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.

A press conference was held in Sunamganj town on Saturday protesting the attack on BNP leader Mohammad Ali in Patharia Bazar of Shantiganj upazila. The event was organized by Md. Abdul Momin, former president of Patharia Union BNP, who described the incident as a brutal assault followed by vandalism and looting of homes and businesses.

According to Abdul Momin’s written statement, on the evening of March 22, local criminal Angur Mia and his associates attacked Mohammad Ali with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured and hospitalized. The attackers also vandalized and looted properties belonging to Mohammad Ali and Abdul Momin. The conflict reportedly stemmed from a dispute after Angur Mia’s nephew verbally abused villagers over the phone, which Momin had attempted to resolve through arbitration.

Momin alleged that Angur Mia, known locally as a close associate of former planning minister MA Mannan and his son, continues to dominate the area through illegal activities. He urged the authorities to take immediate action against Angur Mia’s alleged crimes and intimidation tactics.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that upcoming constitutional reforms will prioritize public expectations and the aspirations of those who participated in the student-led July uprising. He stated that all amendments will be completed through consensus among political parties based on the 'July National Charter'. The minister made these remarks on Saturday at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi, after attending the passing-out parade of the 43rd BCS (Police) batch.

In response to a question about whether Ziaur Rahman’s name would be included in the constitution as the declarer of independence, the minister said a constitutional reform committee would be formed to discuss such matters in detail. He emphasized that the committee will prepare a draft prioritizing the principles recognized in the July National Charter, followed by parliamentary discussions and decisions through the prescribed legislative process.

During the certificate distribution ceremony, the minister urged the new police officers to serve the nation with honesty, courage, and humanity, describing the police uniform as a symbol of duty, sacrifice, and service.

Government Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni announced that members of the 13th National Parliament will receive their housing allocations by April 10. He shared the update with reporters after the first meeting of the parliamentary committee held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Saturday. According to him, almost all MPs will be provided with accommodation, while ministers, state ministers, the Chief Whip, whips, and the Speaker already have separate residences. The committee aims to complete necessary purchases and finalize allocations by the deadline, with another meeting scheduled for March 30.

The Chief Whip also addressed the recent sound system malfunction that disrupted the first session of the 13th Parliament on March 12. He said a probe committee led by the Sergeant-at-Arms has been formed to investigate possible sabotage and identify technical issues. Experts from BUET have been invited to assist in resolving the problem.

The investigation will focus on determining whether sabotage occurred and how to permanently fix the sound system issues in the parliamentary chamber.

At the invitation of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will arrive in Islamabad on Sunday for a two-day official visit. According to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the high-level diplomatic meeting will take place on March 29 and 30, 2026. The participants include Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Turkey’s Hakan Fidan, and Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty.

The main objective of the visit is to reduce regional tensions and strengthen cooperation among the four countries in various sectors. The statement added that, in addition to formal meetings, the visiting ministers will also meet Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The discussions aim to develop a coordinated stance on current regional developments and deepen mutual strategic relations.

The meeting is expected to serve as a platform for enhanced diplomatic coordination among the participating nations, focusing on stability and partnership in the region.

A Labour Party leader in Babuganj upazila of Barishal has been served a show-cause notice for a social media post supporting an Awami League leader. The notice was issued on Saturday, March 28, 2026, by the upazila unit of the Labour Party after Jahidul Islam Opu, convener of the Kedarapur Union Labour Party, expressed on Facebook his wish to see former union chairman and Awami League member Md. Nure Alam Bepari as chairman candidate again.

According to party sources, the post was deemed contrary to the organisation’s principles and ideals. The notice, signed by upazila Labour Party president Md. Farid Hossain and acting general secretary Mizanur Rahman Mintu, directed Opu to submit a written explanation within three days. It also warned that organisational action would be taken if his response was unsatisfactory.

The upazila Labour Party president confirmed the issuance of the notice, and the incident has sparked considerable discussion in the local political arena.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip in parliament Nahid Islam said that the people’s verdict has been reflected in the recent referendum, where 70 percent voted in favor of the 'Yes' option. He stated that the BNP participated in the referendum and its party chief supported it, yet the party is now invoking the constitution to reject the referendum’s outcome. Nahid Islam made these remarks on Saturday while attending an NCP general meeting in Chashara, Narayanganj.

He further commented on the controversy surrounding the declaration of independence, saying that according to the constitution, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is recognized as the proclaimer of independence, not Ziaur Rahman. He accused BNP leaders of double standards in following the constitution. Nahid Islam added that this inconsistency has become clear to the public and urged all parties to accept the referendum results and implement reforms through the Constitutional Reform Council. He warned that continued constitutional disputes could lead to a crisis of trust and spill over into street movements.

Ruling party members of parliament held a special prayer session in the National Parliament on Saturday afternoon for the departed soul of Dilara Hafiz, wife of Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom. The prayer was led under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, who expressed deep sorrow and condolences over her death.

