The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has released the full verdict of its Appellate Division upholding the caretaker government system in the constitution. The 74-page judgment, authored by former Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, was published on the Supreme Court’s website on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The verdict had originally been delivered on November 20 of the previous year.

The caretaker government system was first introduced in 1996 through the 13th Amendment under the BNP government. In 2011, during the Awami League government, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court declared the 13th Amendment void, effectively abolishing the caretaker system. Following the fall of the Awami League government, an interim administration sought a review of the 2011 verdict, leading the Supreme Court to reopen the appeal.

The court has now declared the earlier annulment of the 13th Amendment invalid, thereby reinstating the non-partisan caretaker government system to oversee national elections.

State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin told Parliament on Sunday that all beneficiaries under the country’s social safety net programs will be brought under a single, integrated framework. She made the statement during the question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, responding on behalf of the Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain.

Sharmin said irregularities have been reported in the distribution of allowances, including demands for money from beneficiaries, which she described as corruption. She emphasized the government’s effort to ensure transparency in the delivery process. The ministry has launched a major project called the “Family Card” to gradually integrate all beneficiaries within a unified household-based system. She noted that the country is facing a fragile economic situation and that the government aims to ensure equitable benefits through a coordinated structure.

The state minister added that existing beneficiary lists are being verified to remove nepotism and irregularities from past administrations. The goal is to identify genuine recipients and deliver benefits transparently, ensuring fairness and equality in the social welfare system.

Israeli military and political leaders have launched a coordinated effort to portray their ongoing war with Iran as a success, despite failing to achieve their initial goal of regime change in Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long built his political career on promises to protect Israel from Iranian threats, described the conflict as a decisive battle for Israel’s existence. Military officials echoed this sentiment, calling the campaign essential for securing future generations.

Analysts noted that Netanyahu continues to claim victory even as Iran’s leadership remains intact. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier abandoned talk of regime change, but Israel still publicly discusses it. The Israeli government argues that a change in Iran’s leadership would weaken groups like Hezbollah and Hamas by cutting off Iranian funding and weapons. However, despite calls for protests after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, internal change has not materialized.

Observers suggest Netanyahu’s decision to suspend demands for regime change could pose political risks, as Iran-backed armed groups remain active and continue to challenge Israel’s security.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a direct threat to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring that he will be hunted down and killed if still alive. The statement came on the 16th day of the ongoing Middle East conflict, referring to Netanyahu as a 'child-killing criminal' and vowing to use full force against him.

Speculation about Netanyahu’s whereabouts has spread on social media after a video released on March 12 showed the 76-year-old leader speaking at a February 28 press conference. Some users claimed the footage was artificially generated, pointing to anomalies such as an apparent sixth finger. In the video, Netanyahu appeared to threaten Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and voiced support for Israeli military operations against Iran.

Conservative U.S. commentator Candace Wings questioned Netanyahu’s visibility, alleging that his office was releasing and deleting AI-generated videos. Netanyahu’s office dismissed the rumors, telling Anadolu Agency that the reports were false and that the prime minister was in good health, though no detailed official statement has yet been released.

A total of 133 ordinances issued during the interim government period have been sent to a special committee of the National Parliament for review. The committee has been instructed to submit its report by April 2. The proposal to send the ordinances to the special committee was made by Law Minister Asaduzzaman after 11 a.m. on Sunday in the National Parliament, and it was subsequently approved.

Earlier, during the first session, the Law Minister had presented the ordinances before Parliament, and on that same day, a special committee was formed to examine and select them. The review process is part of the legislative procedure to evaluate the ordinances enacted under the interim administration.

The committee’s findings are expected to guide Parliament’s next steps regarding the ordinances once the report is submitted by the specified deadline.

During a parliamentary session on March 15, 2026, MP Hasanat Abdullah questioned Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon about the current lottery-based admission system in primary schools. Abdullah argued that the shift from merit-based admissions to a lottery process had reduced the quality of education in feeder institutions and affected the supply of qualified students to universities. He asked whether the government planned to revise the system.

In response, Minister Milon acknowledged the importance of the issue and said it required broad discussion. He explained that Bangladesh’s education system operates differently in rural and urban areas, with competition being less intense in rural institutions. The minister noted that the previous government had introduced the lottery system to address urban admission complexities, but he personally found it unjustified. He added that the admission procedure for the next academic year would be decided after consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The parliamentary session began at 11 a.m. and included other scheduled discussions such as the president’s address and matters of public importance.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon informed the National Parliament on Sunday that the recruitment of 9,000 religious teachers is currently under consideration. He stated that teachers from all religions, not only Islamic education, would be included. The minister also mentioned that a committee has been formed to bring English medium schools under regulatory frameworks.

In a written reply to a question from Member of Parliament S M Jahangir Hossain, the minister said the government will decide on establishing new public universities after assessing necessity. He noted that Bangladesh currently has 57 public universities and that the government is committed to improving their quality. Additionally, he said the government will invite new applications for inclusion of educational institutions under the MPO scheme, and previous applications will be re-evaluated.

These statements outline the government’s ongoing review of teacher recruitment, university expansion, and institutional inclusion policies within the education sector.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament on Sunday that the government will implement the July Charter strictly in accordance with the constitution, laws, and regulations. He made the remarks around 12:15 p.m. in response to opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s comments on the charter. The minister emphasized that the President has convened the national parliament session, not any so-called ‘Reform Council’.

