Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran has not initiated war with the United States or Israel and that defending against aggression is Tehran’s legitimate right. Writing on X, he urged an end to attempts to disrupt Iran’s relations with neighboring countries through the use of American bases. Pezeshkian said he discussed the matter with French President Emmanuel Macron by phone.

He emphasized that ignoring Zionist-American aggression would make regional peace and stability impossible, asserting that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not surrender to oppressors. Pezeshkian expressed hope that the global community would condemn such aggression and compel the attackers to respect international law. He described entering wars based on misinformation as a “medieval act in the 21st century.”

Pezeshkian added that talk of ending the war would only be meaningful once Iran could be assured that no further attacks would occur on its territory.

The central Jubo Dal has suspended Md. Ataur Rahman Roman, convener of Bakerganj municipal Jubo Dal in Barishal, from all party positions, including his primary membership. The decision was announced on Monday, March 16, 2026, through a letter signed by Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan, the central Jubo Dal’s assistant office secretary, citing clear allegations of activities contrary to party discipline.

The suspension letter, verified and posted on the central Jubo Dal’s official Facebook page, confirmed that Roman was accused of engaging in actions inconsistent with the party’s principles and ideals. Bakerganj upazila Jubo Dal convener Enayet Hossain Khan Bipu acknowledged the authenticity of the suspension. The order was approved and implemented by the Jubo Dal central executive committee’s president Abdul Monayem Munna and general secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Noyon MP.

The decision underscores the Jubo Dal’s stated commitment to maintaining internal discipline and adherence to organizational principles within its regional units.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat announced that all existing canals will be re-excavated and new ones dug to address water shortages and improve irrigation. He said the initiative will enhance water drainage, increase agricultural production, and reduce waterlogging. The announcement came on Monday, March 16, during the inauguration of a canal excavation program at the Polisha Bottola Government Primary School field in Madarganj upazila of Jamalpur.

The event was organized by the upazila administration and the Department of Disaster Management. Before the ceremony, the minister unveiled the foundation plaque for the Polisha canal excavation and formally launched the work. The program was chaired by Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Yusuf Ali and conducted by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Suman Chowdhury. Jamalpur-3 Member of Parliament Mostafizur Rahman Babul attended as a special guest.

Officials from the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, local administration, police, and political representatives were also present, reflecting broad local participation in the initiative.

US Senator Chris Murphy has said that President Donald Trump has lost control over the ongoing war with Iran. In a series of posts on social media platform X, the Democratic senator warned that the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel has pushed the Middle East into a rapidly worsening crisis.

Murphy stated that the war has already trapped the region in a cycle of violence and that Trump misjudged Iran’s capacity to retaliate. He described the situation as one where the entire region is now burning. The senator also pointed to the Strait of Hormuz as the first major flashpoint, noting that it is a narrow waterway through which more than 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply passes.

The report also mentioned related developments, including a drone attack on the US embassy in Baghdad, an airstrike by Pakistan in Afghanistan that killed 400 people, and the deaths of 13 US soldiers with 200 injured in the Iran conflict.

The postponed vote count for the Brahmanbaria District Lawyers’ Association election has been completed, and results were announced at 2 a.m. on Sunday by Chief Election Officer Abdul Malek. Out of 15 posts, Awami League-leaning candidates won seven, BNP’s Nationalist Lawyers Forum secured seven, and one post went to a Jamaat-leaning candidate. The election was held on March 12, with voting from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. among 689 registered voters, of whom 654 cast ballots.

Although the BNP-aligned Nationalist Lawyers Forum fielded candidates under its banner, the Awami League did not announce any formal panel. Among the Awami-leaning winners were Mofizur Rahman Babul as president and A.K. Md. Abdul Hai as general secretary. BNP-backed winners included Abdul Hakim as vice president and Md. Alaudin as joint secretary-1, while Jamaat-leaning lawyer Mohammadullah won a member post.

Vote counting was initially suspended after a complaint over ballot errors but resumed following a special general meeting decision on Sunday night.

