The National Citizens Party (NCP) has protested what it described as increasing political interference in educational institutions. In a statement issued on March 11, 2026, by NCP’s Joint Member Secretary for Education and Research, Faisal Mahmud Shanto, the party criticized a preliminary decision made on March 10 during a meeting at the Secretariat attended by Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan and education board chairmen. The meeting reportedly decided to relax the educational qualification requirements for the position of chairperson of educational institution management committees.

The NCP statement condemned the move, arguing that it would enable unqualified individuals to exert undue authority over teachers and expand political influence in education. It recalled past instances where politically influential but underqualified persons served as chairpersons, leading to corruption, favoritism, and even harassment of teachers. The party noted that a previous interim government had made minimum educational qualifications mandatory for chairpersons, a reform welcomed by teachers, students, and parents.

The NCP urged the newly elected government and the Ministry of Education to cancel the preliminary decision and take effective measures to prevent political interference in educational institutions.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized that media freedom is essential for the growth of democracy in Bangladesh. Speaking at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Wednesday before an iftar with journalists, he said that no pressure or control should be imposed on journalists and that establishing a free and independent media should be a shared goal.

He recalled the long-standing relationship between the BNP and journalists, noting that the party values the support it has received from the media. Remembering BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, Fakhrul said she always maintained good relations with journalists and prayed for her departed soul. He added that a new political opportunity has emerged to institutionalize democracy through a government based on public trust and support.

Fakhrul expressed hope that by making the parliament the center of all activities, democratic institutions could be further strengthened, calling on all who believe in democracy, liberal values, and media freedom to work together to build a truly democratic and liberal Bangladesh.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Md. Nahid Islam has called for nationwide unity if members of the Constitutional Reform Council do not take their oath. He made the statement at the NCP’s divisional iftar and prayer gathering held at Shaheed Abu Sayeed Stadium in Rangpur. Nahid said the new parliamentary session would begin the next day and the nation was watching to see whether ruling party MPs would take the oath and whether the president would be removed.

He emphasized that these demands were not only his party’s but represented the aspirations of a new Bangladesh, urging all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to raise their voices. Nahid also expressed hope for a functional parliament where the opposition would be allowed to speak and all commitments would be honored. Remembering Shaheed Abu Sayeed, he pledged that Rangpur Division would face no discrimination in the future.

The event was attended by NCP leaders, members of allied parties, and representatives from the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, reflecting broad political participation.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that several historic decisions will be made during the first session of the 13th National Parliament, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday. He described the session as highly significant and historic for the nation, marking the culmination of a 16–17-year-long struggle toward democratic transition.

The minister stated that Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman will deliver the opening address. As the Speaker and Deputy Speaker had not yet been finalized, the session will begin with a temporary presiding member, who will oversee the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker according to parliamentary rules. Following their election, the President will administer the oath to both officials.

The announcement underscores the government’s emphasis on the symbolic and procedural importance of the inaugural session, which is expected to set the tone for the new parliamentary term.

A delegation of the AB Party met Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman at his office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The meeting was led by AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, who congratulated the Prime Minister for assuming national responsibility through elections following the interim government period. Monju also handed over two letters—one on behalf of the party and another from his Feni constituency.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister listened to the delegation and emphasized positive politics for the welfare of the nation and its people. The AB Party leaders recalled the turbulent events of July–August and presented four key recommendations addressing constitutional reform, national unity, law and order, and justice for past political repression.

The proposals included resolving disputes over the July Charter and constitutional reform council, convening a national consultative meeting to tackle economic challenges from the US–Iran war, launching a joint anti-corruption and anti-crime drive, and rebuilding Bangladesh based on equality, dignity, and social justice while ensuring accountability for past atrocities.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has accused the BNP of reversing its stance after forming a government as a beneficiary of the July uprising. Speaking at a roundtable titled “Reluctance to Implement Referendum Verdict: Concerned Civil Society” organized by Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, he alleged that legal and political conspiracies were ongoing regarding the Constitutional Reform Council and the July Charter.

Parwar said the referendum received nearly 68 percent “yes” votes, with about 50 million people supporting it, which should make it constitutionally binding. He criticized the BNP for ignoring this public mandate and questioned why the law minister remained silent on the July Charter while the home minister provided legal explanations. He also accused the government of deliberately prolonging parliamentary discussions on the July Charter under the pretext of sub judice.

He urged BNP lawmakers to take the oath of the Constitutional Reform Council and implement the consensus points of the July Charter, saying that doing so would fulfill the people’s aspirations reflected in the blood-stained July Charter.

Engineer Md. Enamul Haque, Member of Parliament for Naogaon-2 (Dhamoirhat-Patnitala) and a Jamaat representative, was admitted to Dhamoirhat Upazila Health Complex after suddenly falling ill on Monday morning. He received treatment for gastric and high blood pressure issues and stayed at the hospital until noon. During his stay, he ate the regular meals provided to general patients, an act that drew widespread praise from locals and social media users.

Dhamoirhat Upazila Health Officer Dr. Ashish Kumar Sarkar said the MP’s decision to seek treatment at a government hospital without prior notice demonstrated trust in public healthcare. Enamul Haque stated that he chose to receive care at his local health complex to encourage confidence in government medical services and expressed satisfaction with the dedication of doctors and staff despite limited resources.

Following the incident, photos of the MP eating hospital food circulated online, prompting positive reactions. Many observers viewed his action as a rare and exemplary gesture that could strengthen public trust in government healthcare facilities.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has called for the full implementation of the July reform package, rejecting any partial adoption such as the Deputy Speaker proposal. Speaking at a press briefing after a meeting of opposition lawmakers at the LD Hall of the National Parliament on Thursday, he said that 69 percent of voters supported the reform in a referendum, and this mandate cannot be ignored. He emphasized that the government should honor the July reforms and complete the oath process accordingly.

