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.

At a protest rally demanding the implementation of BNP’s 31-point national reform plan and immediate elections, former BNP youth leader Golam Mawla Shaheen declared that conspiracies and misinformation would not distance BNP from the people. He emphasized that BNP remains the people’s party despite 15 years of severe repression under a fascist regime. “The people of Bangladesh and its youth have been deprived of voting rights for too long. Certain conspirators and agencies are meddling in the interim government to manipulate the national election,” he warned.

Following claims on Facebook that buses transporting National Citizen Party (NCP) members from Pirojpur to their launch event in Dhaka were requisitioned by the government, Shafiqul Alam dismissed the allegations as exaggerated. He clarified that the government had no role in arranging transportation. According to him, local leaders requested the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to provide transportation for two families affected by the July incidents of injury and death. In response, five vehicles were arranged, but neither rent nor fuel costs were covered by the government. He accused the media of overblowing the issue.

BNP has apologized for a statement by its Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, claiming that a bomb attack at the BCS Administration Welfare Association building caused casualties. The party later admitted the statement was based on incorrect information. Initially, Fakhrul blamed miscreants for creating instability, but BNP now clarifies that no such attack occurred. Instead, the casualties resulted from an air conditioner explosion. The party expressed regret for the misunderstanding and acknowledged the error in its previous statement.

Former Supreme Court Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik and retired Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail were interrogated at the jail gate regarding the 2012 murder of journalists Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi. A high-powered task force conducted the questioning, and the information provided is being verified. The investigation, initially handled by police, DB, and RAB, is now under PBI. Despite a decade passing, no conclusive report has been submitted, with 115 extensions granted. The High Court has set April 6 for the next hearing.

Under the directive of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the “We Are BNP Family” organization will distribute Eid gifts to the families of party members who were abducted, killed, or disabled. Additionally, families of those killed or injured in the 2024 mass uprising will receive similar support. The organization’s secretary stated that this initiative has been in place since 2016, reaching approximately 1,200 families annually. This year, the number of beneficiaries is expected to rise to 1,700-1,800.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized that the holy month of Ramadan provides a unique opportunity for self-purification through restraint, seeking Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness. In a message marking Ramadan, he extended greetings to the nation and the global Muslim community, highlighting the role of fasting in promoting compassion, harmony, and brotherhood. He urged people to renounce indulgence, envy, and conflict while embracing patience and moderation. He also encouraged increased Quran recitation and worship, praying for peace and divine blessings for all.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) will launch an “all-out action” against known criminal gangs in the city, according to Additional Commissioner Rezaul Karim Mallik. He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for all crimes, big or small. Given the increase in financial transactions during Ramadan, DB officers will conduct undercover surveillance to maintain law and order. Mallik noted that recent incidents of robbery and snatching involved criminals aged 15-30, many of whom were influenced by incitement from fallen fascists.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has criticized the National Citizen Party for lacking a clear political philosophy, despite making grand statements about the state. He dismissed comparisons between BNP’s formation under military rule and other political narratives, stating that Ziaur Rahman established a new ideological framework distinct from past regimes. Rizvi asserted that Zia was the pioneer of multi-party democracy and did not seize power by dismantling democratic governance. Instead, he restored democracy after the one-party BAKSAL system.

Dr. Muhammad Mofizur Rahman, coordinator of the Inter-Cadre Disparity Resolution Council, announced that 25 cadres will observe a full-day strike nationwide on Sunday. Only emergency services will remain operational. The strike demands the withdrawal of dismissal orders against 12 officials penalized for social media posts and the resolution of inter-cadre inequalities. Rahman warned that if the issues remain unaddressed within a week, stricter measures will follow. He urged authorities to take immediate steps to resolve the matter.

The Brahmanbaria District Student Wing has announced a partial nine-member committee for Nasirnagar’s Chaltapara Degree College, with women holding seven key positions, including president and general secretary. The press release, signed by district convenor Shahinur Rahman and member secretary Samir Chakraborty, has drawn widespread praise for prioritizing female leadership. Kanika Akter has been appointed as president, while Dewan Nusrat will serve as general secretary. Akter credited the inspiration to past mass movements led by women and noted that Tarique Rahman also supports the rise of female leadership.

BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has urged the Chief Adviser to announce the national election roadmap within March instead of making vague statements. He warned that failure to do so would prompt democratic forces to decide on future political actions. He pointed out that while the Chief Adviser mentioned a December election in foreign media, he should have the courage to declare the same to local media. Criticizing those advocating local elections before national elections, Salahuddin claimed they fear their own standing in the national polls.

Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Mazumdar, has dismissed media reports of a robbery on 40 vehicles in Pabna as exaggerated. According to the statement from Santhia Police Station, unidentified robbers blocked the Sathia-Bera road in Karomja Union with fallen trees on Friday night and intercepted a single HiAce van. The robbers held five passengers at gunpoint, seizing 7.14 tolas of gold, a laptop, an iPad, a small suitcase, a diamond nose pin, 502 dinars, and 50,000 taka in cash. They also took mobile phones from a CNG driver and a motorcyclist before fleeing the scene.

The AB Party has announced a daily public Iftar program during Ramadan, distributing healthy and nutritious meals to thousands of homeless and underprivileged individuals. Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju stated that the event will take place at the party’s central office every day at 5 PM. He raised concerns about artificial price hikes during Ramadan and the rise in criminal activities such as theft and robbery. He questioned why, despite the absence of a party-led government, the situation remains unchanged. “The government must pass this test of maintaining stability during Ramadan,” he asserted.

A gang of robbers looted at least 30 vehicles, including buses and trucks, by blocking the Pabna-Santhia road with a fallen tree on Friday night. The incident has been confirmed by Saidur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Santhia Police Station, and Mostafizur Rahman, OC of Madhpur Highway Police Outpost.

According to local sources, the gang first stopped a cargo truck by placing a tree trunk on the road, causing a massive traffic jam with over a hundred vehicles, including buses, trucks, private cars, CNGs, and microbuses, stranded on both sides. Moments later, a group of 40 to 50 armed robbers launched an attack, targeting at least 30 vehicles. The criminals looted valuables and left at least ten people injured.