Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a two-day program to commemorate the country's Independence and National Day. According to a statement from the party’s central publicity department on Monday, the program will begin on March 25 with a discussion meeting at the National Press Club at 3 p.m. The event will feature Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP, the Leader of the Opposition and Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, as the chief guest, along with speeches from central and metropolitan leaders.

On March 26, the party will hold a flag-raising ceremony at its central office, followed by discussions and prayer sessions across all organizational levels. In the morning of the same day, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is scheduled to visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar as part of the state program to pay tribute and offer prayers.

The announcement reflects Jamaat-e-Islami’s participation in national observances while maintaining its organizational activities during the Independence Day celebrations.

Mohammad Selim Uddin, central executive council member of Jamaat-e-Islami and Ameer of Dhaka North, has called on the government and relevant authorities to take effective measures for the full implementation of the July Charter. Speaking on Monday at a meeting with families of martyrs and injured participants of the 24th uprising in Dhaka, he described the July fighters as the nation’s greatest sons and national heroes deserving proper state recognition.

During the event, Selim Uddin listened to the concerns of the families and assured them of efforts to address their problems. He criticized past governments for authoritarian practices and claimed that the July fighters had rescued the nation from prolonged misrule at the cost of around two thousand lives. He also said Jamaat-e-Islami had provided financial and medical support to affected families and published books highlighting the sacrifices of the July fighters.

Selim Uddin reaffirmed that Jamaat’s initiatives to honor and assist the July fighters and their families would continue in the future.

Former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin has died at the age of 88, his family announced on Monday. The news was reported by AFP from Paris, stating that Jospin passed away on Sunday. He served as France’s prime minister from 1997 to 2002 and was a prominent leader of the Socialist Party.

According to his family, Jospin underwent a serious surgical operation in January, though no further details were provided about his health condition or the cause of death. His tenure as prime minister was marked by his leadership within France’s socialist movement and his role in national politics during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Further information about funeral arrangements or official tributes has not yet been released.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced allegations of concealing information after the government delayed confirming an Iranian missile attack on the Diego Garcia military base for more than 30 hours. The acknowledgment came only after US officials verified the incident. The attack occurred between Thursday night and early Friday, when Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK base in the Chagos Islands. Neither missile hit its target; one was intercepted by a US warship, and the other fell into the sea.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused the Labour government of maintaining a “culture of cover-up” and urged an explanation for the delay in informing the public. She argued that while genuine national security matters should remain confidential, significant events must be disclosed to Parliament and citizens. Badenoch, who succeeded Rishi Sunak as party leader in November 2024, made her remarks in an article for the Daily Mail.

A government source dismissed the criticism as a desperate move by the opposition leader, claiming she had repeatedly mishandled the crisis. The government confirmed the attack attempt on Saturday morning, more than 30 hours after it occurred.

Asaduddin Owaisi’s All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has announced an alliance with Humayun Kabir’s Am Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) ahead of the upcoming West Bengal assembly election. The announcement was made on Sunday, with both parties confirming their joint participation in the polls. Kabir, a former Trinamool Congress leader, stated that his party would field 154 candidates across the state, including his own candidacy from Rejinagar and Naoda constituencies.

Kabir also mentioned that Poonam Begum would contest from Bhabanipur against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari. He told news agency ANI that the alliance with AIMIM might contest in eight constituencies. Owaisi, confirming the partnership, criticized Mamata Banerjee’s 15-year tenure, claiming that West Bengal’s Muslim community had not seen adequate development and had faced injustice.

AIMIM had previously contested the 2021 West Bengal election but failed to achieve significant results. The new alliance signals a renewed attempt to expand its political presence in the state.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has directed government officials to remain alert against any irregularities in canal excavation projects aimed at improving agriculture, protecting the environment, and boosting fish and duck farming. He made the remarks on Monday, March 23, at the inauguration of the Neha River re-excavation work in Raipur Union of Thakurgaon Sadar upazila.

Addressing officials of the Water Development Board and the local administration, the minister emphasized that the work must be completed properly so that ordinary people benefit from it. He warned that the project should not be left unfinished after the inauguration and called for ensuring real progress. He also urged everyone to act honestly and responsibly, avoid misuse of religion, and contribute to positive social change.

Mirza Fakhrul added that the government has begun implementing its election pledges, including family cards, canal excavation, and agricultural cards for farmers. Referring to the global situation, he noted that ongoing wars are affecting various sectors, including agriculture, and called for preparedness to face these challenges.

A new CBS News and YouGov survey shows that 92 percent of Americans want the ongoing war with Iran to end as soon as possible. The poll, conducted online from March 17 to 20 among 3,335 adults, follows the joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran on February 28 that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and other senior figures. Since then, retaliatory strikes have continued between the two sides.

According to the survey, 80 percent of respondents emphasized the safety of Iranian civilians, 73 percent supported halting Iran’s nuclear program, and 68 percent prioritized stopping Iran’s threats against other countries. Public opinion remains split on regime change in Iran, with 49 percent favoring Iran-aligned leadership and 51 percent opposing it. Two-thirds of Americans believe the war was more intentional than necessary.

The poll also found that 60 percent of Americans now oppose military action against Iran, up from 56 percent earlier in the month. About 68 percent said the Trump administration has failed to clearly explain the war’s objectives, and 57 percent think the conflict is going badly for the United States.

Foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan held a key meeting in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss forming a regional security alliance. The discussion took place on the sidelines of an Islamic nations’ conference, focusing on how to strengthen cooperation in defense and security matters.

