sit-in outside Gate 1 of the Chief Adviser’s office, carrying banners, placards, and the national flag.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Abdul Hafiz, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, met with the protesters and assured them that their demands would be formally conveyed to the relevant ministries.

“I am personally accepting these demands and will ensure they reach the appropriate authorities,” he said, acknowledging the contributions of the injured protesters in the movement.

However, the demonstrators remain firm, stating they will not leave until their demands are fulfilled.

The admission process for the 2024-25 academic year under the cluster system for 19 general, science, and technology universities has been officially announced.

Online applications will open on March 5 at 12 PM and close on March 15 at 11:59 PM. No extensions will be granted.

The entrance exam will cover three subjects: Humanities, Commerce, and Science. Admission tests will be conducted directly at public universities, with question papers based on the Higher Secondary curriculum.

The application fee is set at 1,500 BDT, payable online. Additionally, students applying for the Architecture department must pay an extra 500 BDT for the practical (drawing) test.

On Wednesday afternoon, a group of injured protesters from the July movement staged a sit-in outside the office of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

They chanted slogans demanding adequate compensation and support. Protesters specifically called for an end to discrimination in categorizing the injured and urged authorities to accelerate the rehabilitation process for the families of those who lost their lives.

They declared that the protest would continue until clear directives were issued. This demonstration follows previous attempts where the injured had blocked key locations in the capital, including Shyamoli, Shahbagh, and the Chief Adviser’s residence, to demand recognition and rehabilitation.

Students at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) began vacating their dormitories after the university administration announced an indefinite shutdown on Tuesday. Additional police forces have been deployed at the campus gates. Students stated they were leaving for their own safety. The shutdown follows a violent clash on February 18, prompting student protests with a six-point demand, including the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor. The university’s emergency syndicate meeting justified the decision as a security measure.

Jamaat-affiliated student organization Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Zahidul Islam, has stirred controversy by demanding a posthumous trial of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for pardoning 195 identified war criminals.

Speaking at a talk show, he claimed that the 1971 genocide was orchestrated by Tikka Khan and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with direct support from Pakistan. “This massacre must be brought to justice,” he said.

He further argued that since Mujib granted amnesty to 195 war criminals, he should be held accountable, even posthumously. Zahidul also praised Ziaur Rahman, claiming that he had initiated an inclusive political culture in Bangladesh by moving beyond partisan conflicts. He pointed out that Zia had appointed former anti-independence figures to key political positions as both President and Prime Minister.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to increase the UK’s defense budget by 2027 to counter Russian aggression. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, Starmer stated that Russia’s threats have been evident through three years of war in Ukraine. The UK will raise its defense spending by $17 billion annually and reallocate development aid to increase the defense budget from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP. He justified this move as necessary to deter authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and proposed sending British troops to Ukraine to help maintain the ceasefire.

A new student organization’s launch event in front of Dhaka University’s Madhu’s Canteen on Wednesday afternoon sparked protests from private university students even before the committee announcement. The protesters claimed they were a significant part of the movement in July but were unfairly excluded from leadership positions. Chanting slogans like “Break the committee, crush it” and “Private action, direct action,” they demanded fair representation.

A new student organization, ‘Bangladesh Democratic Student Parliament’, has been officially announced at a press conference held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen on Wednesday. The organization has been formed by coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement to advocate for students’ rights and social justice.

Abu Bakr Majumder, former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has been appointed as the central convenor, while Zahid Ahsan will serve as the member secretary. The convening committee also includes Tauhid Mohammad Siam as Senior Joint Convenor, Rifat Rashid as Senior Member Secretary, Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury as Chief Organizer, and Ashrefa Khatun as the spokesperson.

The newly formed organization aims to provide a strong political platform for students and address their grievances through a structured and democratic approach.

Israel has set four conditions for the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, including the removal of Hamas from the territory. Israeli Minister Eli Cohen warned that if these conditions were not met, the ceasefire agreement could collapse. The conditions include:
1. The release of all Israeli hostages taken on or before October 7.
2. The removal of Hamas from Gaza.
3. The complete demilitarization of Gaza.
4. Full Israeli control over the territory.
On October 7, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. The first phase of the ceasefire saw the release of 31 hostages, while nearly 50,000 Hamas members were reportedly killed in Israeli operations.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has alleged that large-scale corruption occurred in Bangladesh’s power and energy sector under state patronage. Speaking at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, he emphasized the government’s commitment to finding a sustainable solution for the power crisis. He stated that discussions with major companies are underway to drill more gas wells. Efforts are also being made to increase efficiency at Chattogram Port to attract foreign investment. Former Minister Saifuzzaman’s involvement in bank fraud through tunnel projects was also mentioned. Alam described the current economic recovery as nothing short of a “miracle.”

Four months after winning the SAFF Championship, the Bangladesh women’s football team returns to international action. They will face the United Arab Emirates in a friendly match tonight at 9:30 PM Bangladesh time. Over the past four months, the team has faced internal turmoil, with captain Sabina Khatun, Rituparna Chakma, Sanjida Akter, and 18 other players staging a rebellion against British coach Peter Butler. As a result, Butler has assembled a team of young players led by Afida. A second friendly match is scheduled for Sunday.