Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that the ongoing war is being fought under an 'eye for an eye' principle and that the situation has reached a new level. In a post on social media platform X, he claimed that the United States and Israel targeted Iran’s energy infrastructure in their attacks but were attempting to conceal their own defeat through these actions.

Ghalibaf further said that the 'eye for an eye' equation is now in effect and that the conflict has entered a new phase. In another post, he asserted that a new 'revolution' has begun in Iran in response to the US-Israel attacks, spreading from one region to another. He added that Iran had been dormant but has now awakened, warning that a storm is rising.

The remarks highlight Iran’s increasingly defiant tone amid ongoing hostilities, signaling a potential intensification of regional tensions.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that those responsible for the killing of national security chief Ali Larijani will pay a heavy price. In a statement released Wednesday through Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, Khamenei described Larijani as an intelligent and committed figure and a prominent personality within the country’s political structure.

Khamenei said the assassination of such a figure demonstrates both Larijani’s importance and the hatred he inspired among the enemies of Islam. He declared that every drop of blood shed will be avenged, and that the killers of these martyrs will soon face consequences.

According to the report, Larijani and his son were killed Monday night in Tehran in an Israeli attack. In a separate strike the same day, Gholamreza Soleiman, head of Iran’s paramilitary Basij force, was also killed. The statement underscores rising tensions following the attacks.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman extended Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the nation in a statement released on Wednesday. He said the festival arrives as the country celebrates its first national election in a fascism-free environment and the formation of a new government. He expressed hope that citizens would now live without fear or discrimination and that corruption, extortion, and injustice would end.

Dr. Rahman emphasized that all political parties had signed the July National Charter 2025, which received nearly 70% approval in a national referendum. He expressed concern over what he described as the government’s reluctance to implement the charter, warning that the public would not tolerate any delay. He called for cooperation between the government and opposition to fulfill the people’s aspirations through swift implementation.

He also prayed for those who sacrificed for a fascism-free nation and urged citizens to build a compassionate, united society beyond divisions during the Eid celebrations.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that the party’s council will be held within this year, though no specific date has been set yet. He made the statement during an exchange with journalists at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Wednesday night. The last BNP council took place in 2016.

During the discussion, Fakhrul addressed questions about the relationship between the new government and the party, stating that both are functioning separately and that party activities are ongoing. He highlighted the government’s early achievements under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, including the launch of a family card pilot project, debt relief for farmers, and stipends for religious leaders. He also mentioned that the parliament has begun its work, forming committees and presenting ordinances.

Fakhrul identified economic recovery as a major challenge and said the government has started implementing measures to strengthen small businesses and restore financial stability. He added that local government elections will also be held within this year, though the exact timing has not yet been determined.

At an iftar gathering organized by the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Chandpur on Wednesday evening, chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari declared that Bangladesh cannot operate under the 1972 constitution, which he described as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s and similar to India’s. He argued that the constitution enabled what he called a fascist government under Sheikh Hasina and failed to protect citizens during political violence. Patwari stated that the NCP does not support this constitution and called for its replacement.

He further claimed that changing the constitution would prevent future authoritarian rule. Patwari accused the Awami League of attempting to rehabilitate itself politically and urged people to resist such efforts. He also warned against illegal contracting activities, urging locals to monitor and report unlicensed contractors to authorities. According to him, irregularities and influence in public works that occurred during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure were still continuing.

Leaders from the 11-party alliance, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and various political groups attended the event, along with NCP’s Chandpur district leaders.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the new BNP-led government, one month after assuming office, has begun to make its electoral pledges visible. Speaking to journalists at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing all issues agreed upon in the July Charter.

Mirza Fakhrul stated that despite global challenges such as the Iran-Israel conflict, Bangladesh has not faced any fuel shortages or price hikes due to the government’s competence. He added that preparations for local government elections are progressing quickly, with plans to complete them within the year. The minister also assessed the government’s first month as successful across all sectors.

He emphasized that the government’s main challenge now is to rebuild and strengthen the national economy. Fakhrul reiterated that the administration remains dedicated to fulfilling the July Charter commitments agreed upon by the BNP.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has confirmed the death of the country’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. In a post on social media platform X, Pezeshkian expressed grief over what he described as the cowardly killing of Khatib, senior security official Ali Larijani, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and several of their family members and associates.

The deaths of Larijani and Nasirzadeh had been confirmed earlier by Iranian authorities. Prior to Pezeshkian’s statement, Israel had claimed responsibility for killing Khatib during an overnight operation. The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel, following a series of targeted attacks on Iranian officials.

The confirmation from the Iranian president underscores the gravity of the situation and may lead to further political and security repercussions within the region, though no immediate response from Tehran was detailed in the report.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken full responsibility for the medical treatment of a one-and-a-half-year-old girl who miraculously survived a deadly road accident in Sherpur, Bogura. The accident claimed the lives of four members of the same family. The injured child is being transferred to the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Agargaon, Dhaka, for advanced treatment. The Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Rumman, confirmed the decision.

According to Rumman, the Prime Minister has spoken with the Bogura Deputy Commissioner and the Director of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital to ensure the best possible care for the injured. He also communicated with the director of the Neurosciences Hospital in Dhaka, instructing them to provide the highest level of treatment and confirming that all medical expenses will be covered by the Prime Minister.

The accident occurred on Wednesday morning when a microbus carrying 12 passengers from Dhaka to Rangpur crashed in Sherpur, Bogura. The victims were traveling to Rangpur’s Kaunia to celebrate Eid with relatives.