According to diplomatic sources, Turkey initiated the idea last year, seeking to include Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with Egypt later joining the process. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the proposed alliance would serve as a security platform to enhance defense and military collaboration, though it would not be a formal defense pact like NATO.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing war in the Middle East, U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran, and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes. Participants discussed possible joint measures to manage the region’s security challenges. Observers noted that such cooperation could reshape strategic dynamics amid continuing instability and conflict in the Middle East.

A recent CNN poll conducted by SSRS shows that 59 percent of Americans oppose the Trump administration’s decision to launch a military strike on Iran, while 41 percent support it. The survey indicates widespread public unease and fear over the conflict, with 56 percent of respondents believing the confrontation could lead to a prolonged war. President Donald Trump, however, stated that he planned to end the conflict within four weeks and claimed progress was ahead of schedule.

According to the poll, 62 percent of Americans think Trump should seek congressional approval before taking further military action, and 60 percent believe he lacks a clear plan to handle the situation. Only 12 percent support sending ground troops to Iran, while 60 percent strongly oppose it. The data also reveal partisan divides: 77 percent of Republicans back the strike compared to just 18 percent of Democrats. Even within the Republican Party, “MAGA” supporters show near-total confidence in Trump, while others express concern about a long-term war.

Analysts suggest the negative public sentiment could pose a significant challenge for Trump’s party in the upcoming November congressional elections.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that he and his colleagues are committed to working diligently, describing their work as a form of worship. He stated that despite their age, they continue to serve daily without rest, aiming to reach heaven through honest labor rather than empty promises. He made these remarks on Monday morning while inaugurating the Neha River re-excavation project in Raipur Union of Pirganj, Thakurgaon.

During the event, the minister called for the proper and transparent implementation of the canal excavation program. He warned his party members that any form of mob activity would be dealt with firmly. Fakhrul emphasized that the project must not stall after the inauguration and should be completed smoothly and efficiently.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, Deputy Commissioner Israt Farzana, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board Zakaria Mondal, and Executive Engineer of LGED Mamun Biswas, among others.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the constitution is meant for the people, not the other way around. Speaking as chief guest at an Eid reunion organized by Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat on March 22, 2026, he said the July uprising made possible the current political structure where one party governs and another serves as the main opposition. He emphasized that fulfilling the expectations of that uprising requires implementing the July Charter.

Rahman criticized the government for alleged political favoritism in appointments, including the replacement of the Bangladesh Bank governor and university vice-chancellors. He said such actions contradict the spirit of the July uprising. He also expressed disappointment over mismanagement and excessive fares during Eid travel. Addressing the ruling party, he urged avoidance of conspiracies against reform proposals and pledged that the opposition would act responsibly while prioritizing public expectations.

He further asserted that fascist politics would no longer prevail in Bangladesh, citing the people’s verdict in a referendum for change. Rahman vowed to continue Jamaat’s political struggle toward building a humane Bangladesh.

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for an immediate halt to the ongoing US military campaign against Iran. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Schumer wrote that the war must stop, emphasizing that even Republican senators have admitted uncertainty about the administration’s objectives in the Middle East.

Earlier, Schumer had criticized the war’s financial burden, saying billions of dollars were being wasted and that fuel prices had risen to an average of $3.94 per gallon. The conflict, initiated under the Republican president with US and Israeli leadership, has become a major test for Congress, which remains under Republican control. While most Republicans continue to back the president, they are expected to face further critical decisions regarding the war soon.

The situation has also contributed to growing concerns about a global energy crisis, as reports indicate rising fuel prices and escalating regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sent a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying Eid greetings and expressing a message of strengthening bilateral relations. According to the Times of India, the letter was sent last Friday and emphasized the hope that the festival would reinforce the long-standing friendship between the two nations and deepen people-to-people connections.

In the letter, Rahman described Eid-ul-Fitr as a cherished festival that reminds people of eternal values such as compassion, solidarity, and harmony. He added that the occasion brings together diverse communities through sharing and generosity, wishing peace, prosperity, and happiness for all people in Bangladesh and around the world.

The report noted that Modi had earlier extended Eid greetings to Rahman and the people of Bangladesh. Following that message, Rahman sent his letter, which also reflected optimism about moving beyond past issues to advance Bangladesh-India relations.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman MP said that political criminalization and extortion by politicians must stop. He made the remarks on Sunday night at a views-exchange meeting titled ‘Thoughts of Jhenaidah residents on socio-economic development’ held at Johan Dream Valley Park Auditorium in Jhenaidah town.

Addressing political leaders, the minister stated that politicians should not expect tax-free cars or plots, citing the Prime Minister’s directive that members of parliament should not receive such privileges. He emphasized that politics should be transparent and aligned with the ideals of Shaheed Zia, urging leaders to abandon corrupt practices and work toward building a dream Bangladesh based on those principles.

Asaduzzaman added that the government’s first cabinet decision was to waive agricultural loans, which has been implemented. He also mentioned that the Prime Minister fulfilled the promise to provide allowances for imams, muezzins, priests, and temple attendants. The meeting was presided over by Jhenaidah Chamber of Commerce President Md Moazzem Hossain and attended by local officials and political leaders.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman visited army camps in Rangamati, Chittagong Hill Tracts, on Sunday ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. During the visit, he exchanged Eid greetings with soldiers stationed in the remote hill areas and commended their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts in maintaining national peace and order. He also instructed them to continue performing their duties with the same commitment in the future.

Senior military officials, including the Adjutant General of the Bangladesh Army, the General Officer Commanding of the 24th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Chittagong Area, as well as officers from Army Headquarters and other local commands, were present during the visit.

The visit underscored the army leadership’s engagement with troops deployed in challenging terrains during major national occasions, reinforcing morale and operational readiness in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.