Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman stated that the country will no longer operate under the influence of others and will act according to its own will. He made the remarks on Monday at an iftar event organized by the BNP at the Atrium Hall in East London, United Kingdom.

Rahman said that during a previous authoritarian period, Bangladesh’s foreign policy had been mortgaged to another country. He emphasized that the core commitment of the nation’s foreign policy is independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of Bangladesh’s interests and dignity. He also mentioned that Tarique Rahman has clearly stated Bangladesh’s position of maintaining relations with all countries.

The minister recalled that these principles were the hallmark of Bangladesh’s foreign policy during the tenure of late President Ziaur Rahman, describing that era as a golden period. He added that Bangladesh is returning to that position. Rahman also informed that four Bangladeshi nationals have been killed amid ongoing unrest in the Middle East.

Iran has entered a new political phase following the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s Supreme Leader. Shortly after he assumed office, state television broadcast footage showing the first missiles launched in his name, each bearing the inscription, “At your service, Sayyid Mojtaba.” The display has drawn widespread attention within Iran.

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was chosen by the 88-member Assembly of Experts to become Iran’s third Supreme Leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Following his selection, supporters took to the streets across several cities, chanting religious slogans to welcome the new leadership. The country’s security forces also pledged full loyalty to the new Commander-in-Chief.

The missile launch and accompanying messages signal the beginning of Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership era, marked by strong displays of allegiance from Iran’s military and public supporters.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep concern and demanded strict punishment for those responsible for the death of Mofizur Rahman, the Ameer of Jamaat’s Banka Union unit in Chuadanga’s Jibannagar upazila. Rahman died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment after being seriously injured in an attack allegedly carried out by BNP activists on February 28 at Hasadah Bazar.

In a statement sent to the media, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar condemned the attack, describing it as premeditated and brutal. He said BNP and its allied groups had attacked Jamaat members with local weapons, killing activist Hafizur Rahman and critically injuring Mofizur Rahman, who later succumbed to his injuries. Porwar called the incident unacceptable and a grave threat to democratic politics and public safety.

Jamaat urged the government to ensure the rule of law and bring the perpetrators to justice, warning that failure to act could encourage further violence and lawlessness. The party also offered condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the deceased leader.

Strong rumors have spread across Hebrew-language sources suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may have been seriously injured or killed. Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, in its Hebrew edition, highlighted several reasons behind the speculation, including the absence of recent videos or photos of Netanyahu for several days and the sudden shift to only written statements. The report noted that his last video appeared about three days ago and his last photo four days ago.

According to Tasnim’s summary of Hebrew sources, security around Netanyahu’s residence has been significantly tightened since March 8, reportedly due to concerns about potential drone attacks. Additionally, planned visits to Israel by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were abruptly canceled, and a statement from the Élysée Palace about a supposed call between Netanyahu and French President Emmanuel Macron lacked a date, which observers found unusual.

No official confirmation or denial has been issued by the Israeli government or the Prime Minister’s Office. Observers believe this silence is intensifying speculation, and the situation continues to be closely monitored.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formally distributed Family Cards to citizens in Dhaka’s Korail slum on Tuesday, fulfilling a key election promise. The launch event took place at Mohakhali T&T Field, where Rahman pressed a button to transfer funds to 37,567 recipients, each receiving 2,500 taka. He described the day as emotional and announced that a Farmer Card program would be introduced within the next month.

Rahman said the initiative aims to empower women who benefited from free education policies introduced under former leader Khaleda Zia. Initially, 15,000 women from Korail, Saat Tola, and Bhashantek areas have been included, with a goal to reach 40 million people nationwide within four years. He also urged patience, noting that global conditions might delay some commitments.

Social Welfare Minister Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain stated that the Family Card was a long-cherished dream of the Prime Minister and emphasized that only the ultra-poor would receive cash benefits. Other attendees included the Prime Minister’s wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, DNCC administrator Shafiqul Islam Milton, and foreign ambassadors.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has called on European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen to stop what he described as 'hypocrisy.' The statement came on March 10, 2026, following von der Leyen’s comment that the people of Iran deserve freedom, dignity, and the right to determine their own future.

