National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain has accused the BNP government of deliberately delaying the implementation of the July Charter and the referendum verdict. He made the remarks on Thursday, March 26, 2026, while paying tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar.

Akhtar Hossain said that after the July uprising, a referendum was held to approve national reforms, and most voters supported the changes. He criticized the government for not acting on the people’s mandate, calling it a betrayal of the July movement’s spirit. He also linked the struggle for democracy to the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War, emphasizing that the current constitutional framework cannot ensure full democracy.

The NCP has been advocating for a new constitution through a reform council formed by consensus among political parties. Akhtar warned that the government’s delay in implementing the July Charter and referendum decision amounts to deceiving the people and violating their democratic aspirations.

Pakistan has conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. The message was sent on Thursday by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking the celebration of the historic day.

In its statement, the ministry said that the government and people of Pakistan extended their heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Bangladesh. The message also expressed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. Additionally, Pakistan wished Bangladesh continued peace, progress, and prosperity.

The greeting reflects a diplomatic gesture aimed at maintaining cordial ties between the two South Asian nations as Bangladesh commemorates its national day.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. The tribute took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Zia Udyan in Dhaka, where Tarique Rahman led senior BNP leaders in offering floral respects. Prayers and special supplications were also held for the two leaders.

Earlier that morning, at 6 a.m., the Prime Minister visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to honor the nation’s war heroes. After completing the ceremony there, he returned to Dhaka and by 7 a.m. paid homage at the graves of Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, and Khaleda Zia. The events were part of the day’s official observances marking the country’s independence.

The commemorations underscored the symbolic importance of the Independence Day in Bangladesh’s political and historical landscape, reflecting respect for national leaders associated with the country’s founding and governance.

On March 26, 2026, Jamaat-e-Islami organized a rally and assembly in Chattogram city and Chandgaon Thana on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence Day. The procession moved through various city roads and concluded at Bahaddarhat intersection, where a brief assembly took place.

During the event, Jamaat leader and parliamentary candidate Dr. Abu Naser stated that the Election Commission had delivered a referendum verdict through two ballots, and it was now the elected government’s duty to implement it. He emphasized that the people were united in implementing the July Charter and that full independence would remain incomplete without its realization. Assistant city Jamaat leader Mohammad Ullah urged the government to take immediate steps to enforce the referendum’s outcome, warning that failure to do so would prompt public action.

Speakers at the assembly cautioned that if the issue was not resolved within parliament, they would mobilize people to the streets to ensure the referendum’s implementation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh extended greetings to members of the armed forces following a grand parade marking the country's Independence and National Day at the National Parade Square in Dhaka on March 26, 2026. The event, held after an 18-year interval, showcased patriotism, discipline, and military capability, drawing admiration from the prime minister.

During his departure from the parade ground, Prime Minister Rahman exchanged greetings with the attending armed forces personnel. Among those present were his defense adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.

President Md. Shahabuddin attended the ceremony as the chief guest and received the salute, underscoring the national significance of the occasion.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah said that even after 55 years of independence, the people of Bangladesh have not yet experienced true freedom. He made the remarks on Thursday, March 26, during a rally and brief assembly organized by Islami Chhatra Shibir Dhaka Metropolitan at Baitul Mukarram Mosque’s north gate, marking Independence and National Day. The rally passed through Paltan, Press Club, and Matsya Bhaban intersections before ending at Shahbagh.

Sibgatullah criticized the ruling authorities for suppressing the spirit of independence and ignoring the people’s mandate from the February 12, 2026 election, in which about 69 percent supported the “July Charter” reforms. He alleged that the government was bypassing key ordinances and planning to repeal the referendum ordinance. He urged the authorities not to act against the people’s will and called for the protection of human rights and prevention of enforced disappearances.

He also expressed concern over the education system, human rights violations, and extortion in businesses, urging the government to take effective measures. The peaceful rally concluded with prayers for the martyrs of the Liberation War and the nation’s well-being.

Bangladesh celebrated the 55th anniversary of its independence with a colorful parade at the National Parade Ground of the old Tejgaon Airport on Thursday, March 26, 2026. President Md. Shahabuddin attended the event and received the salute, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, chiefs of the three armed forces, cabinet members, senior government officials, foreign ambassadors, and other guests were also present.

The parade was organized under the supervision of the Armed Forces Division, guided by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, and managed by the 9th Infantry Division. This marks the return of the Independence Day parade after an 18-year gap, as the event had been discontinued since 2008 during the interim government period following the fall of the Awami League administration.

Preparations for the parade began at the start of Ramadan, culminating in a final rehearsal on Tuesday. Thousands of spectators gathered at the Tejgaon venue to witness the grand celebration.

Iran has initiated the process of drafting a new law to collect tolls from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from state-run Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency. The chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s Civil Affairs Committee stated that a draft law has already been prepared and will soon be finalized by the legislative team.

He explained that under this plan, Iran would charge fees to ensure the security of vessels navigating the strait, describing it as a normal practice similar to tariffs imposed on other trade corridors. The official emphasized that since Iran guarantees the safety of ships and oil tankers in the area, collecting tolls is justified.

The report also noted that among Iran’s five conditions for ending the ongoing conflict, one includes international recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam stated that his party aims to build Bangladesh based on equality and human dignity, reflecting the aspirations of 1971 and the 2024 mass uprising. He made the remarks on Thursday morning at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar while paying tribute to the heroes of the Liberation War.

