The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will take strict action against any gatherings or activities by the banned organization Hizb ut-Tahrir, said public relations officer Muhammad Talebur Rahman on Thursday. Hizb ut-Tahrir was officially banned in Bangladesh on October 22, 2009. Under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009, all activities by banned organizations—including meetings, processions, posters, leaflets, and other forms of propaganda—are punishable offenses. Authorities have warned that any such activities will be met with legal consequences.

In a crackdown on illegal immigration, Malaysian authorities arrested 75 undocumented migrants, including 11 Bangladeshis, in Johor state on Wednesday. Acting on public reports about foreigners working without valid permits, immigration officials raided the Pandan wholesale market, inspecting 20 premises and screening 66 individuals, leading to the arrest of 35 foreign nationals. Later that night, another raid in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya covered nine shop premises, where 64 foreigners were screened, and 40 were taken into custody for further investigation.

A Green Line transport bus caught fire while traveling on the Dhaka-Barishal highway on Thursday morning. The bus was carrying 20 passengers at the time, but fortunately, no one was injured. Fire service officials reported that the fire broke out when the bus reached the South Bamrail area of the highway. All passengers, including the driver, assistant, and supervisor, managed to evacuate before the fire spread. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar faced a violent protest by Khalistani separatists during his visit to the UK. As Jaishankar left Chatham House following a discussion with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, a protester ran toward his car and tore an Indian flag in front of police officers. Law enforcement quickly intervened, arresting the protester and several others. Analysts suggest this incident, allegedly orchestrated by the ‘Sikhs for Justice’ organization led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, highlights security lapses in Jaishankar’s protection.

India’s central government is now aiming to take control of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated that the country is progressing in phases. “We have already completed several steps—first, revoking Article 370; second, boosting development and economic activity in Jammu and Kashmir; and third, holding legislative elections there,” he said. “Now, we are entering the fourth phase: integrating the region that is currently occupied by Pakistan into India’s map.”

Dhaka has seen multiple fire incidents in recent days, raising safety concerns. In the past week alone, a fire at a residential hotel in Shahjadpur, Gulshan, claimed four lives. Soon after, major fires broke out at Gabtoli Shahi Mosque slum and Abul slum in Bhashantek. In response, the Bangladesh Army has issued a set of precautionary measures, including enhanced CCTV monitoring, restricted access to high-risk areas, legal actions against suspicious activities, improvements in firefighting infrastructure, and regulations to prevent electrical overload.

Officials of the Election Commission are opposing the government’s plan to transfer National ID (NID) services under a separate commission. In response, they are preparing for protests. Some employees have already gathered outside the office of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin to voice their discontent. They warned that if their demands are not met, they will first observe a half-day work stoppage, followed by a full-day strike, and eventually, a nationwide shutdown of Election Commission activities. The government, meanwhile, is working on an ordinance titled “Civil Registration Commission, 2025” to integrate birth registration, NID, and passport services under a unified system.

At least 20 leaders and activists from Nurul Haque’s party have joined the NCP. Nurul Haque claims these leaders were enticed with various promises, including offers of 100 million taka and parliamentary positions. However, NCP’s senior joint convenor, Samanta Sharmin, has dismissed these allegations as entirely false. Additionally, Nur accused NCP of influencing student advisors to resign, raising concerns about its political tactics. Meanwhile, NCP leader Abdul Hannan Masud stated that Nur himself is considering dissolving his party to join a new political platform.

A violent scuffle broke out between security personnel and family members of the October 7 attack victims as they attempted to enter Israel’s parliament during an ongoing session. At least two people were injured in the altercation. Opposition leader Yair Lapid shared a video of the incident, which was also reported by Al Jazeera. The chaos ensued when members of the NGO ‘October Council’ tried to gain access to the Knesset. They were later allowed in and protested during Netanyahu’s speech by turning their backs on him while holding up placards. The NGO represents over 1,000 families affected by the attack.

During the July uprising, a group of pro-Awami League artists formed a WhatsApp group called ‘Alo Asbei’ to express their support for Sheikh Hasina. After screenshots from the group were leaked on August 5, many assumed the group had been shut down. However, actress Sohana Saba recently revealed that auto-invites from the group are still being sent out. She has called for public assistance to stop this. The group’s administrators included former MP-actor Ferdous, Riaz, Saju Khadem, and Shamima Tusti, while other members included Zayed Khan, Simon Sadiq, Sujata, Aruna Biswas, Nipun, Shomi Kaiser, Azizul Hakim, Rokeya Prachi, Sweety, Hridi Haque, Ashna Habib Bhabna, Jyotika Jyoti, Sohana Saba, Chandan Reza, Shuvro Dev, Mushfiqur Rahman Gulzar, S.A. Haque Olik, and Khorshed Alam Khasru, among others.

Speaking at a workshop in Rangpur on Thursday morning, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Islam emphasized that the nation would not forgive if cases related to the July coup are not properly investigated and resolved. He stressed the need for thorough investigations and fair trials, warning that failure to deliver justice would lead to public dissatisfaction. The IGP also mentioned efforts to restore the honor of the police force by prosecuting and removing officers involved in crimes after August 5. He urged civic society to support the police in this endeavor.

Lutfuzzaman Babar has been granted bail in a bribery case involving Tk 2.1 billion, allegedly taken to exonerate Safiat Sobhan Sanvir, a director of Bashundhara Group, in the Sabbir murder case. The court has set March 18 for arguments against eight accused, including BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Lutfuzzaman Babar. Other accused in the case include Tarique Rahman’s former APS Mia Nur Uddin Apu, Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal, Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, Safiat Sobhan, Sadat Sobhan, and Abu Sufian.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and businessman Gias Uddin Al Mamun have been acquitted by the Appellate Division in a money laundering case previously convicting them with seven years of imprisonment. On Thursday, the Appellate Division, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, granted Mamun’s appeal against the High Court’s verdict. The case alleged that Mamun received over Tk 200 million from Khadija Islam, Chairman of Construction Company Ltd., in exchange for securing the contract to establish an 80-megawatt power plant in Tongi. A portion of this amount was allegedly enjoyed by Tarique Rahman.

On Thursday at 11:00 AM, Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan visited the grave of martyr Abrar Fahad in Kumarkhali, Kushtia. Following the visit, he met with Abrar’s family members and inaugurated an expansion project for the Abrar Fahad Jame Mosque. Later, he attended the opening ceremony at the Abrar Fahad Stadium, located beside the Kushtia-Jhenaidah highway. He is also scheduled to hold a discussion session with various officials during his visit.

The government has warned launch operators against charging extra fares during Eid travel. Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain stated that fare charts must be publicly displayed, and violations will lead to fines and route permit cancellations. Authorities will also enforce traffic regulations at Sadarghat and prohibit speedboats and bulkheads from operating at night. Fitness inspections for launches will begin immediately. Officials have assured strict action, including license suspension, against those who break regulations or disrupt transport order.