Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the parade marking the Great Independence and National Day on Thursday, March 26, 2026. He arrived at the National Parade Ground shortly after 10 a.m. and watched the parade from the gallery alongside his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman. Upon their arrival, they were received by the Minister and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and the chiefs of the three armed forces.

The event was attended by cabinet members, senior government officials, ambassadors from various countries, and both local and foreign guests. Following the national anthem, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Md. Shahabuddin, was given a guard of honor. He then inspected the parade in an open jeep accompanied by Parade Commander Major General S.M. Asadul Haque before returning to the saluting dais to receive the Independence Day parade salute.

The ceremony highlighted national pride and military discipline as part of the annual Independence and National Day celebrations.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon left Dhaka on Wednesday night for Turkey to attend the International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom) 2026, held at the Conrad Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul on March 27 and 28. The visit is taking place at the invitation of the Turkish government.

According to the itinerary, the minister was scheduled to arrive in Istanbul via Jeddah on March 26 and attend a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Turkey in celebration of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. On March 27 at 11:20 a.m., he will speak as a panelist in the first session titled “A New Framework for the Global Order: A Strategic Communication Perspective,” alongside ministers from Northern Cyprus, Syria, and Kazakhstan. The session will be moderated by TRT World’s senior presenter Alican Ayanlar.

During the visit, the minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with representatives from various countries. He is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on the morning of March 30 after the conclusion of the summit.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that Bangladesh will become a democratic, happy, and prosperous nation under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He made the remarks on Thursday morning after paying tribute at the graves of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Fakhrul expressed that people across the country have strong faith and optimism in Tarique Rahman’s leadership and conveyed greetings to the nation on behalf of the party.

Speaking on the occasion of Independence Day, Fakhrul stated that democracy had been destroyed and freedom endangered for about 15–16 years. During that period, he claimed, around 6 million people faced legal cases, 20,000 party activists were killed, and about 1,700 were victims of enforced disappearance. He said that despite repression, people continued their struggle, leading to a new opportunity for democratic restoration through the student and public uprising in July.

Highlighting initiatives under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, Fakhrul mentioned programs such as the Family Card, allowances for imams and religious leaders, canal excavation, loans for marginal farmers, and the Farmers Card for Pahela Baishakh.

Iran has appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new head of its Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) following the death of Ali Larijani in an Israeli airstrike. The appointment was made on Tuesday, placing Zolghadr in one of the country’s most sensitive political and security positions amid heightened regional tensions and internal challenges.

Zolghadr, a former top commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), previously served as secretary of the policy advisory council since 2023. As a first-generation IRGC member who fought in the Iran-Iraq war, he held senior leadership roles for over a decade. His selection is seen as an effort to fill the vacuum left by Larijani, a veteran political and security figure. The SNSC post is closely linked to the office of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, requiring both strategic and security expertise.

Iran’s hardliners view Zolghadr as better suited than Larijani to handle the current wartime pressures. With continued U.S. and Israeli attacks and growing domestic instability, Zolghadr faces the dual challenge of maintaining internal security and managing any potential negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with the United States.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed hope for building a nonviolent, corruption-free and humane Bangladesh on the occasion of the country’s Independence and National Day. He made the remarks on Thursday morning after paying tribute and offering prayers at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar.

Dr. Rahman said they came to fulfill a moral duty and to honor the nation’s heroic martyrs. He prayed for the protection of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, and for peace and blessings upon the country. He extended greetings to the entire nation on the occasion of Independence and National Day.

Earlier at 6 a.m., Dr. Rahman and senior Jamaat leaders offered prayers for the souls of the martyrs and for the country’s peace, prosperity and welfare. Several party leaders, including A.T.M. Azharul Islam, Mia Golam Porwar, and others, accompanied him during the tribute ceremony.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen sharply as the joint U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran enters its 26th day. The Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday shows only 36 percent of Americans approve of Trump’s performance, down from 40 percent the previous week. The decline follows rising fuel prices and growing dissatisfaction over the cost of living, which have intensified since the February 28 launch of the Iran offensive.

