NCP Convener Nahid Islam has stated that constitutional reforms must be carried out through a Constituent Assembly. Following a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Nahid highlighted the ongoing democratic reform process in Bangladesh post-August. Heads of the Reform Commission presented summaries of their respective areas. Outlining the NCP’s stance, Nahid said, “We believe that the foundational reforms—both structural and judicial—must take place under this government, which was formed in the wake of the mass uprising. All political parties must reach a consensus by signing the July Charter.” He further mentioned that the UN Secretary-General emphasized that political parties should come to an agreement among themselves.

Two construction workers lost their lives, and at least three others sustained injuries after being trapped under a collapsed wall during a drainage construction project in Sirajganj. According to Sirajganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Humayun Kabir, the incident occurred on Saturday morning in the Sahednagar Beparipara area. Five workers were excavating for the drainage system when a nearby house’s wall suddenly collapsed, burying them under the debris. The injured workers were taken to the hospital, where two later succumbed to their injuries.

Following the death of former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, the university administration has declared Sunday a holiday in his honor. According to university traditions, announcements were made via public address systems, and special prayers were held at the central mosque. The family has determined the location for his funeral and burial, which the university administration has respected.

The women’s wing of Jamaat-e-Islami staged a human chain protest against rape, demanding capital punishment for perpetrators. They held the ruling Awami League responsible for the rise in sexual violence. Speakers alleged that a Chhatra League leader had celebrated after committing 100 rapes, yet the government failed to prosecute him. They blamed moral decay and the lack of Islamic education for the crisis, urging stricter legal enforcement and an end to the culture of impunity.

A collision occurred between the Dhaka-bound Dhumketu Express and the Panchagarh-bound Banglabandha Express near Rajshahi Station’s wash pit. Wash Pit Supervisor Shahabul Islam stated that a signal malfunction caused Banglabandha Express to derail after striking Dhumketu Express. Multiple coaches from both trains were damaged.

Trade activities at Hili Land Port have been suspended today, March 15, due to the Holi festival in India. Indian traders have decided to halt import-export operations in observance of the government holiday. However, trade is set to resume as usual on Sunday. Officer-in-Charge Ariful Islam stated that the Hili immigration checkpoint remains operational seven days a week from 9 AM to 6:30 PM, unaffected by religious or national holidays.

A significant police presence has been observed outside the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) headquarters, ‘Mukti Bhaban.’ Army personnel were also spotted in the area. Earlier, eight organizations had called for a protest march demanding justice for murder, rape, and oppression, as well as the removal of the Home Affairs Adviser. In response, Pinaki Bhattacharya called for the CPB office to be turned into a ‘students and people's headquarters.’ However, CPB leaders had already completed their planned programs.

Following his meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated that he discussed the need for reforms. He reiterated that BNP had always advocated for electoral reforms and emphasized the urgency of implementing them. When asked if Guterres commented on the issue, Fakhrul said the Secretary-General did not provide any remarks.

On the third day of his visit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a meeting with political leaders in Bangladesh. Leaders arrived at the venue about half an hour before the scheduled time. Present at the meeting were Adviser Asif Nazrul, BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, NCP Convenor Nahid Islam, and AB Party General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad. Leaders of the Oikya Commission were also in attendance.

Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, issued a statement saying Hamas is making a grave miscalculation by assuming time is on its side. He warned that if the deadline passes without action, the US and its allies will respond accordingly. Trump has already pledged that Hamas will face ‘severe consequences’ if it fails to release hostages. The US has made it clear that Hamas must immediately release dual US-Israeli citizen Aidan Alexander as part of a temporary ceasefire agreement. However, Hamas continues to insist on a permanent ceasefire deal.

Leftist groups demanding the removal of the Home Affairs Adviser have called off their planned protest march and instead held a rally at Shaheed Minar. Speakers expressed disappointment that the expected restoration of peace and order following Sheikh Hasina’s fall had not materialized. They blamed the government’s failure and a history of impunity for encouraging continued criminal activities. After concluding their speeches, the leftist groups ended their program at Shaheed Minar.

UN human rights experts have accused Israel of committing acts of genocide and using sexual violence as a weapon of war in Gaza. According to their report, Israel has systematically destroyed Palestinian healthcare facilities and imposed birth control measures on Palestinians—actions that fall under the category of genocide as per the Rome Statute and the Genocide Convention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the allegations, calling them biased and anti-Semitic.

A dispute over Sheikh Hasina’s return to Bangladesh led to a shooting incident at a tea stall on Friday night. Awami League activist Imran allegedly shot BNP worker Azgar Hossain (25), injuring him in the leg. Police recovered a pistol, two live bullets, and a spent shell from the scene. According to Azgar’s cousin, Bipul Hossain, the dispute started between Awami League leader Altaf Hossain and BNP activists Oliar Rahman and Abbas Ali. In response, Altaf’s nephew Imran fired a shot, which hit Azgar after narrowly missing Bipul.

There is a strong possibility of joint secretary-level promotions in the administration this month. The SSB Board has completed its process, and a summary report may be sent to the Chief Adviser’s office within a few days. The Ministry of Public Administration is prioritizing officers from the 24th batch of the BCS administration cadre for promotions. A total of 475 deputy secretaries’ records have been reviewed, with 275 expected to be promoted. However, those who served as Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in the 2024 dummy elections are under scrutiny and have been placed in the red zone, though some are reportedly using lobbying tactics to secure promotions.

A violent attack in Eidgaon, Cox’s Bazar, has resulted in the death of 55-year-old Habibul Huda, the father of coordinator Saidul Huda. Three other family members sustained injuries during the assault. According to reports, the attack was orchestrated by former chairman of Islamabad Union and Upazila Awami League leader Abdur Razzak. The incident allegedly stemmed from suspicions that Saidul Huda had tipped off the police about Razzak, leading to his arrest. However, law enforcement officials have suggested a different motive, claiming that the murder was linked to a long-standing land dispute. Investigations are ongoing to determine the actual cause of the attack.