Joe Kent, director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has resigned, declaring he cannot support the ongoing war against Iran. In a social media post, Kent said his conscience prevents him from backing the conflict. He was appointed to the position in July of the previous year.

In his resignation letter to President Trump, Kent wrote that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States and claimed the war began under pressure from Israel and its American lobby. He reaffirmed his support for Trump’s earlier foreign policy principles, noting that by June 2025, Trump himself had recognized Middle Eastern wars as traps that cost American lives and resources.

Kent, a veteran who served in 11 wars, said he lost his wife Shannon in a conflict he described as created by Israel. He stated he could not support sending future generations to fight and die in a war that brings no benefit to the American people and cannot be justified even by sacrifice.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed ministers to maintain law and order during the upcoming Eid holidays. The directive was issued at a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, March 17, at the Secretariat. Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie informed the media about the discussions following the meeting. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said the prime minister emphasized addressing public concerns over market management, law enforcement, and energy stability during the seven-day Eid vacation.

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani stated that the meeting also discussed rape and violence against women cases. The prime minister ordered speedy disposal of such cases and called for stronger coordination among relevant departments. He noted that ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence remains a top government priority.

The cabinet approved changes to the supplementary budget for the current fiscal year and made a policy decision on a World Trade Organization issue. Additionally, the ministries of agriculture, food, and disaster management were instructed to assess recent damage caused by flash floods, hailstorms, and storms across different regions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has accused the government of appointing ruling party loyalists to key positions in city corporations, district councils, and seven universities, replacing qualified individuals. The allegation was made by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim at an emergency press conference held on Tuesday at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka. He said the government’s decision to appoint administrators in local bodies violated democratic norms and ignored public opinion.

Halim stated that despite earlier discussions suggesting imminent local elections, the government instead appointed administrators in several city corporations and district councils on March 14 and 22. He claimed that some of the appointees were ruling party leaders who had lost in recent elections. He also criticized the recent replacement of seven university vice-chancellors, alleging that party-affiliated individuals were installed in those positions, including at Dhaka University.

Jamaat urged the government to respect democratic continuity and public sentiment, warning against repeating what it described as authoritarian practices. The party announced plans for future protest and resistance programs in response to these appointments.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh would not accept any foreign dominance, emphasizing national pride and independence. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a food pack distribution event for the underprivileged in Mirpur, Dhaka, organized with Chinese assistance. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen attended the event.

Dr. Rahman stated that China has never interfered in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, unlike some other countries. He described China as a consistent friend and expressed hope that the partnership would deepen for the welfare of the Bangladeshi people. He also highlighted the 50-year-long diplomatic relationship between the two nations since China’s formal recognition of Bangladesh in 1975.

Referring to the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, he said it was fully funded by China as a gift to Bangladesh but criticized past governments for renaming it, calling that act ungrateful. Ambassador Yao Wen expressed joy at meeting attendees and said the Chinese gifts were meant to help families prepare for Eid-ul-Fitr.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that Bangladesh’s overall development is impossible without ensuring the welfare of farmers. He made the remark on Tuesday, March 17, during a review meeting at the Secretariat on the implementation of the ‘Farmer Card’ initiative. The Prime Minister emphasized that agriculture remains the main driving force of the national economy and that the new card system aims to ensure genuine farmers receive fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and government financial assistance directly, without interference from middlemen.

Despite the public holiday for Shab-e-Qadr, the Prime Minister attended office at 11 a.m. to review the latest progress of the committee overseeing the Farmer Card program. During the day, he also met with Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Abdus Salam and Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan. Following the meeting, Abdus Salam said the Prime Minister is deeply focused on Dhaka’s development and wants regular updates on ongoing and pending projects.

The Prime Minister instructed both city corporations to work toward making Dhaka a cleaner and more organized metropolis.

