In a landmark ruling, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, has declared that head teachers of government primary schools will now hold the status of second-class gazetted officers. The ruling also ensures that all primary school head teachers will receive salaries under the 10th grade pay scale. The verdict came after the government’s appeal against a previous High Court ruling on January 6, 2022, was dismissed. Despite the ruling being issued over three months ago, its implementation was delayed, prompting head teachers to file a contempt of court case.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a ban on all processions, rallies, and public gatherings in the Bangladesh Secretariat and its surrounding areas until further notice. In a statement issued on Thursday, DMP stated that the decision was made to maintain public order. The restricted zones include the Prime Minister’s official residence, Jamuna, and adjacent areas such as Hotel Intercontinental intersection, Shahbagh intersection, Kakrail intersection, and Minto Road. This prohibition will be effective from Thursday, March 13, until further notice.

The Inqilab Mancha has demanded a ban on the Awami League, citing alleged conspiracies against the nation. The group staged a protest at Shahbagh, calling for the immediate arrest of Ganojagoron Mancha activist Laki Akter and others accused of anti-state activities. Osman Hadi, the spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, declared, “Those who support Shahbagh are enemies of Bangladesh. They are adversaries of July, Shapla Square, and Pilkhana. We will not allow fascism to rise again. The Awami League must be banned immediately. The era of deception is over. A party whose leader calls for shooting people from helicopters must not be allowed to exist. We will celebrate Eid after banning the Awami League, Insha’Allah.”

Salahuddin Ahmed has called for the establishment of a strong parliament, stating, “Let us work together to build a powerful legislature where the constitution is adopted based on national consensus. You may refer to this as a new constitution—we have no objection. A constituent assembly is unnecessary; rather, a constitution enacted by a robust parliament can be recognized under any name without issue.” He further mentioned that extensive reform proposals were submitted to the Constitutional Reform Commission, with a representative from their side actively participating as a commission member. “Along with other political parties, we also presented significant reform proposals to these commissions,” he added. Salahuddin also claimed that during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, the country’s religious scholars faced the highest levels of persecution.

BNP leader Mirza Abbas declared that the people of Bangladesh have shed blood for democracy and voting rights, and no individual or party owns the country. Criticizing opportunistic politicians, he questioned the sacrifices of other parties in the recent movement, stating, “In July-August, 422 BNP leaders and activists were martyred. How many of your party members sacrificed their lives?”

The government has formed a six-member high-level committee, led by legal advisor Asif Nazrul, to review the 2016 Bangladesh Bank reserve theft. Other members include Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan, Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Ali Ashfaq, and Md. Nazrul Huda. The committee has been tasked with submitting recommendations within three months.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Mia Golam Parwar alleged that while the government is moving towards elections, a faction is pushing for an immediate vote without reforms. He urged political unity and called for a Quranic-based governance system, claiming that without Islamic law, crime and injustice would continue to rise.

NCP leader Hasanath Abdullah claimed that efforts are underway to bring Awami League back to power in a rebranded form. He warned that any discussions about rehabilitating the party before ensuring accountability would pose a severe threat to national sovereignty. “No ifs or buts—any attempt to reinstate Awami League before justice is served must be opposed,” he stated.

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has temporarily suspended all quota reservations for undergraduate admissions in the 2024-25 academic year. Last year, 59 students were admitted under quota privileges. The Vice-Chancellor stated that a committee would consult stakeholders and recommend a rational quota policy before a final decision is made.

NCP’s Joint Chief Organizer Ataullah announced that the National Citizens’ Committee will be free from extortion, land grabbing, and black market activities. He recalled a conversation with missing NCP leader Nahid Islam before his disappearance, stating, “It was either the Prime Ministership or martyrdom—he chose martyrdom.” He further warned that no law enforcement force in Bangladesh could endanger an NCP member unless they strayed from the path.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) ADC Mahmuda Begum confirmed that 41 leaders and activists of Awami League and Chhatra League were arrested in the last 24 hours for attempting to create unrest in the city. They face multiple charges, including attacks on students and citizens during the anti-government movement, under special powers and anti-terrorism laws.

In Nangalkot, Comilla, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nazrul Islam allegedly shot and crippled mosque muezzin Maulana Belal Hossain Majumdar and Jamaat activist Belayet Hossain. According to a lawsuit filed against OC Nazrul and 31 others, ruling party leaders pressured Belal over political disagreements. On February 8, 2015, OC Nazrul allegedly abducted them from their homes and shot them in the legs on the Dhaka-Noakhali Highway.

The Police Headquarters has responded to published images showing law enforcement blocking an anti-rape protest march at Intercontinental Mor. They claim the full video footage reveals that protesters first attacked the police, prompting a defensive response. The statement emphasizes that publishing selective images that misrepresent events is highly irresponsible and urges the media to act with integrity.

The Malaysian immigration department has arrested 131 undocumented migrants, including 48 Bangladeshis, during a crackdown in Pahang province. The detainees were found to be without valid visas, overstaying their permits, or violating immigration conditions. Among them, 55 were Indonesians, 48 Bangladeshis, 16 Myanmar nationals, one Egyptian, two Pakistanis, one Chinese, and eight Thai nationals.

Two students of Rajshahi University (RU) were attacked on Wednesday afternoon after protesting against derogatory remarks made about a female student’s attire. One of the victims, along with his friend Swadhin, confronted the harassers, identified as Tanmoy and his associates. A verbal altercation ensued, escalating into physical assault, with the accused slapping and punching the protesters.