The symbolic one-minute blackout planned for the night of March 25 to mark Genocide Day will not take place. Earlier on March 24 morning, a government information release had announced that the blackout would be observed across Bangladesh from 10:30 p.m. to 10:31 p.m. to commemorate the dark night of March 25, 1971. Key Point Installations, emergency facilities, and foreign missions in Bangladesh were to remain exempt from the program.

Later that night, the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, M A Khayer, informed journalists that the blackout would not be held. He did not provide any explanation for the cancellation. The symbolic blackout was introduced during a previous Awami League government to honor the victims of the 1971 atrocities.

Last year, the symbolic blackout was observed from 10:00 p.m. to 10:01 p.m. nationwide. The reason for this year’s cancellation remains undisclosed.

Amid reports of mediation between the United States and Iran, Tehran has taken a notably harder stance in its negotiations. Three senior Iranian sources told Reuters that since the outbreak of war, Iran’s tone has shifted significantly, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) now exerting greater influence over policy decisions. Tehran has made it clear that any meaningful talks would require major concessions from Washington.

According to the sources, Iran’s conditions include guarantees against future military action, compensation for wartime damages, and formal control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also refused to discuss any restrictions on its ballistic missile program, calling it a non-negotiable red line. While U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that intense talks have been ongoing for three weeks, Iran publicly denied this, saying only preliminary contacts occurred with Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt.

A potential direct meeting in Islamabad could take place this week if finalized, with Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi expected to attend. However, sources emphasized that the IRGC will ultimately determine any final decision.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly pressuring U.S. President Donald Trump to continue military attacks on Iran. According to a report by The New York Times, the crown prince argued that the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign presents a historic opportunity to reshape the Middle East. The report stated that the two leaders held several discussions over the past week regarding the situation.

The crown prince reportedly told Trump that Iran poses a long-term threat to Gulf countries and that this threat could be eliminated by removing the Iranian government. However, Saudi officials have denied that the crown prince took such a position, according to the same report.

The report did not specify any official U.S. response or potential next steps following these discussions.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that Dhaka’s traffic congestion is expected to ease significantly by the end of April if short-term plans are implemented as scheduled. He made the statement on Tuesday, March 24, after a meeting at the Secretariat chaired by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman on resolving traffic congestion and modernizing traffic management in the capital.

The minister said the meeting discussed short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for improving the traffic system. Representatives from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, both city corporations, the Home Ministry, RAJUK, BUET experts, DTCA, and other relevant agencies attended. He noted that resolutions from the meeting would be shared later but expressed optimism that short-term measures would be completed by April, leading to noticeable improvement in traffic conditions.

Ahmed added that medium- and long-term plans would further enhance the traffic system. He also mentioned that traffic signals are being automated using local technology, with seven intersections already upgraded and six more to follow within a week, eventually covering around 120 signals across Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Cultural Affairs, Advocate Nitae Roy Chowdhury, has alleged that the Awami League government attempted to erase the historical legacy of late President Ziaur Rahman. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after visiting the Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram’s Kazi Deuri area, he said that despite various efforts, the true history of Ziaur Rahman could not be erased. The minister emphasized that the nation’s identity depends on preserving its history and announced plans to restore and modernize the museum.

He stated that during the Awami League’s tenure, items such as the transmitter, table, and chair used by Ziaur Rahman to declare independence from Kalurghat Radio Centre were removed from the museum, but initiatives are now underway to return them. The government plans to preserve the room where Zia was killed, improve the museum’s landscape, and appoint an architect for modernization. Additional staff will be recruited, and earthquake safety measures will be implemented.

Chowdhury added that the government has a broader plan to integrate the Kalurghat Radio Centre and the Zia Memorial Museum under a unified heritage framework to honor Ziaur Rahman’s contributions.

Former interim government religious affairs adviser Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain has warned that disregarding the July Revolution would lead to national disaster. Speaking on Tuesday at a memorial and reunion event in Satkania, Chattogram, organized by the group 'Alor Feri' to honor the martyrs of the 2024 mass uprising, he described the revolution as a crucial turning point in the nation’s history.

