Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament began its first session on March 13, 2026, in the iconic Louis Kahn-designed Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The session opened without a sitting Speaker, prompting the appointment of Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain as presiding chair. Later, BNP leaders Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Kaiser Kamal were elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively, after resigning from party and ministerial posts. Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman, returning from long exile, led the session, while Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman assumed the role of Opposition Leader.

The new parliament, formed after what was described as the fairest election in the country’s history, marks a shift from previous Awami League-led assemblies. It includes a large number of young and first-time lawmakers, as well as former student leaders from the 2024 mass uprising. The opposition staged a walkout during President Md. Shahabuddin’s address, protesting perceived betrayal of the July Revolution.

Foreign diplomats attended the opening session, with Australia’s High Commissioner congratulating Bangladesh on achieving a democratic milestone. The parliament now faces the historic responsibility of implementing the July Charter and constitutional reforms born from the 2024 uprising.

Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Naib-e-Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South, has accused President Md. Shahabuddin of silently supporting what he described as a massacre conducted by the Awami League government during the July movement. He claimed that despite the killing of thousands of students and citizens, the president took no action to stop the violence and instead continued to back the ruling party’s actions.

Speaking as the chief guest at an iftar event organized by the professional wing of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Paltan Thana unit, Helal Uddin stated that the president cannot avoid responsibility for the July killings. He urged the government to immediately remove the president and implement the July Charter to elect a new head of state.

The event was presided over by Maulana Abdul Kader, with Ariful Islam conducting the session. Other participants included Shahin Ahmed Khan, Advocate Maruful Islam, and several leaders from the Paltan Thana professional division.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s political adviser Mirza Abbas at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday night. During the visit, he spoke with Abbas’s wife to learn about his health condition and ongoing treatment, and he prayed for Abbas’s quick recovery. Dr. S.M. Khaliduzzaman, president of the Medical Thana unit of Dhaka North Jamaat, accompanied him during the visit.

According to family sources, Mirza Abbas lost consciousness suddenly during iftar on Wednesday. As his condition did not improve, he was admitted to Evercare Hospital later that night for treatment. The report did not provide further details about his current medical status or the cause of his illness.

The visit underscores continued political interactions among opposition leaders despite health challenges faced by senior figures.

On March 12, 2026, President Md. Shahabuddin delivered his address on the opening day of the first session of the National Parliament. The announcement of his speech immediately triggered commotion in the chamber. Following the event, the coalition of 110 organizations known as July Oikya issued a press release condemning the President’s participation, calling it a desecration of the people’s parliament.

In its statement, July Oikya alleged that Shahabuddin, appointed by the former Hasina government, had repeatedly violated his oath after the 2024 mass uprising that toppled that regime. The group accused the ruling BNP of betraying the ideals of the uprising and the sacrifices of those killed, by allowing the President to address Parliament. It further claimed that the BNP had ignored the spirit of July by refusing to take an oath under the July Charter.

July Oikya demanded that Parliament impeach President Shahabuddin for serious misconduct under Article 52 of the Constitution and implement the July Charter through a constitutional reform council. The group warned of a mass movement if these demands were not met.

An attempt was made to file a case at the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court against Asif Mahmud, a former adviser and one of the coordinators of the July movement, over the alleged killing of a police officer during the protests. Jalal Hossain, a relative of the slain officer from Jatrabari Police Station, appeared before Metropolitan Magistrate Rounak Jahan Taki’s court to lodge the case. When the magistrate did not accept it, some commotion reportedly occurred in the courtroom.

According to the complaint, Jalal Hossain, son of Abdul Khalek from Juri in Moulvibazar, named Asif Mahmud along with 42 others, including Abdul Kader, Abu Bakr Mojumdar, and Hasan Mahmud, as accused. In response, Asif Mahmud, now spokesperson of the NCP, told Amader Desh that the July uprising was a settled matter, protected by indemnity granted through the July Charter. He said the attempt to reopen the issue was a conspiracy by defeated authoritarian forces seeking to question the legitimacy of the movement.

He also noted that even the current home minister had acknowledged the continuation of the indemnity related to the July events.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate a government-funded monthly allowance program for imams, muezzins, khadems, priests, sebaits, and heads and deputy heads of monasteries across Bangladesh. The inauguration will take place at 10 a.m. on March 14 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday night.

The initiative aims to provide regular financial support to religious leaders and service holders from various faiths throughout the country. The announcement highlights the government’s plan to extend this allowance program nationwide, marking a formal recognition of the contributions of these religious figures to their communities.

The event will officially begin the distribution process of the monthly allowances, signaling the government’s commitment to institutional support for religious service providers.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social that the United States, as the world’s largest oil producer, earns significant revenue when global oil prices increase. His remarks came as Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s speech was being broadcast.

Trump emphasized that beyond financial gains, his greater priority is preventing Iran, which he described as an evil empire, from obtaining nuclear weapons and threatening the Middle East and the world. He asserted that he would never allow such a situation to occur.

The comments highlight Trump’s dual focus on U.S. economic interests in the energy sector and his firm stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, as reflected in his public messaging.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has issued a notification allocating portfolios to one full minister and one state minister. According to the order released on Thursday night, newly sworn-in minister Ahmed Azam Khan has been assigned to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, while State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has been given additional responsibility for the Ministry of Land. The directive takes immediate effect.