In response to a video of her remarks, Baghaei accused von der Leyen of building her career by standing on the wrong side of history and giving approval to occupation, genocide, and atrocities. He further alleged that she was now attempting to legitimize U.S. and Israeli aggression and war crimes against Iranians. Baghaei also criticized the EU leadership for remaining silent in the face of violations of the rule of law and acts of brutality, saying such silence amounted to complicity.

The exchange highlights continuing tensions between Iran and the European Union over human rights and geopolitical issues, with Tehran accusing Western leaders of double standards in their approach to regional conflicts.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that his government aims to distribute farmer cards to farmers across Bangladesh by next month. He made the statement on Tuesday morning while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Family Card program at the T&T playground in Banani, near the Korail slum area of Dhaka. During the event, 37,000 women received family cards. The Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, and the ceremony was chaired by Minister of Women, Children and Social Welfare Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain.

Rahman said that the farmer card initiative was among the government’s priority commitments. He also highlighted that the government had already waived up to 10,000 taka in agricultural loans, including interest, for farmers as part of its election promises. He emphasized that fulfilling such commitments would bring positive changes to the lives of citizens and contribute to national development.

The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s determination to gradually fulfill all promises made to the people, regardless of challenges, to ensure progress and prosperity.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Secretary General, Principal Hafiz Maulana Yunus Ahmad, has accused the ruling BNP of destroying the political understanding that had developed among anti-fascist forces during previous regimes. Speaking at the party’s central committee meeting in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan on Tuesday, he alleged that since the BNP came to power, its activists have attacked Islami Andolan members, including incidents of murder and violence in different areas.

He cited the killing of an Islami Andolan worker in Patuakhali’s Kalapara, allegedly by local BNP leaders, and a recent attack on Niamati Union Parishad Chairman Humayun Kabir in Bakerganj, Barishal. The party expressed strong condemnation and anger over these incidents. Yunus Ahmad urged BNP’s top leadership to control their activists, ensure accountability, and take organizational action against those involved.

He warned that if BNP members continue old-style politics similar to the previous fascist regime, the public will resist again, and the BNP will have to bear responsibility for damaging political harmony.

A Jamaat-e-Islami leader who was injured in an attack allegedly carried out by BNP activists in Chuadanga’s Jibannagar upazila has died while undergoing treatment in Dhaka. The incident occurred on February 28 at Hasadah Bazar, where four people, including the Jamaat leader, were seriously injured. The deceased, identified as Mofizur Rahman, 32, Amir of Banka Union Jamaat and son of Wahed Mia of Sutia village, had been receiving treatment in the ICU of Evercare Aurora Hospital in Dhaka for ten days before succumbing to his injuries on Tuesday around 1 p.m.

Earlier, Mofizur’s brother Hafizur Rahman, 46, who was also injured in the same attack, died on March 1 at the same hospital. Jibannagar Upazila Jamaat Amir Maulana Sajedur Rahman confirmed Mofizur Rahman’s death. Jibannagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Solaiman Sheikh also acknowledged hearing of the death. Chuadanga-1 MP Masud Parvez Russell and Chuadanga-2 MP Ruhul Amin expressed condolences in a joint statement, describing the deceased as a talented and responsible individual.

The death has added to tensions following the February 28 violence, which left multiple Jamaat members injured in the reported BNP attack.

The Dhaka Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing has made nine recommendations to the government to ensure safer travel during the upcoming Eid holidays. The proposals, announced on March 10, 2026, by coordinator Marjana Muntaha through a press release, include banning unfit vehicles from roads, enforcing speed limits, and mandating quality helmets for motorcyclists and passengers. The forum also urged authorities to ensure drivers’ rest periods and to prevent the operation of unauthorized vehicles such as battery-run transports on major highways.

The statement noted that road accidents in Bangladesh rise sharply during Eid due to reckless driving, poor regulation, and increased traffic. Citing Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) data, it reported 132 deaths and 208 injuries in 110 road accidents during the last Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, with fatalities rising by about 19 percent compared to 2023.

The organization emphasized that effective laws, strict enforcement, and institutional accountability are essential to reduce fatalities and allow citizens to celebrate Eid safely with their families.

