Venezuela’s ousted president Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to appear before a New York court on Thursday to face drug trafficking charges. His lawyers are expected to strongly request dismissal of the case. The Manhattan hearing comes as Washington gradually moves toward improving relations with Caracas. A key issue in the hearing will be who will cover Maduro’s legal expenses.

The Venezuelan government intends to pay his legal costs, but U.S. sanctions require Maduro’s lawyer, Barry Pollack, to obtain a government license to receive funds. Pollack argued in court filings that this licensing condition violates Maduro’s constitutional right to legal assistance and that the case should be dismissed on procedural grounds. Maduro, who ruled Venezuela since March 2013, was ousted in a U.S. operation on January 3 and is now held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.

Pollack said the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control initially granted but later revoked a license allowing him to accept payment. He has filed an objection and warned he will formally complain if no action is taken, noting Maduro cannot otherwise afford legal representation.

Former adviser to the interim government Mostofa Sarwar Farooki described the arrest of Masud Chowdhury, identified as a key figure behind the 1/11 political events, as a positive beginning for the current administration. He made the remarks on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, through a verified Facebook post, urging a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the 1/11 episode and even the 2008 election.

In his post, Farooki argued that the 1/11 events were the root of subsequent national crises, including enforced disappearances, repression of opposition activists, and major violent incidents. He emphasized that justice and preservation of collective memory are essential for national healing, suggesting that historical documentation through museums and reports could help the nation move forward.

Farooki warned that moving ahead without justice and memory preservation risks encouraging future wrongdoing and leaving unresolved resentment in the public consciousness, which he said is not conducive to true healing.

The government has issued instructions to strictly follow the National Flag Rules during the observance of the Great Independence and National Day, as well as other government-designated days. The directive emphasizes that raising and using the national flag in accordance with the 1972 National Flag Rules, amended in 2010, is a duty of every citizen. According to Article 4(1) of the Constitution, the national flag of the Republic consists of a red circle on a green field.

The flag rules specify that the flag must be dark green with a red circle in the center, maintaining a length-to-width ratio of 10:6. The circle should have a radius equal to one-fifth of the flag’s length. Depending on the building size, three standard flag dimensions are prescribed: 10:6, 5:3, and 2.5:1.5. The rules prohibit covering vehicles, trains, or vessels with the flag and forbid hoisting any other flag above it.

The guidelines also detail proper display methods in auditoriums, roads, and ceremonies, emphasizing respect during hoisting and lowering, and requiring the national anthem to be sung when the flag is formally raised.

The United States and Iran have issued conflicting statements regarding possible talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East, leaving the situation uncertain. On Saturday, Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform giving Iran a 48-hour deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz without threats, warning of strikes on Iranian power plants if it failed to comply. On Monday, he extended the deadline by five days, claiming that discussions had taken place between the two countries to achieve a complete resolution of the conflict.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf denied any such talks, writing on social media platform X that no discussions had occurred and accusing the US of spreading false news to influence financial and oil markets. However, a senior Iranian official told CBS News that Iran had received some US proposals through intermediaries and was reviewing them. CBS News reported that this could be seen as a preparatory step toward potential talks, though no formal negotiations had begun.

The White House urged caution, describing the situation as fluid and advising against assuming any meeting until an official announcement is made.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned to the Secretariat on Tuesday morning, marking the first working day after the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. He began official duties as government offices, banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions reopened across the country following a seven-day closure.

The nationwide Eid-ul-Fitr holiday lasted from March 17 to March 23, declared by the government to allow citizens to celebrate the major Islamic festival peacefully. The festival itself was observed on March 21 with religious solemnity and festive spirit throughout Bangladesh.

As employees returned to their workplaces, they exchanged greetings and embraced each other, sharing the joy and spirit of Eid after the extended break.

The first meeting of the Bangladesh Parliament’s special committee is being held today, March 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the Cabinet Room of the National Parliament Building. The meeting is chaired by Speaker (Retd.) Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. This marks the committee’s first session following its formation on March 15 under the Speaker’s leadership.

The special committee has been tasked with reviewing 133 ordinances issued during the interim government period. It will examine which ordinances should remain in force and which should be repealed. After the review, the committee will discuss the findings and make final decisions accordingly.

On March 12, during the first sitting of the current parliamentary session, the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman presented the 133 ordinances before Parliament. The legislature must reach a decision on these ordinances within 30 working days.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to prohibit all decorative lighting across the country on March 25 and 26 as part of its policy to conserve energy and reduce public expenditure. The decision was announced in light of the ongoing energy crisis following the war in the Middle East. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, no lighting will be allowed on the night of March 25 at any government, semi-government, autonomous, or private buildings and establishments, as the day is observed as Genocide Day.

