U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that Iranian leaders are engaged in talks with Washington aimed at ending conflict in the Middle East. Speaking on Wednesday at a Republican Congressional Committee fundraising event in Washington, Trump said that despite public statements rejecting the U.S. peace plan, Iran’s leadership is in communication with his administration.

Trump disputed Iranian leaders’ denials, asserting that they are eager to reach an agreement but are afraid to admit it. He claimed that Iranian officials fear retaliation from their own people or possible harm from the United States if they acknowledge the discussions. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

The comments come amid ongoing regional tensions and concerns that prolonged conflict could intensify energy shortages and instability across Asia, according to the same report.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official car displayed the national flag for the first time since he assumed office. The flag was seen on his vehicle early Thursday, March 26, 2026, as he traveled to and from the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to lay wreaths marking Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. He also arrived at the Independence Day Parade 2026 in a flag-bearing car.

At the memorial, both the President and the Prime Minister paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War by laying wreaths and observing a moment of silence. A smart contingent from the army, navy, and air force presented a state salute as the bugle sounded. Senior government officials, military chiefs, war-wounded freedom fighters, families of martyrs, diplomats, and political leaders attended the ceremony.

Later, as BNP chairperson, Tarique Rahman, accompanied by senior party leaders, placed wreaths on behalf of the party and the cabinet, followed by prayers for the martyrs and the nation’s welfare. He also greeted war veterans, families of martyrs, and guests, and signed the visitors’ book at the memorial.

In Sylhet’s Osmaninagar, a quiet but intense political rivalry has emerged between two influential BNP figures—Humayun Kabir, foreign affairs advisor to Tarique Rahman with ministerial rank, and Tahsina Rushdir Luna, the elected MP for Sylhet-2. Despite Kabir’s international experience, he has struggled to consolidate local influence, while Luna has strengthened her grassroots leadership. Following the BNP’s landslide victory on February 12, 2026, both leaders gained prominence, but their competing factions now dominate local political and administrative dynamics.

Administrative committees and official events have reportedly favored the MP’s faction, sidelining Kabir’s supporters. Disputes have surfaced over protocol violations, event management, and access to government platforms. Local leaders have expressed concern that unequal administrative treatment could hinder coordination and development. Recent incidents, including a disrupted relief event and social media disputes, have further exposed tensions between the two camps.

BNP district leaders have urged both sides to work together for the area’s development, warning that favoritism by local administration could obstruct unity and progress.

The Cabinet Division has issued a new notification redistributing responsibilities between a minister and a state minister. According to the order released on Wednesday night, Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid’s portfolio has been reduced. He will now oversee only the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Ministry of Agriculture, while his previous responsibility for the Ministry of Food has been withdrawn.

In the same notification, State Minister Md Abdul Bari, who was previously in charge of the Ministry of Public Administration, has been given additional responsibility for the Ministry of Food. The redistribution was made under the Prime Minister’s authority in accordance with the Rules of Business.

The announcement marks another adjustment in ministerial duties, reflecting an ongoing process of administrative reorganization within the government.

BNP’s former joint secretary general and Chattogram-4 Member of Parliament Professor Aslam Chowdhury stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has initiated programs to strengthen the country’s economy, sovereignty, and living standards. He said that pre-election promises are being implemented gradually, and the plan for youth employment and national economic self-reliance will become visible within the next six months. He made these remarks early Wednesday night at a brief discussion after placing a wreath at the central Shaheed Minar of Sitakunda Upazila Parishad in Chattogram on Independence Day.

Aslam Chowdhury recalled that on this day in 1971, late President Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence, leading the nation toward sovereignty. He said that although a one-party system was introduced after independence, democracy was later restored under Ziaur Rahman’s leadership. He added that under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership, the 1990 mass uprising brought back democracy and political stability.

He further stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has united the people to uphold democracy and that the BNP remains committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence among all religious communities in Bangladesh.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that Bangladesh has sent a formal diplomatic request to India through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to return the suspects involved in the Osman Hadi murder case. He said the transfer process is ongoing under the existing prisoner exchange agreement between the two countries. The minister made the remarks on Thursday after paying tribute to martyred police officers at the Rajarbagh Police Memorial in Dhaka on the occasion of Independence and National Day.