Dr. Hossain said the sacrifices made during the July Revolution are an invaluable asset for the nation. He emphasized that the blood and labor of the July fighters would never go in vain, noting that their sacrifices enabled many to regain political power, return from exile, and secure the release of unjustly imprisoned individuals. He urged that the revolution’s legacy must be upheld to build a just state for future generations.

Addressing the political culture, he stated that citizens expect a healthy democratic environment and warned that reliance on unconstitutional or unethical means to retain power could again provoke mass uprisings.

Bangladesh National Parliament Whip and Natore-2 MP Advocate M Ruhul Kudddus Talukder Dulu said the current BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is determined to fulfill every promise made to the people. He stated that within a month of taking office, the government began distributing family cards and initiated allowances for imams, muezzins, and other religious leaders. Dulu made these remarks on March 24, 2026, at a reception for newly appointed Natore District Council Administrator Rahim Newaz.

He further announced that the government will start distributing farmer cards from the first day of the Bengali New Year, enabling marginal farmers to receive seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides free of cost. The government has also decided to waive agricultural loans up to 10,000 taka with interest and has launched the canal excavation program promised earlier. Dulu emphasized unity under Tarique Rahman’s leadership and warned that drugs, terrorism, and extortion would not be tolerated in Natore.

He added that gas connections will soon reach Natore, which will help establish new industries and reduce unemployment in the region.

Bangladesh has received a positive response from India regarding the import of fuel to address the global energy crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid confirmed that India has given a green signal for energy cooperation during a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday afternoon.

She also stated that Bangladesh has not yet received consular access to Faisal Karim and Alamgir Hossain, suspects in the Sharif Osman Hadi murder case who were arrested in India, but the government expects to obtain access soon. Bringing them back to face trial remains a government priority. The minister added that discussions have been held with the Indian High Commissioner regarding the repatriation of individuals, including Sheikh Hasina, who have taken refuge in India.

Addressing another question, Shama Obaid said that all Bangladeshi missions in the Middle East are working to ensure the safety of citizens. Over 2,000 Bangladeshis currently in Iran are reported to be safe, and the government will assist those wishing to return.

Pakistan has announced its willingness to mediate between the United States and Iran to help resolve ongoing tensions. In an interview with Qatar-based Al Jazeera, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad is always ready to host talks if the concerned parties agree. He emphasized that Pakistan consistently prioritizes dialogue and diplomacy to maintain regional peace and stability.

Andrabi’s remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump temporarily suspended his threat to attack Iranian power plants for five days, claiming that Washington and Tehran were engaged in “very good” discussions. Iran, however, has officially denied holding any talks with the United States. Reports from U.S. and Israeli media suggested that Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have been acting as intermediaries, facilitating message exchanges between Tehran and Washington.

Some media outlets have hinted that representatives from both countries might meet in Islamabad in the coming days, though neither side has confirmed such a meeting.

Qatar has announced that it will not take part in any mediation efforts between Iran and the United States aimed at ending the current conflict. The statement came from Majid Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who clarified that Doha is not involved in any initiatives to stop the war. Ansari emphasized that Qatar’s priority is to halt attacks on its territory and to protect the homeland.

In previous years, particularly before the 12-day war last June, Qatar had served as one of the main mediators between Tehran and Washington. Responding to a question about whether Qatar could maintain normal relations with Iran following attacks on Arab countries, Ansari said that geography cannot be changed, suggesting that Qatar’s regional realities shape its diplomatic stance.

The announcement signals a shift from Qatar’s earlier role as a facilitator in Iran-U.S. relations, reflecting a more cautious approach amid heightened regional tensions.

A parliamentary special committee has reached consensus on an ordinance to raise the entry age limit for government jobs to 32 years. The decision was disclosed by opposition whip and Jamaat-e-Islami assistant secretary general Rafiqul Islam Khan after the committee’s meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the National Parliament building. The meeting discussed a total of 133 ordinances, several of which achieved agreement among members.

