An opinion essay published on March 29, 2026, by Md. Mahmudul Hasan reflects on the 2024 July Revolution in Bangladesh, describing it as a mass student uprising against the Hasina government’s quota policy and broader authoritarian practices. The author argues that the movement emerged when students protested a discriminatory quota system limiting public sector jobs, and the government responded with violent suppression, killing around 1,500 protesters and detaining many others. The piece portrays the crackdown as a massacre and a turning point in Bangladesh’s political history.

The essay situates the July Revolution within a broader context of alleged electoral manipulation, corruption, and repression during the Awami League’s rule from 2009 to 2024. It claims that students had long faced intimidation and abuse from the ruling party’s student wing, which controlled university dormitories and silenced dissent. The author contends that these conditions drove students to risk their lives for a fairer and more democratic Bangladesh.

The article concludes by urging citizens to preserve the spirit of the July Revolution and pass its lessons to future generations as a defense of national sovereignty and human rights.

Following the general election held on February 12, newly elected representatives of the ruling party announced they would not take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council. This decision sparked a national debate over the legality of the council, which had been established under the July Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order of 2025. Critics argue that the 1972 Constitution does not grant the president authority to issue such an order and that, without a separate election, parliament members cannot serve on the council.

The article explains that the July political uprising represented a constitutional moment when citizens directly asserted their sovereign power to reshape the state. It argues that the council’s legitimacy stems from this popular mandate, not merely from written constitutional provisions. The July Charter sought fundamental restructuring of state principles and institutions, changes that could not be sustained through ordinary amendment procedures due to the Supreme Court’s basic structure doctrine.

The author concludes that the council’s legitimacy arises from dual mandates—both the general election and the referendum approving the reform process—reflecting the people’s sovereign will to redefine the constitutional order.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led opposition alliance is preparing to raise two major issues—the implementation of the July Charter and the holding of local government elections—in the national parliament. Opposition MPs are expected to make the session heated today, with a preparatory meeting scheduled before the sitting. Jamaat and its allies have been demanding the enforcement of the February 12 referendum verdict, which they claim showed strong public support for constitutional reform. Opposition leader and Jamaat chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has warned that if parliament fails to resolve the issue, the alliance may resort to street protests.

The second issue concerns the government’s recent appointment of administrators to 11 city corporations and 42 district councils, which the opposition views as an attempt to delay local elections. Jamaat leaders argue that these partisan appointments undermine democratic norms. The alliance’s 11-party coordination committee is expected to meet soon to decide on next steps, while Jamaat has nearly finalized its candidates for upcoming local polls.

Several allied parties, including the National Citizens Party and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, have also criticized the government’s actions and announced rallies demanding swift elections and reform implementation.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Masud Uddin Chowdhury and Lieutenant General (Retd.) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, both key figures of Bangladesh’s 1/11 interim government, are providing contradictory and evasive statements while in police remand. Mamun Khaled, arrested from Mirpur DOHS and placed on five-day remand, claimed he acted to help Tarique Rahman during the 2007–08 period, including facilitating his medical treatment abroad. Masud Uddin, detained from Baridhara DOHS and also on five-day remand, has been shifting blame to other former officers, saying he only tried to assist the Zia family.

Investigators report that both former generals have avoided direct answers about their alleged roles in torture, corruption, and political manipulation during the 1/11 period. Masud Uddin has accused former DGFI officials of implementing the “Minus Two Formula” and claimed India’s intelligence agency RAW planned the 1/11 government with DGFI involvement. Mamun Khaled faces allegations of large-scale corruption, enforced disappearances, and misuse of power during his tenure as DGFI chief.

Police sources indicate Masud Uddin may face further remand for questioning in murder and money laundering cases filed in Dhaka and Feni after the fall of the Awami League government.

Tens of thousands of people marched through central London on Saturday in what organisers described as the largest anti-far-right demonstration in British history. The Together Alliance, supported by around 500 groups including trade unions, antiracism organisations and Muslim representative bodies, led the rally that converged on Whitehall near the Houses of Parliament. Organisers claimed half a million participants, while police estimated about 50,000. The event was met by a much smaller group of counterprotesters waving Israeli and pre-1979 Iranian flags.

Speakers and participants said the march aimed to counter the rise of racism and Islamophobia in mainstream politics, citing figures such as Reform leader Nigel Farage and far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Demonstrators described the atmosphere as inclusive and festive, comparing it to the Notting Hill Carnival. Several left-wing politicians, including Jeremy Corbyn, Zarah Sultana, Dianne Abbott, and Andy Burnham, joined the crowds, while Amnesty UK praised the event as a call for dignity, compassion and human rights.