Salahuddin Ahmed clarified that under the July National Charter, any move to form a constitutional reform council would first require an amendment to the constitution. He stated that the existence of such a council has already been challenged in court, and a rule has been issued on the matter, which is now under judicial consideration. The minister reiterated that the government is currently participating in the parliamentary session as per constitutional provisions.

He further noted that if a referendum mandates the formation of such a council, it can only occur after constitutional amendments are passed in Parliament and incorporated into the constitution, followed by necessary steps for council formation and oath-taking.

During the second session of the 13th National Parliament on Sunday, March 15, 2026, opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman attempted to speak about the July uprising. He stated that the current parliament was formed in stages following that event, mentioning that two votes were held on the same day—a parliamentary election and a referendum. The Speaker interrupted him, instructing him to limit his remarks to the scheduled question session.

Dr. Rahman then asked whether he would be allowed time later to discuss the issue, to which the Speaker replied that he could raise it after the question-answer period. The session began at 11 a.m. and included a motion of thanks on the President’s address, question-answer sessions, and discussions on urgent public matters.

According to the day’s agenda published by the Parliament Secretariat, questions were scheduled for ministries including the Cabinet Division, Science and Technology, Education, Social Welfare, and Housing and Public Works.

A new poll by Quinnipiac University, released last week, shows that 53 percent of Americans oppose a U.S. military attack on Iran, while 40 percent support such action. The survey also found that a large majority of respondents are strongly against sending U.S. ground troops to Iran.

According to the poll, nearly three-quarters of participants said they do not favor deploying American ground forces in Iran. More than three-quarters also expressed concern that a war with Iran could increase the risk of terrorist attacks inside the United States. The survey further revealed mixed opinions about Israel, with 44 percent of respondents believing the U.S. gives too much support to Israel, while an equal share considers the level of support appropriate.

The findings highlight widespread public caution toward military escalation in the Middle East and reflect ongoing divisions in American views on U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and Israel.

President convened the national parliament in accordance with the constitution, and there is no entity called a reform council, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated on Sunday, March 15, before attending the second day of the first session. He explained that under the July Charter, any implementation of a constitutional reform council would first require an amendment.

Earlier, on March 12, the new parliament began its journey, and after the President’s address, Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed adjourned the session until Sunday. According to the Parliament Secretariat, the day’s agenda includes a question-and-answer session, discussions on urgent public issues, and a motion of thanks on the President’s speech. Questions will cover several ministries, including Cabinet, Science and Technology, Education, Social Welfare, and Housing.

The Business Advisory Committee decided that the 13th National Parliament’s first session will continue until April 30, meeting daily at 3 p.m. except on public holidays. A total of 468 questions have been submitted, along with 27 notices under Rule 71 and 97 decision proposals under Rule 131.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed doubt about whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive. In an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump said that no one has seen Khamenei so far and noted that the Iranian leader issued his first statement in writing rather than appearing on camera. Trump added that he has heard reports suggesting Khamenei may not be alive and remarked that if he is, he should act wisely for his country by surrendering.

When asked whether he supports any potential successor to Khamenei, Trump declined to name anyone. The comments come amid uncertainty surrounding Iran’s leadership transition and the lack of public appearances by the new leader.

The situation adds to ongoing speculation about Iran’s political stability following the leadership change, though no official confirmation regarding Khamenei’s condition has been provided.

Jamaat leader A.T.M. Azharul Islam, recently acquitted from a death sentence in a war crimes case, announced that the opposition will participate in the parliamentary discussion on the President’s speech. He stated that a proposal regarding the formation of a constitutional reform council will also be raised in Parliament. He made these remarks on Sunday morning.

Earlier, on March 12, Azharul Islam told Parliament that he would not have been able to attend the session if it had not been held in July. His comments came during the first session of the 13th National Parliament, where a condolence motion was adopted for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and other notable figures who had passed away.

Azharul Islam also reflected on his past political activities with Khaleda Zia, describing her as uncompromising and steadfast in her dedication to the country.

Mahbub Morshed has resigned from his positions as Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). According to reports, he stepped down a few days ago. As of last night, his name no longer appeared on the BSS website in those roles.

Morshed had been appointed to the posts on August 18, 2024, by the interim government for a two-year term. On February 19, 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting formed a four-member committee to investigate corruption allegations against him. The committee was instructed to submit a full report with recommendations by February 25.

The source did not specify the reasons behind his resignation or the findings of the investigation committee.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided not to use postal ballots in the upcoming local government elections, according to reliable EC sources. This means expatriate voters, election officials on duty, and those outside their constituencies will be unable to cast their votes. EC Commissioner Abdul Rahmanel Machud confirmed that the commission has no plan to send postal ballots either abroad or within the country, though individuals may apply to returning officers to vote by post on their own initiative.

Officials noted that although postal voting is legally permitted, it had long been limited to military and law enforcement personnel. The system was expanded during the recent thirteenth parliamentary election under the interim government led by Dr. Yunus, when over 1.5 million voters registered to vote by post at a cost of about 100 crore taka. However, administrative complexity and high costs led the EC to reconsider the method.

Election experts warned that excluding postal ballots could reduce participation among expatriates, who contribute significantly to the national economy through remittances, and may discourage them from future engagement.