Bangladesh has sought Russia’s support for its candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly for the 2026–2027 term. The request was made by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam during a courtesy meeting with Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigorievich Khokhin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation on various international issues. The Russian ambassador congratulated the state minister on assuming office and expressed optimism about the future of Bangladesh-Russia relations. Shama Obaed Islam highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries and noted expanding cooperation in energy, trade and investment, science and technology, education, skilled manpower migration, and people-to-people contact.

Both parties expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Samira Munshi, the only Muslim woman serving on the White House Religious Liberty Commission, has resigned in protest against what she described as an unprovoked war by the United States and Israel against Iran. Appointed by President Donald Trump, Munshi announced her resignation on March 15, 2026, condemning what she called the administration’s injustice and cruelty both domestically and abroad.

In a statement shared on X, Munshi said the US government’s military action against Iran was illegal and deeply disturbing to her. She claimed the operation began without proper authorization from the US Constitution or Congress. Her resignation marks a rare public dissent from within a presidential advisory body over the administration’s foreign policy decisions.

According to the report, Munshi’s departure underscores growing criticism of the US-led military campaign against Iran, which some observers have described as lacking legal and moral justification.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world on the occasion of the holy Lailatul Qadr. In a message issued on Sunday, March 15, ahead of the observance on the night of Monday, March 16, he conveyed his best wishes to all.

In his message, the Prime Minister described Lailatul Qadr as a night of divine blessings and mercy, marking the revelation of the Holy Quran during Ramadan. He said the night brings messages of welfare, forgiveness, and compassion for humanity. He emphasized that through worship, repentance, and prayer, believers can attain closeness to Almighty Allah. He also highlighted Ramadan as a month of restraint, self-purification, tolerance, and awakening of human virtues.

The Prime Minister urged everyone to understand the significance of this sacred night, engage in worship, and dedicate themselves to the welfare of humanity. He prayed for Allah’s boundless mercy and blessings upon all, and for the nation’s progress, peace, harmony, and prosperity.

NCP convener and opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has accused Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed of disregarding the July Charter. He made the allegation on Sunday, March 15, 2026, after the second day of discussions in the first session of the 13th National Parliament. Nahid Islam said that attempts were being made to avoid discussion on the Constitutional Reform Council issue, even though the opposition leader had raised it in Parliament.

He stated that the Home Minister could not label the July Charter as unconstitutional and must respect the referendum outcome. Nahid Islam added that the ruling party had not given a clear answer on whether it accepted the referendum results. He also criticized the government for allegedly ignoring the people's mandate and warned that the opposition would continue its street programs.

The NCP leader further said that if the ruling party tried to undermine the referendum, the people and the opposition would resist. He recalled that similar actions in 1991 had led to the BNP’s loss of public trust.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis has announced a mass rally to be held on April 24 at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka after Friday prayers, calling for the implementation of the referendum verdict. The announcement was made at a meeting of the party’s central implementation committee held at its Purana Paltan headquarters, where leaders urged all members and citizens to ensure the success of the event.

Party leaders stated that the people’s opinion expressed through the referendum is the only legitimate path to determine the nation’s future. They criticized the government for delaying the implementation of the verdict, claiming it shows disregard for public aspirations. According to them, the delay is an attempt to weaken the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising and ignoring the people’s clear mandate amounts to deceiving the nation.

The meeting was presided over by the party’s Secretary General and rally implementation committee convener Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, with several senior leaders including Maulana Yusuf Ashraf and Maulana Ataullah Amin in attendance.

The Israeli government has approved an emergency allocation of approximately $827 million, or about 2.6 billion shekels, for urgent military purchases amid its ongoing war with Iran, according to Al Jazeera. The decision was made through a telephone meeting of cabinet members at the end of the week. The funds will be used for security-related acquisitions and to meet the military’s immediate needs, though specific spending areas were not disclosed.

A document from the Finance Ministry, distributed among cabinet members and cited by multiple media outlets, stated that the additional budget was required due to the intensity of the war. It emphasized the need to procure ammunition, advanced weapons systems, and replenish critical combat equipment to sustain operations. The measure was described as an exceptional emergency step taken solely to address wartime necessities.

The report added that the funds will come from Israel’s $222 billion national budget, which was approved by the government on March 12 and is expected to pass the Knesset by March 31.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the country’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is in good health and has full control of the situation. He made the remarks in an interview with Qatar-based media outlet Al-Arabi Al-Jadid. Khamenei, who assumed office on March 8, has not been seen in public since taking charge. His first address on March 12 was read by a news presenter instead of being delivered directly, sparking speculation about his health and whereabouts.

In the same interview, Araghchi discussed regional tensions and ongoing conflicts, saying Iran would welcome any regional initiative that could bring about a just end to the war. However, he clarified that no concrete proposal or initiative for ending the conflict has yet been presented to Iran. He also issued a stern warning regarding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, stating that it would remain open to all ships except those belonging to the United States and its allies.

The minister’s comments appear aimed at dispelling rumors about the new leader’s condition while reaffirming Iran’s firm stance on regional security and foreign intervention.

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has claimed that a group he described as the remaining members of the ‘Epstein gang’ might plan an attack similar to the September 11 attacks in the United States and attempt to blame Iran for it. He stated that Iran strongly opposes any such terrorist plan and emphasized that the Iranian people have no conflict with the American public.

