Dr. Zubaida Rahman, vice president of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, announced that all citizens will receive healthcare based on need rather than financial capacity. Speaking on Saturday at the LD Hall of the National Parliament in Dhaka during a Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) event distributing Eid gifts to underprivileged children, she said healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. She emphasized the government’s commitment to universal health coverage under the principle of 'Health for All'.

Zubaida Rahman outlined plans to strengthen primary healthcare as the foundation of the national health system, including 24-hour ambulance services at upazila health complexes and the creation of a national ambulance pool and emergency service network. She also highlighted modernization of medical education, structured career paths for health workers, and safe medical waste management. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bukol and State Minister Dr. M.A. Muhit also spoke, stressing the need to eliminate brokers from hospitals and urging doctors to serve patients sincerely.

DAB leaders pledged support for doctors’ fair demands and called for regular attendance and service delivery in hospitals.

A murder suspect was seen accompanying BNP lawmaker Shafiqul Haque Milon of Rajshahi-3 (Paba-Mohonpur) constituency at a public iftar event in Rajshahi. The suspect, Raisul Islam Russell, accused in the killing of Jamaat activist Md Alauddin, reportedly received the MP at Rajshahi airport last Friday and later joined his motorcade to attend an iftar gathering in Kesharhat. Russell had posted a selfie with the MP on Facebook before deleting it.

MP Milon said he was unaware of any murder case against Russell, describing him as a known local party activist without a criminal record to his knowledge. The murder case was filed on March 7 after a clash between BNP and Jamaat members in Mohonpur’s Sankoa area left Alauddin dead. Police confirmed Russell as the prime accused and said he remains at large.

Local Jamaat leaders expressed surprise that the suspect could appear publicly while police claim he is missing. Police officials said they have not received any bail documents and are continuing efforts to arrest the accused.

Leaders of Khelafat Majlis have called on the government to convene an immediate special session of parliament to initiate constitutional reform. The demand was made during the party’s central executive meeting held on Tuesday at its central office in Purana Paltan, Dhaka. They said the ruling party, as a signatory to the July Charter, must fulfill its commitment, noting that the recent referendum resulted in a decisive ‘yes’ victory. The leaders emphasized that the government should respect the public mandate and ensure that Bangladesh never again experiences fascist rule.

The meeting, presided over by Nayeb-e-Amir Maulana Ahmad Ali Qasemi and conducted by Secretary General Dr. Ahmad Abdul Kader, also discussed the deteriorating law and order situation, persistently high commodity prices, and ongoing concerns over energy security. The leaders urged the newly formed government to prioritize these issues, ensure safe and accessible travel for Eid holidaymakers, and facilitate the safe return of expatriates from the war-torn Middle East.

They further stated that freedom of the press is essential for maintaining the integrity of all other state institutions.

Labour, Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced that industrial workers will receive their wages and bonuses before Eid. He said several factories have already paid their workers, and the remaining payments will be completed soon. The minister expressed optimism that the government will ensure timely disbursement so that workers can celebrate Eid with joy.

Speaking after visiting the Shahi Eidgah in Sylhet on Saturday afternoon, Ariful Haque said the government is maintaining communication with factory owners to facilitate payments and will provide all necessary support. He added that the government is hopeful about a smooth process this year.

The minister also confirmed the deaths of five Bangladeshi nationals in a gas explosion in the Maldives. He said the bodies will be brought back following local legal procedures, and discussions are underway with the concerned company regarding compensation. He further noted that three ministries are closely monitoring the ongoing war situation in the Middle East to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will carry out large-scale bombing along the coast of the Hormuz Strait if necessary to keep the strategic waterway open. According to Al Jazeera, Trump made the statement in a post on Truth Social, saying that Iran’s attempt to close the strait has prompted several countries to consider sending warships to the area.

Trump urged nations dependent on the Hormuz Strait, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, to deploy ships to ensure its safety and openness. He claimed that Iran’s military capability has been largely destroyed but acknowledged that Iran still retains the ability to launch drones, lay mines, or fire short-range missiles.

Trump emphasized that the United States would conduct extensive coastal bombings if required and vowed that the Hormuz Strait would remain open by any means necessary.

BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s political adviser Mirza Abbas will be taken to Singapore on Sunday for advanced medical treatment. His personal secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel confirmed that he will be flown by air ambulance at 11 a.m. Abbas’s wife, BNP Mahila Dal president Afroza Abbas, and their eldest son Mirza Yasir Abbas will accompany him.

Mirza Abbas underwent brain surgery last Friday at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka and has since been kept under intensive observation. A CT scan conducted on Saturday showed improvement, according to BNP’s health affairs secretary Rafiqul Islam. Abbas had lost consciousness during iftar on Thursday, prompting his admission to the hospital, where a virtual medical board decided on urgent surgery after reviewing his condition.

Following the operation, Abbas remains under 72-hour intensive monitoring by the medical board. Several political leaders, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, visited the hospital to inquire about his health.

NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam announced that the government’s position on the proposed Constitutional Reform Council will be sought in parliament. He made the statement on Saturday after a meeting of the parliamentary business advisory committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, at the National Parliament Secretariat’s cabinet room.

Earlier the same day, after a meeting of an 11-party alliance at the Jamaat-e-Islami office, coalition coordinator Hamidur Rahman Azad warned that if a session of the Constitutional Reform Council is not convened by Sunday, the alliance will take to the streets with public support. He added that the final outline of the movement will be decided at the top leadership meeting on March 28.

Following the advisory committee meeting, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that the issue of a constitutional reform commission was not on the day’s agenda but confirmed that the government intends to resolve the matter through parliamentary procedures.

Exiled Iranian royal Reza Pahlavi has declared his readiness to assume leadership if the Islamic Republic of Iran collapses. In a message shared on social media, he said preparations are underway to establish a transitional system that would govern the country during an interim period. According to Pahlavi, this system would immediately take charge to restore law, order, security, and freedom once the current regime falls.

Pahlavi stated that he has already begun forming the transitional structure with individuals from both inside and outside Iran. He said capable figures have been identified and evaluated to manage different parts of the interim administration. Saeed Ghasseminejad, an adviser on Iran and financial economics at the U.S.-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, is reportedly leading the selection process for council members.

Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, has become a prominent figure among opposition movements abroad. His visibility increased after protests earlier this year, during which some demonstrators called for the restoration of the monarchy.

Several human rights organizations have written to FIFA expressing concern over safety and freedom issues ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The letter, sent to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, highlights worries about the impact of U.S. immigration and visa policies on fans, journalists, and migrant workers traveling to the tournament. The Sport and Rights Alliance stated that ensuring the safety of all foreign participants and visitors is essential for a global event of this scale.

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada across 16 cities, marking the first time 48 teams will compete. However, discussions have already begun worldwide about the strict U.S. visa and travel regulations. The White House responded that the administration is focused on hosting a successful tournament, with spokesperson Davis Ingle noting President Donald Trump’s goal of ensuring one of the most secure World Cups in history.

Human rights groups warned that most host cities have yet to publish their human rights plans and urged early action to identify and mitigate potential risks before the tournament begins.

At least seven people were injured in a violent attack and looting allegedly led by a local Youth League leader in Chauddagram upazila of Comilla on Friday night. The incident took place in Singraish Masterbari area of Munshirhat Union, where seven houses, including that of a police officer, were vandalized and looted. Several crude bombs exploded during the attack, spreading panic in the area. Police confirmed the incident on Saturday afternoon.

According to local sources, the violence stemmed from a longstanding dispute between Md. Sabuj, son of Abdus Sattar, and Rezaul Karim, nephew of Amir Islam. The conflict escalated after Rezaul was allegedly assaulted by Youth League leader Bacchu Mia on Thursday night. When both sides attempted to settle the matter the following evening, Bacchu Mia and his associates reportedly launched repeated attacks. Locals claimed Bacchu Mia had previously dominated the area through intimidation and later shifted allegiance to Jamaat after the 2024 uprising.

