Bangladesh National Party (BJP) chairman and Member of Parliament Andaleeve Rahman Partha alleged that citizens were compelled to vote 'yes' in the recent referendum. He made the claim on Tuesday, March 31, during the general discussion on a motion under Rule 62 in the first session of the 13th National Parliament. Partha accused the opposition of coercing the public and criticized the process surrounding the July Charter and constitutional reform efforts.

Partha argued that while there may be no issue with the July Charter itself, the implementation process was problematic. He questioned why an interim revolutionary government had not been formed earlier if the intent was to replace the constitution. Referring to the 1972 constitution, he said that reducing presidential powers had inadvertently strengthened the prime minister and cabinet, emphasizing the need for balanced reform. He also claimed that although 70 percent of votes were 'yes' in the referendum, only 51 percent came from the BNP alliance.

Partha expressed respect for the July uprising and urged the National Citizens Party (NCP) to pursue positive politics and avoid divisive tendencies.

The Jagannath University unit of Chhatra Dal has given a 10-day ultimatum to the university administration to reclaim the long-occupied Syed Nazrul Islam Hall and Abdur Rahman Hall. The organization warned of tougher programs if no action is taken to resolve the ongoing student housing crisis. On Tuesday, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists visited the two dormitories, inspected their condition, and alleged that prolonged occupation has left students struggling with severe accommodation shortages.

Students present during the visit said the halls were occupied during the previous government’s tenure, depriving them of rightful housing facilities. Many have been forced to live in cramped messes in Old Dhaka, with some unable to afford the costs. Chhatra Dal leaders emphasized that dormitory access is a fundamental right for students and accused the administration of long neglect.

The group stated that if the occupants do not vacate within the given timeframe, eviction drives and legal action will follow. They also alleged past land record forgery in the hall occupation cases, with related lawsuits still ongoing.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament on Tuesday that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) violated his oath and the constitution by distributing oath forms for membership in the so-called 'Constitution Reform Council'. He described the entire process as illegal and a 'document of deception' from the previous interim government.

Speaking during a discussion on a motion raised by the opposition leader, the minister cited various constitutional articles and schedules to explain the legal invalidity of the 'Constitution Reform Implementation Order 2025' issued last year. He questioned under what authority the CEC sent the oath forms to the National Parliament Secretariat.

Ahmed stated that the CEC had sworn under Article 148 to preserve the constitution, but by sending the forms, he breached that oath and violated the constitution. The minister’s remarks framed the issue as a serious constitutional breach requiring scrutiny.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has inquired about the health condition of Mir Mustafizur Rahman, father of martyr Mir Mugdho from the July 24 movement. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister’s personal physician, Dr. A N M Monowarul Kadir Bitu, visited Mustafizur Rahman at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Dhaka, where he is receiving treatment. During the visit, the doctor conveyed the Prime Minister’s concern, provided financial assistance to the family, and confirmed that the Prime Minister has taken responsibility for Mustafizur Rahman’s medical expenses.

According to the report, Mustafizur Rahman underwent a heart stent procedure on March 30 under the supervision of Professor Dr. Abdul Wadud Chowdhury and a team of specialists. Doctors have stated that his condition has since improved. Upon learning of his illness, BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed his aides, including Additional Press Secretary and “Amra BNP Poribar” convener Atikur Rahman Rumon, to ensure proper medical support and assistance for the family.

Several senior physicians and members of “Amra BNP Poribar” were also present at the hospital during the visit.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States seeks a negotiated agreement with Iran but remains prepared to continue the conflict if talks fail. He emphasized that the ongoing Iran war would end only under the conditions set by President Donald Trump, underscoring Washington’s firm stance on the matter.

Hegseth also mentioned that the United States is continuing discussions with Iran and called on other nations to help ensure the openness of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera, reflecting the administration’s dual approach of diplomacy backed by military readiness.

