At a regional Jamaat-e-Islami conference in Rangpur-Dinajpur, Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Jamaat’s central assistant secretary-general, demanded local government elections before national polls. He alleged that the Awami League manipulated voter lists over 16 years, adding two crore fake voters, and insisted on a transparent electoral roll before holding local government elections.

Ahead of a scheduled BNP-affiliated event in Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria, where Rumin Farhana was set to be the chief guest, police discovered three unexploded crude bombs near the venue on Thursday morning. Tensions have been rising as two rival BNP groups—the Ashuganj Upazila BNP led by Shahjahan Siraj and the local Swechchhasebak Dal—both scheduled meetings at the same location on February 27. Reports suggest that both factions had separately sought permission from the district administration for the venue ten days apart, leading to clashes during stage setup.

Under the ongoing ‘Operation Devil Hunt,’ law enforcement arrested 42 Awami League and Chhatra League activists in Chattogram within 24 hours. ADC (Public Relations) Mahmudah Begum confirmed that the arrests were made on charges of inciting unrest, attacking student protesters, and violating laws under special powers, anti-terrorism, and penal codes. The accused have been sent to jail.

Rajshahi University administration has announced the roadmap for the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RAKSU) election, with voting expected in the third or fourth week of June. • Until March 28: Teachers and students can submit recommendations on the draft RAKSU regulations. • April 13: Finalization of election code of conduct. • April 28: Publication of the draft voter list, with objections accepted until April 30. • May 13: Final voter list published. • May 15-19: Nomination papers will be distributed and submitted. • May 20: Scrutiny and verification of nominations. • May 22: Preliminary candidate list announced. • May 25: Deadline for withdrawal. • May 27: Final candidate list published.

On Thursday, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that financial assistance for the families of those martyred in the July protests and for injured individuals will be implemented starting in March. So far, 834 people have been confirmed as martyrs, with ongoing efforts to verify more cases. Each martyr’s family will receive 30 lakh BDT—10 lakh in the current fiscal year and a monthly stipend of 20,000 BDT. Additionally, financially stable families will be offered government and private job placements. For the injured, three categories have been established: • Category A: 493 individuals will receive 5 lakh BDT as a one-time grant and a 20,000 BDT monthly stipend. • Category B: 908 individuals will receive 3 lakh BDT one-time and 15,000 BDT monthly. • Category C: 10,648 individuals will receive 1 lakh BDT one-time and 10,000 BDT monthly.

A 21-year-old housewife in Kurigram’s Fulbari upazila was allegedly gang-raped after being lured into an affair. Police have arrested five of the seven accused perpetrators. The arrested individuals—Moinul Haque, Hasanur Rahman (20), Yakub Ali, Sohel Rana (21), and Lal Mia (40)—have been sent to jail, while two others, Atiar Rahman (35) and Al Amin (20), remain on the run. According to the complaint, the victim went to meet Moinul Haque, with whom she was in an extramarital relationship, but was then assaulted by the rest of the accused. A local union council member confirmed that while the woman was going through a divorce, she had no previous record of misconduct.

At a press conference on Thursday, Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain announced that the Bangladeshi government will cover BEXIMCO’s employee salaries and benefits through the state treasury, allocating ৳5.25 billion (Tk 525.46 crore). On Wednesday, 14 BEXIMCO subsidiaries were officially shut down. The financial support includes ৳3.25 billion from the Finance Division and an additional ৳2 billion as a loan from the Ministry of Labour’s central fund to BEXIMCO Group.

Journalist Elias Hossain has released an investigative video linking Sohel Taj to the Pilkhana massacre. Sohel Taj has denied the allegations, claiming that he was in London at the time. In response, Elias Hossain stated, “Even if you departed from Dhaka, there is no record of your arrival in any foreign country. Show your passport stamps proving your arrival in London, and then we will accept that you were abroad during the incident.” Reacting to this, Sohel Taj said, “I have already stated that I am willing to cooperate with the investigation commission. However, it is not appropriate to disclose such information publicly.” He further suggested that Elias might be misled by false information.

Bangladesh will play their final match of the Champions Trophy against Pakistan today. Rumors have surfaced that this could be the final ODI appearance for senior players Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah. When asked about the speculation, assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin dismissed the rumors, saying, “I have no knowledge of this. If you’ve heard it, you can write it in your papers.” Addressing whether the duo should be given a farewell match, he stated, “It’s not about being given an opportunity; players must earn their place in the XI.”

A case has been filed against over 100 Awami League and banned Chhatra League activists in Gopalganj for allegedly cutting down trees and blocking the Dhaka-Khulna Highway to obstruct traffic. The police have named 50 individuals in the case, while 55 others remain unidentified. The accused include Lebu Molya, President of Dhaka Metropolitan (North) Muktijoddha Projonmo League; Azad Hossain Mridha, President of the local Chhatra League; General Secretary Masum Sheikh; Maheshpur UP Chairman Lutfar Rahman Luthu; and former Kashiani Sadar UP Chairman Md. Moshiur Rahman Khan.

BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu issued an apology via BNP’s media cell on Wednesday for his comment suggesting that people should perform Wudu before mentioning Tarique Rahman’s name. He admitted that the remark was made “unintentionally.” Previously, Bulu had criticized those questioning Tarique Rahman’s leadership, arguing that the son of former President Ziaur Rahman is a worthy leader. However, his ablution comment sparked backlash among BNP supporters, prompting his apology.

Journalist Elias Hossain has released a 1-hour-28-minute documentary on the gruesome BDR headquarters massacre at Pilkhana. The documentary presents evidence allegedly implicating Sheikh Hasina and several Awami League leaders. Former State Minister for Home Affairs, Sohel Taj, was also accused of involvement, but he denied the claims, stating that he was in London at the time and had no knowledge of the incident. In the documentary, Brigadier General Hasan Nasir challenged the claims against Sohel Taj, demanding concrete evidence and condemning the allegations as misinformation.

At a special ceremony on Wednesday at Rajshahi Cantonment, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman was officially inducted as the seventh ‘Colonel of the Regiment’ for the Bangladesh Infantry Regiment. As per tradition, he was conferred with the Colonel rank insignia. In his speech, the Army Chief highlighted the regiment’s rapid rise since its establishment on January 1, 2021, attributing its success to hard work, strategic planning, and patriotic dedication. He noted that the regiment earned the rare honor of a national flag in 2011 and expressed confidence that its members would continue their service with unwavering commitment.

Reza Kibria stated that discussions with India are necessary regarding Sheikh Hasina’s return. He emphasized that maintaining a strong bilateral relationship requires India to send Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh. “Her trial is crucial for our country and its people,” he said, accusing her of ordering the killings of thousands of children, hundreds of BDR personnel, and figures like his father. “It is unacceptable that she should evade justice,” he asserted, predicting that the Awami League will eventually cease to exist.

Retired Brigadier General M. Sakhawat Hossain stated that the Army Chief is a highly esteemed figure leading an entire force and does not make uninformed statements. “The interpretation is up to you,” he said, adding that he knows the Army Chief as a straightforward man who speaks his mind. “I have a lot of respect for him,” Sakhawat emphasized. However, he declined to interpret the Chief’s remarks, saying, “Only he can explain what he meant.”