Joe Kent, Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has resigned, declaring his opposition to the ongoing war against Iran. Kent, appointed to the position in July of the previous year, announced his decision on social media platform X, stating that his conscience prevents him from supporting the conflict.

In his resignation letter to President Trump, Kent wrote that Iran poses no imminent threat to the United States and claimed the war began under pressure from Israel and its American lobby. He reaffirmed his support for Trump’s earlier foreign policy principles, emphasizing that Middle Eastern wars have drained American lives and resources. Drawing from his military background, Kent noted that he had served in 11 wars and lost his wife, Shannon, in a conflict he described as driven by Israeli interests.

Kent concluded that he could not support sending future generations to fight and die in a war that brings no benefit to the American people and cannot be justified even by sacrifice.

Badiul Alam Majumdar, chief executive of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN), stated that the BNP had agreed to accept the referendum verdict during discussions in the interim government’s consensus commission. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a press conference held at Kamal Hossain’s chamber in Motijheel, Dhaka.

Majumdar said that BNP representatives in the commission had expressed commitment to respect the referendum outcome. He added that the public had voted in favor of all 48 issues presented in the referendum and urged both the ruling and opposition parties to uphold the people’s decision through dialogue and constitutional amendments. He also noted that the formation of the constitutional reform council was still pending and expressed hope that political leaders would act wisely and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Majumdar further explained that the final decision on the caretaker government system would depend on the verdict of the 15th Amendment case and the implementation of the July Charter, which was approved in the referendum.

Joe Kent, director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has resigned from his post, refusing to support the ongoing war with Iran. In his resignation letter to President Donald Trump, Kent stated that he could not accept the war and did not view Iran as a threat to the United States. He argued that the conflict was initiated under pressure from Israel and its American lobby.

Kent wrote that Iran posed no imminent danger to the nation and that the war was not justified. He also reflected on his personal experiences in war and the loss of his wife, saying his conscience no longer allowed him to support a conflict that brought no benefit to the American people. He emphasized that sending future generations to fight and die in such a war could not be morally defended.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, highlights Kent’s moral stance and his criticism of the political motivations behind the war decision.

Former Member of Parliament for Chandpur-3 constituency, GM Fazlul Haque, passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 79 while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. The death was confirmed by Advocate AKM Salim Ullah Selim, general secretary of Chandpur District BNP. Haque had been brought back to Bangladesh from Singapore 15 days earlier after a long period of illness.

Born on May 10, 1947, in Tor Ful Chandi village of Chandpur Sadar upazila, GM Fazlul Haque began his career as a teacher at Chhoto Sundar High School in Rampur Union. He later entered business and became a well-known industrialist. After the formation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) by President Ziaur Rahman, he joined the party and remained active in its politics.

Haque was elected to parliament in 1996 and 2001 and served as chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on telecommunications in 2002. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, and many political colleagues and friends.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Poland will not send troops to participate in any war involving Iran. His statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump called for allied warships to be deployed in the Hormuz Strait. Speaking before a government meeting, Tusk clarified that Poland has no plans to join any operation in Iran and that its allies are fully aware of this stance.

The decision applies to Poland’s land, air, and naval forces. Following the ongoing conflict along the Ukrainian border, Poland has been focusing on strengthening its own military capabilities rather than engaging in external conflicts. The statement underscores Warsaw’s intent to prioritize national defense over foreign military involvement.

The announcement signals Poland’s cautious approach to international military commitments while maintaining transparency with its allies about its defense priorities.

Joe Kent, director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), has resigned, declaring he cannot support the ongoing war against Iran. In a social media post, Kent said his conscience prevents him from backing the conflict. He was appointed to the position in July of the previous year.

In his resignation letter to President Trump, Kent wrote that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States and claimed the war began under pressure from Israel and its American lobby. He reaffirmed his support for Trump’s earlier foreign policy principles, noting that by June 2025, Trump himself had recognized Middle Eastern wars as traps that cost American lives and resources.

Kent, a veteran who served in 11 wars, said he lost his wife Shannon in a conflict he described as created by Israel. He stated he could not support sending future generations to fight and die in a war that brings no benefit to the American people and cannot be justified even by sacrifice.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed ministers to maintain law and order during the upcoming Eid holidays. The directive was issued at a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, March 17, at the Secretariat. Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie informed the media about the discussions following the meeting. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said the prime minister emphasized addressing public concerns over market management, law enforcement, and energy stability during the seven-day Eid vacation.

Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani stated that the meeting also discussed rape and violence against women cases. The prime minister ordered speedy disposal of such cases and called for stronger coordination among relevant departments. He noted that ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence remains a top government priority.

The cabinet approved changes to the supplementary budget for the current fiscal year and made a policy decision on a World Trade Organization issue. Additionally, the ministries of agriculture, food, and disaster management were instructed to assess recent damage caused by flash floods, hailstorms, and storms across different regions.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has accused the government of appointing ruling party loyalists to key positions in city corporations, district councils, and seven universities, replacing qualified individuals. The allegation was made by Jamaat’s Assistant Secretary General Abdul Halim at an emergency press conference held on Tuesday at the party’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka. He said the government’s decision to appoint administrators in local bodies violated democratic norms and ignored public opinion.

Halim stated that despite earlier discussions suggesting imminent local elections, the government instead appointed administrators in several city corporations and district councils on March 14 and 22. He claimed that some of the appointees were ruling party leaders who had lost in recent elections. He also criticized the recent replacement of seven university vice-chancellors, alleging that party-affiliated individuals were installed in those positions, including at Dhaka University.

