Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a five-day suspension of all planned military strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure. The declaration came Monday via his social media platform Truth Social, where he said recent discussions between the United States and Iran had been positive and productive. Trump stated that he instructed the Defense Department to halt operations temporarily, adding that the decision would depend on the progress of ongoing talks.

Tehran disputed Trump’s claim of any direct or indirect communication. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, an unnamed source said no such talks occurred and that Trump’s decision followed Iran’s warning against targeting its power facilities. Independent verification of these claims was not possible, and U.S. officials did not immediately comment.

Earlier, Trump had threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened within 48 hours. Iran responded with a counter-threat to strike regional energy installations and close the strait entirely, a key route for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

After the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, thousands of people from the southwestern region began returning to Dhaka, creating heavy pressure at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari. By Monday evening, large crowds had formed, particularly among motorcyclists waiting in long lines at ticket counters. Many travelers faced hours of delay to cross the river.

To manage the surge, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) deployed 17 ferries on the Daulatdia-Paturia route, while the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) ensured the operation of 16 launches. Law enforcement agencies increased their presence at the terminal to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents. Administrative authorities also heightened monitoring to ensure passenger safety.

According to BIWTC officials, ferry operations remain normal, and all efforts are being made to ensure smooth travel. Authorities expect the post-holiday rush to continue for several more days, relying on coordinated measures to keep the situation under control.

Iran has instructed that countries considered 'non-hostile' must coordinate with Tehran when navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The directive was issued on Monday by Iran’s Supreme Defense Council, a high-level national security body, which described coordination as the 'only way' for such nations to ensure safe passage through the strategic waterway.

According to a statement published by Iranian media, the council warned that if any hostile force attempts to attack Iran’s coasts or islands, mines would be placed at all coastal entry points. The statement further cautioned that any aggression would effectively block not only the Strait of Hormuz but the entire Persian Gulf, with responsibility falling on the aggressors.

The announcement underscores Tehran’s continued emphasis on controlling access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route, as part of its broader defense posture in response to perceived threats.

The United States has temporarily suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for Bangladeshi citizens. The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka announced the decision on Monday, March 23, stating that the move aims to protect the interests of American taxpayers and ensure that immigrants do not unlawfully access public welfare benefits or impose additional financial burdens on the country.

According to the embassy’s statement, the suspension will allow U.S. authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of screening policies and procedures to ensure they prioritize the interests of U.S. citizens. The decision was made in light of data showing higher rates of welfare benefit usage among nationals of certain countries, including Bangladesh.

The embassy clarified that the suspension applies only to immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourism and study, remain unaffected by this measure.

US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had held productive discussions with Iran over the past two days to stop all hostilities. He also said he had suspended plans to attack Iranian power plants for the next five days. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Mehr News Agency that no talks had taken place between the two countries. He accused Trump of making the statement to buy time and influence energy prices, adding that the US would eventually carry out its military plans.

Araghchi further stated that regional countries were taking initiatives to reduce tensions but should engage directly with the United States, as Washington had started the conflict. Iranian media outlets reported that Trump’s decision came after Iran’s threats of retaliation forced him to back down. Earlier, Trump had given Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power facilities, but he later withdrew the threat while claiming ongoing talks.

The report cited Al Jazeera as its source and noted that Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan were attempting mediation in the Iran-US crisis.

The Bangladesh government has confirmed that the country currently holds sufficient fuel reserves to meet national demand for the next 20 to 22 days without new imports. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku stated that there is no shortage of diesel, petrol, or octane, and that additional shipments are arriving regularly. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation reported 136,000 metric tons of refined fuel and about 100,000 tons of crude oil in storage, ensuring uninterrupted supply.

Authorities have identified attempts by certain groups to create an artificial fuel crisis for personal gain. Intelligence agencies, including the DGFI and NSI, have reported that some petrol pump owners and transport operators are diverting fuel to the black market. The government has warned that any manipulation or rumor-spreading about fuel shortages will face strict action.

Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to remain on high alert and prepare for coordinated operations against those responsible. Citizens have been urged not to believe or spread misinformation on social media and to rely only on official government updates.

A motion congratulating Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was introduced in the New South Wales Parliament of Australia. The motion, raised by Member of Parliament Abigail Boyd, highlighted Bangladesh’s recent 13th general election held on 12 February 2026, describing it as one of the most peaceful, democratic, and credible elections in decades. The motion was confirmed by BNP’s International Affairs Secretary Md. Rashedul Haque.

Abigail Boyd’s proposal noted that the election followed the July 2024 student-led uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year authoritarian rule. Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won a historic two-thirds majority. Citing the Election Commission, Boyd mentioned a record 59 percent voter turnout, calling it evidence of the nation’s democratic resurgence. The motion also referenced the success of the constitutional referendum on the July National Charter, which received 60 percent approval and includes over 80 reform proposals.

The motion concluded by congratulating the BNP and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and commending the people of Bangladesh for their courage and activism in advancing freedom and justice.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a two-day program to commemorate the country's Independence and National Day. According to a statement from the party’s central publicity department on Monday, the program will begin on March 25 with a discussion meeting at the National Press Club at 3 p.m. The event will feature Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP, the Leader of the Opposition and Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, as the chief guest, along with speeches from central and metropolitan leaders.

On March 26, the party will hold a flag-raising ceremony at its central office, followed by discussions and prayer sessions across all organizational levels. In the morning of the same day, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar as part of the state program to pay tribute and offer prayers.

