Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) has renamed five key landmarks on its campus. The “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Academic Building” is now the “Kabi Nazrul Academic Building,” while “Sheikh Hasina Hall” has been renamed “Taposi Rabeya Hall.” The “Sheikh Russell Gymnasium” is now the “Bir Sreshtho Hamidur Rahman Gymnasium,” and the “Wazed Miah Higher Education and Research Center” has been renamed the “Institute for Higher Studies and Research.” Additionally, the student hall of the university’s Veterinary College in Jhenaidah has been renamed “Kabi Golam Mostafa Student Hall.” The university’s highest decision-making body, the Regent Board, made these changes in a meeting on Friday night.

In observance of Ramadan, BNP leader Aminul Haque distributed iftar packages to the families of party activists who were victims of enforced disappearances and killings. Acting on the instructions of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Aminul presented these relief items to the families of Nur Alam, former general secretary of Pallabi Thana Jubo Dal, Tariqul Islam Tara, former joint convener of the Thana Chhatra Dal, and Md. Sani, a martyr of the anti-discrimination movement from Ward No. 5 of Pallabi. Aminul emphasized that these families should not feel abandoned and reiterated BNP’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims if they come to power.

Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam expects to receive the investigation report on several key cases, including the one against Sheikh Hasina, within this month. He stated that once the report is available, trial proceedings could commence within one to one and a half months. He further noted that the duration of the trial will depend on the evidence and witness testimonies presented in court. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to bring Hasina back with Interpol’s assistance.

Despite strict Israeli restrictions, thousands of Palestinians gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday evening to perform the first Tarawih prayer of Ramadan. Israeli forces harassed and intimidated children, conducted searches, and obstructed worshippers from entering the mosque. Men under 55 and women under 50 were barred from entering, as part of measures aimed at limiting Palestinian access during the holy month. Even recently released Palestinian detainees were denied entry.

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, extended his greetings, emphasizing that Ramadan is a time for spiritual discipline and self-restraint. He highlighted that Muslims dedicate themselves to seeking the mercy and satisfaction of the Almighty. He further noted that by abstaining from food and drink throughout the day, believers strive to attain Allah’s love. Calling for peace and harmony, he urged everyone to refrain from injustice, hatred, and discord to foster a more peaceful society.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has urged the government to take effective measures against interest-based financial practices, bribery, obscenity, pornography, and immoral activities during Ramadan. The organization’s Secretary General, Maulana Sajidur Rahman, called for the closure of hotels and restaurants during daylight hours and urged authorities to control the prices of essential commodities. Emphasizing the sanctity of Ramadan, he appealed to the government to monitor markets throughout the month to ease public hardship. He also extended his solidarity with oppressed Muslims in Gaza and Sudan.

Police recovered the hanging body of former Assistant Attorney General Titus Hillol Rema (55) from his residence in Dhaka’s Kalabagan area on Saturday. He served under the Awami League government from 2009 to 2014. His wife stated that he had been suffering from depression and had been taking sleeping pills for a week. On Saturday morning, his daughters found him unresponsive. Police have sent his body to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for an autopsy. Authorities suspect suicide but await official confirmation.

Despite strict Israeli restrictions, thousands of Palestinians performed the first Taraweeh prayers of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday evening. Israeli forces reportedly harassed and intimidated children, conducted searches, and restricted worshippers from entering the mosque. Men under 55 and women under 50 were barred from entering. Additionally, recently released Palestinian detainees were also denied access. These restrictions appear to be aimed at limiting Palestinian presence in Al-Aqsa during the holy month of Ramadan.

The ongoing nationwide joint operation, “Devil Hunt,” has led to the arrest of 569 more individuals. Including other recent raids, the total number of arrests has reached 1,231. According to police headquarters, over 13,000 people have been arrested since the operation began on February 8. In the last 24 hours, law enforcement has seized two locally made single-barrel shotguns, 10 rounds of ammunition, 62 grams of gunpowder, three machetes, a metal cleaver, a dagger, two iron rods, and a wooden club.

Russia carried out 154 drone strikes on Ukraine overnight, with Kharkiv suffering the most damage. Two civilians were killed, and several others were injured. Ukraine’s emergency services reported fires in at least four locations in Kharkiv, including residential areas, shops, a shopping mall, and a gas station. A three-story hospital was destroyed, but rescue teams managed to pull 63 survivors—56 of them women and children—from the rubble. Kyiv claimed that its air defenses intercepted 103 drones, while 51 drones failed to hit their intended targets.

The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), led by students who helped overthrow Sheikh Hasina, is facing criticism over the appointment of Muntasir Mamun, accused of LGBTQ activism. Many believe he aims to push a Western LGBTQ agenda in Bangladesh. Online activists and political figures have condemned his inclusion, alleging foreign influence, including ties to George Soros’ foundation. Facing backlash, NCP leaders admitted their mistake and pledged to correct it, but the controversy has cast doubts on the party’s direction.

At a protest rally demanding the implementation of BNP’s 31-point national reform plan and immediate elections, former BNP youth leader Golam Mawla Shaheen declared that conspiracies and misinformation would not distance BNP from the people. He emphasized that BNP remains the people’s party despite 15 years of severe repression under a fascist regime. “The people of Bangladesh and its youth have been deprived of voting rights for too long. Certain conspirators and agencies are meddling in the interim government to manipulate the national election,” he warned.

Following claims on Facebook that buses transporting National Citizen Party (NCP) members from Pirojpur to their launch event in Dhaka were requisitioned by the government, Shafiqul Alam dismissed the allegations as exaggerated. He clarified that the government had no role in arranging transportation. According to him, local leaders requested the Deputy Commissioner (DC) to provide transportation for two families affected by the July incidents of injury and death. In response, five vehicles were arranged, but neither rent nor fuel costs were covered by the government. He accused the media of overblowing the issue.

BNP has apologized for a statement by its Secretary General, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, claiming that a bomb attack at the BCS Administration Welfare Association building caused casualties. The party later admitted the statement was based on incorrect information. Initially, Fakhrul blamed miscreants for creating instability, but BNP now clarifies that no such attack occurred. Instead, the casualties resulted from an air conditioner explosion. The party expressed regret for the misunderstanding and acknowledged the error in its previous statement.

Former Supreme Court Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik and retired Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail were interrogated at the jail gate regarding the 2012 murder of journalists Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi. A high-powered task force conducted the questioning, and the information provided is being verified. The investigation, initially handled by police, DB, and RAB, is now under PBI. Despite a decade passing, no conclusive report has been submitted, with 115 extensions granted. The High Court has set April 6 for the next hearing.