During a parliamentary session on March 15, 2026, MP Hasanat Abdullah questioned Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon about the current lottery-based admission system in primary schools. Abdullah argued that the shift from merit-based admissions to a lottery process had reduced the quality of education in feeder institutions and affected the supply of qualified students to universities. He asked whether the government planned to revise the system.

In response, Minister Milon acknowledged the importance of the issue and said it required broad discussion. He explained that Bangladesh’s education system operates differently in rural and urban areas, with competition being less intense in rural institutions. The minister noted that the previous government had introduced the lottery system to address urban admission complexities, but he personally found it unjustified. He added that the admission procedure for the next academic year would be decided after consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The parliamentary session began at 11 a.m. and included other scheduled discussions such as the president’s address and matters of public importance.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon informed the National Parliament on Sunday that the recruitment of 9,000 religious teachers is currently under consideration. He stated that teachers from all religions, not only Islamic education, would be included. The minister also mentioned that a committee has been formed to bring English medium schools under regulatory frameworks.

In a written reply to a question from Member of Parliament S M Jahangir Hossain, the minister said the government will decide on establishing new public universities after assessing necessity. He noted that Bangladesh currently has 57 public universities and that the government is committed to improving their quality. Additionally, he said the government will invite new applications for inclusion of educational institutions under the MPO scheme, and previous applications will be re-evaluated.

These statements outline the government’s ongoing review of teacher recruitment, university expansion, and institutional inclusion policies within the education sector.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament on Sunday that the government will implement the July Charter strictly in accordance with the constitution, laws, and regulations. He made the remarks around 12:15 p.m. in response to opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s comments on the charter. The minister emphasized that the President has convened the national parliament session, not any so-called ‘Reform Council’.

Salahuddin Ahmed clarified that under the July National Charter, any move to form a constitutional reform council would first require an amendment to the constitution. He stated that the existence of such a council has already been challenged in court, and a rule has been issued on the matter, which is now under judicial consideration. The minister reiterated that the government is currently participating in the parliamentary session as per constitutional provisions.

He further noted that if a referendum mandates the formation of such a council, it can only occur after constitutional amendments are passed in Parliament and incorporated into the constitution, followed by necessary steps for council formation and oath-taking.

During the second session of the 13th National Parliament on Sunday, March 15, 2026, opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman attempted to speak about the July uprising. He stated that the current parliament was formed in stages following that event, mentioning that two votes were held on the same day—a parliamentary election and a referendum. The Speaker interrupted him, instructing him to limit his remarks to the scheduled question session.

Dr. Rahman then asked whether he would be allowed time later to discuss the issue, to which the Speaker replied that he could raise it after the question-answer period. The session began at 11 a.m. and included a motion of thanks on the President’s address, question-answer sessions, and discussions on urgent public matters.

According to the day’s agenda published by the Parliament Secretariat, questions were scheduled for ministries including the Cabinet Division, Science and Technology, Education, Social Welfare, and Housing and Public Works.

A new poll by Quinnipiac University, released last week, shows that 53 percent of Americans oppose a U.S. military attack on Iran, while 40 percent support such action. The survey also found that a large majority of respondents are strongly against sending U.S. ground troops to Iran.

According to the poll, nearly three-quarters of participants said they do not favor deploying American ground forces in Iran. More than three-quarters also expressed concern that a war with Iran could increase the risk of terrorist attacks inside the United States. The survey further revealed mixed opinions about Israel, with 44 percent of respondents believing the U.S. gives too much support to Israel, while an equal share considers the level of support appropriate.

The findings highlight widespread public caution toward military escalation in the Middle East and reflect ongoing divisions in American views on U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and Israel.

President convened the national parliament in accordance with the constitution, and there is no entity called a reform council, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated on Sunday, March 15, before attending the second day of the first session. He explained that under the July Charter, any implementation of a constitutional reform council would first require an amendment.

Earlier, on March 12, the new parliament began its journey, and after the President’s address, Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed adjourned the session until Sunday. According to the Parliament Secretariat, the day’s agenda includes a question-and-answer session, discussions on urgent public issues, and a motion of thanks on the President’s speech. Questions will cover several ministries, including Cabinet, Science and Technology, Education, Social Welfare, and Housing.

The Business Advisory Committee decided that the 13th National Parliament’s first session will continue until April 30, meeting daily at 3 p.m. except on public holidays. A total of 468 questions have been submitted, along with 27 notices under Rule 71 and 97 decision proposals under Rule 131.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed doubt about whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive. In an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump said that no one has seen Khamenei so far and noted that the Iranian leader issued his first statement in writing rather than appearing on camera. Trump added that he has heard reports suggesting Khamenei may not be alive and remarked that if he is, he should act wisely for his country by surrendering.

When asked whether he supports any potential successor to Khamenei, Trump declined to name anyone. The comments come amid uncertainty surrounding Iran’s leadership transition and the lack of public appearances by the new leader.

The situation adds to ongoing speculation about Iran’s political stability following the leadership change, though no official confirmation regarding Khamenei’s condition has been provided.

Jamaat leader A.T.M. Azharul Islam, recently acquitted from a death sentence in a war crimes case, announced that the opposition will participate in the parliamentary discussion on the President’s speech. He stated that a proposal regarding the formation of a constitutional reform council will also be raised in Parliament. He made these remarks on Sunday morning.

