Shariful Islam Shamim, a local BNP youth leader, has been arrested in Manikganj for allegedly threatening and attempting to assault an on-duty traffic officer. According to police reports, Constable Shaheen was managing traffic in the city when Shamim, identifying himself as the district’s BNP Youth Wing Joint Convener, tried to bypass one-way traffic regulations using a rickshaw. When confronted, he became enraged and threatened to have the officer fired. Constable Shaheen has since filed a legal complaint against Shamim.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has held his first phone conversation with Donald Trump since Trump’s re-election. During the call, the two leaders discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s commitment to achieving a fair and lasting peace and expressed hope that U.S.-Turkey relations would improve under Trump’s leadership. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of lifting sanctions to restore stability and facilitate the establishment of an effective new administration in Syria.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday regarding a possible resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Speaking aboard Air Force One while traveling from Florida to Washington, Trump stated, “We want to see if we can bring an end to this war. Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance.” He added that discussions were already underway, and last week, he had attempted to secure Putin’s backing for Ukraine’s proposed 30-day ceasefire.

A court has imposed a travel ban on four individuals, including National Parliament Secretariat Deputy Secretary Md. Didarul Alam Chowdhury and former Member of Parliament Md. Abdul Wahed. The other two are Jahid Malek’s son, Rahat Malek (38), and a certain Md. Motahar Hossain. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) sought the ban due to ongoing investigations into allegations of illegally amassed wealth. The court has approved the request, preventing the accused from leaving the country.

Just a day after its formation, the newly announced Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Committee in Itna Upazila has been suspended amid public backlash. The Kishoreganj district branch issued a statement saying that due to strong negative reactions from students and the public, the committee’s activities have been halted. A four-member investigation committee has been formed to review the situation. Notably, the committee’s convener, Tanvir Ahmed Heri, was previously affiliated with the Bangladesh Chhatra League, sparking controversy over the legitimacy of the organization.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain has accused Indian media of disseminating misinformation about Bangladesh globally. “The people of our country must stay vigilant against false narratives spread by Indian media,” he warned. Addressing Bangladesh’s transition out of the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, he clarified, “We are not seeking to delay our LDC graduation. This has been known for a long time, yet businesses have taken little action to prepare. By 2026, we will complete our graduation process—there’s no turning back.” He also acknowledged ongoing passport issues faced by Bangladeshi expatriates in Oman and assured them that the government is actively working on a solution. Additionally, he mentioned that within two months, the government would introduce significant reforms in the textile sector.

Dhaka University has temporarily expelled 128 students for their involvement in attacks on protesters during the July Movement from July 15 to August 5. The decision was made in a syndicate meeting on March 17. An investigation committee, led by Professor Dr. Tajmeri S Islam, has been formed to determine further actions. The inquiry report also implicated several former students, recommending the cancellation of their academic certificates due to the severity of their offenses. The final decision will be based on the investigation’s findings.

Police have arrested five individuals in Laksam for allegedly gang-raping a 19-year-old woman inside an abandoned house belonging to an Awami League leader. The suspects include Mohammad Ali (25), Masud (23), Monir Hossain Hridoy (23), Al Amin (23), and Bilkis Akter Kalpana (40). Four of them directly took part in the assault, while Bilkis allegedly facilitated the crime by providing her residence for the act.

A tragic accident occurred in Ullapara, Sirajganj, on Monday when schoolgirl Ritu Khatun was struck by a train. Locals reported that Ritu, who had been living with her aunt after losing both parents, was a student of Ullapara Merchants Pilot High School. It is suspected that she deliberately lay on the railway tracks before a freight train from Rajshahi to Dhaka ran over her at Charghatina rail crossing, severing her head from her body.

At least 15 activists of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were injured in a violent attack in Kushtia on Sunday night. The injured are currently receiving treatment at Kushtia General Hospital. Upon hearing the news, fellow activists rushed to the hospital. Dr. Hafizur Rahman stated, “The injured are under medical care.” Meanwhile, SP Mizanur Rahman confirmed that the incident is under serious investigation and assured that legal action would be taken against those responsible. Multiple police teams are working on the case.

In a dramatic political move, over 100 leaders and activists of the Jatiya Party in Matlab, Chandpur, have announced their resignation, citing their party’s support for the “fascist government.” The Upazila General Secretary, D.M. Alauddin, stated, “Our only reason for resigning is that the Jatiya Party has backed an authoritarian regime. We feel complicit in this crime, and that is why we are seeking the people’s forgiveness.” He added that 90% of the party’s 151-member committee in the region had resigned. They now support the ongoing student-led protests and dissociate themselves from any acts of enforced disappearances or killings.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali has issued an apology after facing widespread criticism for suggesting that the word “rape” be replaced with terms like “violence against women” or “harassment.” His remarks drew condemnation from various quarters, including the Chief Adviser’s Office and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB). In his statement, the commissioner clarified, “During discussions on violence against women and children, I referred to rape as a broader form of violence. If my remarks offended anyone, I sincerely apologize.”

As part of preparations for the 13th National Parliamentary Elections, the Election Commission (EC) held a meeting with heads of missions from 19 OIC countries. Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, along with three election commissioners and the EC secretary, were present. The meeting aimed to update OIC nations on election readiness and seek their cooperation.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has extended the VAT return submission deadline for this month to March 18 due to technical issues. Typically, the deadline is the 16th of every month. The NBR informed customs and VAT offices of this decision on Sunday. Currently, around 325,000 VAT-registered businesses file returns online, while 23% still submit hard copies.

An MRT police sub-inspector and another officer were suspended on Monday for assaulting four DMTC workers. Additionally, a three-member inquiry committee has been formed. Following this decision, metro rail workers withdrew their strike. Authorities assured that swift action would be taken to meet their demands.