The Bangladesh government has decided to take rapid action on rape cases and violence against women. The decision was made on Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Following the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani briefed reporters, confirming that a special drive will be launched across ministries to ensure swift action and prevention of such crimes.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, multiple agencies are involved in handling these cases, and the government has instructed improved inter-agency coordination. The plan includes enhancing public awareness and strengthening institutional capacity within the legal process. Additionally, special courts in every district will intensify their operations to ensure faster trials of rape and women abuse cases.

The Cabinet emphasized that addressing sexual violence is among the government’s top priorities. Ministries have been directed to continue working on this issue even during the upcoming Eid period.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury has praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as a good listener and a results-oriented leader. In a verified Facebook post on March 17, 2026, he said the prime minister listens patiently to everyone, avoids imposing decisions, and focuses on outcome-based discussions. Chowdhury shared that he had the opportunity to work closely with the prime minister over the past month through several inter-ministerial and review meetings.

According to the BIDA chairman, a 180-day action plan was recently presented to the prime minister, aimed at building a culture of accountability in government agencies. He said the prime minister leads by example through punctuality, courtesy, and simplicity. Chowdhury also noted that global instability has reduced foreign direct investment, prompting Bangladesh to prioritize domestic investment and job creation. To address energy concerns and business challenges, 25 initiatives are planned for the next six months.

These initiatives include privatizing state-owned and sick industries under public-private partnership models, developing free trade zone and defense industry policies, exploring alternative energy sources, improving port and airport management, forming a private sector advisory council, expanding the ‘BanglaBiz’ digital platform, and completing a Korea-Bangladesh free trade agreement.

Preparations are underway at the government residence on 29 Mintoo Road in Dhaka for the opposition leader’s Eid program. According to the report, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will exchange Eid-ul-Fitr greetings at this residence. On the day of Eid, he is scheduled to meet diplomats from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by meetings with politicians and distinguished guests from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A delegation led by Dr. Abdul Mannan, Assistant Secretary of Dhaka South Jamaat-e-Islami, visited the residence on Tuesday to inspect the preparations. Other local leaders, including Assistant Publicity Secretary Abdus Sattar Suman, were also present during the visit. Dr. Mannan stated that the residence is nearly ready for the opposition leader’s use.

He added that Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is expected to move into the residence before Eid-ul-Fitr and will host the scheduled greeting sessions there.

Said Uddin Ahmed Hanzala, the 11-party alliance MP from Madaripur-1 (Shibchar), described his recent remark about the BNP as a 'slip of the tongue'. He made the clarification after a video of his statement, made during an iftar event at Bahadurpur field in Shibchar on Friday, went viral on social media. The MP had said that if he acted against the BNP, the party would not be able to exist in the country. Shibchar Upazila BNP member secretary Sohel Rana was present at the time.

Speaking to local journalists, Hanzala explained that his earlier comment had been misunderstood and that only part of his speech was being circulated online. He said that if the full version were heard, people would understand his intended meaning. He emphasized that his words were not meant as they sounded and that he later clarified them differently.

The incident has drawn attention on social media, prompting Hanzala to urge listeners to consider the full context of his remarks before forming opinions.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim has accused the government of breaching democratic traditions by appointing party-affiliated administrators to city corporations and district councils. Speaking at an emergency press briefing at the party’s central office in Moghbazar on Tuesday, he condemned the decision and announced plans for phased protest programs. He said the government appointed administrators in 11 city corporations and 42 district councils, many of whom were defeated candidates from the ruling party.

Halim argued that these appointments ignored public opinion and undermined the spirit of democracy. He cited examples of defeated candidates being appointed as administrators in Dhaka North and Khulna city corporations, as well as in several districts where opposition candidates had won. He also criticized recent changes in university vice-chancellors and the Bangladesh Bank governor, calling them politically motivated and disrespectful to merit and public sentiment.