The survey indicates that only 25 percent of respondents are satisfied with Trump’s handling of living costs, and just 29 percent approve of his economic management—both record lows for his presidency. Despite this, Trump retains strong backing among Republicans, with only one in five expressing overall dissatisfaction. However, discontent among Republicans over his handling of living costs has risen to 34 percent from 27 percent the previous week.

Public support for the Iran attack has also weakened, with 35 percent of Americans now backing the operation compared to 37 percent a week earlier, while opposition has grown to 61 percent. The ongoing conflict has driven up global oil prices and could further strain economies if prolonged.

Authorities in Satkhira have made it mandatory for motorcycle owners to present a fuel card bearing the district commissioner’s seal and signature to purchase fuel. The directive, confirmed by District Information Officer Md. Jaharul Islam on Wednesday night, requires all fuel purchases to occur between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Outside this timeframe, fuel sales are strictly prohibited. The order also mandates that riders carry a valid driving license, motorcycle registration number, updated tax token, and wear a helmet.

According to the district administration’s notice, fuel cards can be obtained from the district commissioner’s office, respective upazila executive officers’ offices, or the district administration’s website. The sale of fuel in plastic bottles, drums, or any containers has been completely banned, and open-market transactions outside authorized filling stations are prohibited. Violators will face legal action.

Following the announcement, long queues formed at filling stations across the district as motorcyclists rushed to collect fuel before the new rule took effect, with many expressing frustration over the added inconvenience.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that Iranian leaders are engaged in talks with Washington aimed at ending conflict in the Middle East. Speaking on Wednesday at a Republican Congressional Committee fundraising event in Washington, Trump said that despite public statements rejecting the U.S. peace plan, Iran’s leadership is in communication with his administration.

Trump disputed Iranian leaders’ denials, asserting that they are eager to reach an agreement but are afraid to admit it. He claimed that Iranian officials fear retaliation from their own people or possible harm from the United States if they acknowledge the discussions. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

The comments come amid ongoing regional tensions and concerns that prolonged conflict could intensify energy shortages and instability across Asia, according to the same report.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official car displayed the national flag for the first time since he assumed office. The flag was seen on his vehicle early Thursday, March 26, 2026, as he traveled to and from the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to lay wreaths marking Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. He also arrived at the Independence Day Parade 2026 in a flag-bearing car.

At the memorial, both the President and the Prime Minister paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by laying wreaths and observing a moment of silence. A smart contingent from the army, navy, and air force presented a state salute as the bugle sounded. Senior government officials, military chiefs, war-wounded freedom fighters, families of martyrs, diplomats, and political leaders attended the ceremony.

Later, as BNP chairperson, Tarique Rahman, accompanied by senior party leaders, placed wreaths on behalf of the party and the cabinet, followed by prayers for the martyrs and the nation’s welfare. He also greeted war veterans, families of martyrs, and guests, and signed the visitors’ book at the memorial.

In Sylhet’s Osmaninagar, a quiet but intense political rivalry has emerged between two influential BNP figures—Humayun Kabir, foreign affairs advisor to Tarique Rahman with ministerial rank, and Tahsina Rushdir Luna, the elected MP for Sylhet-2. Despite Kabir’s international experience, he has struggled to consolidate local influence, while Luna has strengthened her grassroots leadership. Following the BNP’s landslide victory on February 12, 2026, both leaders gained prominence, but their competing factions now dominate local political and administrative dynamics.

Administrative committees and official events have reportedly favored the MP’s faction, sidelining Kabir’s supporters. Disputes have surfaced over protocol violations, event management, and access to government platforms. Local leaders have expressed concern that unequal administrative treatment could hinder coordination and development. Recent incidents, including a disrupted relief event and social media disputes, have further exposed tensions between the two camps.

BNP district leaders have urged both sides to work together for the area’s development, warning that favoritism by local administration could obstruct unity and progress.

