In a special operation on Thursday evening, the Bangladesh Navy recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition in Kutubdia Upazila. While no suspects were arrested, officials revealed that the raid was conducted based on intelligence reports. The recovered items included a single-barrel shotgun, a shotgun, and six rounds of live ammunition, all found abandoned in the Manoharkhali area of Baraghop Union. The seized weapons have been handed over to Kutubdia police for further legal proceedings. The navy has assured continued efforts to prevent illegal arms trafficking in the region.

In a case related to the 2016 police operation at a so-called militant hideout in Kalayanpur, the International Crimes Tribunal has ordered the arrest of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Hoque, former DMP Commissioner Md. Asaduzzaman Mia, and former Mirpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md. Jasim Uddin. The operation, which was later deemed controversial, resulted in the fatal shooting of nine young men with Islamic leanings, allegedly under a fabricated narrative. The tribunal has directed authorities to present the three accused before the court on March 24 in connection with charges of crimes against humanity.

The Jessore district BNP has suspended all positions held by Sharsha Upazila BNP Vice President Ruhul Kuddus following allegations of misappropriating rice from the government’s food-friendly program. In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Kuddus tearfully denied the accusations, claiming he had no involvement in the incident. He alleged that internal conflicts within the party led to a conspiracy against him, resulting in disciplinary action without any investigation. The allegations surfaced after reports that 155 sacks of rice were looted while being transported.

China has vowed to retaliate against U.S. tariffs, declaring its readiness to engage in any trade war. The Chinese Embassy in Washington issued a statement condemning the latest tariff hikes imposed by the U.S. government. Former President Donald Trump, in his first speech after securing a second term, announced additional tariffs, set to take effect on April 2. In response, China, along with Canada and Mexico, has threatened countermeasures. Analysts warn that the situation is escalating into a full-scale global trade war. On Tuesday night, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, while Chinese goods were hit with an additional 10% tariff.

At least 48 people have been killed in violent clashes between Syrian government forces and loyalist fighters of former president Bashar al-Assad. Among the dead are 16 security personnel. The violence erupted in the Latakia province, prompting the authorities to impose a curfew in the region. Syrian state media agency SANA reported that government troops are now advancing toward the city of Jableh with “significant military reinforcements.” The Syrian-based Step News Agency stated that government forces had killed around 70 former pro-Assad fighters and detained over 25. The country’s defense ministry has called for the surrender of weapons to restore order.

Danish beauty queen and Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, is set to visit Bangladesh in May for humanitarian work, announced Bangladeshi Ambassador to Mexico, Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari. In a Facebook post, he expressed his delight at welcoming Theilvig and her team to the Bangladeshi Embassy. Theilvig made history by becoming the first Miss Universe from Denmark. Her upcoming visit aims to engage in philanthropic activities in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has formed a two-member investigation committee to probe the recent clash between students and NCP’s chief organizer, Sarjis Alam, near North South University. In a statement, the student wing announced that Senior Vice President Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahya and Vice President Zahir Rayhan Ahmed would lead the investigation. The committee has been instructed to submit a written report to the central leadership within 48 hours. The incident, which occurred on the 5th of this month, has drawn significant attention and concern among students and activists.

Authorities have arrested Mostakim (20), a key suspect in the murder case linked to the mass uprising in Jatrabari, and Abdul Kader Papu (32), accused of theft and extortion. According to RAB, on August 14, armed assailants attacked unarmed students and civilians with sharp weapons, rods, and sticks during the protests in Jatrabari. Victim Md. Saidul Islam Yasin was brutally hacked and beaten before being left in critical condition near Jatrabari Police Station. He was later taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The arrest was made as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder.

BNP leader Aminul Haque has accused a certain group of inciting chaos across the country under the guise of mob justice. Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Haque claimed that these individuals are taking the law into their own hands, engaging in unethical activities under the cover of night. “This disorder is unacceptable. It is eroding public trust in the legal system, and the government must take responsibility,” he asserted. Haque also criticized the economic situation, stating that even buying a lemon has become a struggle due to rising prices, which he blamed on an “Awami League syndicate.” He called for an immediate election to restore stability in the country.

Since its establishment in 1957, the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) has played a crucial role in cinema development. However, in recent years, progress has stalled, with critics alleging that the institution has been more focused on politics and commercial ventures than on cinema’s growth. Industry insiders accuse successive administrations under the ruling Awami League of failing to take meaningful steps to advance the industry. In 2018, the government launched a high-rise complex project on 94 katha (1.55 acres) of BFDC land, instead of prioritizing the improvement of theaters, which producers argue should have been the primary focus. The recent appointment of Masuma Rahman Tani as the new managing director has sparked controversy, with critics accusing her of being aligned with authoritarian interests.

In Lohagara, Chattogram, armed hill terrorists attacked three brick kilns—IBM, NBK, and NBM—after their owners refused to pay extortion. The masked attackers, armed with heavy weapons, arrived on motorcycles, assaulted over 20 workers, and looted cash and mobile phones. Police and army forces later inspected the site. The kiln owner claimed the terrorists had been demanding 1.5 million taka for 15 days. Authorities have launched an investigation, promising legal action. The attack has left the area in fear and tension.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, revealed that he had warned the Bangladesh Army against participating in the crackdown during the mass uprising. “Their main concern was what we would say and do. We cautioned the army that if they got involved, they might no longer be able to send peacekeepers. As a result, we saw changes,” Türk stated. He also mentioned that when Professor Yunus took over as the chief advisor of the interim government, he immediately requested an investigative team to look into the incidents, which the UN complied with. Türk noted that Bangladeshi students expressed gratitude for their efforts.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir’s Secretary General, Md. Nurul Islam Saddam, commended campus journalists for their courage during the July Revolution, stating that their efforts were crucial to its success. Speaking at an Iftar gathering at a university, he criticized mainstream media for serving vested interests and promoting yellow journalism. He called for state policies to ensure journalists’ welfare and urged them to prioritize community interests over personal gains. He emphasized that ethical journalism aligns with moral and religious values.

Chhatra Dal activists in Dhaka’s Tejgaon Industrial Area recovered a snatched TVS Apache RTR 160 CC motorcycle. The incident occurred in front of the Land Record and Survey Department, where muggers attempted to escape with the stolen bike. Activists chased the snatcher, forcing him to abandon the vehicle. Under the supervision of local Chhatra Dal leaders Abu Bakker Siddique Suman and Anisur Rahman Manik, the motorcycle was handed over to its rightful owner through the police. Several student leaders were present during the handover.

Fugitive Awami League leaders are reportedly taking refuge in various Indian cities, primarily Kolkata, and conspiring to destabilize Bangladesh. They are allegedly in contact with criminals, smugglers, and armed groups to incite unrest. Around 45,000 party members have fled to India, using digital platforms to coordinate activities. Reports suggest they aim to undermine the interim government and disrupt upcoming elections. Key leaders, including former ministers, are said to be stationed in Kolkata and Delhi, strategizing to regain power and obstruct ongoing legal proceedings.