The seven newly appointed members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) took their oath of office on Sunday. Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed administered the oath at the Judges’ Lounge of the Supreme Court. The members, appointed by the President on February 18, are: Professor Ferdous Arfina Osman, Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury, Md. Munir Hossain, Professor Shahnaz Sarker, Professor A.T.M. Farid Uddin, Professor Md. Sharif Hossain, and Anwarul Islam.

Following a meeting of the National Awards Advisory Committee on Sunday, Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul announced that this year’s Independence Award will be given solely based on merit, transcending political and group affiliations. He confirmed that fewer than ten individuals will receive the award. “In the past, controversial individuals and institutions, such as RAB, have received national awards. However, this is the highest honor of our nation, and we have recommended names without political bias,” he stated. Education Adviser added that only those with extraordinary contributions to national life will be honored this time.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the review hearing on the abolition of the caretaker government system for May 8. In 2011, a seven-member Appellate Division bench, led by then-Chief Justice A.B.M. Khairul Haque, ruled the 13th constitutional amendment unconstitutional, leading to its repeal by the Awami League government. A petition challenging this ruling was filed in August last year, and the court has now set a date for the review.

Professor Dr. Shahida Rafiq, wife of BNP Standing Committee member Barrister Rafiqul Islam and an adviser to Khaleda Zia, passed away at Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhanmondi on Sunday morning. She had suffered an injury after falling into a ditch at a BNP event last Thursday. Following initial treatment, she was admitted to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed their condolences.

The Supreme Court’s Appellate Division will hear the leave-to-appeal petitions against BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s acquittal in the Zia Charitable Trust corruption case on Monday. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the appeal after the High Court overturned her seven-year prison sentence on November 27 last year. Both the state and the ACC had challenged the ruling in the Appellate Division on February 23. The ACC originally filed the case against Khaleda Zia in August 2011.

On the first day of Ramadan, an emotional social media post by Mir Snigdha, the twin brother of July Uprising martyr Mir Mugdho, resonated deeply. "Everyone is posting, 'The main ingredient of Iftar is family!' My mother always worried about what Mugdho was eating for Iftar. If he was home, she would make sure he had his favorites. Today, I know my mother—and thousands of other mothers—will cry at Iftar, knowing Mugdho will never come home again," he wrote. The post was shared by adviser Asif Nazrul, further amplifying its impact.

During Ramadan, prison authorities have arranged special Suhoor and Iftar meals for inmates across 17 prisons in Dhaka, including the Dhaka Central Jail. According to DIG Md. Jahangir Kabir, inmates who wish to fast will be provided with hot meals for Suhoor. The Iftar menu includes chickpeas, puffed rice, onion fritters, dates, jilapi, bananas, and sherbet, along with eggs. Additionally, hot cooked meals will be served for Suhoor. Regular three meals a day will continue for all inmates, but separate meals will be prepared for those observing the fast.

A day after a heated exchange with Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in London, where he was warmly received by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As Zelensky’s motorcade reached Downing Street, supporters cheered. Starmer assured him of the UK’s unwavering support, saying, "As you hear the cheers on the streets, know that all of the UK stands with you and Ukraine." In response, Zelensky thanked the British people and government for their steadfast support. The UK and Ukraine also signed a $2.84 billion defense loan agreement.

As tensions in Gaza remain high, Israel has supported a U.S. proposal to extend the ceasefire during Ramadan and the Jewish spring festival. According to the Times of Israel, the 42-day truce is set to expire soon, and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff proposed extending it by an additional month in exchange for the release of all hostages. However, Hamas has rejected the offer, demanding a permanent ceasefire instead.

Over a 24-hour period from February 28 to March 1, eight individuals attempted suicide in Durgapur, Rajshahi, resulting in the deaths of two women. Police confirmed that Durgapur is recognized as a high-risk area for suicides, reporting the highest suicide rates in Rajshahi district. Jannatul Ferdous, 25, from Paikartoli, and Tahmina Khatun, 30, from Tebila, consumed poison due to family disputes. Both succumbed to their injuries, while the others are receiving medical treatment.

A violent clash between two rival groups erupted in Shalla, Sunamganj, on Saturday morning following a public announcement. The two-hour-long confrontation left at least 20 people injured, with homes vandalized and looted. The conflict arose over land disputes and territorial dominance between Afzal Mia’s group from Shrimail village and Juba Dal leader Jubayer Ahmed Dalim’s group. Police reported that the two sides have a long-standing rivalry and have clashed multiple times in the past.

Rowshan Mia, 37, who was critically injured in a robbery attack in Nasirnagar, Brahmanbaria, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Dhaka on Saturday. On Friday night, a gang of 10-12 robbers broke into his home, tied up family members, and assaulted them with local weapons. Rowshan and his wife, Asma Begum, sustained severe injuries. Authorities are in touch with the family to take legal action.

Hamas' military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, released a new video of Israeli hostages held in Gaza on Saturday. The footage emerged as the initial phase of a temporary ceasefire neared its end, raising uncertainty about the next steps. The video, verified by AFP, shows several captives. Two individuals in the footage were reportedly released in February, while another pleads for his release. The message accompanying the video stated, "Only a ceasefire agreement can bring them back alive."

Hamas has urged Palestinians to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem during the holy month of Ramadan for prayers, steadfast resistance, and spiritual retreat (Itikaf). The group sees this not only as a religious duty but also as part of the broader resistance against Israeli occupation. Hamas called on Palestinians worldwide to dedicate Ramadan to worship, resistance, and defending Al-Aqsa until it is freed from occupation.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has approved a 217-member convening committee. The announcement was made in a message sent by party Secretary Akhtar Hossain early Sunday. The party stated that despite the overthrow of a fascist regime through a mass uprising, the abolition of the fascist system and the establishment of a new political order are yet to be realized. The new party was formed to fulfill the aspirations that remained unmet since the historical events of 1947 and 1971. The convening committee will work towards these goals over the next year.