The National Independent Investigation Commission has summoned 15 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, General Aziz, and Fazle Noor Taposh, to testify regarding the BDR massacre. Others on the list include Sheikh Selim, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Mirza Azam, Bahauddin Nasim, retired Generals Muhammad Shamsul Alam, Molla Fazle Akbar, Moeen U Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud Khandaker, Abdul Kahar Akand, Noor Mohammad, and Monirul Islam. According to an official statement, their testimonies are deemed essential, and they may appear in person at the commission’s office or testify via online video conference. The commission has been instructed to complete the testimony process by March 31.

During a discussion in the capital on Saturday, marking International Women’s Day, Adviser Asif Mahmud stated that the interim government will not spare those involved in sexual assault cases. He assured that justice would be served, and the perpetrators of recent incidents would face exemplary punishment. He further highlighted that a certain group is misusing religion to harass women, but religion does not support such actions. The event also showcased documentary evidence of self-reliant women’s contributions through various LGED projects, alongside an award and recognition ceremony.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that women’s rights are under threat globally. Speaking at a UN event on International Women’s Day, he said new challenges are deepening long-standing discrimination. He pointed out that digital tools are silencing women, reinforcing bias, and encouraging harassment. Guterres also warned that online violence is escalating real-world violence, and extremism and misogyny are becoming mainstream. Urging global action, he emphasized that gender equality is about power, representation, and building a fairer world for all. (Source: Reuters)

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali urged Dhaka residents to secure their homes and businesses before traveling for Eid, citing the police force’s staffing shortages. He highlighted the rise in street crimes, such as mobile phone snatching, primarily by juvenile gangs. Despite challenges, he assured that the city has seen a decline in major crimes like murder and robbery in recent years. The commissioner emphasized that no incidents will be left unreported or unrecorded during this period.

Speaking at an event marking International Women’s Day at Dhaka University, Salahuddin Ahmed expressed grave concern over the increasing violence against women and children in Bangladesh. “The country’s image is being tarnished both nationally and internationally due to these incidents. Perpetrators must be dealt with harshly,” he said. Ahmed further questioned whether these acts were part of a deeper fascist conspiracy and urged strict measures to root them out. He also reiterated the commitment to women’s empowerment, stating that increasing women’s participation in parliament is a constitutional and legal priority under the 31-point program.

A violent clash broke out between two groups in Madaripur over a dispute for dominance. In the incident, two brothers, Saiful Sardar (40) and Ataur Sardar (35), were hacked to death. Among the three injured, one named Palash Sardar succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). Additionally, several houses belonging to Ataur and his relatives were set on fire. Police have arrested two suspects, and extra police forces have been deployed in the area. Reports indicate that Saiful, an Awami League leader, had been attempting to maintain his influence following the government’s downfall, which led to a feud with Shahjahan and Union Parishad Chairman Zainal Mollah. The clash was a result of this ongoing conflict.

Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the rape of an eight-year-old girl in Magura. The victim’s mother filed a case against Sajib Hossain (18), his father Hitu Mia (42), Sajib’s brother Ratul Sheikh (17), and their mother Jabeida Begum (40). The incident took place when the child was visiting her sister’s home. “The police have arrested them, and I demand a fair investigation and exemplary punishment,” said the victim’s mother, Ayesha Akter. A medical board has been formed at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) to oversee the child’s treatment, with authorities confirming that her condition remains critical.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus praised the resilience of women during the July uprising, stating that they stood “like the Himalayas” against fascist forces and deadly weapons. Remembering the female martyrs of the movement, Dr. Yunus emphasized that women still face many obstacles today. “The government remains committed to women’s economic empowerment through financial aid for underprivileged mothers, training programs, microcredit initiatives, working women’s hostels, and daycare centers,” he said. The Chief Adviser also highlighted efforts to curb violence against women, including the introduction of hotlines and updates to the 2010 Domestic Violence Act. Additionally, a Women’s Reform Commission has been established to further safeguard their rights.

A massive fire broke out at Larma Square in Khagrachhari late Friday night, destroying at least 10 shops. Firefighters arrived promptly and managed to control the blaze after half an hour of effort. According to local sources, the fire originated from one shop around 3 AM and quickly spread to nearby establishments. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined.

Bangladesh Army announced via Facebook on Saturday afternoon that 36 members of the banned extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir had been arrested. The arrests occurred after a protest march reached Paltan intersection, where it was blocked by police and army personnel. As demonstrators attempted to breach the barricade, law enforcement dispersed them using batons and took 36 individuals into custody, later handing them over to the police. Additionally, a civilian was reportedly attacked by a Hizb ut-Tahrir member and was also taken to the police station, but was later released upon the intervention of a senior official.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sajjat Ali announced that auxiliary police forces have been deployed in residential areas, shopping malls, and markets to ensure security during Ramadan and Eid. Due to a shortage of police personnel, these privately hired security officers will act as an “Auxiliary Police Force” and will have the authority to make arrests. They have been appointed under the Dhaka Metropolitan Law. The commissioner also urged residents to enhance security at homes and businesses during Taraweeh prayers.

On Friday afternoon, the secretary of Jatiya Chhatra Shibir raised questions about the funding sources of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) in a Facebook post, responding to similar inquiries about his own organization’s finances. JCD General Secretary Nasir Uddin had earlier questioned how Chhatra Shibir was able to spend BDT 300,000 daily on mass Iftar programs. “Our question is, where do they get so much money from? What is their source of income?” he asked.

Specialist doctors of the BCS (Health) Cadre have suspended their ongoing strike for 12 weeks after receiving assurances from the government on two key demands. On Saturday, the protesting doctors gathered for a silent march at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) entrance. Later, Dr. Sayedur Rahman, a special assistant professor from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, assured them that their demands would be met within 12 weeks and urged them to resume work. Earlier, government hospital specialists had been protesting for fair promotions and the elimination of all forms of discrimination.

Tarique Rahman spoke with the mother of the abused child in Magura over the phone on Saturday. He assured her of full support, including medical treatment for the child. He also assigned overall responsibility for the matter to Dhaka South Jubo Dal’s Member Secretary, Rabiul Islam Nayan. Speaking to journalists, Nayan stated that Tarique Rahman has taken full responsibility for the child’s medical treatment as well as the family’s well-being. “He has instructed us to ensure that the impoverished family does not feel helpless in any way,” Nayan said. Additionally, Tarique Rahman has emphasized the need to remain vigilant so that the perpetrators do not escape justice.

Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, has reported that the condition of the child from Magura remains critical. A special medical board, comprising experts from gynecology and anesthesiology departments, has been formed to oversee the treatment. Doctors have placed the child on a ventilator to support breathing. The director revealed that the child suffered severe injuries, including trauma to the throat and wounds in the genital area due to inhumane abuse. After a sudden deterioration in her condition on Friday night, she was moved from the gynecology department to the pediatric ICU for intensive care. The medical team is doing everything possible to stabilize her.