During his address, the minister reflected on the historical significance of Rajarbagh Police Lines, noting that the first massacre of March 25, 1971, began there and that it marked the beginning of Bangladesh’s independence movement. He also mentioned that Major Ziaur Rahman declared rebellion in Chittagong following the incident and later announced the country’s independence from Kalurghat Radio Station on March 27.

The minister further stated that discussions are ongoing with several developed nations, including Switzerland, to enhance the technical capacity and modernization of the police force through training and cooperation.

The Independence and National Day parade began on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the National Parade Ground located at the old Tejgaon Airport in Dhaka. President Md. Shahabuddin attended the event and received the salute. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was also present, along with the chiefs of the three armed forces, cabinet members, senior government officials, foreign ambassadors, and other local and international guests.

The parade was organized under the supervision of the Armed Forces Division, guided by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, and managed by the Ninth Infantry Division. The event marks the return of the Independence Day parade after a break during the interim government period following the ouster of the Awami League in the 2024 movement. Preparations for the parade began at the start of Ramadan and concluded with a final rehearsal on Tuesday.

Thousands of spectators, including children and youth, gathered at the venue, many waving national flags. Seating arrangements with plastic chairs were made for the audience.

Chattogram holds a unique place in Bangladesh’s independence history, closely tied to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. In 1971, defying Pakistani military orders, Major Zia declared rebellion and later announced independence over radio from Kalurghat. His leadership and bravery during the Liberation War remain a lasting part of national memory. The Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram preserves artifacts, photographs, and documents reflecting his life and contributions.

The museum, established in 1993 in the former British-era Circuit House built in 1913, showcases twelve galleries containing personal items and war memorabilia. Despite years of neglect under the current government, it remains a vital historical site. Chattogram also witnessed Zia’s final chapter, as he was killed at the Circuit House during a failed coup on 30 May 1981. His first burial took place in Rangunia before being moved to Dhaka’s Chandrima Udyan.

From the “We Revolt” declaration at Sholoshahar to the Kalurghat broadcast, Chattogram stands as a living testament to Ziaur Rahman’s courage, leadership, and role in Bangladesh’s independence.

Law Minister Md. Anisul Huq announced that the parliamentary special committee has finalized decisions on 120 of the 133 ordinances issued during the interim government period. He made the statement on Wednesday after the committee’s adjourned meeting held at the Cabinet Room of the Parliament complex.

The minister said the review process prioritized the Constitution and the July Charter, with all members reaching consensus on four ordinances related to the July Charter. He added that discussions on the remaining ordinances will take place on March 29, after which the committee will submit its final report.

According to the minister, the government has not taken any steps beyond the July Charter, describing it as a sensitive and respected matter. Both the Constitution and the July Charter are being given equal importance in the review process.

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman paid tribute at the National Memorial to mark Bangladesh’s Independence Day. After placing wreaths in honor of the martyrs, he urged all citizens to work together to ensure that the true benefits of independence are realized, emphasizing collective effort for the nation’s development and progress.

Dr. Rahman led a delegation of opposition leaders who offered prayers and floral tributes to the martyrs. During the event, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam also expressed respect for those who fought and sacrificed for independence, including the freedom fighters and Birangonas. He noted that the aspirations of independence remain unfulfilled, highlighting the continued struggle of the younger generation.

Nahid Islam added that their goal is to build a Bangladesh based on equality and human dignity, inspired by the spirit of 1971 and the aspirations of July 2024.

A BNP leader in Borhanuddin upazila of Bhola has been accused of storing government-allocated rice for low-income and poor residents in his own brick kiln instead of distributing it. The accused, Morshed Jahan Chowdhury, is the general secretary of Kutuba Union BNP and a former union parishad chairman. A video showing the rice stored in the kiln went viral on social media, prompting local residents to seize the rice on March 20 and inform the upazila executive officer.

