A new assessment has revealed a glaring “equality gap” in Bangladesh’s justice system, highlighting 19 laws that remain discriminatory, one law that needs to be repealed, and four new laws that are urgently required.

A Dhaka court yesterday sent three people, including Sheikh Tasnim Afroz Emi, former vice-president of Shamsunnahar Hall Union at Dhaka University and a central vice-presidential candidate in the last Ducsu election, to jail in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act with Shahbagh Police Station.

The prices of loose soybean oil and palm oil have risen in the local market despite assurances of sufficient stock and adequate supply, heaving financial pressure on consumers.

In order to allow the authorities to confer the Swadhinata Padak on late physician and social activist Zafrullah Chowdhury for a second time posthumously, the government yesterday amended the guidelines governing the country’s highest civilian honour.

Hasen Banu is over 80. In the Korail slum, where her three sons and a daughter also live, she now spends a month at each child’s home.

In its first foreign ministry reshuffle since assuming power, the BNP government yesterday withdrew five Bangladesh envoys -- one career diplomat and four contractual appointees.

Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman has accused the government of removing key state decisions and information published on websites during the tenure of the interim government.

India’s West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested the prime accused and an alleged associate in the murder of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi from the border area of Bongaon in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Bangladesh’s energy security has once again shown its vulnerability amid the ongoing Middle East war, echoing challenges faced during the 2020 Russia-Ukraine conflict, as it relies heavily on timely fuel imports while maintaining only a short-term stock buffer.

The violence was set in motion not by a weapon but by a smartphone.

Bangladesh’s stock market yesterday recorded its steepest single-day decline in six years amid concerns over energy supply disruptions linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The government has decided against illuminating installations across the country on Independence Day this year as part of austerity measures to avert a potential fuel crisis amid the ongoing Middle East war, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said yesterday.

Attends NCP divisional iftar in Barishal

Every day, life starts for Nurnahar Begum before sunrise in Rajosh village of Gobindaganj upazila in Gaibandha.

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain expressed strong dissatisfaction after witnessing dirty conditions and various irregularities while on a surprise visit to the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital in the capital yesterday.

Political leaders and civil society members yesterday criticised ruling party lawmakers for not taking oath as members of the Constitution Reform Assembly, saying it disregarded the referendum mandate.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) yesterday launched a women’s platform, “Nari Shakti,” aimed at addressing issues related to women’s rights, dignity, security, and empowerment.

A Japanese delegation is scheduled to visit Dhaka on March 11 to resume the talks with the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) over the operation of the Dhaka airport’s third terminal.

A defence lawyer yesterday questioned whether the International Crimes Tribunal should continue relying on rules introduced during what he described as a “fascist” government while cross-examining a prosecution witness in a case over alleged enforced disappearance and torture.

Despite their pivotal role in national movements and the recent July uprising, women in Bangladesh remain excluded from decision-making and denied equal citizenship, speakers said at a town hall meeting yesterday.