Ahmed Azam Khan, a Member of Parliament from Tangail-8 (Basail-Sakhipur) and vice chairman of the BNP central committee, took oath as a minister earlier on Thursday. President Md. Shahabuddin administered the oath during the recess of the first session of the 13th National Parliament. On the same day, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed was sworn in as Speaker and Kaiser Kamal as Deputy Speaker.

Following their new appointments, Hafiz Uddin and Kaiser Kamal vacated their previous ministerial and state ministerial positions, prompting the new cabinet appointments announced by the Cabinet Division.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei publicly thanked the country’s armed forces in his first televised address to the nation on March 12, 2026. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to the military for protecting Iran from subjugation and division despite facing attacks. Khamenei praised the bravery and dedication of soldiers who, according to him, performed admirably under pressure.

The statement, reported by Al Jazeera and local outlet Amar Desh, marks Khamenei’s first major public message since assuming leadership. His comments emphasized national unity and resilience during a period of external pressure and conflict. The address also highlighted the military’s role as a stabilizing force in safeguarding Iran’s sovereignty.

The speech signals that the new leadership intends to maintain strong ties with the armed forces and reinforce their importance in national defense and internal cohesion.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, Member of Parliament from Bhola-3 and a senior BNP leader, has been elected Speaker of the National Parliament, marking the first time in Bangladesh’s history that someone from Bhola has held this position. The announcement on March 12, 2026, sparked widespread celebration among residents of Bhola, who expressed pride and joy at the historic achievement. Prime Minister Tareq Rahman was also congratulated by local BNP leaders for appointing him.

Political leaders from across parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and BJP, extended congratulations, describing Hafiz Uddin as a transparent and capable politician. Local BNP leaders said his leadership would benefit both Bhola and the country, while Jamaat leaders hoped his neutrality would strengthen political harmony. Businesspeople and workers in Bhola expressed optimism that his leadership would bring peace and stability.

Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has been elected to Parliament seven times from Bhola-3 (Lalmohan-Tajumuddin) and previously served twice as a minister, including as Commerce Minister.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei delivered his first televised address to the nation on March 12, 2026, focusing on national unity, regional politics, and ongoing conflicts. He called for internal solidarity and reaffirmed Iran’s firm stance on protecting its security and sovereignty. Khamenei warned that all U.S. military bases in the Middle East should be closed immediately, otherwise they would continue to face attacks.

He stated that Iran seeks good relations with neighboring countries but emphasized that nations hosting U.S. military bases would remain targets under Iran’s current policy. Khamenei also announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as part of Tehran’s strategy to pressure its adversaries. He vowed to continue fighting to avenge the deaths of Iran’s former Supreme Leader and children killed in recent attacks.

Khamenei praised Iran’s armed forces for their sacrifices in defending the country from domination and division, promising financial and other support for war victims. He concluded by urging Iranians to overcome differences and work together for the nation’s interests.

Turkey has expressed its support for Bangladesh to assume the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting between Turkish Ambassador to Dhaka Ramis Sen and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir. The meeting took place on Thursday afternoon, March 12, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

During the discussion, both sides reviewed the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Turkey and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. They exchanged views on expanding collaboration in trade and investment, defense, education, cultural exchange, technology, and infrastructure development. Regional and global issues, including challenges facing the Muslim world, humanitarian cooperation, and mutual support in international forums, were also discussed.

Both parties expressed optimism about deepening the historic friendship and reaffirmed their commitment to work together for the welfare of their peoples based on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.

Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has offered prayers for the recovery of Mirza Abbas, a member of parliament, BNP Standing Committee member, and political adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Patwari expressed his wishes in a Facebook post on Thursday night, praying for Abbas’s good health and long life.

According to family sources, Mirza Abbas lost consciousness during iftar on Wednesday and was admitted to a hospital later that night when his condition did not improve. His wife, Afroza Abbas, who is also the president of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, has requested prayers from the public for her husband’s recovery.

The incident has drawn attention within political circles, as Abbas holds key positions in the BNP and serves as a senior political figure in the party.

A college student named Juhamul Islam testified as the fifth witness before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday in the case concerning crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The case involves death row convicts Salman F Rahman, former adviser on industry and investment to Sheikh Hasina, and former law minister Anisul Huq. Juhamul described being shot during the protests at Mirpur 10 Circle on July 19, 2024, when security forces and political activists allegedly opened fire on demonstrators.

According to his statement, a bullet entered his left chest and exited through the right side, fracturing bone. He showed his injury marks to the tribunal. He recounted being taken by rickshaw pullers and others to several hospitals, including Shaheed Suhrawardy and Mahakhali Chest Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He also alleged that members of the student wing of the ruling party later harassed injured protesters at the hospital.

Juhamul held former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Anisul Huq, and Salman F Rahman responsible for the incident and demanded justice.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, according to his son and current Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The incident occurred on Wednesday at a wedding ceremony in the Royal Park area of Greater Kailash, Jammu, where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhury was also present.

A video circulating on social media shows a man approaching Farooq Abdullah with a pistol before being subdued by his security personnel. Police later arrested the suspect, identified as a resident of Jammu. During interrogation, the man reportedly claimed he had been attempting to kill Abdullah for the past 20 years, though his exact motive remains unclear.

Omar Abdullah questioned how an armed individual managed to get so close to his father despite the presence of Z-plus and NSG security cover. The police investigation into the security breach and the suspect’s motives is ongoing.