Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Minister, Zahir Uddin Swapan, emphasized that lessons from history must guide the nation’s present and future course. He made the remarks while addressing a program at the Bangladesh Consulate in Istanbul on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day. The minister paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, according to a press release issued by the ministry on Friday.

During the event, held on Thursday evening local time, Swapan highlighted the significance of the August 5, 2024 fall of autocracy as an important lesson for the nation. He said that those elected by the people to govern must learn from that experience and act with greater responsibility. He further stressed that the people must remain at the center of all thought and policymaking, warning that deviation from this principle could lead to consequences similar to past fallen governments.

The event was attended by Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Turkey, M Amanul Haque, Consul General Mizanur Rahman, and members of the expatriate community. Swapan arrived in Turkey on March 26 to attend the International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom) 2026, scheduled for March 27–28 in Istanbul.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s unwavering support and solidarity with Bangladesh during a meeting with Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman at the UN headquarters in New York on March 27, 2026. The assurance was conveyed following the formation of Bangladesh’s new government, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, Guterres congratulated the newly formed government and praised Bangladesh’s continued humanitarian leadership and generosity in sheltering displaced Rohingya people. The discussion also covered several global issues, including the ongoing global oil crisis and its disproportionate impact on poor and vulnerable nations, as highlighted by the Bangladeshi foreign minister.

Dr. Rahman extended an invitation on behalf of the Prime Minister for the Secretary-General to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, which Guterres accepted with gratitude. Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Nations to address global challenges and advance sustainable development.

A government-backed commission in Nepal has recommended bringing former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and senior officials to trial over the 2025 Gen-Z-led uprising that left at least 77 people dead. The protests began in September 2025 after a ban on social media and quickly expanded into demonstrations against economic hardship and corruption. Security forces killed 19 young protesters on the first day, prompting Oli’s resignation. The commission’s report, leaked to local media, was released as newly elected lawmakers took their oaths.

The report stated that then–Prime Minister Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak failed to take effective measures to prevent the deaths, despite their responsibility for security and law enforcement. It found that 48 of 63 autopsies confirmed victims were shot, mostly in the chest or head, and that no effort was made to stop or control the firing. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who became interim prime minister after Oli’s ouster, had formed the commission, which interviewed over 200 people and submitted a 900-page report with extensive evidence.

The full official details of the report have not yet been released, though Karki’s office indicated plans to publish it soon.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran must take the initiative to persuade him to stop the ongoing war. Speaking on Thursday, Trump said the matter now depends on Iran’s leaders and that he is not interested in reaching any deal at this stage. Iranian state media, however, reported that Tehran’s leadership remains doubtful about Washington’s sincerity in pursuing negotiations.

At the start of a cabinet meeting, Trump criticized media reports suggesting he was seeking a diplomatic solution. He emphasized that Iran is the party trying to return to talks and added that whether a proper deal can be made depends on Tehran. Trump described Iranian leaders as skilled negotiators but weak fighters, asserting that it is Iran’s responsibility to come to the negotiating table to end the conflict.

Trump also warned that U.S. attacks on Iran would continue without restraint while waiting to see if Tehran chooses to engage in talks.

At least six people were injured when two rival groups of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) clashed in Sandwip, Chattogram, on Thursday afternoon. The violence occurred at the party office in Chhullar Hat area of Ward 3 under Magdhara Union, reportedly over disputes concerning local dominance and conflicting Facebook posts. Police later brought the situation under control, and the injured were admitted to the upazila health complex.

According to local sources, the clash erupted during a mediation meeting aimed at resolving a long-standing dispute between BNP member Solaiman Badsha and upazila Mohila Dal president Kulsum Begum Khelna. Senior BNP leaders, including upazila BNP member secretary Alomgir Hossain Thakur, were present but left the scene as tensions escalated. Furniture at the party office was also damaged during the altercation.

Police said the situation is now calm, with both sides preparing to file complaints. Additional police have been deployed in the area to prevent further unrest, and legal action will follow after investigation.

Iran has formally responded to the 15-point proposal submitted by the United States, according to a report by Tasnim News Agency. The response was delivered through mediators on Wednesday night, and Tehran is now awaiting Washington’s reaction. In its reply, Iran outlined several key conditions, including the cessation of all aggressive actions such as targeted killings, concrete measures to prevent the resumption of war, and clear guarantees for compensation and rehabilitation.

Iran also emphasized that the end of hostilities must apply to all regional fronts and resistance groups involved in the conflict. It reaffirmed its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz as a natural and legal right, insisting that this sovereignty be recognized as a guarantee for the implementation of commitments by the other side.

According to the source, these conditions represent a new stance by Iran, extending beyond the demands raised during the second round of nuclear talks held in Geneva.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that ongoing discussions with Iran are progressing through message exchanges facilitated by intermediary countries. Speaking to reporters, he confirmed that some progress had been made but emphasized that the process remains ongoing and evolving, and would not be discussed publicly.

Rubio also commented on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that maritime traffic there is gradually increasing. He stated that while fuel transport has not fully returned to previous levels, some shipments have resumed. Rubio added that if Iran stops threatening global navigation, the strait could reopen completely as soon as tomorrow.

Highlighting the importance of adherence to international law, Rubio urged countries concerned about global legal norms to take appropriate action in response to the situation.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has praised Hezbollah for what he described as a series of 87 operations carried out in one night. According to a report by Al Jazeera, Ghalibaf made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, commending the group’s rapid and coordinated attacks.

