The government of Bangladesh is set to resume discussions with a Japanese consortium to expedite the launch of the long-delayed third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The meeting will take place tomorrow at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, and representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh are expected to attend.

According to official sources, this will be the first formal discussion on the matter since the new BNP-led government assumed office. The initiative aims to resolve long-standing contractual and operational complications that have delayed the terminal’s opening. The discussions will focus on terminal management, operational control, and revenue sharing with the Japanese consortium.

The outcome of the meeting will be presented to the Prime Minister on Saturday, after which a policy decision regarding the terminal’s launch is expected.

Thailand has demanded a formal apology from Iran after a Thai-flagged vessel was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The Thai government made the demand following confirmation that the ship had come under fire, leading to damage. The incident prompted Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the Iranian ambassador to seek clarification regarding the attack and the extent of the vessel’s losses.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that the ship was targeted after it allegedly ignored a warning. In recent statements, Iranian officials have said that all ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz must obtain prior permission from Iran. The situation has drawn attention to the growing tension surrounding navigation rights in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.

The diplomatic exchange underscores rising friction between Iran and regional maritime partners, with Thailand seeking accountability and Iran asserting control over the strait’s passage.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first televised address after becoming Iran’s supreme leader, issued a stern warning to the United States and Israel. Speaking on Thursday, he declared that Iran would continue its struggle and avenge the blood of its martyrs. Khamenei stated that armed groups in Yemen and Iraq support the Islamic Revolution and will take action when instructed.

He emphasized that Yemen’s resistance fighters and Iraq’s armed factions are prepared to fulfill their duties in support of the revolution. While asserting Iran’s belief in friendship with neighboring countries, Khamenei said attacks on US military bases in the region would continue. He added that Iranian forces are targeting only American bases and demanded that all such installations be closed immediately, warning of further strikes if they remain operational.

At the start of his speech, Khamenei thanked Iran’s military for defending the nation during times of attack, praising the courage of soldiers who continue to fight for the country’s security and unity.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social that the United States, as the world’s largest oil producer, earns significant revenue when global oil prices increase. His remarks came as Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s speech was being broadcast.

Trump emphasized that beyond financial gains, his greater priority is preventing Iran, which he described as an evil empire, from obtaining nuclear weapons and threatening the Middle East and the world. He asserted that he would never allow such a situation to occur.

The comments highlight Trump’s dual focus on U.S. economic interests in the energy sector and his firm stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, as reflected in his public messaging.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has issued a notification allocating portfolios to one full minister and one state minister. According to the order released on Thursday night, newly sworn-in minister Ahmed Azam Khan has been assigned to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, while State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has been given additional responsibility for the Ministry of Land. The directive takes immediate effect.

Ahmed Azam Khan, a Member of Parliament from Tangail-8 (Basail-Sakhipur) and vice chairman of the BNP central committee, took oath as a minister earlier on Thursday. President Md. Shahabuddin administered the oath during the recess of the first session of the 13th National Parliament. On the same day, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed was sworn in as Speaker and Kaiser Kamal as Deputy Speaker.

Following their new appointments, Hafiz Uddin and Kaiser Kamal vacated their previous ministerial and state ministerial positions, prompting the new cabinet appointments announced by the Cabinet Division.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei stated that Iran remains committed to maintaining friendly relations with neighboring countries but will continue targeting United States military bases. In a televised address on March 12, 2026, he said the attacks on US installations would persist as part of Iran’s defense strategy.

Khamenei emphasized the need for national unity to safeguard Iran’s sovereignty and security. He warned that strategic maritime routes would remain closed to exert pressure on those opposing Iran. The leader also reiterated the importance of improving ties with neighboring states.

His remarks followed a series of missile and drone strikes in several regional countries, which he claimed were directed solely at US military facilities. The statement reflects Iran’s dual approach of pursuing regional diplomacy while maintaining a confrontational stance toward US military presence in the region.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei publicly thanked the country’s armed forces in his first televised address to the nation on March 12, 2026. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to the military for protecting Iran from subjugation and division despite facing attacks. Khamenei praised the bravery and dedication of soldiers who, according to him, performed admirably under pressure.

The statement, reported by Al Jazeera and local outlet Amar Desh, marks Khamenei’s first major public message since assuming leadership. His comments emphasized national unity and resilience during a period of external pressure and conflict. The address also highlighted the military’s role as a stabilizing force in safeguarding Iran’s sovereignty.

The speech signals that the new leadership intends to maintain strong ties with the armed forces and reinforce their importance in national defense and internal cohesion.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, Member of Parliament from Bhola-3 and a senior BNP leader, has been elected Speaker of the National Parliament, marking the first time in Bangladesh’s history that someone from Bhola has held this position. The announcement on March 12, 2026, sparked widespread celebration among residents of Bhola, who expressed pride and joy at the historic achievement. Prime Minister Tareq Rahman was also congratulated by local BNP leaders for appointing him.