Jamaat urged the government to respect democratic continuity and public sentiment, warning against repeating what it described as authoritarian practices. The party announced plans for future protest and resistance programs in response to these appointments.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said Bangladesh would not accept any foreign dominance, emphasizing national pride and independence. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a food pack distribution event for the underprivileged in Mirpur, Dhaka, organized with Chinese assistance. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen attended the event.

Dr. Rahman stated that China has never interfered in Bangladesh’s internal affairs, unlike some other countries. He described China as a consistent friend and expressed hope that the partnership would deepen for the welfare of the Bangladeshi people. He also highlighted the 50-year-long diplomatic relationship between the two nations since China’s formal recognition of Bangladesh in 1975.

Referring to the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, he said it was fully funded by China as a gift to Bangladesh but criticized past governments for renaming it, calling that act ungrateful. Ambassador Yao Wen expressed joy at meeting attendees and said the Chinese gifts were meant to help families prepare for Eid-ul-Fitr.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that Bangladesh’s overall development is impossible without ensuring the welfare of farmers. He made the remark on Tuesday, March 17, during a review meeting at the Secretariat on the implementation of the ‘Farmer Card’ initiative. The Prime Minister emphasized that agriculture remains the main driving force of the national economy and that the new card system aims to ensure genuine farmers receive fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and government financial assistance directly, without interference from middlemen.

Despite the public holiday for Shab-e-Qadr, the Prime Minister attended office at 11 a.m. to review the latest progress of the committee overseeing the Farmer Card program. During the day, he also met with Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Abdus Salam and Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan. Following the meeting, Abdus Salam said the Prime Minister is deeply focused on Dhaka’s development and wants regular updates on ongoing and pending projects.

The Prime Minister instructed both city corporations to work toward making Dhaka a cleaner and more organized metropolis.

The Bangladesh government has decided to take rapid action on rape cases and violence against women. The decision was made on Tuesday during a Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Following the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani briefed reporters, confirming that a special drive will be launched across ministries to ensure swift action and prevention of such crimes.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, multiple agencies are involved in handling these cases, and the government has instructed improved inter-agency coordination. The plan includes enhancing public awareness and strengthening institutional capacity within the legal process. Additionally, special courts in every district will intensify their operations to ensure faster trials of rape and women abuse cases.

The Cabinet emphasized that addressing sexual violence is among the government’s top priorities. Ministries have been directed to continue working on this issue even during the upcoming Eid period.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury has praised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as a good listener and a results-oriented leader. In a verified Facebook post on March 17, 2026, he said the prime minister listens patiently to everyone, avoids imposing decisions, and focuses on outcome-based discussions. Chowdhury shared that he had the opportunity to work closely with the prime minister over the past month through several inter-ministerial and review meetings.

According to the BIDA chairman, a 180-day action plan was recently presented to the prime minister, aimed at building a culture of accountability in government agencies. He said the prime minister leads by example through punctuality, courtesy, and simplicity. Chowdhury also noted that global instability has reduced foreign direct investment, prompting Bangladesh to prioritize domestic investment and job creation. To address energy concerns and business challenges, 25 initiatives are planned for the next six months.

These initiatives include privatizing state-owned and sick industries under public-private partnership models, developing free trade zone and defense industry policies, exploring alternative energy sources, improving port and airport management, forming a private sector advisory council, expanding the ‘BanglaBiz’ digital platform, and completing a Korea-Bangladesh free trade agreement.

Preparations are underway at the government residence on 29 Mintoo Road in Dhaka for the opposition leader’s Eid program. According to the report, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman will exchange Eid-ul-Fitr greetings at this residence. On the day of Eid, he is scheduled to meet diplomats from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by meetings with politicians and distinguished guests from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A delegation led by Dr. Abdul Mannan, Assistant Secretary of Dhaka South Jamaat-e-Islami, visited the residence on Tuesday to inspect the preparations. Other local leaders, including Assistant Publicity Secretary Abdus Sattar Suman, were also present during the visit. Dr. Mannan stated that the residence is nearly ready for the opposition leader’s use.

He added that Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is expected to move into the residence before Eid-ul-Fitr and will host the scheduled greeting sessions there.

Said Uddin Ahmed Hanzala, the 11-party alliance MP from Madaripur-1 (Shibchar), described his recent remark about the BNP as a 'slip of the tongue'. He made the clarification after a video of his statement, made during an iftar event at Bahadurpur field in Shibchar on Friday, went viral on social media. The MP had said that if he acted against the BNP, the party would not be able to exist in the country. Shibchar Upazila BNP member secretary Sohel Rana was present at the time.

Speaking to local journalists, Hanzala explained that his earlier comment had been misunderstood and that only part of his speech was being circulated online. He said that if the full version were heard, people would understand his intended meaning. He emphasized that his words were not meant as they sounded and that he later clarified them differently.

The incident has drawn attention on social media, prompting Hanzala to urge listeners to consider the full context of his remarks before forming opinions.

Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim has accused the government of breaching democratic traditions by appointing party-affiliated administrators to city corporations and district councils. Speaking at an emergency press briefing at the party’s central office in Moghbazar on Tuesday, he condemned the decision and announced plans for phased protest programs. He said the government appointed administrators in 11 city corporations and 42 district councils, many of whom were defeated candidates from the ruling party.

Halim argued that these appointments ignored public opinion and undermined the spirit of democracy. He cited examples of defeated candidates being appointed as administrators in Dhaka North and Khulna city corporations, as well as in several districts where opposition candidates had won. He also criticized recent changes in university vice-chancellors and the Bangladesh Bank governor, calling them politically motivated and disrespectful to merit and public sentiment.

He urged the government to respect public opinion, cancel partisan appointments, and cooperate with the Election Commission to hold local government elections soon to remove public confusion.