Bangladesh National Parliament Whip and Natore-2 MP Advocate M Ruhul Kudddus Talukder Dulu said the current BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is determined to fulfill every promise made to the people. He stated that within a month of taking office, the government began distributing family cards and initiated allowances for imams, muezzins, and other religious leaders. Dulu made these remarks on March 24, 2026, at a reception for newly appointed Natore District Council Administrator Rahim Newaz.

He further announced that the government will start distributing farmer cards from the first day of the Bengali New Year, enabling marginal farmers to receive seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides free of cost. The government has also decided to waive agricultural loans up to 10,000 taka with interest and has launched the canal excavation program promised earlier. Dulu emphasized unity under Tarique Rahman’s leadership and warned that drugs, terrorism, and extortion would not be tolerated in Natore.

He added that gas connections will soon reach Natore, which will help establish new industries and reduce unemployment in the region.

Bangladesh has received a positive response from India regarding the import of fuel to address the global energy crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid confirmed that India has given a green signal for energy cooperation during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday afternoon.

She also stated that Bangladesh has not yet received consular access to Faisal Karim and Alamgir Hossain, suspects in the Sharif Osman Hadi murder case who were arrested in India, but the government expects to obtain access soon. Bringing them back to face trial remains a government priority. The minister added that discussions have been held with the Indian High Commissioner regarding the repatriation of individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, who have taken refuge in India.

Addressing another question, Shama Obaid said that all Bangladeshi missions in the Middle East are working to ensure the safety of citizens. Over 2,000 Bangladeshis currently in Iran are reported to be safe, and the government will assist those wishing to return.

Pakistan has announced its willingness to mediate between the United States and Iran to help resolve ongoing tensions. In an interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad is always ready to host talks if the concerned parties agree. He emphasized that Pakistan consistently prioritizes dialogue and diplomacy to maintain regional peace and stability.

Andrabi’s remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily suspended his threat to attack Iranian power plants for five days, claiming that Washington and Tehran were engaged in “very good” discussions. Iran, however, has officially denied holding any talks with the United States. Reports from U.S. and Israeli media suggested that Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have been acting as intermediaries, facilitating message exchanges between Tehran and Washington.

Some media outlets have hinted that representatives from both countries might meet in Islamabad in the coming days, though neither side has confirmed such a meeting.

Qatar has announced that it will not take part in any mediation efforts between Iran and the United States aimed at ending the current conflict. The statement came from Majid Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who clarified that Doha is not involved in any initiatives to stop the war. Ansari emphasized that Qatar’s priority is to halt attacks on its territory and to protect the homeland.

In previous years, particularly before the 12-day war last June, Qatar had served as one of the main mediators between Tehran and Washington. Responding to a question about whether Qatar could maintain normal relations with Iran following attacks on Arab countries, Ansari said that geography cannot be changed, suggesting that Qatar’s regional realities shape its diplomatic stance.

The announcement signals a shift from Qatar’s earlier role as a facilitator in Iran-U.S. relations, reflecting a more cautious approach amid heightened regional tensions.

A parliamentary special committee has reached consensus on an ordinance to raise the entry age limit for government jobs to 32 years. The decision was disclosed by opposition whip and Jamaat-e-Islami assistant secretary general Rafiqul Islam Khan after the committee’s meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the National Parliament building. The meeting discussed a total of 133 ordinances, several of which achieved agreement among members.

Rafiqul Islam Khan stated that during the first day of discussions, the committee reviewed 27 ordinances and reached consensus on most of them except five. He also mentioned that the committee agreed to present most of the discussed ordinances in Parliament as recommendations. Further discussions will continue on the Disappearance Prevention and Remedy (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 and the Police Commission Ordinance 2025.

The meeting also reached agreement on the proposed ordinance concerning the protection of July fighters. Rafiqul Islam Khan emphasized that constitutional issues were not discussed in this session, and the committee prioritized matters related to public interest and national needs.

A new controversy has emerged in West Bengal, India, over the voter list ahead of the upcoming elections. The Election Commission recently released an additional voter list, prompting questions among political circles and the public. Allegations have surfaced that the publication process lacks transparency, with no clear data on how many new voters were added or removed. Technical issues on the commission’s website have also prevented many from verifying their information.

Some groups have warned that holding elections before completing the voter list update could disenfranchise many voters. The Election Commission has not yet provided a detailed explanation. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing about the deployment of central forces in the state to maintain law and order during the election period, though sections of the opposition have expressed concern.

Major political parties, including the Trinamool Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Indian National Congress, are trading accusations over various issues. Analysts emphasize that transparency in voter list management and administrative measures is essential to maintain public trust and ensure the credibility of the election process.

Retired Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr has been officially appointed as the new secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The announcement was made on March 24, 2026, by Seyed Mehdi Tabatabai, deputy head of communications at the Iranian president’s office, through a post on social media platform X. The appointment was made by order of the president and approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

Zolqadr replaces Ali Larijani, who was killed last week in an Israeli-American attack. Larijani had served as the council’s head since August 2025. Zolqadr, a key figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, previously held senior roles in the judiciary, including responsibilities for strategic, social-security, and crime prevention affairs.

Before this appointment, Zolqadr served as secretary of the Supreme Advisory Council and earlier as deputy interior minister for security under former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He holds a degree in economics from the University of Tehran and is reportedly under international sanctions for his involvement in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

A legal notice has been sent to the Bangladesh government demanding the immediate purchase of a modern air defense system to protect citizens from aerial threats and safeguard national sovereignty. The notice also called for initiating research and development to build an indigenous air defense system using local technology. Supreme Court lawyer Md. Mahmudul Hasan issued the notice on Tuesday in the public interest, addressing it to senior officials including the Cabinet Secretary, Secretaries of the Defense and Finance Ministries, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, and the Commandant of Bangladesh Ordnance Factories.

