Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stated that modern journalism cannot thrive under outdated structures and emphasized the government's goal to establish an international standard of journalism in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest at the Dhaka Sub-Editors Council’s iftar event at the National Press Club on March 9, he said that the government will ensure full media freedom and formulate necessary policies through discussions with journalists.

Swapan noted that while the government envisions complete media freedom, it must not lead to chaos. He added that the government will not tolerate media owners who fail to pay journalists’ salaries. He also stressed that only thoughtful individuals should remain in the journalism profession and announced that a comprehensive policy will be introduced soon.

The event was presided over by Dhaka Sub-Editors Council President Muktadir Anik and conducted by General Secretary Jawhar Iqbal, with additional remarks from leaders of the Dhaka Journalists Union.

Representatives of civil society have called on the government to pass the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025 in parliament without any amendments. The appeal was made on Monday during a discussion between newly appointed commissioners and civil society members at the commission’s conference room.

During the meeting, Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the ordinance provides sufficient authority for human rights protection and should be enacted unchanged. He urged the commission to take initiatives for the rights of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, and to develop a comprehensive action plan for addressing human rights violations. CPD Fellow Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya expressed hope that the commission would work independently and emphasized the need for an ombudsman and anti-discrimination law. ALRD Executive Director Shamsul Huda also supported passing the ordinance intact.

Commission Chairperson Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury stated that the commissioners are committed to working sincerely and courageously within the law. He added that a strong, independent, and credible commission is vital for the nation’s interest and could help Bangladesh achieve ‘A’ status soon.

Bangladesh has requested consular access from India for two Bangladeshi nationals arrested in Kolkata in connection with the murder of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid confirmed the request on Monday while speaking to reporters at the ministry. She said Kolkata police detained the suspects on suspicion of involvement in the killing and placed them on a 14-day remand.

According to the minister, Bangladesh has sought access to verify the detainees’ identities, as current information remains insufficient. She noted that Bangladesh and India have a prisoner exchange agreement, which could be used to bring the suspects back once their identities are confirmed. However, she did not specify how long the repatriation process might take.

Hadi was shot and critically injured on December 12 last year in Dhaka’s Paltan area and later died on December 18 while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital.

Nepal is set to announce the official results of its national election tomorrow, paving the way for a new government. However, the 265 newly elected members of parliament face a pressing question: where will they convene? The country currently has no usable parliament building after protesters set fire to it during nationwide demonstrations last year, causing extensive damage.

Following the destruction, Nepal’s interim government initiated the construction of a new parliamentary complex. According to local media reports citing the Urban Development Ministry, the new building is expected to be ready by mid-March. The project had originally been scheduled for completion last October but remains unfinished.

Until the new facility is completed, the incoming parliament may face logistical challenges in holding its sessions and conducting legislative business.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanam (Rita), met with JICA’s Chief Representative in Bangladesh, Ichiguchi Tomohide, at the minister’s office on March 9, 2026. State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present during the courtesy meeting. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan and sought JICA’s assistance in expediting the operational launch of the third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

During the meeting, the JICA representative assured continued support for the development initiatives of the current government. He also expressed JICA’s commitment to providing necessary cooperation for the advancement of Bangladesh’s tourism sector.

The meeting underscored the importance of Japan’s technical and financial collaboration in Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism infrastructure, signaling ongoing partnership efforts between the two nations.

The government has reinstated former Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) West Zone, Md. Kohinoor Mia, 15 years after his removal from service. A notification issued on Monday by the Discipline-1 Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the previous dismissal order had been revoked. The order, signed by Senior Secretary Manjur Morshed Chowdhury on behalf of the President, also directed that the period since his suspension be counted as part of his service tenure, entitling him to arrears and other benefits.

According to the notification, the decision followed a review of two departmental cases and the disposal of two related criminal cases in court. After these proceedings, Kohinoor Mia submitted a review petition seeking reconsideration of his dismissal. Upon evaluation, the President approved the cancellation of the earlier order, leading to the withdrawal of the 2011 suspension notification issued by the Home Ministry.

The reinstatement marks the conclusion of a long administrative process that began with his suspension in February 2011.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed officials to explore ways to make Bangladesh’s zakat management system more effective and organized. The directive came during a meeting on zakat management held on Monday at the Cabinet Division, confirmed by Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony. The meeting discussed how efficient zakat management could contribute to poverty alleviation and decided to restructure the Zakat Board.

A proposal was made to form a committee led by Religious Affairs Minister Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad, including Baitul Mukarram Mosque’s Khatib Allama Mufti Abdul Malek, As Sunnah Foundation Chairman Shaykh Ahmadullah, and several Islamic economists and scholars. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will propose the full list of committee members within ten days. The committee will soon submit its recommendations to the Prime Minister regarding zakat management and board restructuring.

