Iran’s Supreme Religious Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has proposed Iran’s mediation to improve relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In a national address on March 20, 2026, he emphasized that national unity would force adversaries to retreat and highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance from a regional perspective. Khamenei said Iran was ready to facilitate dialogue between the two neighboring countries to promote stability and cooperation in the region.

He accused Iran’s opponents of trying to damage its relations with neighboring states, particularly Pakistan, and described Pakistan as a vital partner for Iran. Khamenei also identified the United States and Israel as Iran’s external enemies, asserting that the unity of the Iranian people would defeat their ambitions. He praised the Iranian public’s resilience during fasting and struggle, claiming it had already weakened adversaries.

Khamenei concluded that internal unity within Iranian society plays a decisive role in resisting external pressure and will continue to guide Iran’s response to regional and international challenges.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has called for replacing Bangladesh’s current constitution, describing it as an Indian and Mujibist constitution that he labeled fascist. Speaking at an iftar gathering organized by the NCP’s Sadar upazila branch at Chandpur Press Club Community Center on March 18, he claimed that many people were martyred in July because of this constitution and argued that it has failed to protect citizens.

Patwari said that real change in Bangladesh must begin with constitutional reform, asserting that the existing framework enables authoritarianism. He warned that if the constitution is not changed, the party might launch a movement to reject it. He also criticized the Awami League, accusing it of attempting to rehabilitate itself politically, and urged people who support the party to go to India.

The event was attended by NCP joint coordinator Md. Mahbub Alam, Chandpur district Jamaat secretary Shahjahan Mia, Chandpur Press Club president Sohel Rushdi, general secretary M.A. Latif, and NCP Chandpur Sadar coordinator Tamim Khan.

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shara said his government is working to keep the country away from the ongoing Middle East war. Speaking after Eid al-Fitr prayers at the presidential palace in Damascus on Friday, he emphasized that Syria is taking every step with extreme caution to avoid involvement in any conflict.

Al-Shara noted that Syria had long been a center of conflict and instability for over 15 years but is now maintaining good relations with neighboring countries both regionally and internationally. He described the current situation as one of the most significant and rare historical events since World War II.

The president added that Syria’s careful approach aims to ensure the nation can continue on a path of development and reconstruction while avoiding entanglement in regional hostilities.

US President Donald Trump has expressed anger toward NATO allies, hinting at possible diplomatic retaliation. According to Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett reporting from Washington, Trump’s recent Truth Social post revealed his frustration over a lack of cooperation from allied nations regarding the Hormuz Strait issue. He accused several countries of failing to take action or show sufficient interest in addressing the situation.

Analysts cited in the report said Trump’s remarks reflect not only disappointment but also a sign of rising tension. In his comments, Trump downplayed NATO’s importance, labeled allied nations as “cowardly,” and warned that the United States would remember their inaction. The tone of his statement suggests that future diplomatic measures against these allies could be under consideration.

The report indicates that Trump’s stance may further strain relations within the NATO alliance, particularly concerning joint responses to international security challenges.

State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan visited Dhaka’s Sadarghat Launch Terminal on Friday to monitor the final phase of Eid travel. He noted that passenger pressure had eased but warned that the return journey would pose a major challenge. Preparations have already been strengthened to ensure a smooth and safe return for travelers.

During the inspection, the minister spoke with passengers and closely observed the overall condition of passenger transport inside several launches. To prevent overloading, he instructed that vessels depart only with passengers within their approved capacity. He thanked officials, workers, and law enforcement personnel for their continuous efforts in managing the terminal and maintaining order.

Rajib Ahsan also urged all agencies involved in terminal operations to work in coordination to ensure that Eid travel remains smooth, safe, and disciplined. He expressed appreciation to journalists for their role in disseminating information and raising public awareness about waterway transport management.

India has appointed Vikram Doraiswami, currently serving as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, as its new ambassador to China. He will replace Pradeep Kumar Rawat and is expected to assume his duties in Beijing soon. Doraiswami, a 1992 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, previously served as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure and has also held ambassadorial roles in South Korea and Uzbekistan.

Doraiswami’s diplomatic experience includes earlier service in Beijing from 1996 to 2000, during which he studied the Chinese language at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He has also held senior positions in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, notably leading the Indo-Pacific division. Before joining the foreign service, he briefly worked as a journalist and earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Delhi.

The appointment comes as part of India’s efforts to rebuild relations with China following the 2020 border conflict, with both sides still maintaining troop deployments along the frontier.

A Dhaka court has cleared former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 123 others from charges in a case filed over the alleged killing of a teenager named Jihad during an anti-discrimination student movement in Keraniganj. The order was issued after reviewing the final investigation report submitted by Sub-Inspector Badiar Rahman of Keraniganj Model Police Station. The court’s decision followed confirmation that the victim was alive and that the case had been based on incorrect information.

According to court officials, the investigation concluded on August 11 of the previous year, and the report was submitted to the court, which later issued the discharge order on November 30. The investigation found that Jihad had been injured in Hazaribagh, not killed in Keraniganj, and that the case had been falsely framed as a murder.

Among those discharged were Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Sheikh Helal, former mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, and former Inspector General of Police Abdullah Al Mamun.

Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition whip, extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message sent to the media on Friday, he described Eid as a festival that strengthens social harmony and teaches peace, compassion, and brotherhood after a month of fasting and self-restraint.