The protest took place amid warnings from the group Hope Not Hate that the British far right is becoming “bigger, bolder and more extreme than ever before.”

Millions of people across more than 3,100 cities in the United States joined the 'No Kings' protests on Saturday, denouncing President Donald Trump’s policies, rising living costs, and the war with Iran. The demonstrations also spread to several European countries, including Italy, France, Germany, and Spain, where large crowds gathered in solidarity. Major US cities such as Minneapolis, Boston, Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Seattle saw significant turnouts, with Philadelphia hosting one of the largest gatherings.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, who participated in the protests, said she and thousands of others were fighting to protect democracy, emphasizing that no one is above the law and that respect for due process forms the foundation of American democracy. Television host Padma Lakshmi also addressed the demonstrations, calling for accountability, transparency, and empathy from elected leaders.

Organizers noted that this year’s protests follow previous 'No Kings' demonstrations and come amid economic strain and nationwide immigration crackdowns. The movement’s expansion into Europe underscores growing international concern over Trump’s leadership and policies.

A month after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, polls show widespread public disapproval of the conflict and rising fuel prices, yet US lawmakers have taken no concrete steps to limit President Donald Trump’s authority. The Senate again failed to pass a War Powers resolution this week, voting 53–47 along party lines, while House Democratic leaders have reportedly backed away from holding a similar vote despite having enough support to pass it.

Analysts cited political caution among Democrats and strong partisan alignment among Republicans, with most GOP lawmakers backing Trump’s prosecution of the war. Public surveys show 61 percent of Americans disapprove of the conflict, and Trump’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest point since taking office. The administration has not outlined a clear endgame, instead emphasizing Iran’s military degradation and the killing of senior officials.

The Pentagon has deployed additional troops to the region, raising fears of a ground invasion. Some Republicans have questioned a $200 billion funding request, while dissenting conservative voices warn the war contradicts Trump’s “America First” promises. Observers say the conflict’s duration and economic impact could shape its political fallout ahead of the midterm elections.

London’s Metropolitan Police arrested 18 supporters of Palestine Action on Saturday after announcing a reversal of its earlier decision to halt such arrests. The protesters were detained under terrorism legislation while sitting on the steps of New Scotland Yard holding signs expressing opposition to genocide and support for Palestine Action. The arrests came days after Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said the force would resume enforcement because the government’s appeal against a High Court ruling had not yet been resolved.

In February, the High Court ruled that the government’s decision to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was unlawful and disproportionate. However, the government obtained a stay pending appeal, leaving the ban technically in force. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to challenge the ruling, while Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring paused hundreds of related prosecutions until the appeal is heard. Critics argue that the police’s renewed arrests defy the court’s judgment.

The crackdown has drawn international criticism, including from the UN and Amnesty International, which warned that the ban risks criminalising free expression. Defend Our Juries has announced a mass sign-holding protest at Trafalgar Square on April 11 as the government’s appeal proceeds.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former shah, addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Texas, on Saturday, calling on US President Donald Trump to reject any deal with Iran and instead pursue regime change. Declaring his intention to “make Iran great again,” Pahlavi received a standing ovation from the audience, some of whom chanted “Long live the king.” His remarks coincided with the one-month anniversary of the US and Israel’s joint war against Iran, which has killed at least 1,937 people and injured tens of thousands.

Pahlavi has become a prominent opposition figure among the Iranian diaspora, whose supporters often display his image and the pre-revolutionary flag at global protests. While some exiles have voiced concern over the war’s toll on civilians, Pahlavi has aligned himself with Trump’s most hawkish allies, insisting that “this regime in its entirety must go.” Analysts, however, caution that Iran’s government is unlikely to collapse and may emerge more hardened.

Within the US, the war has exposed divisions among conservatives. Polls show strong Republican support for the conflict, while overall US voters largely oppose it. Some right-wing commentators and younger activists have criticized the war as a betrayal of Trump’s earlier promises to avoid foreign entanglements.

Democratic candidates Emily Gregory and Brian Nathan won two of three vacant seats in Florida’s state legislature by-elections held in March 2026. Gregory defeated Republican opponent John Maples by a two percent margin in Palm Beach County’s House District 87, home to Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. Nathan narrowly beat Republican Josie Tomko in Tampa’s State Senate District 14, while Hillary Holly captured the House District 51 seat vacated by Tomko. Trump reportedly participated in the election via mail-in ballot.