The notice stated that modern warfare increasingly involves missile, aircraft, and drone attacks, posing severe risks to both military installations and civilians. It cited media reports indicating serious deficiencies in Bangladesh’s current air defense capabilities. The document warned that regional instability, the civil war in neighboring Myanmar, and geopolitical tensions could threaten Bangladesh’s sovereignty. It also noted that India has already deployed Russia’s S-400 air defense system, emphasizing the need for Bangladesh to act promptly to maintain regional balance and reduce long-term dependence on foreign technology.

The notice requested action within 15 days, warning that a writ petition would be filed in the High Court if no steps are taken.

Lebanon has announced the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador, ordering the diplomat to leave the country by next Sunday. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the ambassador persona non grata, effectively ending his mission in Beirut. A ministry spokesperson, Denis Rahme, told the Associated Press that although the ambassador will depart, a chargé d’affaires will remain in charge of the Iranian embassy to maintain basic diplomatic functions.

The decision marks a further deterioration in Lebanon-Iran relations, which have been strained since the 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. That war deepened regional divisions and placed Lebanon’s foreign policy under increasing pressure. The expulsion reflects the ongoing fallout from those tensions and Lebanon’s attempt to recalibrate its diplomatic stance.

It remains unclear how Tehran will respond to the move or whether it will affect broader regional alignments involving Iran and its allies.

Mohammad Baqer Zolghadr has been appointed as the new secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 24, by the Iranian president’s communications adviser through a post on social media platform X. Zolghadr replaces Ali Larijani, who was killed in an Israeli attack last week.

Zolghadr is described as a key figure in Iran’s security and political structure. He previously served as a senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and held the position of secretary of the Expediency Council. His appointment comes at a time of heightened regional tension following Larijani’s death.

The leadership change signals continuity within Iran’s security establishment, as Zolghadr’s background aligns closely with the country’s defense and strategic institutions.

Food, Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that the government will duly recognize and honor officials and employees who contribute to nation building. He made the statement on Tuesday at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s conference room in the Secretariat during a post-Eid greetings exchange with ministry officials.

The minister emphasized the need for modern perspectives and the application of innovation and technology to ensure progress. He noted that such changes, driven by officials, would benefit the country. Rashid also expressed hope that the joy of Eid would continue throughout the year and highlighted the cultural importance of traditional Eid celebrations, including dishes like semai, shinni, and polao. He urged everyone to preserve these traditions while fostering better values and culture for future generations.

He called for unity in fulfilling national development and humanitarian responsibilities and sought prayers for the peace and prosperity of the nation. Senior officials, including Acting Secretary Md. Imam Uddin Kabir, were present at the event.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid stated that every agreement signed between Bangladesh and the United States will be implemented while safeguarding Bangladesh’s national interests. She assured that these agreements will be discussed in detail both in the National Parliament and outside it. She made the remarks on Tuesday, March 24, during a briefing with journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Responding to a question about whether the trade agreement signed during the interim government’s tenure would be discussed in Parliament, the minister noted that the United States is a major party in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and that multiple agreements with the US have economic implications for Bangladesh. She emphasized that all such agreements would be executed in a way that protects the country’s interests.

When asked about government action regarding international recognition of March 25 as Genocide Day, Shama Obaid said that the government has already taken initiatives for the observance and will remain engaged on the issue.

A government vehicle belonging to the Gaibandha Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) allegedly took three jars of fuel from a local filling station, bypassing a long queue of waiting motorcyclists. The incident occurred on Monday evening at the Kadir & Sons pump near the Gaibandha district bus stand. Witnesses said the UNO’s car left the station with the fuel while others had been waiting for hours.

Motorcyclists and other drivers protested the incident, accusing the official of ignoring the same fuel distribution rules imposed on the public. One motorcyclist said the government was taking various measures to ease the fuel shortage, yet the UNO was not following the law herself. Another driver said he had been waiting four hours without getting fuel while the official’s car was served immediately.

When contacted, Gaibandha Sadar UNO Lailatul Hossain said the fuel was not for her but for the speedboat of the Fulchhari Upazila UNO. However, Fulchhari UNO Mostafizur Rahman stated he had not yet received any fuel and would look into the matter.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, outlining the government’s response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. He said India is taking steps to safely bring back Indian ships and sailors stranded in the blocked Hormuz Strait. Modi added that he is in talks to reopen the strait and has spoken twice with several West Asian leaders since the war began. A multi-party meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, to discuss the situation.

Modi stated that India is maintaining communication with Iran, Israel, the United States, and other Gulf nations to help stabilize the region through diplomatic dialogue. He emphasized that the government is taking all possible measures to ensure the supply of LPG and other fuels, and to maintain stability if the conflict continues. The government is also encouraging the use of PNG as an alternative to LPG.

The Prime Minister had earlier expressed concern in the Lok Sabha over the impact of the Israel-Iran conflict on India’s interests.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired a meeting focused on resolving traffic congestion and modernizing traffic management in Dhaka. The meeting took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Prime Minister’s Office within the Cabinet Division. Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony confirmed the event.

Discussions at the meeting centered on improving the capital’s traffic management system, restoring discipline on the roads, and reducing chronic congestion. The session aimed to identify actionable measures to make Dhaka’s transport system more efficient and orderly.

The meeting reflects the government’s ongoing attention to urban mobility challenges and efforts to enhance public convenience through better traffic control and infrastructure management.