State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul said the BNP government has started implementing promises made to the people during the 13th parliamentary election, even before completing its first month in office. She made the remarks on Monday, March 16, during the inauguration of the Padmakol canal excavation program in Chatmohar, Pabna. The initiatives already underway include distribution of family cards, honorarium allowances for imams and priests, and agricultural loan waivers.

Putul stated that agriculture and farmers are the driving forces of the national economy, and the canal excavation aims to revive irrigation systems once introduced by the late President Ziaur Rahman. His son Tarique Rahman has now launched a program to rejuvenate 54 canals across the country to improve irrigation and rural livelihoods. The minister added that restoring dead canals will increase surface water, reduce dependence on groundwater, and help mitigate droughts, floods, and waterlogging.

The event was chaired by Pabna Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shahed Mostafa and attended by local MPs, officials, and BNP leaders. The Water Development Board said the 4-kilometer canal will connect to the Ichamati River and benefit surrounding farmland, with plans to excavate 106 more canals in Pabna.

Dr. Abdul Kader, Secretary General of Khelafat Majlis, has accused the government of creating confusion instead of implementing the July Charter. Speaking at a discussion before an iftar event organized by Islami Jubo Majlis in Dhaka’s Nayapaltan on Monday, he said the youth of the country would not accept any betrayal of the charter, which was formed by anti-fascist parties after the July uprising. He warned that the people would not allow a return of the system they had overthrown through sacrifice.

Dr. Kader claimed that despite a public referendum giving a mandate for the charter, the government has begun delaying its implementation. The event was chaired by Islami Jubo Majlis President Tawhidul Islam Tuhin and attended by several leaders from Khelafat Majlis and affiliated organizations. In his remarks, Tuhin stated that the youth would not remain calm until every clause of the charter is implemented and warned against any manipulation of public opinion.

The statements reflect growing frustration among Islamist political groups over what they describe as government inaction on the July Charter’s commitments.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam said the government has started walking the old path and has taken a clear stance against reforms. He made the remarks on Monday at an iftar and discussion event organized by NCP Dhaka Metropolitan North at the National Bangla High School field in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Nahid Islam emphasized that the NCP’s struggle for reform and change will continue, stating that the party stands for justice and against corruption. He urged supporters to be ready to open new horizons if the government continues on its old course and to prepare for the fight to implement reforms.

NCP senior joint convener and Dhaka Metropolitan North convener Ariful Islam Adib said the party’s leaders and activists in the city are ready for the struggle to implement change and the July Charter. Other party leaders, including Nasiruddin Patwari, Monira Sharmin, and Sardar Amirul Islam Sagor, also spoke at the event.

Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu inaugurated a canal excavation program at Damdama in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi on Monday afternoon. He said the nationwide canal digging initiative follows the vision of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, emphasizing that people will dig their own soil to bring water, cultivate the land, and achieve food self-sufficiency.

During his speech, the minister recalled the severe famine in Bangladesh between 1972 and 1975, noting that Ziaur Rahman had inspired citizens to dig canals across the country, transforming single-crop lands into triple-crop fields and moving the nation toward food self-sufficiency by 1977–78. He also reminisced about his student days in Rajshahi when he participated in canal digging led by Ziaur Rahman, which he said brought significant local change.

The event was attended by the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT, Rehan Asif Asad, Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter, Police Superintendent Mohammad Naimul Hasan, and other local officials, media representatives, and residents.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry stated that diplomatic discussions cannot proceed unless Iran stops its ongoing attacks. At a weekly briefing, ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said that diplomacy could only resume if the assaults end, emphasizing that as long as Gulf countries remain under attack, it is not the time to form committees. He called for a firm stance to protect regional nations and demanded an immediate halt to the strikes.

Al-Ansari rejected a proposal from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to form a committee to investigate attacks on civilian infrastructure in Gulf states. Iran has denied involvement in such attacks. The Qatari spokesperson noted that threats and strikes on civilian targets have continued since the conflict began, citing a missile intercepted near a residential area in Doha. He added that partial evacuation orders were issued after Iranian media warned that certain companies and areas could be targeted.

