Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Amir Maulana Mamunul Haque stated that the July mass uprising was built upon the sacrifices and ideals of the Shapla Chattar movement. He emphasized that rebuilding the future of Bangladesh depends on fully realizing the goals and spirit of that uprising. Haque accused those attempting to undermine the 2024 uprising of rejecting the essence of the Shapla spirit itself.

He made these remarks on Thursday at an iftar gathering organized by the Shapla Smriti Sangsad at the Hotel Central Inn auditorium of Rahmania International Complex in Dhaka. The event honored the families of those killed and injured in the 2013 Shapla Chattar and 2021 anti-Modi movements. In his presidential address, Haque also expressed regret for the nation’s negligence toward the families of the martyrs, apologizing on behalf of all for their prolonged suffering.

The event was attended by Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s central Naib-e-Amir Maulana Mahfuzul Haque, former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, and other religious and social leaders.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has alleged that the ruling party is attempting to declare the July Charter and referendum invalid by using the courts. Speaking at an iftar gathering organized by the Ulama Division of Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South on Thursday, he warned that if the government follows the path of previous regimes, the responsibility will fall on the BNP. He also claimed that evidence of election result manipulation is gradually emerging and that both domestic and foreign forces were involved in engineering the outcome.

Porwar called on Islamic scholars to take the lead in building true believers and patriotic citizens, describing them as the nation's best sons who have historically defended independence and sovereignty. Other speakers, including Nurul Islam Bulbul MP and Dr. Khalilur Rahman Madani, emphasized unity among religious scholars and their role in guiding the nation beyond partisan lines.

The event was attended by senior Jamaat leaders, scholars, and representatives from various Islamic organizations, who echoed calls for unity and moral leadership in national life.

China has announced a 7 percent increase in its 2026 defense budget to accelerate military modernization. The announcement came on March 5 during the opening of the annual parliamentary session, where Premier Li Qiang said the country would strengthen war preparedness and enhance advanced military capabilities. Although this is the smallest increase in five years, it remains higher than most Asian nations’ defense growth rates.

Li Qiang stated that the measures aim to boost China’s strategic capacity to safeguard sovereignty, security, and development interests. The modernization plan includes developing new missiles, warships, submarines, and surveillance technologies, with a goal to fully modernize the armed forces by 2035. Analysts noted that China’s defense spending typically aligns with GDP growth and inflation. Beijing has also intensified anti-corruption efforts within the military, investigating senior generals such as Zhang Youxia and He Weidong.

Taiwan expressed concern that China’s large defense allocation amid weak economic conditions poses a threat, while Japan criticized the lack of transparency. A report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies said China accounted for 44 percent of Asia’s total defense spending in 2025, up from an average of 37 percent between 2010 and 2020.

United States Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapoor paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir in Dhaka on Thursday. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon and was attended by the US Ambassador to Bangladesh and a high-level American delegation.

During the meeting, both sides discussed existing bilateral relations, regional cooperation, trade and investment expansion, and development partnership. Adviser Humayun Kabir highlighted the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and the United States and expressed hope for strengthening and diversifying the relationship. He emphasized the importance of expanding economic cooperation and joint initiatives in various development sectors.

Assistant Secretary Kapoor reaffirmed the United States’ interest in advancing Bangladesh-US relations and noted the potential for expanding collaboration in multiple areas. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with both parties expressing optimism about deepening future cooperation.

The Prime Minister has decided to avoid holding lavish iftar gatherings this year, considering the country’s overall situation. According to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, she will attend only two iftar events at the state guesthouse Jamuna—one on March 6 for diplomats and another on March 7 for orphans, Islamic scholars, and clerics.

Previously scheduled iftar events at Jamuna for politicians on March 8 and for journalists on March 10 have been cancelled due to the same considerations. The decision marks a departure from the usual state tradition of hosting multiple large-scale iftar receptions for various professional and social groups.

This year, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is observing iftar privately with his family at home, and no grand state-sponsored iftar events are being held.

