According to data from Bangladesh Bank, the country’s gross foreign exchange reserves have dropped to $25 billion after making payments to the Asian Clearing Union (ACU). Under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation standard, the reserves now stand at $19.7 billion. Previously, on March 6, the gross reserves were $27.6 billion, with BPM6 reserves at $21.4 billion. The ACU is a regional clearing mechanism that facilitates financial transactions among member countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The organization, headquartered in Tehran, settles trade payments every two months through member central banks.

A gold shop robbery occurred in Ashulia, Savar, on March 9, when a gang of four robbers attacked businessman Dilip Das, using a cocktail explosion to create panic. The robbers snatched the gold bag from Dilip and fled in a car. Locals rushed him to Enam Medical College Hospital, where he was declared dead due to excessive blood loss. The police have confirmed the incident, and investigations are ongoing.

Akhtar Hossain, the secretary of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has demanded the immediate arrest and maximum punishment for those involved in the rape of an eight-year-old child. He stated that the criminals had gang-raped the child, and while two suspects have already been arrested, the party insists on ensuring the harshest penalties for all perpetrators. Akhtar Hossain also criticized the prevailing culture of impunity in Bangladesh regarding crimes like rape and urged law enforcement agencies to take greater responsibility. Earlier, an NCP delegation visited the victim at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

Students in Thakurgaon court premises identified Jubo League leader Jahangir Alam during an anti-rape protest and attacked him before handing him over to the police. Jahangir had previously assaulted student protesters with a machete on August 4, injuring several. After months of attempting to blend in, he joined the protest on Sunday, only to be recognized and beaten by angry students. Police have taken him into custody and are verifying any pending cases against him before taking legal action.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman condemned the recent child rape case in Magura, calling it an attack on humanity. He expressed deep concern over the brutal assault on an eight-year-old girl by her own relatives. “This is not just a crime against a child; it is a betrayal of trust and an assault on humanity itself,” he said. Dr. Rahman blamed moral degradation for such incidents and emphasized the need for an Islamic education system to rebuild ethical values. “If Allah ever grants us the opportunity to govern this nation, our first priority will be educational reform,” he declared.

Nurul Islam Saddam, Secretary General of Islami Chhatra Shibir, stated that the growing culture of impunity is responsible for the rise in rape cases. He emphasized that, beyond judicial reforms, Bangladesh must address its moral and educational decline. Citing statistics, he claimed that over 6,000 rape incidents have occurred since 2020, with most cases going unpunished. “Women are marching in the streets demanding capital punishment for rapists, but Islam provided the ultimate solution 1,500 years ago—stoning to death,” he said. He also accused political groups of exploiting the issue while their own members are involved in such crimes.

On Sunday, a student leader from the Student Rights Council, Faridul Islam, held a press conference in Gazipur, claiming that a BNP leader had threatened his life. He also filed a general diary (GD) with the police regarding the incident. Faridul alleged that during a law-and-order meeting at the GMP Commissioner’s office on March 4, BNP leader Tanvir Siraj verbally abused him and issued death threats. “If anything happens to me, Tanvir Siraj will be responsible,” he stated. However, Tanvir Siraj denied the allegations, saying, “I have no enmity with Faridul Islam, nor do I have any cadre group that would harm him.”

The Election Commission (EC) has sent a letter to the government requesting to retain control over national ID services. The letter was addressed to the Cabinet Secretary, the Chief Secretary to the Chief Adviser, the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. The Cabinet Division has drafted a Civil Registration Ordinance to centralize services such as national ID, birth and death registration, marriage and divorce registration, and unique ID issuance. Following this move, EC officials and employees staged a protest on Thursday, demanding that NID services remain under the Election Commission’s authority.

Dhaka University students organized a stick march in protest against rape and violence against women. The demonstration began at the Raju Memorial Sculpture near TSC at around 2:45 PM, moving through VC Square, Nilkhet, Katabon, and Shahbagh before returning to the starting point. The protesters demanded the removal of Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and the establishment of a fast-track tribunal for rape cases. Their nine-point demand also included effective measures to combat sexual violence, robbery, and theft; necessary amendments to existing laws; institutional reforms; and proper implementation of the Witness Protection Act to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses.

Leaders of the AB Party held discussions with former U.S. ambassadors to Bangladesh, William B. Milam and John Danilovich. When asked about their stance on banning the Awami League, AB Party leaders emphasized the need for a national consensus. They stated that any decision regarding the ban should come through a National Consensus Commission. Asaduzzaman Fuad added that the delegation informed the former ambassadors that India is spreading false propaganda against Bangladesh. He urged the U.S. to continue its positive role in supporting democratic movements, including the recent mass uprising.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced a revised schedule for the party’s Iftar gatherings. The event for political parties will now be held on March 19, while the gathering for professionals will take place on March 21. BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, will attend both events as the chief guest via video conference. The previously scheduled Iftar event on Sunday was postponed.

The Finance Ministry announced that government employees, including those in semi-government and autonomous institutions, will receive their March 2025 salaries in advance on March 23 ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. Pensioners will also receive their payments on the same date.

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Sunday that the “Special Security Guidelines 2025” for VIPs and distinguished individuals have been revoked. The decision follows recent controversy surrounding a directive that allegedly violated judicial protocols by undermining the Chief Justice’s authority. The High Court has summoned Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani of the Public Security Division to explain the directive on March 18. Additionally, the court has issued a suo moto rule questioning the legality of the canceled guidelines.

The National Sports Council has renamed the Women’s Sports Complex in memory of Ria Ghosh, a six-year-old girl killed by a stray bullet during the July Uprising. Additionally, the Roller Skating Complex near the National Stadium has been renamed “National Roller Skating Complex,” and the Tennis Complex in Ramna has been renamed “National Tennis Complex.” The National Sports Council Auditorium has also been rebranded, dropping the previous name of Sheikh Kamal.

Students at Chittagong University staged a protest march demanding swift execution of rapists, particularly in light of the rape and murder of eight-year-old Achiya in Magura. Protesters chanted slogans such as “Who are you? Who am I? We are Achiya,” and “Justice! Justice! We want justice!” The demonstration concluded with a gathering at Zero Point, where student leaders demanded immediate legal action against rapists.