Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has declared that his party will ensure the implementation of the referendum verdict with public support. Speaking to reporters after Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at Monipur Girls School field in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday, he said the referendum issue has already been raised in parliament and accepted by the Speaker for discussion. He emphasized that both the referendum and the general election reflected the people's will and urged the ruling party to respect that outcome.

Rahman criticized the government for mismanagement during the Eid travel rush, citing fare irregularities and hardships faced by low-income travelers. He described the situation as inhumane and a national embarrassment, urging authorities to make future Eid journeys more comfortable. He also extended Eid greetings to the nation and expressed solidarity with people suffering from conflicts in Gaza, Palestine, Iran, Kashmir, and other regions.

Senior Jamaat leaders, including Mohammad Selim Uddin and Abdur Rahman Musa, were present at the event, along with local residents and party activists.

NCP convenor and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam extended Eid greetings to the nation after offering Eid prayers at Beribadh Jame Mosque in Dhaka on Saturday morning. Speaking to journalists, he said that the caretaker government and related matters had occurred outside the constitution, but were later legitimized under constitutional provisions. He described the process as a matter of political will and goodwill.

Nahid Islam emphasized that Eid is a day for unity and positivity, stating that political discussions should be avoided during the festival. He added that after Eid, the parliament would hold discussions on the referendum and constitutional issues, and his party would present its programs there.

The event took place amid a festive atmosphere in the capital, where political and community leaders exchanged greetings following Eid prayers.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, attended Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Manipur Girls High School field in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. After performing the prayer, he called on citizens to unite beyond hatred and enmity to build a new Bangladesh. He emphasized that life should be shaped for both worldly and spiritual success to attain divine satisfaction.

Following the prayer, Dr. Rahman exchanged Eid greetings with local residents and well-wishers. Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdur Rahman Musa, and other city and local leaders were also present at the congregation.

Later in the day, Dr. Rahman was scheduled to receive diplomats at his official residence on 29 Minto Road between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and to exchange Eid greetings with political leaders and people from various professions from 3 p.m. onward.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid-ul-Fitr greetings with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during a telephone conversation, according to a statement posted on Sharif’s X handle on Friday. The discussion between the two leaders was described as warm and cordial, with Sharif conveying Eid greetings to Rahman and the people of Bangladesh.

During the call, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh. He recalled the historical, fraternal, and familial ties between the two nations and emphasized Pakistan’s determination to enhance collaboration in all areas.

The exchange highlighted the continuing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, focusing on goodwill and mutual respect during the Eid celebrations.

The main congregation of Eid-ul-Fitr was held in a festive atmosphere at the National Eidgah ground adjacent to the High Court in Dhaka on Saturday morning. The prayer began at 8:30 a.m. and was attended by people from various walks of life, including the President, Prime Minister, and other important state figures. After the prayer, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged Eid greetings with attendees and shook hands with many.

The congregation was led by Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Following the two-rakat wajib prayer, a special sermon was delivered, and a collective prayer was offered for the welfare of the country, the nation, and the peace and prosperity of the global Muslim community. After the prayer, worshippers embraced each other to share the joy of Eid.

Later, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the graves of his parents and sought prayers from the nation on this special day.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to exchange Eid greetings with diplomats, academics, and people from all walks of life at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The event is set to begin at 10 a.m., marking a traditional celebration where citizens meet the head of government on Eid day.

From early morning, large crowds began moving toward the Jamuna premises to meet the prime minister. Entry for the general public opened at 8:30 a.m., leading to a rapid increase in attendance. People from various professions and political affiliations gathered in groups, creating a festive atmosphere that extended as far as the Intercontinental Hotel area. Law enforcement personnel were visibly active across the zone to maintain order and security.

The report also notes that Prime Minister Rahman visited his parents’ graves earlier in the day and sought prayers from the nation on this special occasion.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP performed Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Manipur Girls High School ground in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday morning. The congregation began at 8 a.m., where he delivered a brief message wishing peace and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh and the global Muslim community. After the prayers, he exchanged Eid greetings with residents from all walks of life in the area.

Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Nayebe Ameer Abdur Rahman Musa, and other metropolitan and local leaders were present at the event. Later in the day, Dr. Rahman was scheduled to receive diplomats from various missions at his official residence on 29 Minto Road between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., followed by meetings with political leaders and representatives from different professions from 3 p.m. onward.

The program reflected the opposition leader’s engagement in Eid festivities across both community and diplomatic circles in the capital.

President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman performed the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers together at the National Eidgah ground in Dhaka on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The main congregation began at 8:30 a.m., marking a significant moment in the country’s political and religious history as both leaders attended the same prayer session.

Worshippers began arriving at the Eidgah from early morning, braving cloudy skies and light rain. The venue was filled to capacity well before the prayers started. Strict security measures were in place, with members of law enforcement, including police and RAB, conducting thorough checks at three entry points before allowing worshippers to enter.

The joint participation of the president and prime minister in the same congregation was viewed as a notable event, symbolizing unity during the nation’s major religious celebration.