The Cabinet Division has issued a new notification redistributing responsibilities between a minister and a state minister. According to the order released on Wednesday night, Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid’s portfolio has been reduced. He will now oversee only the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Ministry of Agriculture, while his previous responsibility for the Ministry of Food has been withdrawn.

In the same notification, State Minister Md Abdul Bari, who was previously in charge of the Ministry of Public Administration, has been given additional responsibility for the Ministry of Food. The redistribution was made under the Prime Minister’s authority in accordance with the Rules of Business.

The announcement marks another adjustment in ministerial duties, reflecting an ongoing process of administrative reorganization within the government.

BNP’s former joint secretary general and Chattogram-4 Member of Parliament Professor Aslam Chowdhury stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has initiated programs to strengthen the country’s economy, sovereignty, and living standards. He said that pre-election promises are being implemented gradually, and the plan for youth employment and national economic self-reliance will become visible within the next six months. He made these remarks early Wednesday night at a brief discussion after placing a wreath at the central Shaheed Minar of Sitakunda Upazila Parishad in Chattogram on Independence Day.

Aslam Chowdhury recalled that on this day in 1971, late President Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence, leading the nation toward sovereignty. He said that although a one-party system was introduced after independence, democracy was later restored under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership. He added that under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership, the 1990 mass uprising brought back democracy and political stability.

He further stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has united the people to uphold democracy and that the BNP remains committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence among all religious communities in Bangladesh.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that Bangladesh has sent a formal diplomatic request to India through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to return the suspects involved in the Osman Hadi murder case. He said the transfer process is ongoing under the existing prisoner exchange agreement between the two countries. The minister made the remarks on Thursday after paying tribute to martyred police officers at the Rajarbagh Police Memorial in Dhaka on the occasion of Independence and National Day.

During his address, the minister reflected on the historical significance of Rajarbagh Police Lines, noting that the first massacre of March 25, 1971, began there and that it marked the beginning of Bangladesh’s independence movement. He also mentioned that Major Ziaur Rahman declared rebellion in Chittagong following the incident and later announced the country’s independence from Kalurghat Radio Station on March 27.

The minister further stated that discussions are ongoing with several developed nations, including Switzerland, to enhance the technical capacity and modernization of the police force through training and cooperation.

The Independence and National Day parade began on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the National Parade Ground located at the old Tejgaon Airport in Dhaka. President Md. Shahabuddin attended the event and received the salute. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was also present, along with the chiefs of the three armed forces, cabinet members, senior government officials, foreign ambassadors, and other local and international guests.

The parade was organized under the supervision of the Armed Forces Division, guided by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, and managed by the Ninth Infantry Division. The event marks the return of the Independence Day parade after a break during the interim government period following the ouster of the Awami League in the 2024 movement. Preparations for the parade began at the start of Ramadan and concluded with a final rehearsal on Tuesday.

Thousands of spectators, including children and youth, gathered at the venue, many waving national flags. Seating arrangements with plastic chairs were made for the audience.

Chattogram holds a unique place in Bangladesh’s independence history, closely tied to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. In 1971, defying Pakistani military orders, Major Zia declared rebellion and later announced independence over radio from Kalurghat. His leadership and bravery during the Liberation War remain a lasting part of national memory. The Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram preserves artifacts, photographs, and documents reflecting his life and contributions.

The museum, established in 1993 in the former British-era Circuit House built in 1913, showcases twelve galleries containing personal items and war memorabilia. Despite years of neglect under the current government, it remains a vital historical site. Chattogram also witnessed Zia’s final chapter, as he was killed at the Circuit House during a failed coup on 30 May 1981. His first burial took place in Rangunia before being moved to Dhaka’s Chandrima Udyan.

From the “We Revolt” declaration at Sholoshahar to the Kalurghat broadcast, Chattogram stands as a living testament to Ziaur Rahman’s courage, leadership, and role in Bangladesh’s independence.