NBC News reported that Trump had actively promoted Maples’ campaign on social media to prevent a Democratic victory in his home area. Despite his efforts, Democrats secured wins in two Republican-leaning districts. Democratic leaders described the results as a sign that voters are turning away from Trump and his party ahead of the November midterm elections.

Analysts noted that while the victories are significant for Democrats, Republicans still hold a majority in the Florida legislature.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been accused of promoting several women to ministerial positions in exchange for sexual favors, according to BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. The allegation surfaced during a recent podcast where Swamy referenced the case of Jeffrey Epstein and suggested that India should investigate powerful figures within the country. He called for a thorough inquiry into the matter.

Following Swamy’s remarks, Hindutva writer Madhu Purnima Kishwar echoed similar claims in a social media post. She alleged that some women MPs were appointed ministers based on personal relationships with the Prime Minister and mentioned ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, S. Jaishankar, and former education minister Smriti Irani in suggestive comments. Kishwar also claimed to have heard controversial stories about Modi’s personal life during a 2014 foreign trip.

Kishwar, once known as a supporter of Modi and the Hindutva ideology, has drawn attention for her sudden change in stance. However, neither Swamy nor Kishwar has provided evidence to support their claims, and the Prime Minister’s Office has not issued any official response.

Former Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested early Saturday from his residence in Kathmandu on charges related to the deadly suppression of last year’s protests. Police said the 74-year-old leader was taken into custody and later admitted to a Kathmandu clinic for routine health checks due to his age and history of kidney transplants. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also detained under the same investigation.

The arrests follow a panel’s recommendation to prosecute Oli and Lekhak for criminal negligence in handling the protests that erupted in September last year. The demonstrations began over a social media ban but escalated amid public anger over corruption and economic hardship. At least 70 people, mostly civilians, were killed when police opened fire during the unrest.

The dramatic arrests come just a day after 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s new prime minister, marking a tense political transition in the country.

A religious gathering featuring Islamic speaker Gias Uddin Taheri was held in Shimulghar area of Madhabpur upazila, Habiganj, on Saturday afternoon, defying Section 144 imposed by the local administration. Villagers escorted Taheri to the event as the main speaker, while police and army personnel were present at the scene. The administration had earlier restricted public gatherings at the venue.

According to local sources, a powerful group allegedly tried to stop the event, prompting the administration to enforce Section 144. However, organizers and residents ignored the order and proceeded with the gathering. Several locals said they opposed what they viewed as an unjust attempt to halt a religious event, insisting that the program was peaceful and posed no threat of disorder. They also alleged that false posters were circulated to influence the authorities.

No official statement was available from the Madhabpur upazila administration, but reports indicated that the event concluded peacefully and the situation remained normal afterward.

Additional Inspector General of Police Md. Ahsan Habib Palash formally assumed office as the 12th Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Saturday, March 28, 2026. He succeeded retired Additional IGP A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman. The appointment was confirmed by RAB Headquarters, marking a new leadership transition in the elite law enforcement agency.

According to RAB sources, Palash began his career in the 15th BCS (Police) batch in 1995 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police after completing basic training at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi. Over his career, he served in several key units including 4 APBn, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Chattogram Metropolitan Police, and Sylhet Metropolitan Police, as well as in Rangamati, Shariatpur, and Narayanganj districts. He also worked at the Police Bureau of Investigation headquarters and later as DIG of Chattogram Range.

Palash has extensive international experience through UN peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Liberia, Sudan, and South Sudan. He received the Bangladesh Police Medal (BPM-Service) for his distinguished service and holds BSS (Honours) and MSc degrees from the University of Dhaka.

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington may reduce its financial contributions to NATO after European allies declined to assist in a potential conflict against Iran. Speaking on Friday, Trump criticized NATO’s absence as a “big mistake” and said the United States spends hundreds of billions of dollars annually to protect NATO countries. He suggested that the U.S. might no longer need to stand by its allies if they do not reciprocate support.

Trump previously urged other nations to send warships to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, calling the request a “test of loyalty.” He argued that countries relying on U.S. protection should contribute more to their own security, describing the deployment of naval forces as a “very small effort.”

The remarks underscore growing tension between the U.S. and its European allies over defense responsibilities and burden-sharing within NATO, as well as differing approaches to Iran.