Photographer Khaled Hossain Parag from Pabna has been appointed as the personal photographer to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The appointment was announced on Tuesday through a circular issued by the Contract and Foreign Recruitment Branch of the Ministry of Public Administration. According to the circular, Parag will serve on a contractual basis, receiving salary and benefits under grade-9 of the national pay scale. His appointment will remain effective until the end of the Prime Minister’s tenure or until further notice.

As the Prime Minister’s photographer, Parag will be responsible for capturing, archiving, and documenting official activities, political programs, state visits, meetings, and other significant events. He will also oversee the visual documentation and archival preservation of the Prime Minister’s engagements.

Parag has been active in photojournalism and cultural-political activities for nearly three decades. He began his career at the daily Dinkal and currently serves as the convener of the Pabna district branch of JASAS, a BNP-affiliated cultural organization. He has founded several local cultural and youth organizations and is known for his long-standing voluntary documentation of BNP and Zia family events.

A US religious freedom watchdog has alleged that military commanders used extremist Christian rhetoric to justify the ongoing war with Iran. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) reported receiving over 200 complaints from service members across all branches, including the marines, air force, and space force. One noncommissioned officer said their commander told troops the conflict was 'all part of God’s divine plan,' citing biblical references to Armageddon and claiming that former President Donald Trump was 'anointed by Jesus' to ignite events leading to the end times.

MRFF president Mikey Weinstein said the complaints reveal growing Christian extremism within the military and a violation of the separation of church and state. He noted that service members often feel unable to challenge superiors who promote religious narratives. The watchdog shared one complaint filed on behalf of 15 troops of different faiths, including Christians, a Muslim, and a Jewish member.

The Pentagon did not respond directly to the allegations but instead circulated public clips of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussing the Iran operation. Hegseth has previously expressed support for Christian nationalist ideas and figures.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher MP, has alleged that former adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has become a key witness to what he described as election engineering during the February 12 polls. Speaking at a press briefing at Jamaat’s central office in Moghbazar on Thursday, he said Rizwana Hasan’s recent remarks confirmed the manipulation claims.

Dr. Taher questioned whether the then interim government or the current administration had colluded to prevent Jamaat-e-Islami from emerging as a major political force. He alleged that officials such as DCs, SPs, TNOs, OCs, and presiding officers were appointed to ensure a predetermined outcome. He urged the government to interrogate Rizwana Hasan to clarify the full situation and inform the nation.

He further mentioned that Jamaat had previously accused several advisers of involvement in election irregularities, naming Rizwana Hasan and Khalilur Rahman. Senior Jamaat leaders, including Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, were present at the briefing.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for the cancellation of the appointment of Mostakur Rahman as the new governor of Bangladesh Bank. The organization made the demand at a press conference held on Thursday morning at its headquarters in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that the appointment of a businessman and controversial figure to such a key position has already drawn criticism from various quarters. TIB urged the government to revoke the appointment and select a qualified, non-controversial, and competent individual for the role.

During the same event, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman noted that the newly formed government has initiated several new measures but refrained from commenting on them at this stage. When asked about the recent resignation of the outgoing Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chairman, he said that the ACC’s structure and functions are defined by law and that the ruling party should appoint a neutral person to the chairmanship and other key positions.

Several senior TIB officials, including advisers and directors, were present at the press conference.

The administrator of Cumilla City Corporation (CUSC), Md. Shah Alam, has been accused of frequently being absent from his office during official hours, reportedly spending most weekdays in Dhaka for official purposes. However, inquiries revealed that he was not present at the relevant ministries as claimed. His irregular attendance has allegedly led to delays in administrative decisions and increased difficulties for city residents seeking municipal services.

The issue arises despite Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directive requiring all government officials to attend office on time. During a week-long inspection, Shah Alam was reportedly not found in his office on any of three working days. City residents and former officials expressed concern that such absenteeism undermines service delivery and public trust. The city’s chief executive officer confirmed the administrator was in Dhaka but could not provide further details.

