The Revolutionary Workers’ Party of Bangladesh has strongly condemned the brutal Israeli assault on Gaza, urging immediate intervention to halt the genocide. The party called for the arrest and trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates for war crimes. According to reports, over 350 Palestinian men, women, and children have been killed, with more than 700 severely injured. The party accused Israel of blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement, defying the international community, and committing a grave crime. Furthermore, the party criticized Western powers, particularly the U.S., for their hypocrisy regarding democracy and human rights, calling their stance on the conflict a “shameful mockery.” The statement also expressed solidarity with the freedom-seeking Palestinian people.

Several officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension at Khamarbari have been accused of embezzling funds under the pretense of BNP connections. On Tuesday, anti-corruption activists and student groups held a human chain protest in front of Khamarbari, demanding punishment for the corrupt officials. The protestors highlighted that Dr. Muhammad Mahbubur Rashid, Deputy Director of the Finance Wing, was recently transferred due to allegations of transfer bribes. Following his transfer, his supporters staged disruptions, including locking the Khamarbari gates, road blockades, and a press conference. It has been alleged that three officials—Rezaul Islam Mukul, Muhammad Mahbubur Rashid, and AKM Hasibul Hasan—misused BNP’s name to conduct a massive transfer-posting business, embezzling millions of takas. Protesters demanded strict legal action against those responsible for the unrest and corruption.

Fifteen Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested at Kuala Lumpur International Airport while attempting to enter Malaysia by posing as cricketers. The Border Control and Security Agency detained them on Monday after they arrived wearing cricket jerseys and presented fake tournament invitations to deceive immigration officers. An investigation revealed that the invitation letters were fraudulent, and there was no scheduled cricket tournament between March 21 and 23. The detainees also attempted to secure a sponsor as their guarantor, but the person in question admitted to having no knowledge of any such tournament.

Israel has launched intense airstrikes on Gaza, with Hamas’ Health Ministry reporting at least 330 Palestinian deaths. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claim to be targeting “terror-related sites” under Hamas’ control. Among those killed is Gaza’s Deputy Interior Minister and senior Hamas security official, Mahmoud Abu Wafa. Witnesses say the strikes occurred during Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) in the holy month of Ramadan, catching many by surprise as explosions rocked the city.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain has labeled US intelligence official Tulsi Gabbard’s comments about minority persecution in Bangladesh and the rise of an Islamic Caliphate as “serious and misleading.” He stated that the response from the Chief Adviser’s Office reflects the official position of the Foreign Ministry. “Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks are damaging to Bangladesh’s image and reputation. Bangladesh is globally recognized for its peaceful and inclusive practice of Islam and has made significant progress in combating extremism and terrorism,” the office stated.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam has stated that the demand to reinstate “Except Israel” on Bangladeshi passports is “very logical.” On Tuesday, he received a memorandum from the National Revolutionary Council advocating for the restoration of this clause. He mentioned that discussions would take place with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and based on their recommendations, steps would be taken to restore “Except Israel” on passports. Since this is an issue related to international relations, further consultations with the Foreign Ministry will be conducted before implementing the change.

Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep concern over the killing of more than 350 people, including children, in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, violating the ceasefire on Tuesday. In a statement, the party condemned Israel’s renewed assault, stating that the entire Muslim world and the global community are deeply disturbed and alarmed by the attack. Jamaat urged the United Nations and all international organizations, as well as peace-loving people worldwide, to take immediate action to stop Israel and enforce the ceasefire.

Election Commission (EC) officials have postponed their planned ‘Operational Halt’ protest scheduled for Wednesday. This decision follows a letter to the government advocating for the retention of National ID (NID) services under the EC, as well as discussions within the Consensus Commission. The government has proposed forming a ‘Civil Registration Commission’ to streamline NID services, while the Electoral Reform Commission has recommended an independent constitutional body called the ‘National Citizen Data Commission.’ Last Thursday, EC employees staged a ‘Stand for NID’ demonstration at central and field offices. If no visible progress is made, the ‘Operational Halt’ protest may be reinstated on March 19.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam has stated that Bangladesh’s approach to tackling communal violence could serve as a model for the region. He warned that the rise of Islamophobia, religious intolerance, and communal violence would be detrimental to all South Asian nations. “Since July, Bangladesh has taken strict measures to prevent communal violence. Most incidents were politically motivated rather than purely communal,” he noted. Alam emphasized that the vision of communal harmony, as upheld by figures like Dara Shikoh, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and Kazi Nazrul Islam, must prevail. He urged all communities to reject extremism and Islamophobia in the region.

Veteran journalist Shafik Rehman has regained the declaration for the daily newspaper Jaijaidin after 17 years. Previously, the government revoked the paper’s declaration citing violations of publication laws. According to officials, Jaijaidin was in breach of Section 10 of the Printing Presses and Publications (Declaration and Registration) Act, 1973. As a result, the declaration held by publisher and printer Saeed Hossain Chowdhury was nullified.

A court has ordered the freezing of 163 bank accounts belonging to Sheikh Hasina’s Press Secretary Naeemul Islam Khan, his wife Nasima Khan Monty, and their three children. These accounts hold a total of BDT 62.5 million. The investigation revealed that BDT 3.86 billion was deposited into these accounts, of which BDT 3.79 billion has already been withdrawn. Authorities have launched a probe into allegations of money laundering and acquiring assets beyond known sources of income. The court ruled that the accounts must be frozen to prevent the transfer of these funds.

Economic Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has stated that Tulsi Gabbard’s comments will not impact economic relations between Bangladesh and the United States. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s economy is no longer on the brink of collapse; instead, it is making a strong recovery. “Many are now looking at Bangladesh with interest. While some issues remain, the overall situation is satisfactory,” he said. The government is progressing towards the goal of LDC graduation by 2026, and logistical bottlenecks in goods clearance have been resolved. “Businesses often attempt to manipulate systems, but we are working to maintain control,” he added.

The National Consensus Commission will begin discussions with political parties to build agreement on key reforms. The first meeting is set for March 20 at 3 PM with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), with more meetings to follow. Led by Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the commission was formed on February 15. Reform recommendations were sent to 38 political parties, and 15 have responded so far. Discussions will focus on constitutional, electoral, judicial, administrative, and anti-corruption reforms.

Sadiq Qayyum, a key organizer of the July Revolution and former DU Chhatra Shibir president, criticized Dhaka University for expelling only 128 Chhatra League members over violence during an anti-discrimination student movement. He claimed that nearly 1,000 individuals were involved and that his group provided evidence of around 500 attackers. Qayyum condemned the attack on unarmed students and the continued assaults on the injured at Dhaka Medical. He urged the DU administration to take strict action against all perpetrators, calling the current measures inadequate.

The Ministry of Information has issued a directive prohibiting the publication of any identifying details—such as names or photographs—of rape victims in news reports or media broadcasts.