Khelafat Majlis leader Maulana Mamunul Haque, NCP Chief Organizer (South) Hasnat Abdullah, and NCP Chief Organizer (North) Sarjis Alam have arrived in Magura to attend the funeral of eight-year-old Aasiya, who died after being raped and brutally assaulted. The funeral is scheduled to take place at 7 PM at Nomani Maidan, Magura.

Aasiya was visiting her sister’s house in Magura when she was raped on March 6. The perpetrators also attempted to strangle her to death. After days of treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka, she succumbed to her injuries on Thursday.

The interim government has decided to move forward with Bangladesh’s transition from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developing nation by 2026, reversing earlier considerations of delaying the process. The Chief Adviser has directed authorities to begin preparations to tackle the challenges associated with this transition. Bangladesh is officially set to graduate from the LDC category on November 24, 2026.

Following the recent political shift, the interim government had previously expressed concerns over alleged statistical manipulation during the League’s tenure, raising doubts about whether Bangladesh would achieve developing country status as planned. However, with the latest decision, preparations for the transition are now a priority.

The government has decided to recruit 2,000 doctors through a special BCS exam to address the shortage of doctors in hospitals, announced Professor Syedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Ministry of Health. He mentioned that doctors, who had long been deprived under the previous government, went on strike on Wednesday demanding better salaries and allowances due to accumulated frustration. A proposal has been made to raise the age limit for the BCS exam from 32 to 34 years. Efforts will be made soon to fulfill their demands through decisions. The Health Protection Law will be brought to the advisory council’s meeting in the next two to three weeks for the safety of doctors and patients, he added.

Bangladesh feels deeply ashamed and apologizes to Sister Aciya after the tragic death of a child sexual assault victim in Magura. Hasnat Abdullah, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party, called for the rapists’ death penalty to set an example in the country’s judicial history. The child, who suffered abuse while visiting her sister’s house, passed away on March 13, 2025, despite medical efforts. The Bangladesh Army extended condolences to the grieving family and pledged support.

Golam Mohiuddin and his family members have reportedly conducted transactions exceeding 1 billion BDT through 12 bank accounts. Among these transactions, deposits amounting to 489.3 million BDT and withdrawals of 482.7 million BDT were recorded, with a remaining balance of only 3.3 million BDT.

Despite accumulating 542.9 million BDT across these accounts, no legitimate sources of income—beyond his legal profession—could be identified. Investigations have also revealed that Mohiuddin has purchased 770 decimals of land in Izdia and Bhabanipur unions. Additionally, he has acquired large properties, including land and flats, through fraudulent loans and illegal means by showcasing fake development projects.

Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, expressed deep sorrow over the death of child Afsia, a victim of rape in Magura. In a post on his verified Facebook page, he called for the swift punishment of the perpetrators within 90 days and urged the nation to unite in denouncing rapists. Dr. Rahman also prayed for strength for Afsia’s family and all those grieving her loss. He emphasized the need for both individual and institutional efforts to combat such heinous crimes.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander G. Khokhin, paid a courtesy visit to Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman at the party’s central office in Dhaka. Following the meeting, Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher noted that this was the first time a Russian ambassador had officially visited their headquarters.

Taher highlighted two key takeaways from the meeting. First, Russia has assured increased financial cooperation and investment in Bangladesh. Second, Russia will maintain regular communication and engagement with Jamaat-e-Islami. During the discussion, Jamaat leaders also expressed gratitude for Russia’s support during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed his condolences over the death of child Ashia, who was brutally tortured in Magura. In a statement of grief, Mirza Fakhrul said, “The cruelty of some monsters in Magura was inflicted on an innocent child like Ashia, leaving her with deep wounds. She struggled on a hospital bed, fighting for her life, and passed away, leaving us in shame and sorrow. Words cannot express the emotions this incident evokes.” Fakhrul also said, “I pray for the peace of her soul and offer my condolences to the grieving family. May they find the strength to overcome this sorrow. At the same time, I demand exemplary punishment for these perpetrators.”

The trial for the rape and murder of 8-year-old Asia from Magura will begin within the next seven days, according to legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul. He stated, “We have already arranged to receive the post-mortem report today. Asia’s body will be flown by helicopter to Magura for burial, where government adviser Farida Akhter will be present with the family until the burial.” Dr. Nazrul also confirmed that DNA samples have been collected and expressed hope of receiving the report within five days. Furthermore, statements from 12-13 individuals have been recorded under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

A tragic accident in Chattogram’s Dohazari area on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar Highway has claimed the lives of three people, including two school-going siblings. Another student, Kazi Fahmida Washima Tushin (15), a ninth grader, was critically injured.

The accident occurred around 8:30 AM when a Chattogram-bound Purabi bus rammed into a battery-powered auto-rickshaw from behind. One student and the rickshaw driver died on the spot, while another student succumbed to injuries on the way to the hospital.

The deceased have been identified as:
• Ruhul Amin (45), the auto-rickshaw driver
• Umme Habiba Rizvi (15), a school student
• Wakar Uddin Adil (12), a school student

No Bangladeshi player had scored a century in a World Cup until Mahmudullah Riyad broke the barrier in 2015 with a historic hundred against England in Cardiff. His innings not only made history but also helped Bangladesh secure a famous victory. Former captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza reminisced about that iconic moment while reflecting on Mahmudullah’s retirement.

On Wednesday, Mahmudullah announced his retirement through a heartfelt Facebook post. In response, Mashrafe shared a message wishing him the best for the future. He praised Mahmudullah’s ability to shine on the big stage, saying, “The way you delivered your best in crucial moments will inspire generations to come.”

The demand for the removal of Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has gained traction, with many citing his failure to maintain law and order as a burden on the interim government. Critics argue that he should step down due to his inability to control the worsening security situation. However, several political parties, including members of the interim government, oppose this move, suggesting that a larger conspiracy may be behind the instability. They assert that merely replacing the adviser will not resolve the crisis. Islamist parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have also expressed opposition to his removal. Political analyst Salahuddin Ahmed suggested that while restructuring the Home Ministry could be considered, removing a single individual would not be a comprehensive solution.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Islam has urged workers not to block highways in protest over unpaid wages and bonuses ahead of Eid. Speaking to reporters, he acknowledged that every worker has the right to timely wages and bonuses. He emphasized that while factories delaying payments would be held accountable, workers should not resort to road blockades that disrupt public movement. He assured that any grievances could be addressed through appropriate channels and that the police were committed to ensuring public safety during the holiday period. The IGP also noted that during Eid, when Dhaka and surrounding districts become relatively empty, law enforcement would take special measures to prevent theft and other crimes.

The Bangladesh government has extended the magistracy powers of armed forces officials for another 60 days. According to an official gazette notification, commissioned officers of the rank of Captain and above in the Bangladesh Army will continue to exercise special executive magistrate powers across the country. This extension, effective from March 15, 2025, will last for two months.

Human rights organization Fortify Rights has urged Bangladesh and the Arakan Army to establish a ‘humanitarian corridor’ to facilitate aid and trade in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. The group reported that Myanmar’s military junta has been obstructing humanitarian assistance, exacerbating the suffering of civilians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to discuss humanitarian needs on both sides of the border during his upcoming visit to Bangladesh. Over two million people in Rakhine are in urgent need of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid. Fortify Rights emphasized that establishing a corridor between Bangladesh and Myanmar is crucial for all affected communities.