Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain has accused Indian media of disseminating misinformation about Bangladesh globally. “The people of our country must stay vigilant against false narratives spread by Indian media,” he warned. Addressing Bangladesh’s transition out of the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, he clarified, “We are not seeking to delay our LDC graduation. This has been known for a long time, yet businesses have taken little action to prepare. By 2026, we will complete our graduation process—there’s no turning back.” He also acknowledged ongoing passport issues faced by Bangladeshi expatriates in Oman and assured them that the government is actively working on a solution. Additionally, he mentioned that within two months, the government would introduce significant reforms in the textile sector.

Dhaka University has temporarily expelled 128 students for their involvement in attacks on protesters during the July Movement from July 15 to August 5. The decision was made in a syndicate meeting on March 17. An investigation committee, led by Professor Dr. Tajmeri S Islam, has been formed to determine further actions. The inquiry report also implicated several former students, recommending the cancellation of their academic certificates due to the severity of their offenses. The final decision will be based on the investigation’s findings.

Police have arrested five individuals in Laksam for allegedly gang-raping a 19-year-old woman inside an abandoned house belonging to an Awami League leader. The suspects include Mohammad Ali (25), Masud (23), Monir Hossain Hridoy (23), Al Amin (23), and Bilkis Akter Kalpana (40). Four of them directly took part in the assault, while Bilkis allegedly facilitated the crime by providing her residence for the act.

A tragic accident occurred in Ullapara, Sirajganj, on Monday when schoolgirl Ritu Khatun was struck by a train. Locals reported that Ritu, who had been living with her aunt after losing both parents, was a student of Ullapara Merchants Pilot High School. It is suspected that she deliberately lay on the railway tracks before a freight train from Rajshahi to Dhaka ran over her at Charghatina rail crossing, severing her head from her body.

At least 15 activists of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were injured in a violent attack in Kushtia on Sunday night. The injured are currently receiving treatment at Kushtia General Hospital. Upon hearing the news, fellow activists rushed to the hospital. Dr. Hafizur Rahman stated, “The injured are under medical care.” Meanwhile, SP Mizanur Rahman confirmed that the incident is under serious investigation and assured that legal action would be taken against those responsible. Multiple police teams are working on the case.

In a dramatic political move, over 100 leaders and activists of the Jatiya Party in Matlab, Chandpur, have announced their resignation, citing their party’s support for the “fascist government.” The Upazila General Secretary, D.M. Alauddin, stated, “Our only reason for resigning is that the Jatiya Party has backed an authoritarian regime. We feel complicit in this crime, and that is why we are seeking the people’s forgiveness.” He added that 90% of the party’s 151-member committee in the region had resigned. They now support the ongoing student-led protests and dissociate themselves from any acts of enforced disappearances or killings.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has issued an apology after facing widespread criticism for suggesting that the word “rape” be replaced with terms like “violence against women” or “harassment.” His remarks drew condemnation from various quarters, including the Chief Adviser’s Office and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). In his statement, the commissioner clarified, “During discussions on violence against women and children, I referred to rape as a broader form of violence. If my remarks offended anyone, I sincerely apologize.”

As part of preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, the Election Commission (EC) held a meeting with heads of missions from 19 OIC countries. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, along with three election commissioners and the EC secretary, were present. The meeting aimed to update OIC nations on election readiness and seek their cooperation.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the VAT return submission deadline for this month to March 18 due to technical issues. Typically, the deadline is the 16th of every month. The NBR informed customs and VAT offices of this decision on Sunday. Currently, around 325,000 VAT-registered businesses file returns online, while 23% still submit hard copies.

An MRT police sub-inspector and another officer were suspended on Monday for assaulting four DMTC workers. Additionally, a three-member inquiry committee has been formed. Following this decision, metro rail workers withdrew their strike. Authorities assured that swift action would be taken to meet their demands.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated that police officers are frontline defenders of law and order, and neglecting them will hinder national progress. He emphasized that without security, no development plan can succeed. While acknowledging past issues within the police force, he called for their active role in building a ‘New Bangladesh.’ He also urged citizens not to waste the opportunity presented by the July Movement for national reconstruction.

A Dhaka court has sentenced Arshad (22) to life in prison for raping a 7-year-old girl in Abdullahpur 11 years ago. He was also fined Tk 100,000, with an additional one-year imprisonment if unpaid. The court ordered that the fine be recovered from his assets and given to the victim’s family.

English footballer Hamza Choudhury, of Bangladeshi descent, has arrived in the country to play for the national team after 11 years. He landed at Sylhet International Airport on Monday at 10:45 AM. Seven executive members of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) were present at the airport to receive him and his family. After completing immigration formalities, Hamza will travel to his ancestral home in Bahubal, Habiganj.

Bangladesh’s Election Commission (EC) held a meeting with heads of missions from 10 OIC member states in Dhaka. Although 19 nations were invited, nine did not attend, including Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, the Maldives, and Oman. Election Commissioner Md. Sanaullah stated that the OIC has pledged full support for a fair election. The EC also requested assistance to enable expatriate Bangladeshis to vote smoothly, emphasizing that proxy voting remains the only alternative.

Shajahan Khan has been placed on a four-day remand in connection with the murder of Rafiq Islam during the mass uprising in Badda. The prosecution sought a five-day remand, while the defense filed for bail. After hearing both sides, the court granted a four-day remand. Rafiq Islam (37) was shot by police and ruling party activists on July 19 in front of Bismillah Residential Hotel while protesting. He later succumbed to his injuries on August 27.