US President Donald Trump announced that his administration is considering easing certain oil-related sanctions to counter rising energy prices. Speaking to reporters on March 10, 2026, he said that sanctions on some countries could be lifted temporarily until the situation stabilizes. Trump added that the move could potentially lead to lasting peace, though he did not specify which countries or sanctions were under review.

During the same press conference, Trump mentioned having a “very good” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin but provided no further details. The report noted that the United States had already temporarily relaxed sanctions to allow India to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea.

The announcement signals a possible shift in US energy and foreign policy, though the lack of specifics leaves uncertainty about which nations might benefit and how long the easing would last.

UNDP Resident Representative Stephen Liller met with Dipen Dewan MP, Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, at the ministry office in Dhaka’s Bailey Road on Tuesday. The meeting focused on ongoing development initiatives in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and future plans to improve living standards in the region. Minister Dewan praised UNDP’s long-term cooperation and project contributions, expressing optimism that the partnership between the Bangladesh government and UNDP will become even stronger.

At the beginning of the meeting, Stephen Liller congratulated Minister Dewan on his election victory and assumption of ministerial duties. Both sides emphasized the importance of working together to achieve sustainable development goals and to build a more constructive and mutually beneficial relationship in the future.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne, Peace and Development Adviser Anne Hagood, Assistant Resident Representative Sardar Md Asaduzzaman, and International Technical Adviser Yugesh Pradhanang also attended the meeting, along with the minister’s private secretary Rabindra Chakma.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Adviser Humayun Kabir held a bilateral meeting in London with UK Minister for Trade Chris Bryant on Tuesday. The discussions focused on strengthening existing trade and business relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. Key topics included investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s blue economy, expansion of the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand, investor protection, enhanced cooperation in education, and broader multilateral engagement.

Both sides agreed to maintain close communication ahead of the 14th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference scheduled later this month in Cameroon. Separately, UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Rosie Winterton met the Bangladeshi delegation at the High Commission in London to discuss potential collaboration in the aviation sector and initiatives to develop Bangladesh as a regional aviation hub. The teams also held additional meetings to advance the country’s aviation development.

In another meeting, UK’s candidate for the International Court of Justice for the 2027–2036 term, Professor Dapo Akande, presented his candidacy to Rahman and Kabir. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in international law and diplomacy.

Iran’s Tasnim News Agency claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been killed or seriously injured, sparking renewed tension across the Middle East. The report, published on Monday, offered no concrete evidence. Israeli authorities dismissed the claim as wartime propaganda or conspiracy theory. The Iranian report cited Netanyahu’s absence from recent video messages and heightened security around his Jerusalem residence as signs of concern. It also linked the postponement of visits by U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Netanyahu’s alleged condition.

The report further referenced former U.S. intelligence officer Scott Ritter, who alleged through Russian media that Iran had bombed Netanyahu’s secret location, killing his brother. Tasnim News admitted that no official confirmation or denial had been issued. Analysts described the rumor as part of psychological warfare amid ongoing Iran-Israel hostilities. Meanwhile, a statement about Netanyahu’s phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron lacked a date, adding to the uncertainty.

According to the Jerusalem Post, citing close sources, Netanyahu continues his official duties, though his movements are being kept discreet for security reasons.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced that the government will implement priority programs to modernize and make the education system more work-oriented and time-appropriate, in line with the BNP’s 2026 election manifesto. Speaking at a meeting at the Ministry of Education on Monday, he said that a 180-day action plan will introduce transformative steps in education and human resource development.

The meeting highlighted that education and skill development will be prioritized to utilize the country’s demographic and longevity dividends. Plans include expanding quality education, skill-based training, and employment opportunities for youth, while ensuring health, social security, and participation for the elderly. The BNP’s education policy aims to create a life-oriented, work-oriented, and production-oriented system, with a gradual increase of education spending to 5% of GDP. Initiatives include teacher training, technology-based learning, multimedia classrooms, and a “One Teacher, One Tab” program.

Additional measures discussed include introducing a third language at the secondary level, making technical education mandatory, promoting sports, culture, and ethics, ensuring healthy school environments, mid-day meals, free Wi-Fi, and inclusive education for special-needs students.