Specialist doctors of the BCS (Health) Cadre have suspended their ongoing strike for 12 weeks after receiving assurances from the government on two key demands. On Saturday, the protesting doctors gathered for a silent march at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) entrance. Later, Dr. Sayedur Rahman, a special assistant professor from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, assured them that their demands would be met within 12 weeks and urged them to resume work. Earlier, government hospital specialists had been protesting for fair promotions and the elimination of all forms of discrimination.

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.

Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, has reported that the condition of the child from Magura remains critical. A special medical board, comprising experts from gynecology and anesthesiology departments, has been formed to oversee the treatment.

Doctors have placed the child on a ventilator to support breathing. The director revealed that the child suffered severe injuries, including trauma to the throat and wounds in the genital area due to inhumane abuse. After a sudden deterioration in her condition on Friday night, she was moved from the gynecology department to the pediatric ICU for intensive care. The medical team is doing everything possible to stabilize her.

A Bangladeshi man, Al Amin (36), was shot dead by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday at the Bhitargarh border in Panchagarh. Local sources reported that Al Amin had been missing for three days. On Friday night, he and a group of 15-20 smugglers were attempting to smuggle cattle from India into Bangladesh when BSF intercepted them, leading to a physical altercation. At one point, BSF opened fire. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) commander held a flag meeting with his BSF counterpart, strongly protesting the incident and demanding the return of the body.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have arrested six individuals in connection with the shooting of a gold trader in Banashree and the subsequent robbery of his jewelry. Law enforcement also recovered the stolen gold and illegal firearms during the operation.

On the night of February 23, Anwar Hossain (42), a gold merchant with a shop in Banashree’s D Block, was shot and robbed while returning home from work. The assailants, riding three motorcycles, intercepted him and stole gold jewelry worth approximately 200 bhori (around 2.3 kg). He was critically injured and hospitalized. Authorities continue to investigate the case.

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.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus presented the prestigious ‘Indomitable Women Awards’ to outstanding individuals in various fields. The recipients included:
• Sharifa Sultana (for contributions to the economy)
• Halima Begum (for achievements in education and employment)
• Marina Besra (as an exemplary mother)
• Lipi Begum (for overcoming life struggles)
• Md. Muhin (Mohana) (for extraordinary contributions to social development)
• Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team (recognized under a special category)

The ceremony was conducted by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Momtaz Ahmed.

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.

Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over recent reports of brutal attacks on women, calling them alarming and completely contradictory to the vision of a ‘New Bangladesh.’ He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equal rights for both men and women. Yunus highlighted the role of women in the July mass uprising, emphasizing their struggles, hopes, and aspirations. He stressed that building a new Bangladesh is impossible without addressing these issues. Additionally, he accused the ousted autocratic forces of investing heavily to create unrest in the country and urged for collective resistance through social unity.

The United Nations Office for Human Rights has urged the government to withdraw cases filed against journalists, lawyers, and human rights activists during the previous Awami League administration.

A UN report states, “Take effective measures to protect them from retaliatory violence and ensure that perpetrators of attacks on private property and civilian damages are investigated and prosecuted.” Additionally, the report calls for the closure of the National Telecommunications Monitoring Center and urges security agencies to strictly adhere to Bangladesh’s international human rights obligations.

The UN has also demanded the immediate suspension of draconian laws like the Cyber Security Act.

A petrol bomb attack occurred in Mohammadpur around 10:30 PM. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Upon receiving information, police and army personnel arrived at the scene and recovered bottles containing petrol bombs.

The attack took place while people were engaged in Tarawih prayers. Witnesses who noticed the incident immediately raised alarms, prompting locals to gather and alert the police. The joint security forces later recovered two Scotch-taped plastic bottles wrapped in cloth and rope from the site.

Zahurul Alam Jasim, former councilor of Chattogram City Corporation, has been arrested in connection with nearly 18 cases, including the murders of Wasim Akram and Faisal Ahmed Shanto during the mass uprising. He had been in hiding but was apprehended from a luxurious residence in Bashundhara.

On July 16, during the protests, Jasim led an attack in Soloshohor and Muradpur areas, where members of the Awami League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, and the banned Chhatra League assaulted students and civilians. Jasim, armed with firearms, opened fire, resulting in the deaths of Wasim Akram, Faisal Ahmed Shanto, and furniture businessman Md. Faruk. Additionally, 40 to 50 students sustained serious injuries in the attack.

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.

The National Coordination Party (NCP) has strongly condemned recent cases of violence and harassment against women.

In a statement, the party cited a recent incident where a female Dhaka University student was harassed by a staff member. Even while in police custody, the accused reportedly made derogatory comments about the victim in a media interview.

NCP also highlighted the case of a child being raped in Magura and ongoing cyber harassment targeting female activists. The party denounced these incidents as threats to public safety and demanded strict legal action and justice for the victims.

In response to the rising incidents of violence, harassment, and cyber abuse against women, the National Coordination Party (NCP) has announced a protest rally. The event will take place on Saturday at 4:00 PM in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh.

The demonstration aligns with International Women’s Day 2025, advocating for stronger measures to ensure women’s safety and cyber protection.

Key NCP figures, including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Organizer Sarjis Alam, Senior Joint Conveners Samanta Sharmin and Ariful Islam Adib, and Senior Joint Secretaries Tasnim Zarah and Nahida Sarwar Chowdhury, are expected to attend.