Rafiqul Islam Khan stated that during the first day of discussions, the committee reviewed 27 ordinances and reached consensus on most of them except five. He also mentioned that the committee agreed to present most of the discussed ordinances in Parliament as recommendations. Further discussions will continue on the Disappearance Prevention and Remedy (Amendment) Ordinance 2026 and the Police Commission Ordinance 2025.

The meeting also reached agreement on the proposed ordinance concerning the protection of July fighters. Rafiqul Islam Khan emphasized that constitutional issues were not discussed in this session, and the committee prioritized matters related to public interest and national needs.

A new controversy has emerged in West Bengal, India, over the voter list ahead of the upcoming elections. The Election Commission recently released an additional voter list, prompting questions among political circles and the public. Allegations have surfaced that the publication process lacks transparency, with no clear data on how many new voters were added or removed. Technical issues on the commission’s website have also prevented many from verifying their information.

Some groups have warned that holding elections before completing the voter list update could disenfranchise many voters. The Election Commission has not yet provided a detailed explanation. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing about the deployment of central forces in the state to maintain law and order during the election period, though sections of the opposition have expressed concern.

Major political parties, including the Trinamool Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Indian National Congress, are trading accusations over various issues. Analysts emphasize that transparency in voter list management and administrative measures is essential to maintain public trust and ensure the credibility of the election process.

Retired Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr has been officially appointed as the new secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The announcement was made on March 24, 2026, by Seyed Mehdi Tabatabai, deputy head of communications at the Iranian president’s office, through a post on social media platform X. The appointment was made by order of the president and approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

Zolqadr replaces Ali Larijani, who was killed last week in an Israeli-American attack. Larijani had served as the council’s head since August 2025. Zolqadr, a key figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, previously held senior roles in the judiciary, including responsibilities for strategic, social-security, and crime prevention affairs.

Before this appointment, Zolqadr served as secretary of the Supreme Advisory Council and earlier as deputy interior minister for security under former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He holds a degree in economics from the University of Tehran and is reportedly under international sanctions for his involvement in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

A legal notice has been sent to the Bangladesh government demanding the immediate purchase of a modern air defense system to protect citizens from aerial threats and safeguard national sovereignty. The notice also called for initiating research and development to build an indigenous air defense system using local technology. Supreme Court lawyer Md. Mahmudul Hasan issued the notice on Tuesday in the public interest, addressing it to senior officials including the Cabinet Secretary, Secretaries of the Defense and Finance Ministries, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, and the Commandant of Bangladesh Ordnance Factories.

The notice stated that modern warfare increasingly involves missile, aircraft, and drone attacks, posing severe risks to both military installations and civilians. It cited media reports indicating serious deficiencies in Bangladesh’s current air defense capabilities. The document warned that regional instability, the civil war in neighboring Myanmar, and geopolitical tensions could threaten Bangladesh’s sovereignty. It also noted that India has already deployed Russia’s S-400 air defense system, emphasizing the need for Bangladesh to act promptly to maintain regional balance and reduce long-term dependence on foreign technology.

The notice requested action within 15 days, warning that a writ petition would be filed in the High Court if no steps are taken.

Lebanon has announced the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador, ordering the diplomat to leave the country by next Sunday. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the ambassador persona non grata, effectively ending his mission in Beirut. A ministry spokesperson, Denis Rahme, told the Associated Press that although the ambassador will depart, a chargé d’affaires will remain in charge of the Iranian embassy to maintain basic diplomatic functions.

The decision marks a further deterioration in Lebanon-Iran relations, which have been strained since the 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. That war deepened regional divisions and placed Lebanon’s foreign policy under increasing pressure. The expulsion reflects the ongoing fallout from those tensions and Lebanon’s attempt to recalibrate its diplomatic stance.

It remains unclear how Tehran will respond to the move or whether it will affect broader regional alignments involving Iran and its allies.