The remarks came amid the ongoing war involving Iran and the recent release of a large number of US government documents. Those documents reportedly reveal connections between the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and several influential and wealthy individuals. Former US President Donald Trump, who once called Epstein a “pervert,” had been photographed with him on multiple occasions.

Tehran has recently highlighted Epstein’s links with American political, business, and social elites to portray Washington’s adversaries as morally corrupt, according to the report.

Former legal adviser Asif Nazrul has explained the reasons for the delay in the trial of the murder case of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. In a Facebook post on Sunday, he said that although he had expected the trial to begin during his time in government, the proceedings have not yet started. The investigating officer submitted a charge sheet against 17 people on January 6 this year.

Nazrul stated that the plaintiff was dissatisfied with the charge sheet and filed a petition of objection, prompting the court to order further investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). As the CID’s investigation is still ongoing, the trial has not begun. He added that once the CID submits its report and if no further objection is raised, the trial can proceed.

He further noted that if the plaintiff again objects or if the investigation remains incomplete, the trial could face additional delays. Nazrul emphasized that while investigation and trial processes are complex, collective goodwill can help ensure timely and fair justice.

The opposition in Bangladesh has stated that it wants to resolve the ongoing complications surrounding the July Charter and the Constitutional Reform Council session within the parliament. Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks on Sunday after the national parliament session, emphasizing that if the issue cannot be settled in parliament, the opposition will be compelled to take to the streets.

Dr. Rahman said the opposition plans to issue a notice regarding the council session and hopes the matter will proceed under the Speaker’s guidance. He clarified that the issue should be addressed in the House rather than in a business advisory meeting. He also referred to the recent referendum, noting that the proposal for constitutional reform had won public approval.

Earlier, the opposition leader had expressed concern in parliament over the government’s failure to convene the Constitutional Reform Council within 30 calendar days as required by the July Charter implementation order.

Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal stated that there will be no compromise on transparency in the tribunal’s proceedings. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon before the second meeting of the facts-finding committee formed to investigate allegations of unethical activities. Aminul Islam emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure transparency and fairness in the tribunal’s work and to avoid any actions that could create controversy.

He further said that the goal is to ensure justice for every individual so that no innocent person is harassed and no offender escapes punishment. The Chief Prosecutor stressed that maintaining the tribunal’s image is of utmost importance. The five-member committee, led by him, includes prosecutors Abdus Sobhan Tarafdar, Marzina Rahman Madina, Mohammad Zahirul Amin, and law research officer Sifattullah.

The committee was formed to uncover any unethical conduct by members of the prosecution team or related individuals, following allegations that recently resigned prosecutor Saimum Reza Talukder demanded one crore taka in exchange for bail.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Dinajpur tomorrow. During the visit, he will pay respects at the graves of his grandparents and inaugurate a canal excavation initiative in Kaharol upazila’s Balrampur Sahapara on Monday, March 16. The program marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals, and water bodies across the country.

According to the schedule, the Prime Minister will arrive at Syedpur Airport from Dhaka at 10:30 a.m. and travel by bus to Kaharol. After inaugurating the canal project, he will proceed to Dinajpur town to visit his grandparents’ graves and attend an iftar event at the Circuit House grounds. He is expected to return to Dhaka by air from Syedpur at 8 p.m.

The visit highlights the government’s focus on water resource management and regional development through excavation and restoration of waterways.

Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed announced the adjournment of the 13th National Parliament session until March 29. The decision came at the end of the second day of the first session, held on Sunday. The Speaker informed members that the next sitting would resume at 3 p.m. on March 29 and extended advance Eid greetings to all participants.

The second day of the session began at 11 a.m. with recitation from the Holy Quran and was presided over by the Speaker. Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tareq Rahman, as well as Leader of the Opposition Shafiqul Rahman, were present during the proceedings. The 13th National Parliament’s first session had begun the previous Thursday.

Earlier, the opening day of the session saw protests from opposition members, including those from Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party (NCP), who staged a walkout following President Md. Shahabuddin’s address to the Parliament.

The Appellate Division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court has released the full verdict reinstating the caretaker government system for election periods. The 74-page judgment, written by former Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed and published on the court’s website on March 15, 2026, states that the most recently retired chief justice will serve as the head of the caretaker government. The ruling was originally delivered on November 20, 2025.

According to the verdict, the caretaker system will take effect from the 14th national election. Legal experts noted that the current parliament retains the authority to amend or remove this provision if it chooses. The decision has been described by BNP lawyer Ruhul Quddus Kajol as a milestone for the nation, emphasizing that it serves the entire country rather than any political party.

The ruling reverses the earlier abolition of the caretaker system, which had been a subject of intense political debate in Bangladesh. The publication of the full verdict provides legal clarity ahead of future elections.

US Senator Chris Murphy stated that President Donald Trump has lost control over the ongoing war with Iran, which he said has pushed the Middle East into deepening crisis. In a post on social media platform X, Murphy warned that the conflict has already engulfed the region in violence and that Trump misjudged Iran’s capacity for retaliation.

Murphy highlighted that the first major crisis has emerged around the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Washington of underestimating Tehran’s ability to control the route. He said Trump wrongly assumed Iran would not close the strait, but rising oil prices now prove otherwise. According to Murphy, Iran’s use of drones, speedboats, and sea mines has made securing the waterway extremely difficult, putting US naval forces at serious risk.

The senator also pointed to a second crisis stemming from the growing role of drones in modern warfare. He warned that Iran could indefinitely target oil facilities across the region using its large fleet of inexpensive drones.