Inward remittances rose by 78.4 percent year-on-year to $2.25 billion in the first 19 days of March, that leaves it on track to set a new monthly record, according to the latest data from Bangladesh Bank. The surge in remittances is largely attributed to the upcoming Eid celebrations, as non-resident Bangladeshis are remitting more funds to support their families. On March 19 alone, $132 million in remittances flowed into Bangladesh. Between July and March 19 of this year, Bangladesh received $20.74 billion in remittance, which is 27 percent higher than the $16.33 billion received during the same period in the previous year.

The substantial year-on-year rise underscores the increasing confidence in formal banking channels and the incentives provided for legal remittance transfers. Between March 16-19, $590 million was received in just four days. Experts predict that if this trend continues, Bangladesh could surpass the $3 billion mark in remittances for March, which would be a first.

Ten members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), including its chief Ataullah, were arrested in separate drives in Narayanganj and Mymensingh. They were allegedly holding a secret meeting to plan subversive activities during their arrest. Later, a court granted a five-day remand for six of them in two separate cases. The arrestees also include the groups's second-in-command, Mostaq Ahmed (66).

Ataullah is accused in multiple cases, including the murder of Rohingya leader Muhibullah and DGFI officer Squadron Leader Rizwan Rushdi. The arrestees were produced before the court of judicial magistrate Md Moinuddin in Narayanganj in the afternoon on Tuesday, with a 10-day remand plea. After hearing the case, the judge placed six of them on remand for five days. No remand was sought for the remaining four as they are women and minors. RAB-11 arrested six ARSA members from Bhumi Palli residential area in Siddhirganj of Narayanganj, and the four others from Mymensingh.

The Advisory Council approved several key decisions at its weekly meeting, including amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. The Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters about the decisions at the Foreign Service Academy. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul earlier said the government has prepared the draft of the amendment to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, reducing the trial and investigation time of rape cases by half.

As per the draft, the investigation period for rape cases is being reduced from 30 days to 15 days and the time for completing the trial is being reduced from 180 days to 90 days, he said. Referring to the government initiative, Asif said, "I have told them that the trial of rape cases should not only be speedy, but justice should be ensured and fair." Besides, the government has declared an additional holiday on April 3 for Eid to facilitate public convenience.

Bangladesh president has removed High Court judge Khizir Hayat following the Supreme Judicial Council's recommendation over misconduct allegations. The Law Ministry issued a gazette notification on Wednesday (Mar. 19) confirming his removal. Supreme Court sources said the decision was based on the chief justice-led council's findings. Khizir Hayat was appointed as an additional High Court judge on May 31, 2018, under the Awami League government, and his position was regularised in 2020.

He was among 12 High Court judges barred from judicial duties since October 21, 2024, after student protests accused them of political bias during Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule. In January, Justice Shahed Nuruddin resigned while under Supreme Judicial Council inquiry for alleged misconduct. The interim government also did not retain SM Maud Hossain Dolan and Md Aminul Islam, who were among the 12 judges under scrutiny.