Earlier, on March 12, Azharul Islam told Parliament that he would not have been able to attend the session if it had not been held in July. His comments came during the first session of the 13th National Parliament, where a condolence motion was adopted for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and other notable figures who had passed away.

Azharul Islam also reflected on his past political activities with Khaleda Zia, describing her as uncompromising and steadfast in her dedication to the country.

Mahbub Morshed has resigned from his positions as Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). According to reports, he stepped down a few days ago. As of last night, his name no longer appeared on the BSS website in those roles.

Morshed had been appointed to the posts on August 18, 2024, by the interim government for a two-year term. On February 19, 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting formed a four-member committee to investigate corruption allegations against him. The committee was instructed to submit a full report with recommendations by February 25.

The source did not specify the reasons behind his resignation or the findings of the investigation committee.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided not to use postal ballots in the upcoming local government elections, according to reliable EC sources. This means expatriate voters, election officials on duty, and those outside their constituencies will be unable to cast their votes. EC Commissioner Abdul Rahmanel Machud confirmed that the commission has no plan to send postal ballots either abroad or within the country, though individuals may apply to returning officers to vote by post on their own initiative.

Officials noted that although postal voting is legally permitted, it had long been limited to military and law enforcement personnel. The system was expanded during the recent thirteenth parliamentary election under the interim government led by Dr. Yunus, when over 1.5 million voters registered to vote by post at a cost of about 100 crore taka. However, administrative complexity and high costs led the EC to reconsider the method.

Election experts warned that excluding postal ballots could reduce participation among expatriates, who contribute significantly to the national economy through remittances, and may discourage them from future engagement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is not yet ready to reach an agreement with Iran, even though Tehran has shown interest in making a deal. In a telephone interview with NBC, Trump stated that the proposed terms from Iran are not favorable enough for the United States, indicating that Washington has no immediate plan to proceed with any accord.

During the same interview, Trump also discussed rising oil prices but downplayed related concerns. He added that the United States is working with other countries to ensure the safety of maritime traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The remarks highlight ongoing caution in U.S.-Iran relations, with Washington maintaining a firm stance while coordinating with allies to secure regional trade routes.

At an iftar and discussion event organized by the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) in Birampur, Dinajpur, on March 14, party chairman Mujibur Rahman Manju stated that the BNP appears to be moving away from its earlier commitment to form a national government. He recalled that the BNP had once promised to unite all political sides under the principle of 'Bangladesh First' but is now showing signs of one-party politics, which he said does not align with public expectations.

Manju emphasized that in a democratic state, governance should be based on national unity involving all political forces. Speaking as a special guest, AB Party’s central joint general secretary Shahadatullah Tutul said that post-2024 politics is focused on establishing people’s fundamental rights and ensuring government accountability. He noted that many political actors fail to fulfill their promises after gaining power.

Tutul added that the AB Party will praise good governance but will also offer constructive criticism when decisions go against public interest. The event concluded with prayers for national welfare and an iftar distribution among attendees.

BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister’s political adviser Mirza Abbas will be taken to Singapore for advanced medical treatment today, Sunday, between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. by air ambulance. His wife Afroza Abbas and elder son Mirza Yasir Abbas will accompany him. The information was confirmed by his personal secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel. Abbas is currently under treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, where he has been kept under intensive observation following brain surgery performed on Friday.

According to BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam, a CT scan conducted on Saturday morning showed positive results. Abbas had lost consciousness on Thursday evening after prayers and was admitted to Evercare Hospital that night. A virtual medical board reviewed his condition and decided on surgery after his CT scan indicated deterioration. The former minister underwent two rounds of surgery and has been kept under 72-hour observation.

Several national leaders, including Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, visited or inquired about Abbas’s condition at the hospital, reflecting broad political concern over his health.

The government is reportedly struggling to decide on implementing the July National Charter, despite earlier commitments made during the election campaign. Although the referendum held alongside the national election resulted in a ‘Yes’ victory, the ruling BNP has yet to administer the oath for members of the Constitutional Reform Council as required by the July Charter Implementation Order 2025. The High Court has issued a rule questioning the legality of the referendum and related orders, while political analysts say the government’s stance appears hesitant.

The order required the council’s first session to be held within 30 days of the referendum results being gazetted, but no meeting has been called. The Jamaat-e-Islami–led 11-party alliance has warned of protests if the session is not convened immediately. Government representatives argue that the existing constitution does not provide for such an oath, and that parliamentary discussion is needed before proceeding. Opposition leaders insist the government must respect the referendum outcome and convene the reform council.

Analysts caution that continued delay could create constitutional complications and erode public trust in the reform process, urging swift action to uphold the July Charter’s commitments.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that the country’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is in good health and has no physical problems. He made the remarks on Saturday in an interview with the news outlet MS Now, countering reports that suggested otherwise.

The statement came a day after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that Khamenei had been injured and possibly suffered limb loss. Araghchi dismissed those claims, saying the leader had delivered a message the previous day and would continue performing his duties. In his first speech as Supreme Leader, Khamenei hinted at effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and warned that if the United States and Israel continued their military actions against Iran, new fronts would be opened.

The exchange of statements underscores heightened tensions in the region, with Iran signaling a firm stance amid ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and allied forces.