The announcement reflects Jamaat-e-Islami’s participation in national observances while maintaining its organizational activities during the Independence Day celebrations.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, central executive council member of Jamaat-e-Islami and Ameer of Dhaka North, has called on the government and relevant authorities to take effective measures for the full implementation of the July Charter. Speaking on Monday at a meeting with families of martyrs and injured participants of the 24th uprising in Dhaka, he described the July fighters as the nation’s greatest sons and national heroes deserving proper state recognition.

During the event, Selim Uddin listened to the concerns of the families and assured them of efforts to address their problems. He criticized past governments for authoritarian practices and claimed that the July fighters had rescued the nation from prolonged misrule at the cost of around two thousand lives. He also said Jamaat-e-Islami had provided financial and medical support to affected families and published books highlighting the sacrifices of the July fighters.

Selim Uddin reaffirmed that Jamaat’s initiatives to honor and assist the July fighters and their families would continue in the future.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a new selection panel, appointing former national captain Habibul Bashar Sumon as the chairman. Bashar, who has prior experience as a selector for both the men’s and women’s national teams, becomes the chief selector under the new arrangement. The announcement was made on March 23, 2026.

The panel includes two new members, Naeem Islam and Nadif Chowdhury. Naeem, aged 39, brings a two-decade-long cricket career to the role, having scored over 20,000 runs across domestic and international formats. He also holds the national record for the most first-class centuries, with 34 to his name. Nadif Chowdhury joins as another fresh face in the selection committee.

The formation of this new panel marks a structural update within the BCB’s selection process, combining experienced leadership with new perspectives from recently retired players.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it carried out 76 missile and drone strikes targeting United States and Israeli military bases. According to an official IRGC statement released on March 23, 2026, the attacks were part of what it described as a continued effort to destroy enemy military infrastructure.

The statement specified that the strikes targeted US bases named Al-Dhafra, Victoria, the Fifth Fleet, and King Sultan, using drones and both liquid-fueled ‘Qiam’ and solid-fueled ‘Zolfaghar’ missiles. It also said that Israeli military infrastructure was hit in several cities, including Ashkelon, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Gush Dan, with heavy missiles and guided solid-fuel weapons such as ‘Kheibar-Shekan’ and ‘Qiam’.

The IRGC described the operation as effective but did not provide details on damage or casualties. No independent confirmation of the attacks was mentioned in the report.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association has called for assistance from police and local administration to keep petrol pumps operational amid rising consumer pressure and reduced fuel supply. The appeal was made on Monday, March 23, by the association’s convener Syed Sajjadul Karim Kabul, citing safety concerns due to growing crowds and incidents of vandalism at filling stations.

According to the association, the global situation surrounding Iran has disrupted fuel supply from depots, with fears of further temporary shortages. Despite high demand, supply has become inconsistent, leading to public unrest at fuel stations across the country. The association advised pump operators to ensure their own safety and continue operations with local law enforcement support.

A separate letter from the Rajshahi Divisional Petrol Pump Owners Association highlighted mismatches between fuel allocations and tank lorry capacities at several depots, including Baghabari. It requested that allocations be adjusted to match lorry capacities to protect pump owners’ interests and maintain stable distribution.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Lok Sabha on Monday that the country’s gas and energy situation has become alarming due to the ongoing conflict in Central Asia. He described the regional war, now lasting more than three weeks, as a severe global crisis affecting economies and lives worldwide. Modi said the conflict has created unexpected economic, national security, and humanitarian challenges for India.

The Prime Minister expressed concern over disruptions to free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy shipments. He reported that India currently holds 5.3 million metric tons of petroleum reserves and aims to raise this to 6.5 million metric tons. India maintains import links with 41 countries to address the energy shortage. Modi added that domestic LPG production is being increased, with priority given to household consumers, as about 60 percent of LPG is imported.

Modi also said he has held two rounds of talks with West Asian leaders, who assured the safety of Indians in the region. Since the war began, 375,000 Indians have returned home safely, including 1,000 from Iran, among them over 700 medical students.

Global oil prices fell sharply on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a five-day suspension of planned strikes on Iranian power plants. Reuters reported that oil prices dropped more than 13 percent immediately following the announcement. Brent crude futures fell to around $104 per barrel, down about 7 percent, and at one point declined as much as 15 percent to $96. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped nearly 8 percent to around $90, briefly touching just above $85.

Trump had earlier warned that the United States would attack Iran’s power facilities if Tehran did not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Before the deadline expired, he announced the suspension. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned they would strike Israeli power plants and U.S. energy supply bases in the Gulf if attacked. Earlier in the day, oil prices had been rising, with Brent above $113 and WTI near $101.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) cautioned that the Middle East crisis could surpass the severity of the 1970s oil shock or the Russia-Ukraine war’s impact. It decided to release 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to stabilize supply and said further releases could follow if needed.

Amjad Hossain has resigned from his position as a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). He submitted his resignation letter to the board on March 23, 2026. The decision came a day after he was removed from his role as chairman of the BCB’s Media and Communication Committee during an unexpected reshuffle of the board’s standing committees amid the Eid holidays.

Following the changes, Mokhsedul Kamal Babu was appointed as the new chairman of the Media and Communication Committee. He will also continue to serve as chairman of the Welfare Committee, according to a BCB statement. With these adjustments, Amjad Hossain was left without any official responsibilities within the board.

The reason behind Amjad Hossain’s resignation remains unclear, as he did not respond to inquiries. The report also notes that another BCB director, Ishtiaque Sadeque, had previously resigned citing family reasons.