He noted that this is the second Eid-ul-Fitr after the end of fascism in the country, emphasizing the sacrifices of those who fought for a free environment to celebrate. Nahid Islam urged citizens to stand by the families of martyrs and injured activists who contributed to achieving a fascist-free Bangladesh. He also expressed gratitude to expatriate Bangladeshis who continue to support the national economy despite being away from their families.

In his message, he called on Muslims to support the poor, helpless, and neglected members of society and prayed for happiness, peace, and prosperity for Bangladesh and the entire Muslim community.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman delivered a video message on Friday evening, extending Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the people of Bangladesh and expatriate Bangladeshis worldwide. In his message, he expressed gratitude to Allah for granting the opportunity to observe Ramadan and announced that Eid would be celebrated on Saturday following the sighting of the moon.

Rahman emphasized that Ramadan was not only about fasting but also about learning restraint, fostering piety, and promoting goodness. He prayed for forgiveness, mercy, and blessings for all, both living and deceased, and urged people to cultivate mutual respect, love, and responsibility. He also prayed for the removal of hatred and vengeance from society.

Concluding his message, the opposition leader sought divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and honor for Bangladesh and its citizens, wishing everyone good health and long life.

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee announced her party’s election manifesto on March 20, 2026, during a press conference at her residence in Kalighat, Kolkata. The manifesto includes ten key promises, such as a monthly allowance for women and a new scheme called ‘Banglar Yuba Sathi’ to support unemployed youth. She also pledged initiatives for farmers’ development and guaranteed access to safe drinking water for every household.

Banerjee emphasized healthcare as the manifesto’s central commitment, announcing plans to hold medical camps in every block and small town across West Bengal to ensure government healthcare for all citizens. Additional pledges include transforming Kolkata into a major commercial hub for eastern India and the world, and improving access to education, housing, and administrative services.

She stated that her campaign activities would begin after the Eid festival.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh and the global Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message delivered on Friday, March 20, 2026, he said that after a month of fasting, Eid brings joy, peace, harmony, and brotherhood to human life. The message was issued depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Ramadan teaches restraint, sacrifice, patience, and self-purification, helping individuals develop empathy and a sense of cooperation within society. He noted that the true meaning of Eid is realized when the teachings of Ramadan are reflected in personal, family, social, and national life, fostering love and fraternity beyond social and economic divisions.

He called on citizens to stand beside the underprivileged and share the joy of Eid with everyone. The Prime Minister also urged national unity and collective efforts to build a humane, peaceful, and prosperous Bangladesh, praying for divine blessings of peace, progress, and prosperity for the nation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has conveyed heartfelt greetings and Eid Mubarak to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message delivered on Friday afternoon, he expressed hope that the festival would strengthen national unity, mutual harmony, and compassion among all.

He described Eid-ul-Fitr as one of the most significant religious festivals for Muslims, marking the end of a month of fasting and self-restraint with messages of joy, peace, and brotherhood. The Prime Minister emphasized that Ramadan teaches self-control, sacrifice, service, and purification, fostering empathy and cooperation within society.

Rahman called on citizens to embody the teachings of Ramadan in personal, family, social, and national life, urging everyone to rise above divisions and share Eid’s joy with the underprivileged. He also prayed for peace, progress, and prosperity for the nation and the well-being of the global Muslim community.

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, M Riaz Hamidullah, met Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. The courtesy meeting took place at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and both sides confirmed the discussion through their official social media posts.

According to the report, the meeting focused on enhancing mutual cooperation and advancing shared interests. Jaishankar stated that the main theme of the discussion was reinforcing bilateral ties, while Hamidullah emphasized Bangladesh’s readiness to work with India based on mutual benefit and common interests. Diplomatic sources indicated that Hamidullah was also expected to hold a courtesy meeting with Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal later in the day.

Riaz Hamidullah has been serving as Bangladesh’s High Commissioner in New Delhi since May of the previous year, and this was his first minister-level meeting since assuming the post. The report also mentioned that Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman may visit India briefly next month while en route to Mauritius for an Indian Ocean Rim Association ministerial conference.

Security measures have been intensified around the historic Sholakia Eidgah Maidan in Kishoreganj ahead of the 199th Eid-ul-Fitr congregation, the largest in Bangladesh. According to a press release signed by Lieutenant Colonel Touhidul Bari, commander of the Netrokona Battalion (31 BGB), five platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to ensure safety for the large number of worshippers expected to attend.

The deployed BGB members will work in coordination with the district administration and other law enforcement agencies to establish a strict security perimeter around the Eidgah and its surrounding areas. Special monitoring will be in place at entry and exit points. Authorities have instructed attendees to use designated entrances, avoid carrying bags, sharp objects, or suspicious items, and cooperate with security checks.

BGB stated that, in addition to border protection, it continues to assist in maintaining internal law and order with professionalism. As in previous years, maximum precautions have been taken to ensure a peaceful and safe Eid congregation at Sholakia, a site known for hosting large-scale Eid prayers for nearly two centuries.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Maulana Yunus Ahmad has called on the government to take effective measures instead of making rhetorical statements about Eid travel management. In a statement issued to the media on Friday, he expressed concern over deaths and public suffering during the holiday journeys, noting that people’s eagerness to return to their villages often leads to exploitation by dishonest groups who raise fares and create artificial crises.

He criticized the new road transport minister for failing to reduce public suffering during Eid travel, citing fatal accidents and the return of excessive fare collection. The Islami Andolan leader urged the government to identify the real problems and take practical steps to address them.

Yunus Ahmad also warned that while outbound travel from Dhaka occurred gradually due to school holidays, the return journey after Eid would see heavier pressure. He urged authorities to act sincerely and take effective initiatives to manage the expected rush.