The meeting, chaired by Dr. Rahman, included members of the 11-party alliance, among them Deputy Leader of the Opposition Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher and Chief Whip Nahid Islam. Rahman stated that the opposition aims to act as a responsible parliamentary force, supporting government initiatives beneficial to the nation while opposing harmful ones. He urged the government to engage in dialogue and uphold fairness in parliamentary proceedings.

Rahman further expressed hope that the government would act in line with public expectations and the spirit of the July reforms, ensuring democratic sustainability and avoiding corruption and misgovernance.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is safe and in good health, according to Iranian government adviser Yousef Pezeshkian. His statement came after reports circulated that Khamenei had been injured in an attack. Pezeshkian, son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, shared the update through an Instagram story, saying he confirmed Khamenei’s condition through contacts close to him.

Earlier, Iranian state television described Mojtaba Khamenei as a “wounded veteran of the Ramadan war” but did not provide details about the nature or extent of any injuries. The state media offered no confirmation of whether he was actually hurt.

Amid ongoing wartime conditions, various rumors and unverified information have spread regarding Iran’s top leadership. The government is reportedly verifying these claims to counter misinformation, according to Al Jazeera.

The parliamentary party of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has entrusted Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tareq Rahman with the responsibility of finalizing candidates for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions of the 13th National Parliament. The decision was made during a BNP parliamentary meeting held at the National Parliament building on Wednesday. Chief Whip Nurul Islam confirmed the decision at a press conference following the meeting. The first session of the 13th Parliament is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. tomorrow, during which the elections for Speaker and Deputy Speaker will take place.

According to the Chief Whip, the session will begin with the Speaker’s chair vacant, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. The Leader of the House will then propose a senior member to preside over the session, whose nomination will be seconded by another member. Additionally, 133 ordinances issued during the interim government will be presented in Parliament, and a special committee including both government and opposition members will be formed to review them.

Nurul Islam added that the Prime Minister had offered the Deputy Speaker post to the opposition, but no positive response had been received so far.

Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament is set to begin its first session on March 12, following the February 12 general election that brought the BNP to power. President Md. Shahabuddin has convened the session, which will open with the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker and a formal address by the President. The BNP’s Tarique Rahman has become Prime Minister, while Jamaat-e-Islami leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has been named Leader of the Opposition.

This parliament is considered exceptional because over 75 percent of its 296 members are first-time lawmakers, and both the previous Speaker and Deputy Speaker are unavailable—the former having resigned and the latter being in custody. Analysts note that the President may appoint a temporary presiding member for the opening session, a rare occurrence in parliamentary history. The session will follow constitutional and procedural rules, including the President’s written speech outlining the new government’s plans.

Experts suggest that the high number of new members may slow the legislative process as they adapt to parliamentary procedures and committee work.

A five-member fact-finding committee has been formed to investigate any credible allegations against members of the prosecution or related individuals of the International Crimes Tribunal. Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam announced the formation during a press briefing on Wednesday, stating that the committee will examine any claims of irregularities and take legal action if necessary.

According to the Chief Prosecutor, the committee’s main objective is to uncover factual information if any prosecution team member or associated person is involved in unethical activities. He emphasized that the allegations currently under consideration are being taken seriously and that the committee, under his leadership, will ensure a thorough investigation into any such claims within the tribunal.

The initiative aims to maintain accountability and transparency within the prosecution team by ensuring that any substantiated allegations lead to appropriate legal measures.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced that the first session of the 13th National Parliament will begin at 11 a.m. tomorrow. On the same day, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected, and President Md. Shahabuddin will administer their oath of office. The minister shared this information after a meeting of ruling party lawmakers chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

According to the Home Minister, several historic decisions are expected during the session. The Leader of the House will deliver a welcome address and present the name of the presiding officer. He added that once the session begins, it will reflect public expectations, the aspirations of the martyrs, and the commitments agreed upon in the July Charter.

The announcement marks the formal start of the new parliamentary term, setting the stage for leadership selection and policy direction under the new government.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed special restrictions in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and surrounding areas to ensure the smooth conduct of the first session of the 13th National Parliament, scheduled to begin on March 12. According to a public notice signed by Acting DMP Commissioner Md. Sarwar, all types of gatherings, processions, rallies, and demonstrations are prohibited from midnight on March 11 in designated areas around the Parliament complex.

The order also bans carrying any kind of weapons, explosives, or harmful and polluting substances within the restricted zones. The affected areas include major roads and intersections such as Mymensingh Road from Mohakhali Crossing to Banglamotor, Panthapath to Farmgate, Mirpur Road from Shyamoli to Dhanmondi-16, and all roads and lanes within the Parliament complex boundaries.

The DMP stated that the restrictions will remain in force until the end of the parliamentary session, urging all citizens to comply with the directives to maintain peace and order.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher has stated that President Md. Shahabuddin, whom he described as an ally of authoritarianism, has no right to deliver a speech in Parliament. He made the remarks on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, after a meeting with opposition Members of Parliament.

Taher questioned why the BNP was allowing the president to address Parliament, saying the matter was unclear to them. He added that some decisions had been made on the issue and that further details would be disclosed the following day. Regarding the position of Deputy Speaker, he said the opposition had discussed the matter and would announce a decision once a proposal was submitted.

Earlier, Jamaat Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman chaired a meeting of the party’s MPs and members of the 11-party alliance. The meeting finalized the opposition’s notices, adjournment motions, and topics for general discussion in the upcoming parliamentary session.