Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit China tomorrow as part of efforts to facilitate direct talks between the United States and Iran. During his trip to Beijing, he is expected to meet with China’s foreign minister to discuss bilateral relations and various regional issues.

The visit comes as Islamabad intensifies diplomatic initiatives to bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiation table. Over the past week, Ishaq Dar has coordinated with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt in a four-party diplomatic effort aimed at organizing direct dialogue between US and Iranian representatives in Pakistan.

China has already expressed support for Pakistan’s initiative. Following recent discussions, Ishaq Dar confirmed that Beijing is offering full backing to Islamabad’s attempt to host potential US-Iran talks.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told the National Parliament on March 30, 2026, that the government had reached a consensus on the ordinance providing protection to those involved in the July uprising. He made the remarks while responding to a question from Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain during the first session of the 13th National Parliament, which was reconvened that afternoon.

Akhtar Hossain had asked whether the Home Ministry would take departmental action regarding alleged police involvement in killings and repression during the July movement, and whether the ministry planned to address confusion within the police over the term “police killings.” In reply, the minister said the issue was political in nature and linked to the government’s constitutional commitment to indemnify the July fighters. He explained that the “July Fighters Protection Ordinance” was among 133 ordinances presented before parliament, originally issued during the interim government.

Salahuddin Ahmed also referred to claims circulating on social media about prosecuting those involved in the killings, questioning whether similar logic would apply to prosecuting freedom fighters for actions during the 1971 war.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Al Jazeera that it was “very disappointing” for the United States that NATO allies, including Spain, blocked the use of their airspace and bases for the US’s war on Iran. Rubio said the decision by Spain had raised serious concerns in Washington about alliance cooperation during the conflict.

He stated that the United States would re-examine the value of NATO once the war with Iran concludes. The remarks highlight growing tension within the alliance over differing national positions on the US-led military campaign. Rubio’s comments suggest that the US may reconsider its strategic commitments to NATO depending on how member states respond during the ongoing conflict.

The statement underscores potential strains in transatlantic relations as Washington evaluates the reliability of its European partners in future military operations.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament on March 30 that those who launched armed attacks against participants in the July mass uprising are criminals, regardless of the uniforms they wore. He assured that all related cases will be properly investigated and that the July fighters will be protected under existing legal provisions. The minister made these remarks while responding to supplementary questions from lawmakers Akhtar Hossain and Zainul Abedin Faruk during a parliamentary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal.

Ahmed said the government remains committed to the ‘July National Charter,’ which promises indemnity for July fighters. He noted that the ‘July Fighters Protection Ordinance,’ issued during the interim government, has been placed before Parliament along with 133 other ordinances for review by a special parliamentary committee. The committee is scheduled to discuss the matter on April 20, with consensus to present the ordinance as a bill for passage.

The minister added that investigations and trials of killings during the uprising are ongoing under both ICT and general laws, with some proceedings already broadcast live on television.

Allama Abu Taher Nadvi, central Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh and president of its Chattogram South district unit, passed away on Monday afternoon at Chattogram National Hospital. He was also the director general of Jamia Islamia Patiya and president of Ittihadul Madarisil Qawmia Bangladesh. He was 63 years old and is survived by his wife, three sons, and one daughter.

Hefazat-e-Islam’s Ameer Allama Shah Muhibbullah Babunagari and Secretary General Allama Sheikh Sajidur Rahman expressed deep sorrow in a condolence message, describing Nadvi as a wise scholar, skilled organizer, and devoted religious leader. They said his scholarly contributions and dedication to Islamic education would be remembered with respect. They prayed for his forgiveness and for strength for his bereaved family.

Leaders of various Islamic parties and organizations also issued statements mourning his death. His funeral prayer was scheduled to be held at 11:30 p.m. at the Jamia Islamia Patiya madrasa ground.

Police in Dhunat upazila of Bogura have arrested Sultan Nasim, a 29-year-old Jubo League leader, in connection with a case over a cocktail attack and banner arson during a BNP rally. He was detained from his home on Sunday night and sent to Bogura District Jail through court on Monday afternoon. Nasim is the organizational secretary of the Choukibari Union Jubo League and a resident of Pechibari village.

According to the case, on December 21, 2018, BNP activists held a protest march and street rally in the town when Awami League members allegedly carried out a cocktail attack and set fire to banners. The case was filed on October 17, 2024, by Nurun-Nabi Talukdar, acting general secretary of the upazila unit of JASAS, a BNP-affiliated cultural organization.

Dhunat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikul Islam said efforts are underway to arrest the other accused in the case.

Chief Whip and Parliament Committee Chair Nurul Islam Moni said he fell ill after drinking turbid water amid a severe water shortage in the Parliament complex. Speaking to reporters on Monday after a committee meeting, he stated that the area needs 10 million liters of water daily but produces only 2.7 million liters. He added that the government would be urged to resolve the issue.

The meeting, chaired by Moni, discussed several operational matters including housing allocations for lawmakers by April 10, improvement of the Parliament hospital with an ICU ambulance and a refrigerated vehicle, and repair of the malfunctioning sound system. A probe committee was formed to report on the sound system issue by April 2. Two subcommittees were also created to assess water quality, canteen food standards, and furniture quality.

The committee instructed officials to ensure transparency and quality in furniture procurement for the 13th National Parliament members’ housing, warning against irregularities similar to past scandals.

Iran is preparing to implement a new parliamentary plan to regulate navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian parliament member Alaeddin Boroujerdi. He stated that the plan would be approved as soon as possible and would require all ships to obtain Iran’s permission before passing through the strait. The proposal also includes the introduction of a transit toll for vessels using the route.

