Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition whip, extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message sent to the media on Friday, he described Eid as a festival that strengthens social harmony and teaches peace, compassion, and brotherhood after a month of fasting and self-restraint.

He noted that this is the second Eid-ul-Fitr after the end of fascism in the country, emphasizing the sacrifices of those who fought for a free environment to celebrate. Nahid Islam urged citizens to stand by the families of martyrs and injured activists who contributed to achieving a fascist-free Bangladesh. He also expressed gratitude to expatriate Bangladeshis who continue to support the national economy despite being away from their families.

In his message, he called on Muslims to support the poor, helpless, and neglected members of society and prayed for happiness, peace, and prosperity for Bangladesh and the entire Muslim community.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman delivered a video message on Friday evening, extending Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the people of Bangladesh and expatriate Bangladeshis worldwide. In his message, he expressed gratitude to Allah for granting the opportunity to observe Ramadan and announced that Eid would be celebrated on Saturday following the sighting of the moon.

Rahman emphasized that Ramadan was not only about fasting but also about learning restraint, fostering piety, and promoting goodness. He prayed for forgiveness, mercy, and blessings for all, both living and deceased, and urged people to cultivate mutual respect, love, and responsibility. He also prayed for the removal of hatred and vengeance from society.

Concluding his message, the opposition leader sought divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and honor for Bangladesh and its citizens, wishing everyone good health and long life.

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee announced her party’s election manifesto on March 20, 2026, during a press conference at her residence in Kalighat, Kolkata. The manifesto includes ten key promises, such as a monthly allowance for women and a new scheme called ‘Banglar Yuba Sathi’ to support unemployed youth. She also pledged initiatives for farmers’ development and guaranteed access to safe drinking water for every household.

Banerjee emphasized healthcare as the manifesto’s central commitment, announcing plans to hold medical camps in every block and small town across West Bengal to ensure government healthcare for all citizens. Additional pledges include transforming Kolkata into a major commercial hub for eastern India and the world, and improving access to education, housing, and administrative services.

She stated that her campaign activities would begin after the Eid festival.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh and the global Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message delivered on Friday, March 20, 2026, he said that after a month of fasting, Eid brings joy, peace, harmony, and brotherhood to human life. The message was issued depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Ramadan teaches restraint, sacrifice, patience, and self-purification, helping individuals develop empathy and a sense of cooperation within society. He noted that the true meaning of Eid is realized when the teachings of Ramadan are reflected in personal, family, social, and national life, fostering love and fraternity beyond social and economic divisions.

He called on citizens to stand beside the underprivileged and share the joy of Eid with everyone. The Prime Minister also urged national unity and collective efforts to build a humane, peaceful, and prosperous Bangladesh, praying for divine blessings of peace, progress, and prosperity for the nation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has conveyed heartfelt greetings and Eid Mubarak to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message delivered on Friday afternoon, he expressed hope that the festival would strengthen national unity, mutual harmony, and compassion among all.

He described Eid-ul-Fitr as one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, marking the end of a month of fasting and self-restraint with messages of joy, peace, and brotherhood. The Prime Minister emphasized that Ramadan teaches self-control, sacrifice, service, and purification, fostering empathy and cooperation within society.

Rahman called on citizens to embody the teachings of Ramadan in personal, family, social, and national life, urging everyone to rise above divisions and share Eid’s joy with the underprivileged. He also prayed for peace, progress, and prosperity for the nation and the well-being of the global Muslim community.

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, met Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. The courtesy meeting took place at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and both sides confirmed the discussion through their official social media posts.

According to the report, the meeting focused on enhancing mutual cooperation and advancing shared interests. Jaishankar stated that the main theme of the discussion was reinforcing bilateral ties, while Hamidullah emphasized Bangladesh’s readiness to work with India based on mutual benefit and common interests. Diplomatic sources indicated that Hamidullah was also expected to hold a courtesy meeting with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal later in the day.

Riaz Hamidullah has been serving as Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi since May of the previous year, and this was his first minister-level meeting since assuming the post. The report also mentioned that Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman may visit India briefly next month while en route to Mauritius for an Indian Ocean Rim Association ministerial conference.

Security measures have been intensified around the historic Sholakia Eidgah Maidan in Kishoreganj ahead of the 199th Eid-ul-Fitr congregation, the largest in Bangladesh. According to a press release signed by Lieutenant Colonel Touhidul Bari, commander of the Netrokona Battalion (31 BGB), five platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to ensure safety for the large number of worshippers expected to attend.

The deployed BGB members will work in coordination with the district administration and other law enforcement agencies to establish a strict security perimeter around the Eidgah and its surrounding areas. Special monitoring will be in place at entry and exit points. Authorities have instructed attendees to use designated entrances, avoid carrying bags, sharp objects, or suspicious items, and cooperate with security checks.

BGB stated that, in addition to border protection, it continues to assist in maintaining internal law and order with professionalism. As in previous years, maximum precautions have been taken to ensure a peaceful and safe Eid congregation at Sholakia, a site known for hosting large-scale Eid prayers for nearly two centuries.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Maulana Yunus Ahmad has called on the government to take effective measures instead of making rhetorical statements about Eid travel management. In a statement issued to the media on Friday, he expressed concern over deaths and public suffering during the holiday journeys, noting that people’s eagerness to return to their villages often leads to exploitation by dishonest groups who raise fares and create artificial crises.

