On Monday (February 24), a public march began towards the Ministry of Home Affairs at 2:30 PM. The march started from the Central Shaheed Minar, passing through TSC, and headed toward the Ministry. Police set up barricades near the Education Building, but marchers forcefully removed them. Despite this, they could not reach the Secretariat due to police resistance. During the march, placards were displayed with slogans like, “Down with the system that nurtures rapists, wake up mothers, daughters, and sisters; Step down, Home Adviser Jahangir.” The participants of the march demanded improved security, reform of the rape laws, and the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser.

In a shocking case of fraud, a man in Fatikchhari, Chattogram, has been accused of altering his father’s identity to siphon off his uncle’s freedom fighter pension. The accused, Abdus Shukkur (46), admitted to forging an NID to withdraw the pension and bribing the UP secretary and the union freedom fighter commander to facilitate the scam. However, the secretary has denied any involvement. The deceased freedom fighter, Bosu Mia, had no children, while Shukkur’s actual father, Abdur Razzak, was also a freedom fighter. Reports indicate that Shukkur has been committing this fraud since 2015.

A total of 1,756 TEUs of containers bound for Dhaka ICD are currently stuck at Chattogram Port, causing significant financial losses for importers. These containers hold essential consumer goods, raw materials for domestic and export industries, and other crucial shipments. The government is expected to fall short of its revenue target by BDT 8.68 billion this year. The National Board of Revenue has stated that these essential containers can be transported via waterways to the Pangaon terminal for clearance, and relevant authorities have been directed accordingly. However, stakeholders have blamed the outdated railway locomotives and transport shortages for the delays in container clearance.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin highlighted a concerning issue in Bangladesh’s voter list, revealing that nearly 1.7 million deceased voters are still listed, casting ballots from the grave. He emphasized the need for a transparent voter list to ensure fair elections. The CEC also discussed preparations for the upcoming election, stressing that minimum reforms must be made by October for a December election. Additionally, concerns over the inclusion of Rohingyas in voter lists were raised.

On Monday, the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification announcing the suspension of Joint Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Biplob Kumar Sarkar and Joint Commissioner of DMP Traffic S.M. Mehedi Hasan.

The suspension was reportedly due to unauthorized absence from duty without prior notice or approval. During their suspension, they will be attached to the Barishal Range DIG’s office and will receive allowances as per regulations. The decision has been taken in the public interest, according to the official statement.

Amid rising incidents of rape, murder, extortion, and lawlessness, students and residents of Uttara staged a protest demanding stricter law enforcement.

The demonstration took place on Sunday at 3 PM in front of the BNS Center along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, with around 200 participants.

Protesters demanded justice and called for legal action against Awami League-backed criminals destabilizing the country. They also urged authorities to ensure maximum punishment for rapists and enhance security measures nationwide.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned S. Alam Group Chairman Saiful Alam for questioning regarding allegations of money laundering.

In addition, Shahidul Alam, CEO of S. Alam Vegetable Oil Ltd., and Morshedul Alam, CEO of S. Alam Super Edible Oil Ltd., have also been summoned. They have been asked to appear before the ACC on March 5.

Meanwhile, Ahsanul Alam, the son of Saiful Alam and former chairman of Islami Bank, has been named in three corruption cases related to financial irregularities in Islami Bank.

The ACC has also called 27 officials from Islami Bank and one from Bangladesh Bank to appear on March 6, 9, 10, and 11 for questioning regarding the same allegations.

Police recovered the hanging body of Dhaka University student Anika Mehrunnesa Sahi (24) from a women’s hostel in Elephant Road, under New Market Police Station.

She was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at around 1:45 AM on Sunday night, where doctors declared her dead. Anika was a student of the university’s Management Department.

Initial investigations suggest the incident may be linked to a romantic dispute. A student from BUET has been taken into custody for questioning. The body has been sent for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

On Monday, the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification announcing the suspension of Joint Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Biplob Kumar Sarkar and Joint Commissioner of DMP Traffic S.M. Mehedi Hasan.

The suspension was reportedly due to unauthorized absence from duty without prior notice or approval. During their suspension, they will be attached to the Barishal Range DIG’s office and will receive allowances as per regulations. The decision has been taken in the public interest, according to the official statement.

Interim Government’s Legal Adviser, Professor Asif Nazrul, stated that governance in a post-revolution situation remains difficult due to a crippled police force, judiciary, and administration. Speaking at a law enforcement workshop in Rajshahi, he emphasized that remnants of the ousted fascist regime still have significant financial resources and malicious intentions, further destabilizing the situation. However, he assured that the government is making relentless efforts to restore law and order through determination and innovative strategies. The event was attended by top legal and law enforcement officials.

Students of Bangabandhu Digital University (BDU) staged a railway blockade in Kaliakair, Gazipur, demanding the institution’s name be changed to “Bangladesh Digital University” instead of “Gazipur Digital University,” as per a recently issued government gazette.

The blockade, which began at 9:20 AM on Monday, has disrupted train services between northern Bangladesh and Dhaka.

The government has revoked the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM) and President’s Police Medal (PPM) from 103 police officers, including former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. A Home Ministry circular stated that these officers were directly involved in the disputed 2018 national elections. The decision aims to uphold transparency and accountability in the force. Additionally, recipients must return all financial benefits linked to these medals. This move underscores the government’s stance against electoral misconduct and reinforces ethical standards in law enforcement.

At around 3:30 AM on Sunday night, Hasnat Abdullah unexpectedly arrived outside the Baridhara residence of Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.

Although he spoke briefly with journalists, he avoided live media interactions and did not enter the adviser’s residence.

Earlier, at 3:05 AM, the Home Affairs Adviser held a press conference addressing the country’s deteriorating law and order situation, blaming allies of the fascist Awami League government for the rise in crimes such as rape, robbery, and theft.

In a Facebook post, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir criticized the Local Government Reform Commission’s recommendations, stating that they go against the fundamental concept of public representation. He expressed concerns over deteriorating law and order and acknowledged the ongoing transitional phase.

“Let’s not prolong this change. Instead, let’s unite and ensure the national elections are not delayed for the sake of the country,” he urged.

Mirza Fakhrul also noted that it has been less than a year since the mass uprising forced the most oppressive dictator, Hasina, to flee the country. “Many lives were lost, and the price we paid was too high,” he stated. Supporting an interim government, he emphasized, “Yes, we seek reforms in damaged institutions, but these reforms must be implemented by representatives who understand the people’s pulse.”

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has stated that his party accepted the rigged 2008 election in the interest of democracy, emphasizing that historical evidence and election analysis confirm the irregularities.

Rahman stressed that restoring stability as soon as possible is crucial to saving the country from collapse. He argued that holding elections will establish a stable environment, gradually enabling necessary reforms and reducing the severity of current crises.

He further warned that delaying the activation of Parliament would only deepen the political crisis. Reaffirming BNP’s commitment to the people, he promised to implement the party’s 31-point reform agenda, originally proposed during past autocratic rule. However, he noted that the interim government has strayed from its initial responsibilities.