In a human chain protest, Sujan General Secretary Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar stated that reforms need to be implemented swiftly for an election to take place. Without these reforms, autocracy could once again rise to power. The human chain called for the restoration of law and order and demanded the construction of a democratic state through reforms. The protestors put forward 26 demands, including the abolition of mob culture. Dr. Majumdar emphasized that the people’s uprising against the regime was not only to oust Sheikh Hasina from power but to remove the autocratic system, including its methods, processes, and institutions. In response to questions about whether Sujan received U.S. aid for elections, he dismissed it as a rumor.

The Democratic Student Council (DSC) has officially begun its organizational activities. The event was attended by central secretary of the organization Zahid Ahsan, Dhaka University convener Abdul Kader, secretary Mahir Alam, and chief organizer Hasib Al Islam, among others. Zahid Ahsan remarked that in the 54 years since the Liberation War, Bangladesh has not seen any effective political process. Instead, under the guise of student politics, there has been an attempt to destabilize campuses through tagging culture and implementing the agenda of the ruling party. He emphasized that the DSC is committed to establishing politics based on intellect, values, responsibility, and care, aiming to lead the country beyond these issues. Abdul Kader stated that the foundation of the Democratic Student Council lies in the dreams of martyrs and the youth.

Detective Branch (DB) police in Magura have arrested six Rohingya refugees who fled Cox’s Bazar camps in an attempt to obtain Bangladeshi national identity cards. The detainees have been identified as Sanaullah, Ayub, Rajida, Harez, Arz, and Erfan. According to the police, they were residents of various refugee camps in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar. On Saturday, they were sent back to their respective camps. Authorities revealed that one of the detainees, Sanaullah, had already acquired a Bangladeshi ID card, while the others were en route to Jashore to obtain theirs. The police confirmed that necessary legal measures were taken before their return to the camps.

Jamaat-e-Islami has strongly condemned and expressed deep concern over the killing of a Bangladeshi youth, Al Amin, by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and the severe injury of another, Bilal. In a statement, the party denounced the killing at the Kasba border and the brutal attack on Bilal at the Jhenaidah border on February 27. Jamaat criticized repeated border killings despite promises to reduce them to zero. The party highlighted that eight Bangladeshi citizens have been killed by BSF in the last three months, calling the situation a serious threat to friendly bilateral relations.

A van driver in Rajshahi was killed over a dispute involving his rickshaw van. On Friday, a joint team of police and detectives arrested four individuals in Chapainawabganj in connection with the murder. The arrested suspects are Habibur Rahman alias Arif (26), Shayon Islam (28), Deborsish Saha (22), and Anwar Hossain (30). The decomposed body of Abdul Malek (42) was recovered from a pond in Boraail village, Mohanpur, on February 25. According to police, Malek had been missing since February 21. Investigators revealed that he was given an overdose of sleeping pills in a soft drink before being strangled to death, after which his rickshaw van was stolen and sold.

Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar addressed concerns over rising prices during Ramadan, explaining that supply chain inefficiencies—such as multiple layers of middlemen—contribute to price hikes. To counter this, eggs, milk, poultry, and beef are being sold at fair prices, not as subsidies but at actual production costs. She noted that while fish is typically in high demand, this Ramadan, meat consumption is higher, prompting adjustments in supply. Akhtar also emphasized that controlling prices requires a multi-faceted approach rather than relying solely on crackdowns and punitive measures.

Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) has renamed five key landmarks on its campus. The “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Academic Building” is now the “Kabi Nazrul Academic Building,” while “Sheikh Hasina Hall” has been renamed “Taposi Rabeya Hall.” The “Sheikh Russell Gymnasium” is now the “Bir Sreshtho Hamidur Rahman Gymnasium,” and the “Wazed Miah Higher Education and Research Center” has been renamed the “Institute for Higher Studies and Research.” Additionally, the student hall of the university’s Veterinary College in Jhenaidah has been renamed “Kabi Golam Mostafa Student Hall.” The university’s highest decision-making body, the Regent Board, made these changes in a meeting on Friday night.

In observance of Ramadan, BNP leader Aminul Haque distributed iftar packages to the families of party activists who were victims of enforced disappearances and killings. Acting on the instructions of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Aminul presented these relief items to the families of Nur Alam, former general secretary of Pallabi Thana Jubo Dal, Tariqul Islam Tara, former joint convener of the Thana Chhatra Dal, and Md. Sani, a martyr of the anti-discrimination movement from Ward No. 5 of Pallabi. Aminul emphasized that these families should not feel abandoned and reiterated BNP’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims if they come to power.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam expects to receive the investigation report on several key cases, including the one against Sheikh Hasina, within this month. He stated that once the report is available, trial proceedings could commence within one to one and a half months. He further noted that the duration of the trial will depend on the evidence and witness testimonies presented in court. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to bring Hasina back with Interpol’s assistance.

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, extended his greetings, emphasizing that Ramadan is a time for spiritual discipline and self-restraint. He highlighted that Muslims dedicate themselves to seeking the mercy and satisfaction of the Almighty. He further noted that by abstaining from food and drink throughout the day, believers strive to attain Allah’s love. Calling for peace and harmony, he urged everyone to refrain from injustice, hatred, and discord to foster a more peaceful society.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has urged the government to take effective measures against interest-based financial practices, bribery, obscenity, pornography, and immoral activities during Ramadan. The organization’s Secretary General, Maulana Sajidur Rahman, called for the closure of hotels and restaurants during daylight hours and urged authorities to control the prices of essential commodities. Emphasizing the sanctity of Ramadan, he appealed to the government to monitor markets throughout the month to ease public hardship. He also extended his solidarity with oppressed Muslims in Gaza and Sudan.

Police recovered the hanging body of former Assistant Attorney General Titus Hillol Rema (55) from his residence in Dhaka’s Kalabagan area on Saturday. He served under the Awami League government from 2009 to 2014. His wife stated that he had been suffering from depression and had been taking sleeping pills for a week. On Saturday morning, his daughters found him unresponsive. Police have sent his body to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for an autopsy. Authorities suspect suicide but await official confirmation.

Despite strict Israeli restrictions, thousands of Palestinians performed the first Taraweeh prayers of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday evening. Israeli forces reportedly harassed and intimidated children, conducted searches, and restricted worshippers from entering the mosque. Men under 55 and women under 50 were barred from entering. Additionally, recently released Palestinian detainees were also denied access. These restrictions appear to be aimed at limiting Palestinian presence in Al-Aqsa during the holy month of Ramadan.

The ongoing nationwide joint operation, “Devil Hunt,” has led to the arrest of 569 more individuals. Including other recent raids, the total number of arrests has reached 1,231. According to police headquarters, over 13,000 people have been arrested since the operation began on February 8. In the last 24 hours, law enforcement has seized two locally made single-barrel shotguns, 10 rounds of ammunition, 62 grams of gunpowder, three machetes, a metal cleaver, a dagger, two iron rods, and a wooden club.

The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), led by students who helped overthrow Sheikh Hasina, is facing criticism over the appointment of Muntasir Mamun, accused of LGBTQ activism. Many believe he aims to push a Western LGBTQ agenda in Bangladesh. Online activists and political figures have condemned his inclusion, alleging foreign influence, including ties to George Soros’ foundation. Facing backlash, NCP leaders admitted their mistake and pledged to correct it, but the controversy has cast doubts on the party’s direction.