He urged the government to respect public opinion, cancel partisan appointments, and cooperate with the Election Commission to hold local government elections soon to remove public confusion.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he plans to postpone his scheduled visit to China, originally set for late March, by about one month due to the ongoing war involving Iran. Speaking on Monday, Trump said the reason was straightforward, emphasizing that his presence in the United States was important during the conflict. He added that there was no strategic motive behind the delay and expressed anticipation for his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A day earlier, Trump told the Financial Times that he might postpone the meeting if China did not help ensure normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for energy transport in the Gulf region. The conflict with Iran has heightened tensions between the world’s two largest economies. China, a major buyer of Iranian energy exports, has criticized U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, according to BBC Bangla.

The delay underscores how the Iran conflict is influencing global diplomatic schedules and energy-related geopolitical relations.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the two Dhaka city corporations to become more active in mosquito control. The instruction came on Tuesday morning during a meeting at the Secretariat with BUET experts and administrators from the two city corporations, focusing on waste management and transportation in the capital.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister also advised exploring the possibility of producing necessary waste management equipment domestically with the help of BUET instead of importing them. Dhaka South City administrator Abdus Salam noted that for the first time, workers involved in waste management received Eid bonuses from the Prime Minister’s personal fund. BUET’s Professor Dr. Md. Ehsan stated that the Prime Minister emphasized the use of electronic three-wheelers to improve automation and transportation systems in waste management.

The directives highlight a push for local innovation and self-reliance in urban management, aiming to strengthen both mosquito control and waste handling efficiency in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman attended office at the Secretariat on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, despite the official public holiday for the holy Shab-e-Qadr. According to his additional press secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister arrived at his office at 11 a.m. and continued his regular duties, including presiding over a cabinet meeting.

Upon his arrival at Building No. 1 of the Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani and Principal Secretary A.B.M. Abdus Sattar welcomed him. The Ministry of Public Administration had earlier set a five-day holiday from March 19 to 23, with March 21 designated as Eid-ul-Fitr day. The days before and after Eid were declared holidays by executive order.

The Prime Minister’s decision to work during the holiday underscores his continued engagement in official duties even as the Eid vacation period begins for most government offices.

BNP Standing Committee member and Narsingdi-2 MP Dr. Abdul Moin Khan inaugurated a canal excavation program at Mirzapur village in Kachikata Union, Monohardi upazila, on Monday, March 16. He said that late President Ziaur Rahman had personally initiated canal digging to advance Bangladesh’s agriculture, and current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also believes in action over words. Moin Khan emphasized that maintaining natural water flow is vital for human civilization and that the Prime Minister launched the program within a month of his promise.

The inauguration was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister and local MP Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul, along with five other MPs from Narsingdi. District Commissioner Mohammad Anwar Hossain presided over the event, which was also attended by MPs Khairul Kabir Khokon, Monjur Elahi, and Ashraf Uddin, as well as local officials and community representatives. Bakul stated that the canal excavation, following the legacy of President Ziaur Rahman, aims to benefit farmers by improving irrigation and productivity.

According to the organizers, farmers are expected to gain full benefits from the canal before the upcoming monsoon season.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman praised China for maintaining a policy of non-interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and for its continued friendship. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a food distribution event held at Adarsha School field in Mirpur, Dhaka, organized with Chinese assistance. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen attended as special guest, and over a thousand low-income residents of Dhaka-15 constituency received food packs.

Dr. Rahman thanked the Chinese envoy for supporting underprivileged communities and highlighted China’s long-standing partnership with Bangladesh, noting major development projects such as the China-funded Bangabandhu International Conference Center, hospital construction, and a new dormitory at Dhaka University. He also expressed hope for progress on the Teesta project and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s independent foreign policy.

Ambassador Yao Wen extended Eid greetings and said the initiative aimed to share joy with Mirpur residents. He congratulated Dr. Rahman on his election as a member of parliament and opposition leader, emphasizing China’s ongoing humanitarian cooperation with Bangladesh.