After 29 years, Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament and is leaving no room for security risks. Over 12,000 police officers have been deployed in Rawalpindi alone. However, frustrations over excessive duty hours and non-compliance with orders have led to the dismissal of over 100 security personnel. A senior Punjab police official confirmed that many officers assigned to protect foreign teams were either absent or refused to take responsibility. Consequently, strict disciplinary actions were taken, leading to their dismissal.

The admission process for the 2024-25 academic year under the cluster system for 19 general, science, and technology universities has been officially announced. Online applications will open on March 5 at 12 PM and close on March 15 at 11:59 PM. No extensions will be granted. The entrance exam will cover three subjects: Humanities, Commerce, and Science. Admission tests will be conducted directly at public universities, with question papers based on the Higher Secondary curriculum. The application fee is set at 1,500 BDT, payable online. Additionally, students applying for the Architecture department must pay an extra 500 BDT for the practical (drawing) test.

On Wednesday afternoon, a group of injured protesters from the July movement staged a sit-in outside the office of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Tejgaon, Dhaka. They chanted slogans demanding adequate compensation and support. Protesters specifically called for an end to discrimination in categorizing the injured and urged authorities to accelerate the rehabilitation process for the families of those who lost their lives. They declared that the protest would continue until clear directives were issued. This demonstration follows previous attempts where the injured had blocked key locations in the capital, including Shyamoli, Shahbagh, and the Chief Adviser’s residence, to demand recognition and rehabilitation.

Students at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) began vacating their dormitories after the university administration announced an indefinite shutdown on Tuesday. Additional police forces have been deployed at the campus gates. Students stated they were leaving for their own safety. The shutdown follows a violent clash on February 18, prompting student protests with a six-point demand, including the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor. The university’s emergency syndicate meeting justified the decision as a security measure.

Jamaat-affiliated student organization Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Zahidul Islam, has stirred controversy by demanding a posthumous trial of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for pardoning 195 identified war criminals. Speaking at a talk show, he claimed that the 1971 genocide was orchestrated by Tikka Khan and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto with direct support from Pakistan. “This massacre must be brought to justice,” he said. He further argued that since Mujib granted amnesty to 195 war criminals, he should be held accountable, even posthumously. Zahidul also praised Ziaur Rahman, claiming that he had initiated an inclusive political culture in Bangladesh by moving beyond partisan conflicts. He pointed out that Zia had appointed former anti-independence figures to key political positions as both President and Prime Minister.

Central President of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Zahidul Islam, claimed that the 1971 issue centered around figures like Tikka Khan and Bhutto, who directly facilitated genocide in Bangladesh. Speaking on a talk show, he asserted that those responsible for the genocide must be held accountable. He further argued that since Sheikh Mujibur Rahman released 195 identified war criminals, he should be posthumously tried if held responsible for that decision. Zahidul also praised Ziaur Rahman, stating that he had dismantled divisive politics and initiated inclusive governance.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to increase the UK’s defense budget by 2027 to counter Russian aggression. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, Starmer stated that Russia’s threats have been evident through three years of war in Ukraine. The UK will raise its defense spending by $17 billion annually and reallocate development aid to increase the defense budget from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP. He justified this move as necessary to deter authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and proposed sending British troops to Ukraine to help maintain the ceasefire.

A new student organization’s launch event in front of Dhaka University’s Madhu’s Canteen on Wednesday afternoon sparked protests from private university students even before the committee announcement. The protesters claimed they were a significant part of the movement in July but were unfairly excluded from leadership positions. Chanting slogans like “Break the committee, crush it” and “Private action, direct action,” they demanded fair representation.

A new student organization, ‘Bangladesh Democratic Student Parliament’, has been officially announced at a press conference held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen on Wednesday. The organization has been formed by coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement to advocate for students’ rights and social justice. Abu Bakr Majumder, former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has been appointed as the central convenor, while Zahid Ahsan will serve as the member secretary. The convening committee also includes Tauhid Mohammad Siam as Senior Joint Convenor, Rifat Rashid as Senior Member Secretary, Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury as Chief Organizer, and Ashrefa Khatun as the spokesperson. The newly formed organization aims to provide a strong political platform for students and address their grievances through a structured and democratic approach.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed support for Bangladesh’s reform initiatives under Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. In a letter responding to an earlier communication from Yunus, Guterres acknowledged receipt through his special representative on the Rohingya crisis, Khalilur Rahman. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to Bangladesh’s reform process and highlighted ongoing concerns over the Rohingya humanitarian situation. He also confirmed his planned visit to Bangladesh in March.

Israel has set four conditions for the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, including the removal of Hamas from the territory. Israeli Minister Eli Cohen warned that if these conditions were not met, the ceasefire agreement could collapse. The conditions include: 1. The release of all Israeli hostages taken on or before October 7. 2. The removal of Hamas from Gaza. 3. The complete demilitarization of Gaza. 4. Full Israeli control over the territory. On October 7, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. The first phase of the ceasefire saw the release of 31 hostages, while nearly 50,000 Hamas members were reportedly killed in Israeli operations.

Following Nahid Islam’s resignation from the advisory council to join a political party, Indian journalist Arka Dev recalled meeting him and the scars from his July 22 ordeal. In a social media post, he expressed suspicion toward those who conveniently forget the brutality Nahid endured. Dev remarked that Nahid and his comrades had fought through hardships, embracing known and unknown martyrs in their struggle to form a government—right or wrong, at least they tried. He noted that Nahid and Mahfuz had internal conflicts but ultimately chose the difficult path, abandoning government privileges to seek new possibilities.

A Sudanese military aircraft crashed near Wadi Sayidna Air Base on the outskirts of Khartoum, killing at least 10 people, including civilians, democracy activists reported. Several others were injured. Military sources cited a technical failure as the cause of the crash, which also damaged nearby homes. Residents reported a loud explosion that disrupted local electricity supply.

Syria is witnessing a historic opportunity for reconstruction, said Interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa during a national conference of Islamist leaders. Hundreds of Syrians walked the red carpet at the event held at the Presidential Palace, a rare sight since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government last year following the HTS-led coup. In his opening speech, Al-Sharaa declared that Syria has “freed itself on its own.”

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has alleged that large-scale corruption occurred in Bangladesh’s power and energy sector under state patronage. Speaking at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, he emphasized the government’s commitment to finding a sustainable solution for the power crisis. He stated that discussions with major companies are underway to drill more gas wells. Efforts are also being made to increase efficiency at Chattogram Port to attract foreign investment. Former Minister Saifuzzaman’s involvement in bank fraud through tunnel projects was also mentioned. Alam described the current economic recovery as nothing short of a “miracle.”