Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has dismissed four faculty and staff members for their opposition to the July student uprising. The RUET syndicate made this decision based on evidence that these individuals took a stance against the student movement, were involved in suppressing protests, and remained absent from their duties. Those dismissed include Siddhartha Shankar Saha, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and a leader of the Rajshahi city unit of the Swechasebak League; Naeem Rahman Nibir, an assistant engineer in the engineering division and a former president of the RUET Chhatra League; and Md. Mahidul Islam, a data processor in the Department of Physics and former president of the RUET Employees’ Association. Additionally, Harun-or-Rashid, an assistant engineer in the Planning and Development Department and a former convenor of the RUET Chhatra League, has also been relieved of his duties.

BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has claimed that some advisors in the interim government harbor hostility toward the BNP. He stated, “Dr. Muhammad Yunus, an internationally respected figure, is now the head of the government. The people of this country expect a positive approach from him. However, I believe there are some anti-BNP advisors within the interim government. Whenever BNP recommends someone for a position, they seem to feel embarrassed and envious.” Rizvi also criticized those who, according to him, have forgotten the sacrifices of BNP leaders in the fight against fascism and the struggles of Begum Khaleda Zia. He further remarked that if the rule of law were upheld in the country, mob culture would not have flourished. He added that necessary reforms should be carried out by an elected government.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has affirmed that the Abu Sayeed murder case is receiving top priority, with every possible effort being made to ensure justice. Addressing concerns over cases where autopsies were not conducted, he acknowledged that many incidents, especially those after August 5, were not properly registered as cases. Some incidents led to multiple cases being filed, while in others, even burials were not possible, making hospital autopsies unimaginable. The IGP emphasized that if justice is to be served for these deaths, mere legal technicalities should not stand in the way. He stressed the importance of ensuring fair trials for the victims, the movement, and the martyrs.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed his desire to collaborate more closely with international development partners after attending an iftar event with foreign diplomats in Dhaka. He stated, “The path ahead is clear – a swift return to democracy through a free and fair election.” The gathering was attended by British High Commissioner Sarah Cook, former U.S. Deputy Head of Mission John Danilovich, Pakistani High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof, Turkish Ambassador Ramis Sen, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma, UN Resident Coordinator Gwen Lewis, and EU Ambassador Michael Miller.

Abdur Rahman Khan, Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), has stated that Bangladesh lags behind the global average in VAT and tax collection, making the country increasingly dependent on foreign aid. He emphasized that boosting revenue is essential for national development. To build an equitable Bangladesh, everyone must pay taxes according to their financial capacity, he added. Khan also pointed out that while developed nations such as European countries collect 45% in taxes, the US collects 35%, and Japan collects 24%, Bangladesh’s tax collection remains slightly above 7%. He assured that efforts are underway to simplify online tax return submissions and encouraged citizens to utilize the digital platform for filing complaints if they face issues.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has strongly criticized Donald Trump’s support for Russia regarding Ukraine, calling him a “thug.” Speaking on Thursday, De Wever said, “What Trump is doing is completely against Europe’s interests. He is a real thug.” Despite this, he reaffirmed Belgium’s unwavering support for Ukraine while maintaining diplomatic ties with the US. He emphasized that NATO remains a crucial alliance, and no single president can alter that.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to European allies at the EU Summit on Thursday. “We are deeply thankful that we are not alone,” he said. He also accused former US President Donald Trump of aiding Russia in dismantling the global order, adding that Trump’s stance on Ukraine has left all of Europe anxious. EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe is facing an unprecedented threat and convened a special meeting of 27 EU countries in Brussels to discuss defense spending and the possibility of forming a military alliance.

Seven individuals, including two women, were arrested for involvement in robbery and mugging in Savar, police announced at a press conference on Thursday. The operation led to the recovery of 13 stolen mobile phones. On March 1, a victim named Lutfor Rahman was mugged by a group of 7-8 individuals, including two women, on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway while heading home.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that UN Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Dhaka from March 13 for a four-day trip, titled “Ramadan Solidarity Visit.” As a gesture of solidarity with the Muslim community, he will observe one day of fasting during his stay. Last year, Guterres visited Egypt and Jordan, where he also fasted in respect for Muslim traditions. This will be his second visit to Bangladesh, following his 2023 trip focused on the Rohingya crisis and climate change.

Railways Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam announced that advance train ticket sales for Eid-ul-Fitr will begin on March 14 and continue until March 20. This year, five special Eid trains will operate, with the Eid travel period starting from March 24. The number of additional trains is yet to be finalized, but routes will be determined based on passenger demand. Each day, 35,315 advance tickets will be available from Dhaka.

A court has imposed a travel ban on 23 individuals, including former Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman and economist Abul Barakat, in connection with the embezzlement of BDT 2.98 billion. The order came on Thursday following an appeal by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Others on the list include Abu Hena Mohammad Raji Hasan, Ismat Ara Begum, Dr. Jamal Uddin Ahmed, and Professor Nitai Chandra Nath. The ACC stated that the accused were attempting to flee the country, which could obstruct the investigation.

Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho warned that if there is any delay in the trial of the July-August killings, students will take to the streets again, just as Abu Sayeed and Mir Mughdo did. Speaking at an event titled “With the Injured Fighters of Bangladesh”, he handed over BDT 5 lakh to the family of slain student leader Nurul Amin and BDT 1 lakh each to 47 injured individuals. The recent uprising in Cox’s Bazar resulted in four deaths and 82 injuries, with documents verified for 62 injured individuals.

A mobile court in Nalchity, Jhalokathi, fined Hawladar Bricks BDT 2 lakh on Thursday for illegally using agricultural soil in brick production. Another kiln, SRB Bricks, had its drum chimney demolished, and bricks were destroyed by the fire department before shutting down operations. The drive was led by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, with officials from the Department of Environment in attendance.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that Bangladeshi expatriates can now apply for new passports, reissues, or corrections using their birth certificates. A directive has been sent to the Director General of the Department of Passports. The Security Services Division stated that applicants can request age corrections of up to eight years based on their birth certificates.

The Central Committee of the Bangladesh Democratic Student Council has suspended Kazi Mazharul Islam’s membership for spreading false information and inciting mob unrest. In an urgent notice on Thursday, the council directed him to provide a valid explanation within one working day as to why he should not be permanently expelled. Recently, Mazharul had posted in support of an accused individual involved in the harassment of a Dhaka University student.