Political leaders from across parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and BJP, extended congratulations, describing Hafiz Uddin as a transparent and capable politician. Local BNP leaders said his leadership would benefit both Bhola and the country, while Jamaat leaders hoped his neutrality would strengthen political harmony. Businesspeople and workers in Bhola expressed optimism that his leadership would bring peace and stability.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has been elected to Parliament seven times from Bhola-3 (Lalmohan-Tajumuddin) and previously served twice as a minister, including as Commerce Minister.

Police in Tongi, Gazipur, arrested 16 individuals on Thursday morning during a special operation targeting alleged involvement in robbery and drug trafficking. The arrests took place in the Ershadnagar and Bank Math slum areas, where officers also seized locally made weapons from several houses.

According to police, the operation was launched following long-standing complaints of robbery and drug dealing in the area. The detainees include individuals identified as Shakil, Joy, Zahid, Hridoy, Shanto, Sohag, Mamun, Nasir, Khalid Hasan, Shiba, Parvez, Masum, Kiran, Muktar, Mainuddin Rabbi, and Joy alias Moto Joy.

Tongi East Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Hasan stated that legal action has been initiated against the arrested persons, who have been sent to the Gazipur court for further proceedings.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei delivered his first televised address to the nation on March 12, 2026, focusing on national unity, regional politics, and ongoing conflicts. He called for internal solidarity and reaffirmed Iran’s firm stance on protecting its security and sovereignty. Khamenei warned that all U.S. military bases in the Middle East should be closed immediately, otherwise they would continue to face attacks.

He stated that Iran seeks good relations with neighboring countries but emphasized that nations hosting U.S. military bases would remain targets under Iran’s current policy. Khamenei also announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as part of Tehran’s strategy to pressure its adversaries. He vowed to continue fighting to avenge the deaths of Iran’s former Supreme Leader and children killed in recent attacks.

Khamenei praised Iran’s armed forces for their sacrifices in defending the country from domination and division, promising financial and other support for war victims. He concluded by urging Iranians to overcome differences and work together for the nation’s interests.

Turkey has expressed its support for Bangladesh to assume the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting between Turkish Ambassador to Dhaka Ramis Sen and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir. The meeting took place on Thursday afternoon, March 12, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

During the discussion, both sides reviewed the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Turkey and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. They exchanged views on expanding collaboration in trade and investment, defense, education, cultural exchange, technology, and infrastructure development. Regional and global issues, including challenges facing the Muslim world, humanitarian cooperation, and mutual support in international forums, were also discussed.

Both parties expressed optimism about deepening the historic friendship and reaffirmed their commitment to work together for the welfare of their peoples based on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.

Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has offered prayers for the recovery of Mirza Abbas, a member of parliament, BNP Standing Committee member, and political adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Patwari expressed his wishes in a Facebook post on Thursday night, praying for Abbas’s good health and long life.

According to family sources, Mirza Abbas lost consciousness during iftar on Wednesday and was admitted to a hospital later that night when his condition did not improve. His wife, Afroza Abbas, who is also the president of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, has requested prayers from the public for her husband’s recovery.

The incident has drawn attention within political circles, as Abbas holds key positions in the BNP and serves as a senior political figure in the party.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon stated that protecting all types of business ventures is a responsibility of the government. He made the remarks on Thursday while addressing an iftar gathering organized by the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB).

Highlighting the difficulties faced by cable operators, the minister noted that the rise of internet-based platforms such as IPTV and online streaming services has posed significant challenges to the traditional cable television business worldwide. He emphasized that if the government can establish a proper technological framework, it would be possible to ensure protection for business operators.

Swapon urged COAB leaders to present the technical aspects of the cable TV industry through experts and affirmed his commitment to understanding and addressing the sector’s issues from multiple perspectives. He also announced plans to continue consultations with COAB to find solutions to the operators’ problems.

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a stern warning to the United States in his first public statement since assuming leadership. Speaking after his election on March 8, Khamenei demanded that all U.S. military bases in the region be shut down immediately, warning that failure to do so would result in attacks. His recorded address was broadcast publicly, marking his first message to both domestic and international audiences.

Khamenei emphasized that Iran seeks friendly relations with neighboring countries but will continue to target American bases located within those nations. His statement follows a series of events beginning on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, resulting in the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, was subsequently chosen as Iran’s new leader.

The warning signals a continuation of heightened regional tensions following the leadership transition and the earlier military strikes on Iranian territory.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that 3.2 million people have been displaced across Iran following attacks launched by the United States and Israel. The figure is based on an initial survey conducted among displaced families throughout the country, according to the agency’s statement released on March 12, 2026.

UNHCR warned that the number of displaced individuals could continue to rise as the conflict persists, describing the situation as a serious humanitarian concern. The agency’s findings highlight the growing scale of displacement and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance across affected regions.

The report underscores the worsening humanitarian crisis in Iran as the war continues, with UNHCR calling attention to the increasing pressure on relief operations and the potential for further instability if the conflict does not subside.