Dr. Atik Mojahid, central joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Member of Parliament for Kurigram-2, has accused the government of moving toward fascism. Speaking at an iftar and discussion meeting organized by the district branch of Jatiya Juboshokti in Kurigram on Wednesday evening, he criticized the appointment of unelected party leaders as administrators in 42 district councils and 13 city corporations, calling it undemocratic.

He condemned what he described as the government’s fascist behavior, comparing it to past authoritarian periods in Bangladesh’s history. Mojahid urged the government to hold elections and said his party would respect them if they won through a fair process. Addressing party activists, he warned against exploiting poor people by misusing his name for financial gain.

The meeting was chaired by district Juboshokti convener M. Rashid Ali and attended by several NCP and affiliated organization leaders, including representatives from the women’s, student, and workers’ wings.

Iranian authorities announced the arrest of more than one hundred individuals accused of acting in the interests of the United States and Israel, labeling them as “traitors.” The Ministry of Intelligence stated that 111 pro-monarchy cells operating across 26 of Iran’s 31 provinces were dismantled overnight. These groups were alleged to support the US-backed regime that was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The ministry also reported the seizure of weapons and urged citizens to report suspicious activities.

According to the statement, 21 people were detained for allegedly sending videos to foreign-based “terrorist” media outlets during a nationwide internet shutdown that has lasted three weeks. Authorities further claimed to have confiscated 350 Starlink satellite internet terminals being smuggled into the country. State news agency Fars reported that some detainees in Karaj, near Tehran, had burned and desecrated images of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reported killed at the start of the current conflict on February 28.

The announcement comes amid ongoing hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with Tehran asserting that its adversaries are facing defeat.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed local authorities to take immediate measures to minimize damage and passenger suffering following a train accident in Santahar, Bogura. The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, when nine coaches of the Dhaka–Nilphamari-bound Nilsagar Express derailed in the Alamdighi area. The Prime Minister spoke with the Bogura Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police to assess the situation and instructed them to ensure prompt rescue operations and passenger support.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, Tarique Rahman ordered the quick recovery of the derailed train, restoration of communication, and proper medical treatment for the injured. The Prime Minister has been closely monitoring the situation, as Bogura is his electoral constituency. He was elected Member of Parliament from Bogura-6 in the 13th National Election held on February 12, 2026, before later vacating the seat after taking oath as Prime Minister.

A four-member investigation committee has been formed to look into the derailment, which reportedly left over a hundred passengers injured.

The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has expressed concern over misleading social media posts regarding a food aid program held in Dhaka in the presence of the Chinese ambassador. In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page on March 18, the embassy said some online content about the charity event did not reflect the facts. It reaffirmed China’s friendly policy toward Bangladesh and its support for the country’s elected government, pledging continued cooperation to strengthen bilateral ties for mutual benefit.

The clarification followed social media claims that Jamaat-e-Islami had distributed large quantities of food after the event. The embassy’s statement came in response to these claims. The distribution took place at Mirpur Adarsha High School field, where over a thousand local residents received food packages. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman jointly handed over the aid packages.

During the event, Yao Wen said China would continue implementing projects to improve the well-being and living standards of both nations’ people, while Rahman thanked the embassy, calling the initiative a reflection of China’s friendship with Bangladesh.

ATM Azharul Islam, Member of Parliament for Rangpur-2 (Badarganj-Taraganj) and central Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that not a single taka of government grants would go into his pocket. He made the remarks on March 18, 2026, while distributing cash assistance from the Prime Minister’s fund among poor and distressed residents at a school ground in Badarganj municipality. A total of 10 lakh taka was allocated for his constituency, distributed among 500 beneficiaries—325 in Badarganj and 175 in Taraganj—each receiving 2,000 taka.

Azharul Islam said this was the first time Members of Parliament were distributing cash and Eid gifts directly to the poor. He emphasized that all allocations and grants would be used solely for the welfare of underprivileged people. He also mentioned plans to seek additional allocations to expand aid and development in the area.

The MP added that his personal and organizational funds were also used to support poor families and that initiatives were underway to create employment opportunities for educated unemployed youth in both upazilas.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP, will attend separate Eid reunion events in Sylhet city and district as the chief guest on the day after Eid-ul-Fitr. During the gatherings, he will exchange Eid greetings and pleasantries with people from all walks of life, according to a party press release issued on Wednesday.

The statement added that on the third day of Eid-ul-Fitr, Dr. Rahman will also attend another reunion event in Bhatera Union of Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar district as the chief guest. There, he will meet and greet local residents from various professions and social backgrounds.

The events are expected to be attended by political figures from different parties, journalists, intellectuals, doctors, engineers, social workers, and administrative officials from the area, reflecting a broad community participation.

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry announced that 111 individuals allegedly connected to the country’s former monarchy were arrested during a nationwide security operation. The ministry said the raids, conducted across 26 provinces, led to the seizure of a significant cache of weapons. The arrests were reported by state news agency Tasnim and cited by Al Jazeera.

According to the ministry, several cells belonging to an opposition monarchist group were dismantled during the operation. In addition, four alleged spies linked to the United States were detained in Hamadan and West Azerbaijan provinces. Authorities accused them of providing information about security headquarters, equipment, and troop deployments to hostile entities.

The report did not specify when the operation began or provide details about the detainees’ identities or legal proceedings, leaving aspects of the case unclear.