He stated that Hezbollah is now stronger and more active than ever before, asserting that the swift and precise strikes inflicted significant damage on Israel’s military equipment and forces. Ghalibaf also claimed that these actions demonstrated the truth of the ‘promise of martyr Sayyid,’ a phrase he appeared to use in reference to slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

The comments reflect Iran’s continued public support for Hezbollah amid ongoing regional tensions, though no independent verification of the claimed operations was mentioned in the report.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated that fuel theft is still occurring even after deploying guards at petrol pumps and depots. He said that although the fuel supplied to pumps should last one to one and a half days, it is now being sold out within two hours. The minister made these remarks on Thursday afternoon while addressing a reception for freedom fighters organized by the Sirajganj district administration at the Shilpakala Academy, marking Independence and National Day.

During his speech, the minister emphasized that Bangladesh was not created through any foreign conspiracy but through the struggle for its own rights, flag, and land. He urged freedom fighters to take an active role in preventing fuel theft, saying that simply identifying as vigilant guardians is not enough. He also reflected on the historical context of Bangladesh’s independence, contrasting it with Pakistan’s religious state model and acknowledging the leadership that guided the nation during its formative years.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is uncertain whether the United States is truly interested in reaching a deal with Iran. Speaking about Iran, he remarked that Iranians are not good fighters but are skilled negotiators. Trump also asserted that it is Iran, not him, that is requesting a deal.

According to his statements, Trump had given Iran 48 hours last Saturday to open the Strait of Hormuz. He later claimed on Monday that discussions between the two countries had taken place and announced a five-day suspension of planned U.S. strikes on Iranian energy facilities.

The developments come amid reports that Saudi Arabia has urged the United States to continue its attacks on Iran, while both nations are expected to enter new talks soon.

On the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day, nine Master Chief Petty Officers of the Bangladesh Navy were granted honorary commissions as Sub-Lieutenants. The announcement was made on March 26, 2026, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Defence. The honorary commissions take effect from the same date.

The officers receiving the honorary Sub-Lieutenant rank are Khondaker Jahangir Alam, Md. Nazrul Islam, M. Abdul Jalil, Shah Mohammad Ashrafulzaman, Md. Saiful Islam Pradhan, Hawlader Mohammad Hannan, Md. Samiul Haque, Md. Nuruzzaman, and Md. Din Islam. The recognition marks their service and dedication within the naval force.

The Ministry of Defence’s decision aligns with the tradition of honoring distinguished service members on national occasions, reflecting the Navy’s continued commitment to acknowledging long-serving personnel.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute and Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-6 (Bhairab-Kuliarchar) Shariful Alam has called on citizens to work from their respective positions to build a humane nation. He made the call on Thursday, March 26, during the inauguration of the Independence Day parade held in Kuliarchar, Kishoreganj.

During his address, the minister said the current government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was elected by popular vote and is committed to ensuring justice and fairness in the state. He emphasized that the benefits of independence, achieved through the sacrifices of countless martyrs and the honor of women, must reach every citizen through collective effort.

The event, organized at the Kuliarchar police ground, was attended by local government officials, political leaders, and community representatives. Earlier in the day, the minister paid tribute to the martyrs at the Independence Monument, visited the graves of freedom fighters, and later attended a reception honoring freedom fighters and their families.

Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Naib-e-Ameer of Dhaka South Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that when rulers exploit people and govern against public opinion, nations are compelled toward revolution. He said true independence means ensuring economic, political, and fundamental rights, not merely possessing land, a flag, or a map. He expressed that the dream of independence envisioned by the people of Bangladesh remains unfulfilled.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organized by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Paltan Thana unit on the occasion of Independence and National Day, Dr. Helal Uddin said the revolution of 2024 emerged because the spirit of 1971 was not realized. He added that the nation has pledged to rebuild a new Bangladesh in the spirit of July and that implementing the July Charter is essential for achieving that vision.

He called on the government to respect the referendum’s verdict and take steps to implement the July Charter order instead of pushing the nation toward political crisis.

Social Welfare Minister and Member of Parliament Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain stated that there is no scope to insult or belittle freedom fighters in any way. He emphasized that honoring them brings honor to oneself. The minister made these remarks on Thursday at 5 p.m. during a discussion and award ceremony held at Nawabganj Government Pilot High School field in Dinajpur, marking Independence and National Day.

The event was organized by the Upazila administration and chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Zillur Rahman. Other speakers included Bir Muktijoddha Dabirul Islam, convener of the Upazila Freedom Fighters Command, and martyr family member Sultan Mahmud. Senior police officials, local political leaders, and government officers were also present. The program was conducted by Upazila Social Services Officer Shuvra Prakash Chakraborty.

The minister further noted that history cannot be fabricated and that true history is built through actions and contributions, not through invented stories.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to come to the negotiating table without delay, warning that waiting too long could have serious consequences. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Iranian negotiators as “strange” and claimed that Iran’s military power had been destroyed with no chance of recovery. He asserted that Iran was pleading for a deal with the United States, even though publicly it continued to say it was only considering U.S. proposals.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by saying that communication between Tehran and Washington was taking place through allied countries, emphasizing that this did not amount to direct negotiations. The comments from both sides highlight ongoing tensions and the complex diplomatic channels being used to manage them.

The exchange suggests that while both nations are signaling some form of engagement, direct talks have not yet begun, leaving uncertainty about when or if formal negotiations will take place.