He criticized the new road transport minister for failing to reduce public suffering during Eid travel, citing fatal accidents and the return of excessive fare collection. The Islami Andolan leader urged the government to identify the real problems and take practical steps to address them.

Yunus Ahmad also warned that while outbound travel from Dhaka occurred gradually due to school holidays, the return journey after Eid would see heavier pressure. He urged authorities to act sincerely and take effective initiatives to manage the expected rush.

London-based magazine The Economist has described US President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel in a military campaign against Iran as a mistake and an act of poor judgment. In a post on social media platform X, the magazine warned that the reckless operation would weaken the American president and provoke an angry response, noting that Trump does not accept defeat easily.

According to the report, the war began on February 28, and the Trump administration’s stance has been unclear and inconsistent from the start. Citing earlier reporting by Middle East Eye, it said US lawmakers who were briefed on the situation expressed frustration over the lack of a clear plan to end the conflict or address control over the Strait of Hormuz. So far, 13 American soldiers have been killed, and global fuel prices have risen.

The report also mentioned the resignation of a senior national intelligence official who alleged that Trump was influenced by Israel and a pro-war “echo chamber.” The Economist warned that Trump’s political strategy depends on appearing victorious, and any perception of defeat could trigger retaliatory actions.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad has conveyed heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Bangladesh, including residents of his Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message issued on Friday, he said that after a month of fasting, the holy festival has returned with a message of joy and celebration. He emphasized that Eid teaches peace, compassion, and brotherhood, expressing hope that the festival will bring happiness and tranquility to all, regardless of social or economic status.

Ahmad further stated that the spirit of equality and harmony should inspire everyone to work together for a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. He urged citizens to unite for the welfare of the nation, guided by the values of sacrifice and solidarity. The minister also wished the people good health, long life, and a safe, joyous celebration of Eid.

The message reflects the government’s call for unity and social harmony during one of the country’s most significant religious festivals.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid said the government is working to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates who wish to remain in the Middle East despite the ongoing war. She made the statement on Friday, March 20, after handing over the body of Mosharraf Hossain, who was killed in an Iranian attack in Al Kharaj, Saudi Arabia, to his family at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

During the event, the Minister of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment provided financial assistance to the deceased’s family. Shama Obaid stated that the government’s main priority is to keep expatriates safe and that all necessary measures are being taken. She added that those wishing to return home will be brought back at government expense.

The Expatriates’ Welfare Minister also announced that families of expatriates killed in the war will receive an initial compensation of 300,000 taka, educational support for their children, and further financial aid in the future.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has alleged that Bangladesh witnessed the worst-ever mismanagement during this year’s Eid travel. In a verified Facebook post on Friday morning, he claimed that people returning home for Eid faced extreme hardship and oppression. He said the government must take responsibility for the situation, arguing that statements made by the relevant minister after assuming office laid the foundation for the current disorder.

Rahman further accused authorities of misleading the public by claiming that bus owners were charging less than usual fares during Eid, calling it a blatant falsehood. He questioned whether Bangladesh was once again falling under fascism and warned that any attempt to establish such a system would be resisted by the awakened youth and general public.

He urged those in power to act cautiously before it is too late, warning that those responsible for the disruption would ultimately bear the consequences.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that despite the Iran war entering its fourth week, he is not considering deploying American troops to the Middle East. He made the remarks on Thursday in response to a journalist’s question, emphasizing that he is not sending troops anywhere and that necessary actions will be taken as required. The statement came during a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the White House Oval Office.

According to the report, Trump’s comments come as the Iran conflict continues to escalate. The situation in the region remains tense, with reports of downed Israeli drones in Iran and European nations preparing post-ceasefire assistance in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, The Economist has criticized Trump’s stance on the Iran issue, calling his decision misguided.

The ongoing conflict and uncertainty have cast a shadow over Eid celebrations across the Middle East, reflecting the broader regional instability linked to the Iran war.

President Md. Shahabuddin and his wife Rebekah Sultana will exchange Eid-ul-Fitr greetings with people from all walks of life at Bangabhaban on Saturday. According to a senior official of the presidential residence, the President will perform Eid prayers at the National Eidgah in the High Court premises at 8:30 a.m. and will meet guests at Bangabhaban from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.

The President will extend Eid greetings to the nation through the media from the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban. Distinguished guests including senior politicians, judges, poets, writers, journalists, teachers, intellectuals, and civil and military officials are expected to attend the event. Around 8,000 people have been invited to the reception, where traditional dishes will be served to guests.

After the formal program, President Shahabuddin is scheduled to spend time with his family members at Bangabhaban.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been re-elected with 99.93 percent of the votes in the Supreme People’s Assembly election held on March 15. His ruling Workers’ Party of Korea and allied groups secured an overwhelming victory, according to state media reports. The election featured only one approved candidate per seat, giving voters the option to either accept or reject the nominee.

The 0.07 percent of votes cast against the official candidates drew notable attention, as it was seen as a rare expression of dissent. The state news agency KCNA acknowledged that no opposition candidates participated in the election. This marks the first time since 1957 that state media publicly admitted the existence of “no” votes. A total of 687 members, including workers, farmers, intellectuals, and military representatives, were elected.

Kim Jong-un has ruled North Korea since 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il. His authority was further consolidated in 2019 through constitutional amendments, granting him full control over the country’s military and government institutions.