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.

The Gana Adhikar Parishad has extended an invitation to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for an Iftar event. The invitation was received by senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Friday night.

According to a statement from the party, a delegation led by spokesperson Faruk Hasan delivered the invitation. The event, scheduled for March 13 at Hotel SkyCity in Malibagh, aims to honor political leaders and commemorate the martyrs of the July-August revolution.

The Gana Adhikar Parishad has extended an invitation to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for an Iftar event. The invitation was received by senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Friday night.

According to a statement from the party, a delegation led by spokesperson Faruk Hasan delivered the invitation. The event, scheduled for March 13 at Hotel SkyCity in Malibagh, aims to honor political leaders and commemorate the martyrs of the July-August revolution.

On Friday at around 4:30 PM, police arrested four members of the banned extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir from Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The arrested individuals are Rafsan Ahmed Sajjad (22), Redwan Hasan (21), Habibur Rahman (24), and Abdullah (20).

Earlier that day, the group attempted to hold a protest march in Paltan, prompting police to disperse them using batons, tear gas shells, and sound grenades. Injured member Rafsan was taken to Dhaka Medical by his three associates, who were later arrested.

Shahbagh police confirmed the arrests and stated that legal action is being taken.

A Dhaka University student, who recently reported being harassed over her attire by university staff member Asif Arnab, is now receiving rape and death threats. She claims her personal details were leaked from the police station.

She expressed frustration over the breach, stating, “The police made my sensitive information public. When I confronted them, they justified it by saying that the FIR (First Information Report) is a public document. Then why include such personal details in it?”

The student also criticized the release of Asif Arnab on bail, calling it an example of impunity. She lamented, “Some people will gather at the police station to free someone who has admitted his crime. This is lawlessness.”

An audio clip recently surfaced on the Facebook account of Assistant Press Secretary Fayez Ahmed, revealing a conversation involving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In the clip, Hasina can be heard instructing authorities to “shoot directly” whenever possible.

During the conversation, an intelligence officer inquired whether suspects could be arrested overnight based on photographic evidence. Hasina responded, “I have ordered all of them to be arrested at night.” The intelligence officer then acknowledged the instruction.

Hasina further stated, “I have instructed the RAB, DGFI, and everyone else to capture as many as possible.” She added, “Wherever gatherings are spotted, take action from above—we have already started in some locations.”

Upon learning about movements near Mohammadpur Police Station, Hasina directed RAB to be sent to the area. She then gave an explicit order, saying, “I have issued an open directive—use lethal weapons, shoot on sight.”

The conversation raises serious concerns regarding the government’s handling of security operations.

Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, announced that the current government is working towards integrating women into productive sectors to achieve the goal of building a developed Bangladesh. He acknowledged that March 8, International Women’s Day, is celebrated annually in Bangladesh to uphold women’s rights, with this year’s theme being “Rights, Equality, Empowerment – Women’s and Girls’ Development.” Yunus recognized the significant participation of women in the July Mass Uprising and their sacrifices. He stated that Bangladeshi women will build a new Bangladesh in line with global progress. He also highlighted various recognition and incentive activities for women’s contributions, including awards from the Ministry of Women and Children.

Rashed Pradhan, spokesperson for the National Democratic Party, stated that the Awami League has consistently distorted history to sell the spirit of the liberation war. He claimed that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not seek the independence of Bangladesh but aspired to become the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Pradhan highlighted that Sheikh Mujib concluded his speech on March 7 by saying “Long Live Pakistan.” He also discussed the distortion of history from the 1971 war and stressed the need to learn from the past. Pradhan emphasized that to build a sovereign and prosperous Bangladesh, the country’s united efforts must reject Awami League’s policies and Indian dominance.