The statement comes amid reports of rising fuel prices worldwide and significant casualties linked to the Iran war, including claims by Iran’s Red Crescent that 234 students have been killed and 1,268 deaths reported in Lebanon.

Bangladesh Islami Mohila Majlis has strongly condemned the recent life imprisonment verdict by a Delhi court against Kashmiri pro-independence leader Syeda Asiya Andrabi, head of the women’s rights group Dukhtaran-e-Millat, and her two associates. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the organization’s president Nasrin Kader and general secretary Raihana Lopa demanded their immediate and unconditional release, describing the verdict as unjust and oppressive.

The statement accused the Indian government of long-standing oppression in Kashmir, alleging that the region’s people, including women and children, have faced continuous persecution. It noted that Andrabi, a prominent voice against violence toward Kashmiri women, has been imprisoned in Delhi’s Tihar Jail since 2008 and has now been sentenced to life imprisonment again. Her husband, Dr. Muhammad Qasim, has reportedly been detained for 29 years.

The Mohila Majlis leaders urged global freedom and women’s organizations to raise their voices against what they described as India’s injustice and to pressure the Indian government to end repression in Kashmir.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan announced that individuals falsely listed as freedom fighters during the previous fascist government’s 17-year rule will be removed from the official register. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, he said that hundreds of thousands of non-freedom fighters were added to the list and received allowances and benefits illegally. The ministry aims to restore recognition to genuine freedom fighters who were deprived of their rights.

In response to questions from lawmakers, the minister said the government is committed to ensuring that only true freedom fighters remain on the list. He noted that many legitimate fighters were harassed and stripped of their certificates during the fascist period, while non-freedom fighters gained benefits. The ministry has begun reviewing documents and will take corrective measures after verification.

The minister added that the process of identifying and removing false entries is underway and results will be presented soon. The initiative seeks to honor genuine freedom fighters and correct past injustices.

Leaders of Patriots of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Forum USA stated that the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War and the July 2024 Revolution represent the path to national liberation. They made the remarks during a joint roundtable meeting held at a New York hotel on Monday night, Bangladesh time. The speakers emphasized that Bangladesh’s future must be built on the ideals of independence, human rights, and democratic values.

S.M. Rahmat Ullah Bhuiyan, vice president of the National Democratic Party–JAGPA and president of its U.S. branch, warned that expatriates might halt remittance transfers if the July Charter is not implemented. He criticized the ruling party for abandoning the ideals of the July martyrs and accused it of fostering fascism and foreign dependency. Forum member secretary Emdad Chowdhury Dipu said independence is an ongoing responsibility requiring the restoration of human rights, rule of law, and democracy.

Other community and political leaders also spoke at the event, reaffirming their commitment to democratic reform and national unity based on the July Revolution’s principles.

US President Donald Trump has again criticized the United Kingdom and other allied nations for not joining the United States in the ongoing war with Iran. In a social media post, Trump said countries like the UK, which are struggling to obtain jet fuel due to the Strait of Hormuz situation, should either buy fuel from the US or show courage by taking control of the strait themselves. He also singled out France, calling it 'very uncooperative' for not allowing supply aircraft to fly over its territory.

According to the report, Trump has been repeatedly criticizing European nations for their lack of military support since the start of the Iran offensive. His latest remarks continue that pattern, highlighting tensions between Washington and its traditional allies over the conflict.

The comments come amid rising fuel prices worldwide and growing casualties reported by Iran’s Red Crescent, underscoring the broader regional and economic impact of the war.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump alleged in a Truth Social post that France denied airspace access to planes carrying military equipment bound for Israel. He claimed that France refused to allow the aircraft to use its airspace, describing the move as unhelpful.

Trump further stated that France acted 'very unhelpfully' regarding a person he described as an Iranian 'butcher' who had been 'successfully eliminated.' His post concluded with a warning that the United States would remember France’s actions.

The post reflects Trump’s criticism of France’s stance amid ongoing tensions involving Israel and Iran, though no official French response was mentioned in the source.