Following the incident, the Borhanuddin upazila BNP temporarily suspended Morshed Jahan Chowdhury from his party position for alleged irregularities and breach of party discipline. He has been asked to submit a written explanation within three days to the upazila BNP convenor and member secretary. In response, Chowdhury claimed that the rice was moved to the nearby kiln due to space constraints at the union parishad and alleged that a vested group was spreading misinformation.

Upazila BNP leaders stated that all of Chowdhury’s party activities have been suspended until further notice pending a final decision.

On March 23, 1971, which had traditionally been observed as Pakistan Day, the day was transformed into Resistance Day following the call of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during the ongoing non-cooperation movement. From dawn, students and citizens marched to Azimpur graveyard to honor martyrs, while across Dhaka and other regions, the Pakistani flag was replaced with the flag of independent Bangladesh. Only a few key installations, including the President’s House and cantonments, raised the Pakistani flag under tight security.

At the Outer Stadium, the Joy Bangla Bahini held a parade and mock military drill, followed by the formal hoisting of the Bangladesh flag at Paltan Maidan before a massive crowd. Later, Bangabandhu raised the national flag at his Dhanmondi residence, addressing the gathered people and reaffirming that there would be no compromise on Bengal’s demands. Meanwhile, scheduled talks between Bangabandhu and President Yahya Khan did not occur, though their advisers met twice that day.

Television broadcasts replaced Pakistan’s national anthem with “Amar Sonar Bangla,” and newspapers published special pages on autonomy, inspiring millions toward independence. Various political and student groups across East Bengal observed the day as the moment of final resolve for freedom.

Switzerland has assured Bangladesh of cooperation in recovering money laundered abroad and in implementing police reforms. The commitment came during a meeting between Swiss Ambassador Reto Renggli and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at the ministry office in Dhaka on Wednesday. The discussion covered law and order, counterterrorism, parliamentary democracy, financial reforms, anti-money laundering efforts, digital fraud prevention, and mutual legal assistance.

The ambassador expressed Switzerland’s readiness to provide technical and strategic support for enhancing police capacity and reform initiatives. He emphasized the importance of effective parliamentary functioning and peaceful political dialogue. The minister highlighted the government’s priority on improving law and order and criticized past misuse of police power. He also shared insights from the Global Fraud Summit 2026 in Vienna, noting that digital scams account for about 40 percent of global fraud.

Both sides agreed on the need for stronger international cooperation to combat digital crimes and ensure financial stability. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Home Ministry and the Swiss Embassy, followed by a separate meeting between the minister and a UNODC regional director.

Senior officials from the Trump administration are preparing for a meeting in Pakistan later this week to discuss ways to end the ongoing war with Iran, according to two senior officials who spoke to CNN. The current plan includes Vice President JD Vance and possibly other top administration figures traveling to Pakistan, though the timing, location, and participants may still change due to security concerns.

Sources indicated that Turkey is also being considered as an alternative venue for the talks. Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator in the current U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts and has already conveyed Washington’s 15-point proposal to Tehran, which covers issues such as Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Turkey is also playing a role in the process.

Discussions about the trip are continuing at the White House, and President Donald Trump confirmed that Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff are leading the negotiations with Iran, though it remains uncertain who among them will travel abroad for the talks.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told the Supreme People’s Assembly on Tuesday that the ongoing war between Iran and the United States proves his country was right to retain its nuclear weapons. He said the current situation shows that rejecting US pressure and promises to abandon nuclear arms was the correct decision. Kim accused Washington of state-sponsored terrorism and aggression, declaring North Korea’s status as a nuclear power to be irreversible.

The remarks came after former US President Donald Trump described Iran as an imminent threat, despite earlier claiming to have destroyed its nuclear capability. For North Korea’s leadership, the Iran conflict reinforces the belief that nations without nuclear weapons are more vulnerable to US military power, while those possessing them can deter attacks.

Kim’s comments coincide with renewed diplomatic signals from Trump, who has hinted at restarting talks with Pyongyang. However, Kim indicated that any future meeting would differ from past summits, insisting that the US must first recognize North Korea as a nuclear state and abandon its hostile policies.