Election Commission (EC) officials have postponed their planned ‘Operational Halt’ protest scheduled for Wednesday. This decision follows a letter to the government advocating for the retention of National ID (NID) services under the EC, as well as discussions within the Consensus Commission. The government has proposed forming a ‘Civil Registration Commission’ to streamline NID services, while the Electoral Reform Commission has recommended an independent constitutional body called the ‘National Citizen Data Commission.’ Last Thursday, EC employees staged a ‘Stand for NID’ demonstration at central and field offices. If no visible progress is made, the ‘Operational Halt’ protest may be reinstated on March 19.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam has stated that Bangladesh’s approach to tackling communal violence could serve as a model for the region. He warned that the rise of Islamophobia, religious intolerance, and communal violence would be detrimental to all South Asian nations. “Since July, Bangladesh has taken strict measures to prevent communal violence. Most incidents were politically motivated rather than purely communal,” he noted. Alam emphasized that the vision of communal harmony, as upheld by figures like Dara Shikoh, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and Kazi Nazrul Islam, must prevail. He urged all communities to reject extremism and Islamophobia in the region.

Veteran journalist Shafik Rehman has regained the declaration for the daily newspaper Jaijaidin after 17 years. Previously, the government revoked the paper’s declaration citing violations of publication laws. According to officials, Jaijaidin was in breach of Section 10 of the Printing Presses and Publications (Declaration and Registration) Act, 1973. As a result, the declaration held by publisher and printer Saeed Hossain Chowdhury was nullified.

A court has ordered the freezing of 163 bank accounts belonging to Sheikh Hasina’s Press Secretary Naeemul Islam Khan, his wife Nasima Khan Monty, and their three children. These accounts hold a total of BDT 62.5 million. The investigation revealed that BDT 3.86 billion was deposited into these accounts, of which BDT 3.79 billion has already been withdrawn. Authorities have launched a probe into allegations of money laundering and acquiring assets beyond known sources of income. The court ruled that the accounts must be frozen to prevent the transfer of these funds.

Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has stated that Tulsi Gabbard’s comments will not impact economic relations between Bangladesh and the United States. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s economy is no longer on the brink of collapse; instead, it is making a strong recovery. “Many are now looking at Bangladesh with interest. While some issues remain, the overall situation is satisfactory,” he said. The government is progressing towards the goal of LDC graduation by 2026, and logistical bottlenecks in goods clearance have been resolved. “Businesses often attempt to manipulate systems, but we are working to maintain control,” he added.

The National Consensus Commission will begin discussions with political parties to build agreement on key reforms. The first meeting is set for March 20 at 3 PM with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), with more meetings to follow. Led by Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the commission was formed on February 15. Reform recommendations were sent to 38 political parties, and 15 have responded so far. Discussions will focus on constitutional, electoral, judicial, administrative, and anti-corruption reforms.

Sadiq Qayyum, a key organizer of the July Revolution and former DU Chhatra Shibir president, criticized Dhaka University for expelling only 128 Chhatra League members over violence during an anti-discrimination student movement. He claimed that nearly 1,000 individuals were involved and that his group provided evidence of around 500 attackers. Qayyum condemned the attack on unarmed students and the continued assaults on the injured at Dhaka Medical. He urged the DU administration to take strict action against all perpetrators, calling the current measures inadequate.

The Ministry of Information has issued a directive prohibiting the publication of any identifying details—such as names or photographs—of rape victims in news reports or media broadcasts.

A total of 394.6 crore BDT has been frozen across 31 bank accounts linked to Sheikh Hasina’s family, including Sheikh Rehana and their associates. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) petitioned for the freeze, alleging attempts to transfer or conceal assets. Earlier, on March 11, the court had also ordered the seizure of properties linked to Hasina’s family, including Sudha Sadan.

Dhaka University has expelled 128 students, all affiliated with the Chhatra League, for their involvement in attacking protesters during the July uprising. The expelled members include Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan, Dhaka University unit President Mazharul Kabir Shayon, and several other key leaders from different halls.

Religious Affairs Adviser A.F.M. Khalid Hossain has confirmed that Umrah visas for Bangladeshis have not been suspended. He clarified that after reports surfaced about halted visa issuance, the ministry promptly engaged with the Saudi embassy to ensure continued visa processing. On March 13, the Secretary of the Ministry sent a formal letter to the Saudi ambassador in Dhaka. An audio message from the Saudi envoy also reaffirmed that there was no suspension. The adviser urged Bangladeshi Hajj and Umrah agencies to ensure proper bookings and airline tickets for pilgrims through authorized Saudi agents.

A tribunal has sentenced Ziaur Rahman to death for the 2017 rape and murder of 14-year-old Tanzila Akter in Banaghata, Dohar. In addition to capital punishment, he has been fined 200,000 BDT, which will be provided to the victim’s family by selling his assets. Ziaur Rahman is currently absconding, and the court has issued an arrest warrant against him. The crime occurred on October 21, 2018, when Rahman abducted Tanzila from a vegetable field, raped her, and slit her throat.

Jahangirnagar University has temporarily expelled nine teachers and 289 students for their involvement in attacks on students during recent mass protests. The university’s special syndicate meeting, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Kamrul Ahsan, made the decision at 3 AM on Monday. Additionally, a structured committee has been formed to review the actions of 10 other teachers. The university also decided to suspend the pensions of its former vice-chancellor and registrar, while two officials and one staff member have been temporarily dismissed.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Managing Director of Titas Gas have been served with a contempt of court notice. The High Court had previously ruled that the gas connection of Capital Board Mills Limited should not be disconnected. However, on March 5, Titas Gas severed the factory’s gas supply, violating the court order. As a result, production halted, leaving 700 workers unemployed and disrupting paper supplies for the National Curriculum and Textbook Board. The notice demands the gas connection be restored within 24 hours, failing which contempt proceedings will be initiated.

The High Court has suspended the Election Commission’s (EC) public notice regarding the registration of new political parties. Additionally, the court issued a ruling questioning the legality of the notice. The petition was filed by Hasnat Kaiyum, who argued that EC rules require a political party to have committees in at least 100 upazilas and 22 districts. However, in three hilly districts, there are only 20 upazilas combined, effectively barring indigenous groups from forming regional political parties.