US President Donald Trump has indicated that his planned visit to China may be postponed after Beijing did not respond positively to his request for cooperation in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. The meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for the end of March, is now uncertain. Trump told the Financial Times that China should assist in ensuring safe passage through the strait, given its reliance on Middle Eastern oil, and suggested that the trip could be delayed if Beijing’s stance remains unclear.

China has not issued an official response, but state-run Global Times dismissed Trump’s proposal as an attempt to share the risks of a war initiated by Washington. The editorial argued that deploying multiple warships in the strait would heighten tensions rather than improve security. Meanwhile, trade officials from both countries have gathered in Paris to continue preparatory talks for the summit.

Analysts noted that a delay could benefit Beijing, which had earlier proposed an April visit to allow more time for discussions on security and Taiwan-related issues.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari stated that wars are determined on the battlefield rather than on social media. His remarks came in response to comments made by US President Donald Trump. Zolfaghari also mocked the name of the US campaign “Epic Fury,” suggesting it would be more accurately called “Epic Fear.”

The statement reflects Iran’s dismissal of US messaging efforts and its emphasis on traditional military strength over online narratives. The exchange underscores ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, with both sides using public statements to assert their positions.

The comments highlight Iran’s attempt to project confidence in its military capabilities while downplaying the influence of social media in shaping wartime outcomes.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has implemented 28 initiatives within his first 28 days in office, described by his adviser Mahdi Amin as an unprecedented governance effort. Amin shared the details in a Facebook post on March 17, noting that the BNP government, elected a month earlier, has been working relentlessly to fulfill its electoral pledges. The initiatives span social protection, economy, administration, education, health, and national values.

According to the post, the measures include family cards for 37,567 families, stipends for religious service providers, debt relief for small farmers, canal excavation across 54 districts, and reforms in administrative discipline and public service. Other actions cover foreign investment facilitation, industrial revival, education reform, e-health cards, dengue prevention, and women’s safety programs. Infrastructure and digital connectivity projects, such as free Wi-Fi at airports and the third terminal of Dhaka airport, were also highlighted.

Mahdi Amin said these steps reflect the prime minister’s strong leadership and accountability to the people, aiming to align national governance with citizens’ aspirations and prepare the new generation for the country’s future.

An opinion piece by Ali Osman Shefayet, published on March 17, 2026, argues that the world is facing a dual crisis of Zionist imperialism and regional dominance, accompanied by a deep moral decline in corporate media. The author claims that certain global and Bangladeshi media outlets prioritize power and propaganda over truth, contributing to the spread of Islamophobia and undermining journalistic integrity.

The article describes Zionism as a dominant political ideology backed by Western powers, particularly the United States, and accuses it of controlling global politics, economics, and information. It also alleges that India’s regional dominance threatens Bangladesh’s sovereignty through political interference, resource control, and cultural influence. The author criticizes Bangladeshi media for serving ruling interests, suppressing dissent, and promoting anti-Islamic narratives.

As a remedy, the piece calls for strengthening patriotic and ethical journalism, raising awareness against imperialism, and protecting Islamic values. It urges citizens to boycott media that serve power rather than truth and to defend national sovereignty through intellectual resistance and truthful reporting.

Pro-Israel groups are pouring millions of dollars into Illinois primary elections, marking an early test of their influence as US and Israeli forces wage war on Iran. In the Chicago-area Democratic contests, organizations linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) have become major spenders, despite Israel’s declining popularity among US voters. According to Chicago’s WBEZ, AIPAC and its donors have spent $13.7 million, often through shadow political action committees that conceal their funders until after the vote.

Progressive groups accuse AIPAC of using covert tactics to disguise its involvement, citing the lobby’s rebranding under generic names like the United Democracy Project. Justice Democrats spokesperson Usamah Andrabi described AIPAC as a “toxic” force within the Democratic Party, arguing that voters increasingly reject candidates tied to the lobby. Several key races, including those involving Kat Abughazaleh, Daniel Biss, and Laura Fine, have become flashpoints for the debate over Israel and US foreign policy.

Polls suggest AIPAC’s influence is waning, with only 17 percent of Democratic voters expressing more sympathy for Israelis than Palestinians. Tuesday’s primaries are also seen as a measure of Democratic opposition to the ongoing war on Iran and its domestic repercussions.

The government has withdrawn its 2007 decision that canceled the recruitment of police sergeants and sub-inspectors on political grounds. As a result, 123 police sergeants and 207 unarmed sub-inspectors selected in the 2006 recruitment process will now be allowed to join their positions. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Police Branch-2 issued the order on Monday, confirming the reinstatement.

According to the order, the selected candidates’ seniority will be determined from the date they would have joined had the recruitment not been canceled in 2007. However, they will not receive any financial benefits for the intervening period. The newly appointed officers will undergo six months of basic training and a probationary period of up to two years.

The order further states that the grading list for the batch will be prepared based on written and oral exam results and the regulations issued by the Ministry of Public Administration. The Inspector General of Police has been instructed to take necessary measures to implement the decision.

Bangladesh’s left-wing alliance, the Democratic United Front, suffered a severe defeat in the 13th national election held on February 12, 2026. The coalition, comprising ten leftist parties including the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), the Socialist Party (BASAD), and Bangladesh JASAD, fielded candidates in 147 constituencies but failed to secure significant voter support. Collectively, the alliance received around 117,000 votes nationwide, accounting for only 0.17 percent of total valid votes. Every candidate lost their deposit, as none reached the required one-eighth of votes in their constituencies.

Analysts cited ideological divisions, leadership conflicts, and dependence on major political alliances as key reasons for the left’s decline. Once influential in labor politics, leftist groups now struggle with organizational weakness, outdated political messaging, and limited grassroots connection. The CPB’s vote share fell to 0.08 percent, continuing a long-term downward trend since 1991.

CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince acknowledged the poor results, attributing them partly to an unbalanced electoral system and the dominance of two major parties. He emphasized the need for self-criticism and rebuilding trust among voters through sustained grassroots engagement.

US President Donald Trump said he was very surprised by the United Kingdom’s attitude toward the ongoing war, arguing that the country should have participated with greater enthusiasm. Speaking about his recent discussions, Trump stated that two weeks earlier he had suggested to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to send ships, but Starmer was reluctant to do so. Trump added that he reminded Starmer of the long-standing alliance between the two nations and expressed support for Britain’s assistance to Ukraine.

Trump further alleged that the UK refused to send a mine ship despite having two aircraft carriers available. He said the US had requested the carriers, but Starmer did not agree. According to Trump, the British leader later proposed sending aircraft carriers to the Middle East, but by then the war had already ended.

Concluding his remarks, Trump said he was not satisfied with the UK’s response, emphasizing that Britain should have joined the conflict with more enthusiasm.

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has instructed officials appointed by his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to remain in their posts. In a message broadcast on March 12 by state television, he stated that no reappointments are necessary and that all current officials should continue their duties according to the directives issued during his father’s lifetime.

Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as his father’s successor on March 8 but has not yet appeared publicly, and no photos or videos of him have been released. The message aired on state TV marked his first public communication since assuming the role. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed on March 13, without evidence, that Khamenei had been injured in an airstrike on Tehran. In contrast, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s son, Yousef Pezeshkian, confirmed on March 11 that the supreme leader was safe and unharmed.

The contrasting statements highlight uncertainty surrounding Khamenei’s condition and visibility as he begins his leadership amid regional tensions.

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.