Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that the government has adopted a zero tolerance policy to prevent question leaks and cheating in the upcoming SSC and equivalent examinations starting on April 21. He said strict monitoring will be ensured at the field level to maintain the sanctity of the exams, and necessary measures will be taken after discussions with officials from all education boards and exam-related personnel. The minister made these remarks during a post-iftar meeting with members of the Education Reporters Association, Bangladesh (ERAB) at his official residence in Dhaka’s Mintoo Road.

Dr. Milan emphasized that ensuring a cheating-free environment is a major challenge but expressed confidence in maintaining past success. He warned that any attempt to leak questions using technology would be strictly suppressed and said he would personally oversee exam security. The minister also hinted at introducing a uniform question paper system nationwide from next year to ensure equal standards for all students. Additionally, he outlined plans for a three-tier screening process for school managing committee presidents and discussed curriculum revisions for 2027.

He described the ministry as his “place of worship” and announced a 180-day action plan aimed at creating a long-term impact through steady and error-free work.

The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) arrested two Rohingya nationals with 8,200 yaba pills during an operation in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area. The detainees were identified as Md. Jubayer, 29, and Md. Hedayetullah, 22, both residents of the Leda Camp in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The arrests were confirmed by Shamim Ahmed, Deputy Director of the DNC’s Dhaka Metro (North) office.

According to the DNC, the arrests were made based on secret information through separate operations. During preliminary interrogation, the two admitted to collecting yaba tablets from Teknaf and distributing them in Dhaka and other parts of the country. Two separate cases have been filed against them.

The operation highlights the continued efforts of the DNC to curb drug trafficking networks linking Cox’s Bazar and the capital.

The death toll from the ongoing Middle East conflict has surpassed 2,200 following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28, according to Al Jazeera. Iran has recorded the highest number of casualties with 1,444 deaths, followed by 773 in Lebanon and 14 in Israel. Additional fatalities include six in the United Arab Emirates, two in Bahrain, two in Saudi Arabia, six in Kuwait, and three in Oman. Eleven US military personnel and 26 people in Iraq have also been reported killed.

The conflict erupted after the United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks on Iranian military and energy facilities, sparking rapid escalation across the region. Iran responded by announcing missile and drone strikes, which spread the violence to several Gulf countries.

The situation remains volatile as regional tensions continue to rise, with widespread concern over further escalation and humanitarian impacts across affected nations.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has issued a strong warning that Israel’s actions are pushing the Middle East toward severe instability and potential genocide. Speaking at a press conference in Ankara on Saturday, Fidan accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon as a pretext for a new massacre. He cautioned that the ongoing conflict could escalate into a regional war and urged the United States and Iran to return to dialogue immediately.

Fidan confirmed that Turkey had intercepted a missile targeting its airspace and said Ankara is closely monitoring the situation while maintaining regular contact with Iran. He sharply criticized Israel for restricting worshippers’ access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling it a dangerous move that could inflame tensions across the Muslim world.

The minister emphasized that as long as the attacks continue, the region will remain trapped in a cycle of destruction, and Turkey will build strong resistance against any provocation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would target US company facilities in the Middle East if its oil infrastructure came under attack. Speaking on Saturday, he told UCJ News Agency that Iranian forces would respond by striking American installations in the region should Iranian sites be hit.

Araghchi urged Iranian forces to act with caution, emphasizing that densely populated areas must not become targets of retaliatory operations. He also commented on the Strait of Hormuz, saying that despite it remaining open, Iran would not allow oil tankers or ships belonging to either enemies or allies to pass through.

The remarks, reported by Al Jazeera, reflect heightened regional tensions and Iran’s warning of potential escalation if its energy assets are threatened.

Missiles were launched toward Israel from Iran and Lebanon on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera’s live updates. Explosions were heard over western Jerusalem after Israeli defenses detected incoming missiles from Iran. The Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on northern Israel’s Goren area and said it targeted an Israeli air defense system in the Ma’alot-Tarshiha city.

Al Jazeera reported that the Middle East war, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran, has now entered its third week. The Israeli military stated that its defense systems were actively working to intercept the incoming missiles and neutralize threats.

The continued exchange of attacks underscores the deepening regional conflict involving Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the United States, with no immediate sign of de-escalation mentioned in the report.

The United States has initiated investigations into whether Bangladesh and several other countries are engaging in industrial overproduction and failing to prevent the use of forced labor in manufacturing. The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced on Wednesday that sixteen countries, including Bangladesh, are being investigated for overcapacity, followed by a Thursday announcement expanding the probe to sixty countries regarding forced labor. Countries found to be involved in unfair trade practices could face import tariffs under US trade law.

The investigations will assess national laws, policies, and enforcement related to banning imports made with forced labor, as well as whether such practices burden or restrict US trade. Each government must respond in writing by March 17, with hearings scheduled for early May. The move follows the US Supreme Court’s annulment of former President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff policy and the non-implementation of the US-Bangladesh Reciprocal Trade Agreement.

Bangladesh’s commerce secretary said the government sees no immediate risk from the investigation and will respond if formally asked. Economists noted that the US may use the probe to justify new tariffs and urged Bangladesh to prepare for negotiations to safeguard its trade interests.

Five US Air Force refueling aircraft were damaged in an Iranian missile attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing two US officials on Friday, March 13. The aircraft were hit during recent Iranian strikes but were not completely destroyed and are currently under repair. No casualties were reported in the incident, and Reuters was unable to independently verify the report.

The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions as Iran continues missile operations in Gulf countries. In response, the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas urged Tehran to refrain from targeting neighboring states while reaffirming Iran’s right to self-defense against Israel and the United States. This marked Hamas’s first such appeal to Iran, emphasizing adherence to international law.

