On Saturday, The Daily Star presented the results of a recent survey. The survey, conducted from February 19 to March 3 across 64 districts of the country’s eight divisions, involved 10,696 participants. It revealed that if elections were held now, BNP would receive 41.7% of the votes, Jamaat-e-Islami would get 31.6%, Awami League would get 13.9%, and the NCPI would get 5.1%. 58% of voters want elections by 2025, with 31% preferring elections by June and 26% by December. About 11% believe political reforms are necessary before the election, while 5.3% support constitutional amendments.

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.

A young girl, who was a victim of sexual assault in Magura, was transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka on Saturday at 5 p.m. for specialized treatment. The decision to move her was made following recommendations from the medical board formed for her care, and it came after a visit by Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin Murshid to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital earlier in the day. The child was transferred in a cardiac ambulance, accompanied by a team of doctors.

Former U.S. diplomat John F. Danilovich has stated that there were flaws in U.S. foreign policy during the One-Eleven period, as the U.S. government did not focus enough on institutional reforms at that time. He noted that the current interim government is learning from those mistakes.

Ambassador Milam added that they are working to raise awareness among the American public about Bangladesh’s democratic process. Over the past five years, the U.S. has provided financial support and continues to back these initiatives.

Danilovich also alleged that the League government had refused to issue him a visa. He further claimed that misleading information was being spread regarding U.S. military activities on Saint Martin’s Island to cover up corruption and irregularities. Additionally, he described Trump’s grant-related remarks as misleading.

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.

During a discussion in the capital on Saturday, marking International Women’s Day, Adviser Asif Mahmud stated that the interim government will not spare those involved in sexual assault cases. He assured that justice would be served, and the perpetrators of recent incidents would face exemplary punishment.

He further highlighted that a certain group is misusing religion to harass women, but religion does not support such actions. The event also showcased documentary evidence of self-reliant women’s contributions through various LGED projects, alongside an award and recognition ceremony.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali urged Dhaka residents to secure their homes and businesses before traveling for Eid, citing the police force’s staffing shortages. He highlighted the rise in street crimes, such as mobile phone snatching, primarily by juvenile gangs. Despite challenges, he assured that the city has seen a decline in major crimes like murder and robbery in recent years. The commissioner emphasized that no incidents will be left unreported or unrecorded during this period.

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.

Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura. The victim’s mother filed a case against Sajib Hossain (18), his father Hitu Mia (42), Sajib’s brother Ratul Sheikh (17), and their mother Jabeida Begum (40). The incident took place when the child was visiting her sister’s home. “The police have arrested them, and I demand a fair investigation and exemplary punishment,” said the victim’s mother, Ayesha Akter. A medical board has been formed at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) to oversee the child’s treatment, with authorities confirming that her condition remains critical.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus praised the resilience of women during the July uprising, stating that they stood “like the Himalayas” against fascist forces and deadly weapons. Remembering the female martyrs of the movement, Dr. Yunus emphasized that women still face many obstacles today. “The government remains committed to women’s economic empowerment through financial aid for underprivileged mothers, training programs, microcredit initiatives, working women’s hostels, and daycare centers,” he said. The Chief Adviser also highlighted efforts to curb violence against women, including the introduction of hotlines and updates to the 2010 Domestic Violence Act. Additionally, a Women’s Reform Commission has been established to further safeguard their rights.

A massive fire broke out at Larma Square in Khagrachhari late Friday night, destroying at least 10 shops. Firefighters arrived promptly and managed to control the blaze after half an hour of effort. According to local sources, the fire originated from one shop around 3 AM and quickly spread to nearby establishments. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined.

Bangladesh Army announced via Facebook on Saturday afternoon that 36 members of the banned extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir had been arrested. The arrests occurred after a protest march reached Paltan intersection, where it was blocked by police and army personnel. As demonstrators attempted to breach the barricade, law enforcement dispersed them using batons and took 36 individuals into custody, later handing them over to the police. Additionally, a civilian was reportedly attacked by a Hizb ut-Tahrir member and was also taken to the police station, but was later released upon the intervention of a senior official.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sajjat Ali announced that auxiliary police forces have been deployed in residential areas, shopping malls, and markets to ensure security during Ramadan and Eid. Due to a shortage of police personnel, these privately hired security officers will act as an “Auxiliary Police Force” and will have the authority to make arrests. They have been appointed under the Dhaka Metropolitan Law. The commissioner also urged residents to enhance security at homes and businesses during Taraweeh prayers.

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.