Boroujerdi explained that maintaining security and providing services to ships in the area involve costs, which justify the creation of a toll collection framework. In addition to the maritime measures, he suggested that Iran should consider withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), arguing that the agreement has lost its relevance following attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities by Israel and the United States.

The proposed measures indicate a potential shift in Iran’s maritime and nuclear policies, reflecting heightened tensions in the region and Tehran’s intent to assert greater control over strategic waterways.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has stated that Rohingya repatriation cannot begin now due to ongoing conflict in Myanmar. Speaking in parliament on March 30, 2026, he said the government remains committed to ensuring safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees. Bangladesh continues diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian efforts to resolve the crisis with international cooperation.

Responding to questions from lawmakers, the minister said Bangladesh has sent data on 829,036 Rohingya to Myanmar in six phases. Of these, Myanmar has verified information for 354,751 individuals as of January 2026 and identified 253,964 as former residents of Myanmar. He also noted that Bangladesh supports international judicial processes to ensure accountability for crimes against the Rohingya.

Bangladesh has decided to provide financial assistance in the ongoing case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where Gambia has filed a case against Myanmar over alleged genocide. The government is closely monitoring the proceedings and supporting global efforts to uphold justice.

Former Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy has received unanimous backing from Arab foreign ministers to become the next Secretary-General of the Arab League. The decision came during the 165th ministerial meeting of the League, where all member states expressed support for Fahmy’s nomination. His appointment is expected to be finalized at the upcoming Arab Summit in Saudi Arabia, with his five-year term beginning on July 1, 2026.

Egypt’s current Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the consensus reflects continued Arab confidence in Egypt’s role in joint regional efforts. Fahmy thanked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for nominating him and expressed gratitude to member states for their support. He noted that the position carries great responsibility at a time when the Arab world faces major challenges and widespread violations of international law.

Fahmy pledged to work closely with member countries to strengthen security, stability, and development across the Arab region once his term begins.

Investigative journalist Julkar Nain Sayer has questioned former interim government chief adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus about the appointment of Nurjahan Begum, former acting managing director of Grameen Bank, as health adviser. In a verified Facebook post on Monday, Sayer asked what qualifications led to her selection for the position and urged Yunus’s supporters to also consider holding him accountable.

Sayer claimed that during the 2025 interim government period, the Health Ministry canceled the HPNSP and OP systems without adequate preparation, which he said caused vaccine shortages for measles and several other diseases. He noted that 41 children reportedly died from measles, an event he described as unprecedented in recent history.

He further demanded that the Health Ministry disclose detailed information about Nurjahan Begum’s activities as health adviser, emphasizing public interest in understanding her role and performance under Yunus’s leadership.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Iran’s civilian energy infrastructure, including power plants, oil fields, and the strategic Kharg Island. According to Al Jazeera, Trump issued the warning in a social media post on March 30, 2026, stating that if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz quickly and reach an agreement, the United States will take tougher measures.

In his message, Trump claimed that significant progress had been made but warned that if a deal was not finalized soon and the Strait of Hormuz was not immediately opened for business, the U.S. would destroy Iran’s power generation centers, oil wells, and Kharg Island completely. The post reflects escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over control of the vital maritime route.

The report did not include any official response from Iran or other international actors, leaving the potential diplomatic and security consequences of Trump’s threat uncertain.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen expressed optimism about strengthening mutual cooperation between China and Bangladesh in the social protection sector. During a courtesy meeting on Monday at the Secretariat with Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain and State Minister Farzana Sharmin, Yao Wen said China aims to support Bangladesh’s local communities through initiatives in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation to promote sustainable self-reliance.

The ambassador praised Bangladesh’s Family Card program, noting its popularity among low-income citizens, and said China is interested in deepening friendship and collaboration in social protection alongside infrastructure development. Minister Zahid Hossain described China as a long-standing friend and highlighted its technological advancement, especially in smart card systems. He explained that the Family Card is a database-based digital social protection platform designed to ensure family-centered welfare.

Both sides expressed hope for further strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation. The minister emphasized that China’s experience could help make Bangladesh’s Family Card program more transparent and technology-driven, supporting education, health, nutrition, and women’s empowerment.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen paid a courtesy call on Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain and State Minister Farzana Sharmin at the minister’s office in Dhaka on March 30, 2026. The meeting was attended by the ministry’s secretary, Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf, and a three-member Chinese delegation. Both sides discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in social welfare and digital technology.

Minister Zahid Hossain described China as a long-standing friend of Bangladesh and highlighted the government’s Family Card initiative, a database-based digital social protection platform aimed at improving education, health, nutrition, poverty reduction, and women’s empowerment. He noted that China’s experience in smart card technology could be valuable in making the program more transparent and technology-driven.

Ambassador Yao Wen praised the Family Card program’s popularity among low-income groups and expressed China’s willingness to deepen cooperation in social protection, education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Both parties expressed optimism about further strengthening Bangladesh-China bilateral relations through mutual collaboration.

US lawmakers have voiced strong reactions after reports emerged that the Pentagon is planning a multi-week ground operation in Iran. Republican Senator James Lankford, speaking on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press,’ said it is essential to understand why troops are being deployed. He added that whether President Donald Trump needs congressional approval depends on how the forces would be used.

Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey warned that Trump is pushing the country into a conflict without congressional authorization and without a clear exit strategy. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen told ABC News’ ‘This Week’ that the war is costing American lives and billions of dollars daily, while also driving up oil and gas prices.

The debate underscores growing concern in Washington about the potential escalation of the Iran conflict and the constitutional limits on presidential war powers.