Nahid Islam said that many of the dreams of independence remain unfulfilled, which is why the new generation has again had to sacrifice blood and life. He expressed hope that such sacrifices would not be necessary in the future. Emphasizing the importance of equality and dignity, he reaffirmed his commitment to shaping the future of Bangladesh on these principles.

Marking the country’s Independence and National Day, he paid respect to those who fought for freedom, including the martyrs and the women who made sacrifices during the Liberation War.

Following the failure of political negotiations, the Pakistan Army launched a brutal crackdown in Dhaka on the night of 25 March 1971 under Operation Searchlight, sparking widespread resistance across East Pakistan. As Bengali soldiers began organizing in early April, retired Colonel Mohammad Ataul Gani Osmani, known as 'Papa Tiger', was chosen to lead the emerging Mukti Bahini. Osmani, who had retired from the Pakistan Army in 1967, had previously joined politics and was elected to the National Assembly as an Awami League candidate in 1970.

During the non-cooperation movement, Osmani played a key role in mobilizing retired Bengali officers and secretly contacting serving ones to prepare for possible armed resistance. On 4 April 1971, at a secret meeting in Teliapara, senior officers including Majors Ziaur Rahman, K.M. Shafiullah, and Khaled Mosharraf unanimously selected Osmani as Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Forces. The meeting also decided to divide Bangladesh into four military zones, later expanded to eleven.

On 10 April, the Mujibnagar Government formally appointed Osmani as Commander-in-Chief. Historians cited his seniority, wartime experience, and political legitimacy as key reasons for his selection. Under his leadership, the Mukti Bahini was organized into regular and irregular forces that fought until Bangladesh’s independence.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the parade marking the Great Independence and National Day on Thursday, March 26, 2026. He arrived at the National Parade Ground shortly after 10 a.m. and watched the parade from the gallery alongside his daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman. Upon their arrival, they were received by the Minister and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and the chiefs of the three armed forces.

The event was attended by cabinet members, senior government officials, ambassadors from various countries, and both local and foreign guests. Following the national anthem, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Md. Shahabuddin, was given a guard of honor. He then inspected the parade in an open jeep accompanied by Parade Commander Major General S.M. Asadul Haque before returning to the saluting dais to receive the Independence Day parade salute.

The ceremony highlighted national pride and military discipline as part of the annual Independence and National Day celebrations.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon left Dhaka on Wednesday night for Turkey to attend the International Strategic Communication Summit (Stratcom) 2026, held at the Conrad Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul on March 27 and 28. The visit is taking place at the invitation of the Turkish government.

According to the itinerary, the minister was scheduled to arrive in Istanbul via Jeddah on March 26 and attend a reception hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Turkey in celebration of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. On March 27 at 11:20 a.m., he will speak as a panelist in the first session titled “A New Framework for the Global Order: A Strategic Communication Perspective,” alongside ministers from Northern Cyprus, Syria, and Kazakhstan. The session will be moderated by TRT World’s senior presenter Alican Ayanlar.

During the visit, the minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with representatives from various countries. He is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on the morning of March 30 after the conclusion of the summit.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that Bangladesh will become a democratic, happy, and prosperous nation under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. He made the remarks on Thursday morning after paying tribute at the graves of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Fakhrul expressed that people across the country have strong faith and optimism in Tarique Rahman’s leadership and conveyed greetings to the nation on behalf of the party.

Speaking on the occasion of Independence Day, Fakhrul stated that democracy had been destroyed and freedom endangered for about 15–16 years. During that period, he claimed, around 6 million people faced legal cases, 20,000 party activists were killed, and about 1,700 were victims of enforced disappearance. He said that despite repression, people continued their struggle, leading to a new opportunity for democratic restoration through the student and public uprising in July.

Highlighting initiatives under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, Fakhrul mentioned programs such as the Family Card, allowances for imams and religious leaders, canal excavation, loans for marginal farmers, and the Farmers Card for Pahela Baishakh.

Iran has appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new head of its Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) following the death of Ali Larijani in an Israeli airstrike. The appointment was made on Tuesday, placing Zolghadr in one of the country’s most sensitive political and security positions amid heightened regional tensions and internal challenges.

Zolghadr, a former top commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), previously served as secretary of the policy advisory council since 2023. As a first-generation IRGC member who fought in the Iran-Iraq war, he held senior leadership roles for over a decade. His selection is seen as an effort to fill the vacuum left by Larijani, a veteran political and security figure. The SNSC post is closely linked to the office of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, requiring both strategic and security expertise.

Iran’s hardliners view Zolghadr as better suited than Larijani to handle the current wartime pressures. With continued U.S. and Israeli attacks and growing domestic instability, Zolghadr faces the dual challenge of maintaining internal security and managing any potential negotiations aimed at ending the conflict with the United States.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed hope for building a nonviolent, corruption-free and humane Bangladesh on the occasion of the country’s Independence and National Day. He made the remarks on Thursday morning after paying tribute and offering prayers at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar.

Dr. Rahman said they came to fulfill a moral duty and to honor the nation’s heroic martyrs. He prayed for the protection of Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty, and for peace and blessings upon the country. He extended greetings to the entire nation on the occasion of Independence and National Day.

Earlier at 6 a.m., Dr. Rahman and senior Jamaat leaders offered prayers for the souls of the martyrs and for the country’s peace, prosperity and welfare. Several party leaders, including A.T.M. Azharul Islam, Mia Golam Porwar, and others, accompanied him during the tribute ceremony.