Al-Ansari said Qatar is working to reduce tensions but is unaware of any formal mediation between the United States and Iran at this time.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that his government will work tirelessly, day and night, to build the desired nation. He made the statement on Monday at a civic gathering and iftar event held at the Dinajpur Circuit House grounds. Rahman said that the country had seen no development in the past sixteen years and urged citizens to be patient as his government implements its development plans.

He shared personal memories of his maternal home in the area and outlined specific plans for local development. The Prime Minister said he would soon meet with industrialists to discuss establishing factories across the country to boost economic growth. He also pledged to set up industries in Dinajpur to create employment opportunities for the unemployed.

Rahman added that although the government’s term had not yet reached one month, work had already begun to fulfill election promises, including agricultural loan waivers, family card distribution, stipends for religious leaders, and canal excavation. He announced a plan to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals nationwide to address water shortages and improve irrigation.

Rokonuazzaman Rokon, member secretary of the South District BNP, formally took charge as the new administrator of Mymensingh City Corporation on Monday. The handover ceremony took place at the Shaheed Shahabuddin Auditorium of the city building, where outgoing administrator and Divisional Commissioner Farah Shammi officially transferred responsibilities to him. The event was attended by local Members of Parliament Abu Wahab Akand and Zakir Hossain Bablu, along with city officials and BNP leaders.

After assuming office, Rokon announced that city residents should no longer address any city officials as “Sir,” emphasizing that all employees are public servants dedicated to serving the people. He pledged to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Prime Minister with sincerity and sought cooperation from residents and stakeholders.

Rokon outlined his priorities, including easing traffic congestion ahead of the upcoming Eid, forming a volunteer team for traffic management, and improving waste management. He also vowed to eliminate waterlogging and ensure a cleaner city, noting that 687 sanitation workers are currently employed. The ceremony created a festive atmosphere as attendees wished him success in urban development.

The government has finalized its decision on the educational qualifications required for managing committees of educational institutions. At a press conference in the Secretariat on Monday, Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that except for degree colleges, presidents of managing committees must hold at least a graduate degree. The rule will apply to schools, colleges, and madrasas across the country.

The minister explained that the baseline qualification for membership in managing committees and governing bodies will be a graduate degree, emphasizing that competence and merit will also be considered. He noted that previous regulations limited eligibility to senior teachers or headmasters, which often led to allegations of favoritism. The new policy aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and broader opportunities for qualified individuals.

Earlier reports suggested that the government might relax the minimum qualification requirement, sparking widespread criticism. The minister’s announcement clarifies that the graduate degree condition will remain in place, reaffirming the government’s commitment to merit-based leadership in educational governance.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir stated that strict measures will be taken against anyone misusing public funds. He made the remarks on Monday, March 16, during the inauguration of a canal excavation program at Harirampur in Mollapara Union of Sunamganj. Kabir emphasized that the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is a people’s government committed to the country’s overall development.

He highlighted that the canal excavation initiative is vital for Bangladesh, originally launched by the country’s independence proclaimer Ziaur Rahman. The program, now revived under new leadership, is expected to benefit the environment, agriculture, fisheries, and flood control. Kabir also noted that major development plans are underway for Sunamganj, focusing on education, healthcare, and communication improvements.

Members of Parliament from Sunamganj constituencies, central BNP leaders, and the district commissioner were present at the event, underscoring the government’s coordinated approach to regional development.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended sanctions on India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), citing serious violations of religious freedom. In its 2026 annual report, the commission proposed designating India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), noting a significant deterioration in religious freedom conditions during 2025.

According to the report, India’s government introduced and enforced new laws targeting religious minorities and their places of worship, while several states strengthened anti-conversion laws with harsher penalties. The report also alleged widespread detention and deportation of religious refugees, and insufficient action against extremist groups involved in attacks on minorities. Specific incidents in Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam, and other states were cited as examples of escalating violence and official inaction.

USCIRF urged the US government to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organizations responsible for these violations, including asset freezes and travel bans on groups such as the RSS.