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.

Thirty-five defeated candidates from the 13th National Parliamentary Election have filed separate petitions in the High Court, alleging irregularities in the voting process. The petitions were accepted by the single bench of Justice Md Zakir Hossain, who ordered the Election Commission to preserve ballots, CCTV footage, and other relevant materials. Notices were also issued to the winning candidates.

Among the petitioners are 21 candidates from the BNP, 12 from Jamaat-e-Islami, and one each from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and the Liberal Democratic Party. Senior Supreme Court lawyer Ruhul Quddus Kajol represented two of the BNP candidates in hearings concerning Dhaka-16 and Dhaka-4 constituencies. The petitions include allegations that law enforcement officials aided winning candidates and that presiding officers themselves stamped ballots, with some polling centers reportedly canceling unusually high numbers of ballots.

Under Section 49 of the Representation of the People Order, the Chief Justice designated Justice Md Zakir Hossain’s bench to hear these election-related petitions.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that the country never trusted the United States during their discussions, according to a report by Al Jazeera. In a statement released on March 16, 2026, Baghaei said the negotiations were conducted with “complete caution and deep distrust.” He emphasized that Iran approached the talks with open eyes and full awareness of the opposing side’s intentions.

Baghaei further claimed that the actions of the United States would remain “a stain in history.” Despite this, he noted that Iran did not hesitate to participate in the discussions. The remarks reflect Tehran’s continued skepticism toward Washington, even while maintaining diplomatic engagement.

The statement underscores Iran’s cautious diplomatic stance and signals that mutual distrust continues to shape its approach to negotiations with the United States.

Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam, currently serving as Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University. The appointment was confirmed on Monday, March 16, 2026, during a meeting at the Ministry of Education, where Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan officially announced the decision.

According to related sources, Professor Islam previously served as a faculty member in the Department of Physics at Dhaka University before joining Bangladesh Open University. He is expected to assume his new responsibilities at Dhaka University soon. The appointment follows the resignation of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan, who formally submitted his resignation to the Education Minister on February 22.

The leadership change marks a transition period for Dhaka University as it prepares for new administrative direction under Professor Islam’s guidance.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma stated that efforts are ongoing to resume the issuance of Indian tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens. He made the remarks on Monday, March 16, after a meeting with the Prime Minister’s Economic Adviser, Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, in Dhaka. Verma said that the process to reopen the visa service is continuing and that the timing of its resumption will be announced once it is finalized.

Earlier this month, the Indian High Commissioner had indicated that visa operations between India and Bangladesh would return to normal soon. During his meeting with the Prime Minister’s adviser, Verma also discussed cross-border power and energy connectivity between the two countries. He mentioned that both sides talked about strengthening these areas and reviewed ongoing joint projects.

The discussions reflect continuing bilateral engagement between India and Bangladesh, focusing on easing travel restrictions and enhancing energy cooperation across the border.