Following the prayer, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman delivered a directive speech to the attending lawmakers, emphasizing the need to accelerate parliamentary activities. The meeting also discussed the government’s ongoing programs, the current political situation, legislative initiatives, and future plans.

The event reflected both a moment of mourning and a continuation of parliamentary and governmental discussions under the leadership of the prime minister.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has termed the government’s recent replacement of vice-chancellors at eight public universities during the Eid holidays as abnormal and deeply concerning. In a statement issued to the media, he said the education minister’s sudden March 16 announcement to change the vice-chancellors while universities were closed was unprecedented and undermined the integrity of higher education.

Parwar argued that prioritizing political loyalty over merit and experience in such appointments damages institutional dignity and erodes public trust in the education system. He questioned the grounds for removing the previous vice-chancellors appointed by the interim government and claimed that most of the new appointees hold positions within the ruling party or its affiliates. He demanded a clear explanation from the government and called for a transparent, parliamentary process involving both government and opposition representatives in future appointments.

He warned that such unilateral decisions could destabilize university administration and academic activities, hinder progress in higher education, and set a negative precedent for the nation’s academic governance.

At the FII Priority Summit held in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the 'Trump Strait' during his speech. Addressing the audience, he quickly corrected himself, saying he meant the Strait of Hormuz, and then joked that the media would label it a mistake. Trump added humorously that he rarely makes mistakes.

In the same address, Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, demanding that the country fully open the vital waterway. He threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants if it failed to comply. However, he also mentioned that discussions with Tehran were ongoing and announced an extension of his previously set deadline by ten days.

The remarks, reported by CNN, come amid heightened tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, and reflect Trump’s continued hardline stance toward Iran.

At the Saudi Investment Forum in Miami on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Cuba could be the next target following the U.S. victory in the war against Iran. He defended the military campaign, claiming it prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons within weeks and delayed its nuclear program by several years. Trump also criticized NATO for not supporting Washington’s actions against Tehran and accused Iran of long being a regional oppressor.

Addressing Saudi attendees, Trump said Iran’s weapons could have been used against them and Israel. He also criticized Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, recounting a past conversation about the United States’ resurgence. Trump hinted at possible action against Cuba and said he was pressuring Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to reach an agreement with Washington, though he did not specify any terms.

The forum took place amid global economic instability linked to the war’s impact on energy markets, according to The Hill.

Security has been tightened at fuel depots in Sylhet, where Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed to prevent possible hoarding, sabotage, and supply disruption. Acting under the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs, BGB members began duty on Saturday at key depots, including Padma and Meghna. Sources said BGB is now stationed at 19 fuel depots across the country, including those in Sylhet and Moulvibazar, with officers leading patrols and surveillance. Intelligence monitoring has also been increased to handle any untoward incidents.

Barrister Riyashad Azim Haque Adnan, acting president of the Sylhet divisional committee of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association, expressed differing views on the deployment. He warned that such security measures might create public anxiety and urged authorities to identify and control oil theft points instead. He emphasized that BGB should focus on border duties to prevent smuggling.

BGB officials confirmed that two platoons are stationed at the Sylhet depots, with temporary base camps set up for operational convenience. The district administration has also appointed tag officers to monitor petrol pumps and announced rewards for information on illegal hoarding or manipulation.

Residents of Godagari in Rajshahi held a human chain protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, demanding the cancellation of prepaid electricity meters and withdrawal of what they described as excessive billing by the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO). The demonstration took place at the Dyingpara roundabout, organized by the Godagari Citizens’ Rights Protection Committee, with participation from people of various professions who expressed anger and hardship over the issue.

Participants wore white cloths on their heads as a symbol of protest and displayed banners appealing to the Prime Minister to accept their demands. Speakers alleged that NESCO was forcibly installing prepaid meters and charging up to three times the normal electricity cost, pushing many into financial distress. They said the new system had made regular electricity use unaffordable for many households.

Protesters called for an immediate halt to the prepaid meter installation and the withdrawal of the additional charges. They warned of tougher programs if their demands were not met and sought the Prime Minister’s direct intervention.

At an Independence Day shadow parliament debate held at the FDC in Dhaka on Saturday, National Press Club President and poet Hasan Hafiz stated that the Awami League did not achieve independence alone and that the problems began when Liberation War credentials were commercialized after independence. He accused the party of severely politicizing the spirit of the Liberation War to maintain power, turning genuine freedom fighters into villains and labeling dissenters as anti-independence.

Hafiz called for identifying fake freedom fighters and bringing them under legal action to revoke their illegal benefits. The event, organized by Debate for Democracy, saw Sir Salimullah Medical College defeat Sonargaon University in the competition on the spirit of the Liberation War. Judges included academics and journalists, and participants received trophies, crests, and certificates.

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said in his speech that the struggle for liberation is not over and must continue until a just and discrimination-free society is achieved, noting that the full benefits of independence have yet to be realized.