The announcement was made after a preparatory meeting held on March 8 at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat, where officials discussed arrangements for celebrating Independence and National Day. The ministry emphasized that the restriction aims to prevent energy shortages and align with the government’s cost-saving measures.

The directive underscores the government’s focus on maintaining energy stability during national observances while balancing symbolic commemorations with practical resource management.

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has directly blamed President Donald Trump for a steep rise in fuel prices across the United States. In a post on social media platform X, Schumer said the average price of gasoline had jumped from $2.93 to $3.94 per gallon in less than a month, calling Trump solely responsible for the surge.

The senior Democratic leader has consistently opposed the Trump administration’s decision to attack Iran and urged an immediate end to the conflict. In an earlier post, Schumer accused the administration of wasting vast public funds on what he described as an unnecessary war. According to related sources cited in the report, ongoing military tensions in the Middle East have contributed to instability in global oil markets.

The statement underscores growing political criticism of the administration’s foreign policy and its domestic economic consequences, particularly rising energy costs for American consumers.

Former Member of Parliament and retired Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury, described as a key figure during the One-Eleven political period, was arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) in Dhaka. The arrest took place on the night of March 23, 2026, in the Baridhara DOHS area. A DB team led by Chief Shafiqul Islam conducted the operation and detained Chowdhury from a residence on Lane 2, House 153.

Masud Uddin Chowdhury, a former army officer and controversial political figure, had previously sought nomination from the Awami League for the Feni-3 constituency during the 11th National Election. Reports suggest he later obtained a nomination from the Jatiya Party after consultations with senior political figures. He subsequently became a presidium member of the Jatiya Party.

The report did not specify the charges or reasons behind the arrest, and no official statement from law enforcement or political parties was included in the source.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi held several phone conversations with foreign ministers from various countries to discuss regional security and the evolving situation, according to Al Jazeera citing Iran’s state news agency IRNA. During talks with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, Aragchi addressed recent U.S.-Israeli attacks near Caspian Sea provinces, warning that such actions could pose security and environmental risks.

Earlier, Aragchi spoke with Pakistan’s foreign minister about ensuring the country’s “sustainable security” and also contacted counterparts in Oman, South Korea, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. In his discussion with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, both sides expressed concern over the potential economic impact if the Strait of Hormuz were to be closed.

Aragchi stated that the instability in this vital maritime route was a direct result of what he described as “illegal attacks” by the United States and Israel.

A grand parade and fly-past will be held at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on March 26, 2026, at 9 a.m. to mark the country's Independence and National Day. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) confirmed the event in a statement issued on March 23, 2026. President Md. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman are scheduled to attend the state ceremony, which will be open to the public.

According to the ISPR announcement, interested citizens will be able to enter the venue through gates 2, 3, 4, 10, and 11 of the parade ground. The event is part of the national observance of Independence Day, which is celebrated annually to honor the country's liberation.

The announcement underscores the government’s preparations to celebrate the day with due dignity and public participation, reflecting the significance of the national occasion.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office has summoned Iran’s ambassador to London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, following allegations that Tehran was involved in reckless and destabilizing activities internationally. The move came after reports that an Iranian national and a British-Iranian dual citizen were accused of conducting hostile surveillance on London’s Jewish community.

According to the British Foreign Office, the ambassador was called in after the two suspects, identified as 40-year-old Nematollah Shahsavani and 22-year-old Alireza Farasati, were detained earlier this month as part of an Iran-related investigation. They allegedly carried out reconnaissance operations at key sites, including Britain’s oldest synagogue.

In an official statement, the UK government said it takes threats from Iran and its affiliated groups very seriously and will not tolerate such activities. Authorities added that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure national security and protect citizens.

Following the fall of the previously banned Awami League government, Bangladesh’s local government administration has faced stagnation due to the prolonged absence of elected representatives. With a newly elected national government now in place, public and political attention has turned toward the long-awaited local government elections.

Opposition parties have questioned the government’s sincerity about holding these elections, citing recent administrative appointments as cause for concern. The appointment of party-affiliated leaders as administrators in city corporations and district councils has fueled suspicion that the ruling party may be consolidating control over local administrations before the polls. Critics argue that such actions undermine the fairness of the upcoming elections.

Political analysts suggest that local government elections will dominate the national political scene after the Eid holidays. Some analysts also note that appointing administrators was a temporary necessity to keep local governance functional until elections are held.

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.

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.