The meeting followed the Prime Minister’s remarks at an iftar event on March 7, where he emphasized that proper zakat management could play a vital role in eradicating poverty within 10 to 15 years.

China has described Iran’s appointment of Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader as a completely internal affair. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press conference that the decision was made in accordance with Iran’s constitution. Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged respect for Iran’s sovereignty and warned against any external attempts to alter its political system, saying that so-called color revolutions or regime-change plans would never gain public support.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the new Iranian leader, according to a Fox News program. Host Brian Kilmeade said he spoke with Trump after the announcement, and Trump told him he was “not happy,” though no further details were provided.

The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body, selected Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s third Supreme Leader shortly after midnight Tehran time on Sunday, following the death of Ali Khamenei in a U.S.-Israeli attack on February 28.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman led the Bangladesh delegation at the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting held at Lancaster House in London on Sunday. Ministers from 56 member states discussed strengthening multilateral cooperation and preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for November 1–4 in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to a press release from the Bangladesh High Commission in London, the delegation included the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and senior government officials. The meeting focused on global challenges, the erosion of the rules-based international order, and the need to enhance collective prosperity through deeper cooperation among member countries.

Diplomatic sources indicated that the conference provided Bangladesh with an opportunity to seek international support for its candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly for 2026–2027. The election will take place on June 2 in New York, where Bangladesh will compete with Cyprus for the position.

Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message, expressing confidence that Mojtaba would continue his father’s work with honor and unite the Iranian people even in difficult times. Putin also reaffirmed Russia’s unwavering support and solidarity with Tehran.

According to the report, Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While Russia welcomed the leadership transition, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Mojtaba’s selection. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade stated that Trump told him he was “not happy” about the appointment, though the U.S. president has not made any public comment on the matter.

The differing reactions from Moscow and Washington highlight the geopolitical divisions surrounding Iran’s leadership change and its potential impact on international relations.

The Local Government Division has appointed Additional Secretary Muhammad Moniruzzaman as the new Managing Director (MD) of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA). The appointment order was issued on Monday, granting him the position as an additional responsibility under existing government regulations. According to the official order, Moniruzzaman will receive an additional duty allowance as per the applicable rules.

Before this appointment, Moniruzzaman was serving as the Additional Secretary of the Water Supply Wing under the Local Government Division. The decision marks a continuation of his involvement in water management and local government administration. The Local Government Division issued the order as part of its administrative restructuring within the water supply sector.

The appointment is expected to ensure administrative continuity within Dhaka WASA, as Moniruzzaman brings direct experience from the water supply division of the same ministry.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on Monday, outlining the country’s position on the ongoing Middle East conflict. He stated that India stands for peace and revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with leaders of the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Israel. According to Jaishankar, these leaders assured the safety of Indian nationals residing in their respective countries.

Jaishankar added that several thousand Indians remain stranded in Iran, where communication with the country’s leadership is currently difficult. He noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised public concern over potential fuel shortages in India, but urged citizens to remain calm. He emphasized that the government prioritizes public welfare and is maintaining diplomatic dialogue with the United States.

In a subsequent address to the Lok Sabha, Jaishankar said arrangements are being made to bring back Indians from Iran via Armenia, with assistance from the Indian embassy in Tehran and cooperation from Iranian authorities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Iran on the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader. Russian media reported that Putin expressed confidence that the new leader would continue his father’s legacy and challenge U.S. dominance. Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was officially chosen to succeed his father.

According to the report, Putin praised the decision and conveyed his support for Iran’s leadership transition. In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump was reportedly displeased with the outcome. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade said Trump told him he was “not happy” about Mojtaba Khamenei’s selection, though the U.S. president has not made any public statement on the matter.

The differing reactions from Moscow and Washington highlight the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s leadership change, with Russia signaling alignment and the United States expressing concern.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that discussions about a ceasefire are not relevant at this moment due to the ongoing military conflict. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he emphasized that the situation remains too volatile for mediation efforts to be meaningful.

Baghaei explained that Iran’s focus is on defending its homeland, asserting that the country neither initiated nor provoked the current war. He described the conflict as one imposed on Iran, calling it a war of necessity rather than of choice.

The statement reflects Iran’s position that the continuation of hostilities leaves little room for diplomatic negotiation until the situation stabilizes.

Saimum Reza Talukder, a prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, has resigned citing personal reasons. His resignation marks the first departure of a prosecutor since the removal of former Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam. The development was confirmed on March 9, 2026.

On the same day, two new prosecutors were appointed to the tribunal. According to a notification from the Ministry of Law, Majina Raihan (Madina) and Mohammad Zahirul Amin have been named as the new prosecutors. The appointments aim to fill the vacancy created by Talukder’s resignation and strengthen the tribunal’s prosecutorial team.

The tribunal continues its work on ongoing cases, and the new appointments are expected to maintain continuity in its judicial proceedings.