Iran’s Supreme Religious Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has proposed Iran’s mediation to improve relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In a national address on March 20, 2026, he emphasized that national unity would force adversaries to retreat and highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance from a regional perspective. Khamenei said Iran was ready to facilitate dialogue between the two neighboring countries to promote stability and cooperation in the region.

He accused Iran’s opponents of trying to damage its relations with neighboring states, particularly Pakistan, and described Pakistan as a vital partner for Iran. Khamenei also identified the United States and Israel as Iran’s external enemies, asserting that the unity of the Iranian people would defeat their ambitions. He praised the Iranian public’s resilience during fasting and struggle, claiming it had already weakened adversaries.

Khamenei concluded that internal unity within Iranian society plays a decisive role in resisting external pressure and will continue to guide Iran’s response to regional and international challenges.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has called for replacing Bangladesh’s current constitution, describing it as an Indian and Mujibist constitution that he labeled fascist. Speaking at an iftar gathering organized by the NCP’s Sadar upazila branch at Chandpur Press Club Community Center on March 18, he claimed that many people were martyred in July because of this constitution and argued that it has failed to protect citizens.

Patwari said that real change in Bangladesh must begin with constitutional reform, asserting that the existing framework enables authoritarianism. He warned that if the constitution is not changed, the party might launch a movement to reject it. He also criticized the Awami League, accusing it of attempting to rehabilitate itself politically, and urged people who support the party to go to India.

The event was attended by NCP joint coordinator Md. Mahbub Alam, Chandpur district Jamaat secretary Shahjahan Mia, Chandpur Press Club president Sohel Rushdi, general secretary M.A. Latif, and NCP Chandpur Sadar coordinator Tamim Khan.

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara said his government is working to keep the country away from the ongoing Middle East war. Speaking after Eid al-Fitr prayers at the presidential palace in Damascus on Friday, he emphasized that Syria is taking every step with extreme caution to avoid involvement in any conflict.

Al-Shara noted that Syria had long been a center of conflict and instability for over 15 years but is now maintaining good relations with neighboring countries both regionally and internationally. He described the current situation as one of the most significant and rare historical events since World War II.

The president added that Syria’s careful approach aims to ensure the nation can continue on a path of development and reconstruction while avoiding entanglement in regional hostilities.

US President Donald Trump has expressed anger toward NATO allies, hinting at possible diplomatic retaliation. According to Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett reporting from Washington, Trump’s recent Truth Social post revealed his frustration over a lack of cooperation from allied nations regarding the Hormuz Strait issue. He accused several countries of failing to take action or show sufficient interest in addressing the situation.

Analysts cited in the report said Trump’s remarks reflect not only disappointment but also a sign of rising tension. In his comments, Trump downplayed NATO’s importance, labeled allied nations as “cowardly,” and warned that the United States would remember their inaction. The tone of his statement suggests that future diplomatic measures against these allies could be under consideration.

The report indicates that Trump’s stance may further strain relations within the NATO alliance, particularly concerning joint responses to international security challenges.

State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan visited Dhaka’s Sadarghat Launch Terminal on Friday to monitor the final phase of Eid travel. He noted that passenger pressure had eased but warned that the return journey would pose a major challenge. Preparations have already been strengthened to ensure a smooth and safe return for travelers.

During the inspection, the minister spoke with passengers and closely observed the overall condition of passenger transport inside several launches. To prevent overloading, he instructed that vessels depart only with passengers within their approved capacity. He thanked officials, workers, and law enforcement personnel for their continuous efforts in managing the terminal and maintaining order.

Rajib Ahsan also urged all agencies involved in terminal operations to work in coordination to ensure that Eid travel remains smooth, safe, and disciplined. He expressed appreciation to journalists for their role in disseminating information and raising public awareness about waterway transport management.

India has appointed Vikram Doraiswami, currently serving as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, as its new ambassador to China. He will replace Pradeep Kumar Rawat and is expected to assume his duties in Beijing soon. Doraiswami, a 1992 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, previously served as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure and has also held ambassadorial roles in South Korea and Uzbekistan.

Doraiswami’s diplomatic experience includes earlier service in Beijing from 1996 to 2000, during which he studied the Chinese language at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He has also held senior positions in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, notably leading the Indo-Pacific division. Before joining the foreign service, he briefly worked as a journalist and earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Delhi.

The appointment comes as part of India’s efforts to rebuild relations with China following the 2020 border conflict, with both sides still maintaining troop deployments along the frontier.

A Dhaka court has cleared former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 123 others from charges in a case filed over the alleged killing of a teenager named Jihad during an anti-discrimination student movement in Keraniganj. The order was issued after reviewing the final investigation report submitted by Sub-Inspector Badiar Rahman of Keraniganj Model Police Station. The court’s decision followed confirmation that the victim was alive and that the case had been based on incorrect information.

According to court officials, the investigation concluded on August 11 of the previous year, and the report was submitted to the court, which later issued the discharge order on November 30. The investigation found that Jihad had been injured in Hazaribagh, not killed in Keraniganj, and that the case had been falsely framed as a murder.

Among those discharged were Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Sheikh Helal, former mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, and former Inspector General of Police Abdullah Al Mamun.