Sixteen individuals have been sent to jail following an attack on Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel in Sunamganj. According to BGB commander Lt. Col. AKM Zakaria Kadir, on March 17 a group of sand smugglers crossed the Bangladesh-India border and began illegal sand extraction. When BGB seized tractors loaded with minerals worth BDT 4 million, the smugglers launched an attack, severely injuring one BGB member. A case was filed against 25 individuals, naming local ringleader Shipon as the main accused.

The International Gateway Operator Forum (IOF), established under the fascist Awami regime, served as a legalized revenue evasion model. The syndicate, led by Awami figure Salman F. Rahman, allegedly siphoned over BDT 600 crore from IOF funds. Though it was meant to streamline international call traffic and curb tax evasion, only seven operators were granted a monopoly—enabling them to control call rates and siphon massive profits without increasing government revenue. Allegations have now been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) regarding this scheme, which was personally approved by Sheikh Hasina in 2014 despite prior objections.

After the original “Portrait of Autocracy” was burned down just before the celebratory procession, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan confirmed that artists have been commissioned again to reconstruct it. “Obstacles and conspiracies are inevitable in such initiatives, but we will face them with faith and perseverance,” he stated. While acknowledging the time and effort required to rebuild the effigy, he expressed confidence in the artists. Cultural Advisor to the procession also saluted the organizers and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable.

Speaking from Mexico, Bangladesh’s Ambassador Mushfiqur Fazal described the July Uprising against dictatorship as a beacon of renewed hope. “The government is working with courage and transparency to realize this hope through reforms in the constitution, electoral process, judiciary, police, and anti-corruption efforts,” he said. Fazal emphasized that the dream of an inclusive, democratic Bangladesh remains alive over five decades after independence. He also highlighted March 26 as a day of national pride and referenced the war of liberation not only as a struggle against foreign domination, but also against oppression and injustice. He concluded by mentioning economic progress and plans to strengthen bilateral ties with Mexico on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain emphasized the need for a reliable partner in space technology during a meeting with Turkish Aerospace President Mehmet Demiroğlu. He stated that collaboration between Bangladesh and Turkey in this field could yield mutual benefits. Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam was also present. Both parties agreed to explore investment opportunities and facilitate technology transfer for human resource development in Bangladesh. A high-level Turkish delegation, led by the CEO of Turkish Aerospace, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh soon to discuss further cooperation in space technology.

National University Vice-Chancellor Dr. A.S.M. Amanullah has said that wealthy students generally avoid attending National University. Speaking about reforms, he emphasized introducing practical training like outsourcing, cooking, and technical courses, as well as promoting cultural activities such as debates and sports through dedicated funding. Dr. Amanullah also raised concerns over political influence in college governing bodies, stating that if the situation persists, the very need for such bodies could be questioned. He expressed frustration over teachers’ salaries and blamed the decline in Dhaka University’s standards on poor governance and political interference. He also called for new strategies to increase student attendance in classrooms.

The Malaysian Immigration Department detained 148 undocumented immigrants—including Bangladeshis—on Saturday in Johor. Immigration Director Nor Faizal stated that the detainees failed to produce valid travel documents or work permits and were found to have misused their social visit passes. Some claimed their passports and permits were held by their employers. During the raid, an immigration officer sustained serious injuries after being struck by a fleeing foreign worker.

Prominent academic Dr. Salimullah Khan has urged the government to allocate a minimum of 6% of the national income to the education sector. He referenced Sri Lanka’s new government, which has pledged 10% for education, noting that while Bangladesh may not reach that figure, 6% is the least that should be done. Dr. Khan criticized economists like Hossain Zillur Rahman, who argue such funding would be wasted on infrastructure. “Allocate a separate budget for buildings if needed,” he said. “But don’t ignore ongoing educational expenses while talking about democracy—it’s contradictory.”

A young man named Hasan has been arrested by RAB on Friday night in Rupganj, Narayanganj, for allegedly attempting to rape a five-year-old girl. According to RAB-11 Deputy Commander Ishtiaq Ahmed, the incident took place in the Ariabo area of Tarabo Municipality, where Hasan reportedly lured the child with chocolate before attempting the assault. Locals rushed to the scene upon hearing the child’s screams, prompting the suspect to flee. The child’s father later filed a formal complaint at Rupganj Police Station.

Regarding the transshipment deal with India, Sarjis Alam stated that if Bangladesh is unfairly or irrationally deprived of any benefits, it will explore alternative routes. “We are open to fostering trade with nations that treat us as equals, with respect and brotherhood,” he said. He expressed hope that India will act as a nation, not merely a political party, and respect its bilateral commercial commitments.

The massive ‘March for Gaza’ held in Dhaka, expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid Israel’s military offensive, has received coverage from major international media. AP reported, “Around 100,000 people protested in the capital of Bangladesh,” noting that protestors defaced images of Netanyahu, Trump, and Modi. Arab News estimated attendance at over a million, calling it the largest show of solidarity with Palestine in the country’s recent history. The Independent and Washington Post also highlighted the event, with the latter reporting, “Hundreds of thousands in Dhaka rally against Israeli aggression in Gaza.”

Maulana Mamunul Haque has urged the government not to support Pahela Baishakh celebrations using public funds, claiming it undermines Islamic values. He described the festival as deeply rooted in Hindu and Vaishnavite traditions and argued that rituals like panta-ilish feasts and Mongol Shobhajatra contradict Islamic beliefs. “The events held during Baishakh promote un-Islamic practices, including gender mixing, music, and wasteful behavior,” he said. Haque called on the government to cease support for what he termed “anti-religious” activities.

Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain, Director General of the Directorate of Health Education, clarified that there is no decision to shut down any medical colleges in the country. Of the 37 colleges, six are relatively new and still lack full infrastructure, particularly Nilphamari Medical College. He criticized the previous government for establishing these institutions without proper planning and said that the 2022–23 expansion of 1,030 additional seats has placed a heavy burden on resources. However, he warned, “If the quality of education cannot be ensured, strict measures will be taken. We cannot allow the emergence of incompetent doctors.”

The Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) is set to request a two-month extension from the Election Commission (EC) for completing their political registration process. The original deadline was set for April 20. Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib stated that a special committee has been formed to handle the registration, and they will soon approach the EC. Meanwhile, another group, Rastror Songskar Andolon, has filed a High Court writ challenging the EC’s public notice, resulting in a temporary stay that only applies to that party. NCP leaders say they are actively fulfilling all requirements, including finalizing the party constitution and establishing organizational units nationwide.

The Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Alliance (DU Chapter) has strongly condemned the arson attack on a sculpture resembling fascist Sheikh Hasina, created at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Dhaka University. In a statement, they said, “As we mark a new year following the success of the people’s uprising and the fall of autocracy, the display of various motifs, murals, slogans, and effigies depicting the collaborators of tyranny was a central part of the July procession.” The organization called for those responsible to be brought to justice and criticized the DU administration for negligence in ensuring security. They also urged the university to be more vigilant in keeping the campus free from the influence of authoritarian sympathizers.