Police said they received a written complaint and have launched an operation to arrest the accused. Bacchu Mia denied involvement and claimed he was not affiliated with the Youth League.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the media, as the fourth pillar of the state, must remain strong and independent to ensure the proper functioning of the other three pillars. He made the remarks on Saturday, March 14, at an iftar gathering in Dhaka organized by the party’s city south unit to honor journalists. The event was chaired by Dhaka South Jamaat Ameer Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul and attended by journalists and party leaders.

Dr. Rahman urged journalists to report objectively, saying they should call truth by its name and keep their voices active. He recalled that during past authoritarian rule, many journalists were silenced for speaking truth but have since been vindicated. Citing examples of repression, he mentioned veteran editor Abul Asad’s imprisonment and attacks on journalists such as Shafiqul Islam Kajol.

Clarifying Jamaat’s current stance, Dr. Rahman said the party now serves as an opposition force that will support the government when it acts in the national interest but will resist if it strays. He emphasized the party’s vision for a Bangladesh free from fascism and foreign dominance.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat said the current BNP-led government is prioritizing the modernization, safety, and international standards of Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors. He made the remarks on Saturday at an event organized by the Aviation and Tourism Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (ATJFB) at the All Community Club auditorium in Dhaka. The minister emphasized that women’s active participation is vital for the sector’s progress and praised ATJFB’s initiative to recognize women’s contributions.

This year, ten women received the ATJFB Aviatour Women’s Icon Award for their achievements in aviation and tourism. Awardees included professionals from categories such as pilot, cabin crew, sales and marketing, customer service, aviation entrepreneurship, instruction, public relations, tour guiding, culinary tourism, and hospitality entrepreneurship. The awards were presented by the state minister himself.

The event was attended by senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, airlines, tourism organizations, and industry leaders. Ethiopian Airlines served as a supporting sponsor, and an iftar gathering followed the award ceremony.

Bangladesh is set to participate for the first time in the 26th China International Agrochemical and Crop Protection Exhibition (CAC), scheduled from March 17 to 19 in Shanghai. The event will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, with participation from 50 countries. National Agricare Export-Import Company (NAC) will represent Bangladesh, showcasing its range of agrochemical products including pesticides, growth regulators, fertilizers, and WDG formulations.

According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice-Chairman and CEO Mohammad Hasan Arif, Bangladesh’s participation marks a new step toward diversifying export earnings beyond the ready-made garment sector. He noted that EPB will support other companies interested in joining similar international exhibitions. NAC Managing Director KSM Mostafizur Rahman stated that with policy support, the agro industry could become export-oriented within five years, reducing import dependence.

The exhibition provides a platform for entrepreneurs to explore new agricultural products, technologies, and sustainable solutions, potentially opening new export opportunities for Bangladesh’s agro sector.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh has announced measures to assist expatriate workers stranded in the country after returning from the Middle East. Following the recent attacks in Iran involving the United States and Israel, many Bangladeshi workers on leave have been unable to return to their host countries, where their visas have expired or are about to expire. The ministry issued a public notice on Saturday outlining the steps taken by the concerned countries.

According to the notice, workers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain must contact their employers, sponsors, or kafeels, or apply online to renew their visas. The governments of Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates have already extended the validity of entry visas by one month for those whose visas have expired or are nearing expiration.

These measures are expected to ease the uncertainty faced by Bangladeshi expatriates unable to travel back due to the ongoing regional situation, providing temporary relief until normal travel resumes.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam MP, who also oversees the ministries of Shipping and Railways, visited key bus terminals in Dhaka on Saturday to ensure safe, smooth, and comfortable travel ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. His inspection covered the Fulbaria BRTC counter, Gulistan bus stand, and Sayedabad terminal, where he interacted with passengers to assess travel conditions and potential issues.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, the minister said the government, under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working tirelessly to make Eid travel safe and hassle-free. He noted that buses are operating on schedule with regulated fares, and sufficient fuel supplies have been secured to prevent fare hikes. Authorities are maintaining round-the-clock road management to ensure timely and safe arrivals.

The minister added that coordination among transport owners, workers, and government agencies is ongoing to monitor field operations. Mobile courts are active to prevent overcharging and passenger harassment, while toll plazas offer limited iftar arrangements for fasting travelers. Hospitals near highways are on standby for emergency care, and additional supervision has been deployed in traffic-prone areas.