Local Member of Parliament Monirul Haque Chowdhury stated he would question Shah Alam about his irregular attendance. Citizens believe regular presence by the administrator could improve efficiency and responsiveness in civic services.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has decided to declare March 18, 2026, as a public holiday in connection with the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. With this decision, government officials and employees will enjoy a total of seven consecutive days off during the festival. The announcement was made on Thursday morning following a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat, according to State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj.

Depending on the sighting of the Arabic month of Shaban, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on March 21. The government had earlier set March 19 to 23 as general holidays for Eid. Additionally, March 17 is already a holiday for Shab-e-Qadr, and the newly declared March 18 holiday bridges the gap, creating a continuous seven-day break.

The extended holiday period is expected to facilitate nationwide travel and family gatherings during the festival, according to the official announcement.

Nepal began voting on Thursday in a parliamentary election that has drawn attention for its potential to reshape the country’s political alignment between India and China. The contest features key figures including former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli of the Communist Party (UML), former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Nepali Congress leader Gagan Thapa, and Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The Election Commission pledged to announce results within 24 hours of collecting ballots from 165 constituencies.

Observers doubt any party will secure a majority, citing Nepal’s long history of unstable governments since the monarchy’s fall in 1990. The 2025 Gen Z movement that forced Oli’s resignation continues to influence the political landscape, with Shah emerging as a prominent anti-establishment and India-critical figure. Analysts note that Oli’s UML remains China-leaning, while India has refrained from commenting directly on the election but continues to monitor developments closely.

Experts suggest that regardless of the outcome, Nepal’s next government will need to maintain cooperative ties with India to ensure economic stability and development.

A violent clash erupted between two local factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Hakimpur village of Shailkupa upazila, Jhenaidah, on Wednesday night, March 4, 2026. The confrontation, reportedly over local dominance, left at least 23 people injured and resulted in the vandalism of three homesteads. Police arrived promptly to bring the situation under control and transported the injured to Shailkupa Health Complex and Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital.

According to police, the conflict involved supporters of Bokul Biswas, president of the Hakimpur Union BNP, and Tarun Biswas, president of the Union Swechchhasebak Dal. The dispute had been ongoing over influence in the area and escalated into violence when both sides armed themselves with local weapons. The incident spread panic throughout the village.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that the situation is now under control, with additional police deployed to prevent further clashes. Patrols have been intensified to maintain order in the affected area.

Hundreds of young people gathered at the Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) shrine area in Sylhet on Wednesday night, chanting slogans demanding justice for Hadi’s killing. The demonstration erupted after Tarawih prayers, coinciding with the presence of Nasir Uddin Patwari, joint convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), who had attended a party iftar and prayers at the Dargah Jame Mosque.

As Patwari and other NCP leaders prayed, crowds of youths assembled in the shrine courtyard and nearby streets, filling the area with chants such as “We want justice for Hadi’s murder.” The protest reflected growing anger over the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a prominent activist of the July–August movement and a candidate for Dhaka-8, who was shot dead on December 12 after Friday prayers.

According to the report, Patwari is touring various parts of the country during Ramadan, meeting people after Tarawih prayers. His supporters have been voicing demands for justice for Hadi and for a country free from extortion.

Nepal began voting on Thursday, March 5, 2026, to elect a new parliament, marking the first national election since the government fell six months ago following a deadly anti-corruption uprising. The vote, running until 5 p.m. local time, is being described as one of the most competitive since the end of the civil war in 2006. Around 19 million registered voters are choosing representatives to replace the interim government that has ruled since the September 2025 protests.

The 2025 Gen Z–led movement began as opposition to a temporary social media ban but grew into a nationwide campaign against corruption and economic mismanagement, resulting in at least 77 deaths and the fall of former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli’s administration. Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki urged citizens to vote without fear, while thousands of security personnel were deployed to maintain order.

Over 3,400 candidates are contesting 165 directly elected seats in the 275-member lower house, with the remaining 110 to be allocated by party lists. Analysts expect no single party to win an outright majority, and preliminary results are expected within 24 hours.