A group of BCS (Health) cadre officers who have long been deprived of promotions met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Secretariat. They had initially gone there to request a formal meeting but unexpectedly received an informal audience with the Prime Minister. During the meeting, they handed over a written petition detailing their grievances, including administrative complications and demands for fair promotion opportunities. The Prime Minister personally accepted their petition and listened attentively to their concerns.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister assured the officers that their issues would be considered seriously. The petition stated that 1,821 BCS (Health) cadre officers have been denied promotions for a long time despite fulfilling all required qualifications and seniority. They alleged that during the previous interim government, promotions were withheld without valid reasons, creating an abnormal situation where junior officers now hold senior positions.

The Prime Minister’s assurance has raised expectations among the affected officers that their long-standing administrative grievances may soon be addressed.

The central committee of the Chhatra Dal has issued a show-cause notice to Sajjad Hossain Hridoy, organizational secretary of the Chittagong University unit, for alleged breach of organizational discipline. The action follows accusations that he was involved in a commotion and printer vandalism at the Fatikchhari Upazila Engineer’s Office in Chittagong. A notice signed by the organization’s central office secretary, Md. Jahangir Alam, instructed Hridoy to appear at the central office within 48 hours and submit a written explanation in the presence of the central president and general secretary.

Hridoy denied the allegations, stating that he had visited the engineer’s office to collect a phone number from an acquaintance but left after a brief argument with an official who behaved discourteously. He questioned the plausibility of vandalizing anything inside a government office. The complaint against him was filed by the chief engineer of Fatikchhari Upazila, Junayed Absar Chowdhury.

Hridoy previously contested the vice-president position in the last Chittagong University Central Students’ Union election and owns a contracting firm named Hridoy Enterprise.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Aminul Islam, announced that all incidents of crimes against humanity committed during the One-Eleven period will be investigated and the perpetrators brought to trial. He made the statement on Tuesday during a press briefing at the tribunal.

In response to questions about crossfire incidents during the Awami League government, Aminul Islam said that hundreds of inhumane acts resembling crossfire killings occurred under a common design. He explained that those who opposed the then government or local leadership were targeted and killed through staged operations. The prosecutor added that investigations have already begun into these systematic, widespread, and targeted killings, and data on the number of crossfire incidents nationwide are being collected.

Aminul Islam further stated that numerous killings occurred during the July movement and that hundreds of related cases have been filed since August 5. Around five to seven hundred case copies have already been submitted to the prosecution office for review to ensure that no criminal escapes justice and no innocent person suffers.

Thousands of people marched in the Iranian city of Karaj to express support for the government and the military, according to state media outlet Press TV. Video footage showed participants carrying national flags and chanting slogans such as “Courage, courage!” along the streets of the city, located just west of Tehran.

The rally took place a day after an attack targeted a power substation in Karaj and Alborz Province, causing a major electricity outage in the area. The demonstration was organized in response to that incident, reflecting public backing for the authorities amid the disruption.

State media also reported that similar pro-government gatherings were held on Monday night in Tehran and in the northwestern city of Ardabil, indicating a broader wave of coordinated demonstrations across Iran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the ongoing war will end only when Iran’s national interests and conditions are fully protected. He made the remarks while presiding over a cabinet meeting on Monday, which reviewed the country’s wartime situation and evaluated the performance of various ministries in maintaining essential services.

During the meeting, cabinet members discussed the supply of essential goods, the functioning of service institutions, and measures taken to ensure public stability. Pezeshkian praised all sectors for their efforts to provide uninterrupted services during the crisis and emphasized that coordination among state institutions is a key pillar of national strength. He urged that this effort continue until final victory over the aggressors.

The president also commended the armed forces for their bravery in defending Iran’s sovereignty, describing their resistance as a “golden chapter” in the nation’s proud history. He highlighted the unprecedented unity and mass gatherings of the Iranian people over the past month as a reflection of national solidarity and a major force in overcoming the current situation.