Hamas also called on the international community to work toward an immediate end to the ongoing conflict, following two years of devastating war in Gaza.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan stated that the resignation of Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan has not yet been finalized. He made the comment on Saturday during an iftar event at his residence on Minto Road in response to questions from journalists.

The minister explained that although he has received the resignation letter, it has not been formally accepted. He added that the matter will remain open until he personally makes a final decision. Addressing concerns about possible administrative stagnation at the university, he acknowledged a gap but emphasized that the process is still ongoing. Milan also praised Dr. Khan as a polite and competent individual and mentioned that there may be opportunities to involve him in other roles, including within various councils such as the Accreditation Council.

Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan had submitted his resignation on February 22, formally handing it to the education minister. The minister’s latest remarks indicate that the final decision on the resignation is still pending.

A mobile court in Ishwardi, Pabna seized 6,000 liters of hoarded fuel and fined a trader for underweight sales. The operation took place on Saturday afternoon at the Railgate area of the municipal town, where the owner of Messrs Karim Petroleum Agency, Md. Abdul Karim, was fined 20,000 taka. The mobile court was led by Ishwardi Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Md. Asaduzzaman Sarkar.

The raid was conducted based on information from the National Security Intelligence (NSI). According to the executive magistrate, evidence was found that the trader had stored fuel illegally and sold less than the proper amount to customers. The seized fuel was ordered to be sold immediately to the public at the government-fixed price.

Authorities stated that the action aimed to ensure fair fuel distribution and prevent manipulation in the local market.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is considering banning US President Donald Trump and senior American officials from attending major global sporting events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The move follows the United States’ failure to pay its membership dues to WADA, totaling 7.3 million US dollars for 2023 and 2024. The agency has not yet made a final decision but plans to revisit the issue at its next executive committee meeting.

The US government has withheld payment in protest, accusing WADA of covering up doping scandals involving Russian athletes and 23 Chinese swimmers. Under WADA rules, countries with unpaid dues lose their committee representation, and the US seat has been vacant since January 2025. WADA previously proposed a rule change in 2024 to impose sanctions but did not finalize it. With the US no longer on the executive committee, passing the amendment has become easier.

WADA spokesperson James Fitzgerald said the policy change does not target any specific country, while US official Sara Carta stated that the United States will not bow to WADA’s threats.

The government has announced a new initiative to resolve the shortage of playgrounds across the country. State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque said that each ward will have a dedicated futsal field to ensure easy access to sports for all. He made the announcement during the first meeting of the central committee formed to identify, develop, and implement playground projects nationwide.

Highlighting the acute shortage of playgrounds in Dhaka, Aminul Haque stated that special strategies would be adopted to locate suitable spaces. Where space is limited, one playground will be built between two wards, and if necessary, a larger field will be created for three wards combined. The government also plans to promote futsal by constructing one dedicated futsal ground in every ward.

The minister added that open spaces under the city corporations, the Public Works Department, and various schools in Dhaka will be identified and made accessible for children’s use.

Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor-in-chief of the daily Manabzamin, has been elected president of the Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB). The announcement was made on Saturday in Dhaka during a meeting where the committee members for the 2026–2027 term were chosen without contest. The new committee was declared by NOAB election board chairman M Mashrur Riaz.

The newly elected committee includes ASM Shahidullah Khan, chairman of the New Age editorial board, as vice president, and Altaf Mash Kabir, publisher of the daily Sangbad, as treasurer. Other members are AK Azad of Samakal, Matiur Rahman of Prothom Alo, Mahfuz Anam of The Daily Star, Tasmeema Hossain of Ittefaq, AMM Bahauddin of Inqilab, Dewan Hanif Mahmud of Bonik Barta, Mozammel Haque of Karatoa, MA Malek of Azadi, Dr. Ramizuddin Chowdhury of Purbokone, and Nasim Monzur of The Financial Express.

The committee will serve for the 2026–2027 term, representing major newspaper publishers across Bangladesh.

Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman stated that Islamophobia is still active in the country's media and that the character of media flattery seen during fascist times has not changed. He made the remarks on Saturday evening at an iftar event organized by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South at Dhaka Ladies Club, Eskaton, held in honor of journalists.

Rahman said Amar Desh continues to uphold Bengali Muslim culture and remains uncompromising in defending human rights, the people, and national interests. He noted that two billion Muslims worldwide are facing crises and that Bangladesh is not free from these challenges. He warned that the Middle East war situation could affect Bangladesh through rising fuel prices and economic impacts, calling for unity and caution. He also condemned the joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran and urged active support for Iran.

The event was chaired by Jamaat leader Md. Nurul Islam Bulbul MP and attended by senior journalists and media figures from various organizations, including editors and union leaders.

Two of the five Bangladeshi nationals killed in a gas cylinder explosion at a guesthouse in the Maldives are expected to be repatriated to Bangladesh on Sunday, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued on Saturday. The victims were identified as Taj Uddin Islam, Md. Sadar Ali, Md. Robin Molla, Sofikul Islam, and Md. Nurun Nabi Sarkar. The bodies of Md. Sadar Ali and Sofikul Islam are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh, while two others, Jamal Uddin and Saddam Hossain, remain hospitalized with serious injuries.

The explosion occurred on Thursday night at a guesthouse on Dhigurah Island, about 100 kilometers from the Maldivian capital, Malé. Seven people were rescued with severe burns, and five later died while receiving treatment. The Bangladesh High Commission in the Maldives coordinated with local authorities to expedite the repatriation process and provide assistance to the victims’ families.

The High Commission has also contacted the employer company to ensure proper compensation and arranged alternative housing for affected Bangladeshi workers. The injured are under close medical supervision in Malé.