Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal expressed hope that practicing Westminster-style democracy would help build a strong democratic nation. He made the remarks on Sunday while presiding over a session of the National Parliament in the absence of the Speaker. Kamal described the current parliament as a rare one in world history, noting that many members had endured imprisonment, exile, or persecution before joining. He offered gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House, and his constituency’s people for their support.

In his address, Kamal paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, late President Ziaur Rahman, and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, whom he called the “Mother of Democracy.” Recalling the 2024 student and public uprising that ended fascism, he honored those who sacrificed their lives. He pledged neutrality in conducting parliamentary duties and said he had resigned from his party post to ensure impartiality.

Drawing from his experience studying in the United Kingdom, Kamal said that adopting Westminster-style parliamentary practices could lead Bangladesh toward democratic success, emphasizing cooperation between the government and opposition as essential to effective democracy.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal said the National Parliament should serve as the mirror of the nation, reflecting the people's democratic hopes and aspirations. Speaking on Sunday, March 29, 2026, during the first session of the 13th National Parliament after a 13-day recess, he noted that some members came to Parliament from death row, some from abduction, and others after long imprisonment, making this Parliament rare in the world. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, all members, and the people of Netrakona-1 for their trust and support.

Kamal emphasized that Bangladesh’s national history is rooted in sacrifice and struggle, with the Liberation War forming the foundation of independence. He paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters and remembered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for restoring parliamentary democracy in 1991 and for her lifelong leadership against autocracy. He also recalled the 2024 student uprising that he said ended fascism and reopened the path to democracy.

The Deputy Speaker honored the martyrs of the July movement and expressed sympathy for those left disabled or suffering as a result of the struggle.

Nepalese police arrested former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday, accused of involvement in the crackdown on Gen-Z protesters last September. The arrests came a day after newly elected Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his cabinet took office. Kathmandu Valley Police spokesperson Om Adhikari confirmed the arrests and said further legal steps would follow.

The Gen-Z protests erupted after a temporary social media ban, fueled by long-standing economic hardship. The demonstrations turned violent on September 8 and 9, leaving at least 76 people dead, including 20 young protesters on the first day. The unrest led to Oli’s resignation at age 74 and the fall of his government. In the subsequent March 5 election, Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party won an absolute majority.

An interim commission investigating the violence recommended legal action against Oli and other officials, citing negligence in controlling the shootings that killed several children.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Md. Aminul Islam, stated on Sunday, March 29, 2026, that no one involved in crimes or abuse of power during the One-Eleven period will be exempted, regardless of their influence. He mentioned that two officials, Masud Uddin Chowdhury and Mamun Khaled, have already been arrested and are in police custody in other cases. Their past activities, he said, fall under the tribunal’s jurisdiction as crimes against humanity.

Islam added that the accused misused power and were involved in inhumane acts such as creating secret detention sites like “Aynaghar,” where people were allegedly tortured, killed, or disappeared. He emphasized that all allegations cannot yet be disclosed for the sake of investigation but confirmed that numerous complaints have been received. He also discussed the Abu Sayeed case, noting that judgment is scheduled for the 9th and that investigations into related incidents are ongoing.

The Chief Prosecutor affirmed that anyone found involved in crimes from the One-Eleven period to the previous government will face trial, and no indemnity will obstruct the tribunal’s work.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport, Railways, and Shipping, Sheikh Robiul Alam, has issued strict instructions to enhance safety in ferry operations. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, March 29, 2026, after a high-level meeting at the Secretariat, he announced that from now on, all passengers must disembark from buses before they are loaded onto ferries. No bus carrying passengers will be allowed to board under any circumstances.

The minister also stated that installing railings on ferries will be made mandatory to ensure adequate safety. He explained that accidents often occur when vehicles board or leave ferries or when ferries are hit by waves, and such risks can be reduced through railing installations. Sheikh Robiul Alam emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect lives and said the new rule would be strictly enforced.

Senior officials from relevant ministries and law enforcement agencies attended the meeting. According to ministry sources, the directive is expected to strengthen public safety at ferry terminals across the country.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf has accused foreign adversaries of secretly planning a ground assault while publicly signaling interest in dialogue. His remarks came in a message marking one month since the start of the ongoing war, as reported by Iran’s state news agency IRNA and other local media outlets.

Ghalibaf stated that the United States is presenting a 15-point list outlining its demands, attempting to achieve through negotiation what it failed to secure in battle. He added that Iranian forces are prepared for any U.S. ground operation and ready to respond with artillery fire. Addressing the issue of surrender, Ghalibaf emphasized in Arabic that Iran’s stance is clear and that humiliation will not be accepted.

The comments come amid continuing regional tensions, with reports of heavy casualties in Iran from U.S.-Israeli attacks and diplomatic efforts by Pakistan to mediate between Washington and Tehran.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar on Sunday issued a statement expressing deep concern and strong condemnation over remarks made by West Bengal BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya. The BJP leader reportedly suggested integrating Bangladesh’s Khulna and Jessore regions with India’s West Bengal, which Porwar described as a provocative and unacceptable statement against Bangladesh’s territorial integrity.

In his statement, Porwar said such comments undermine international norms and friendly neighborly relations, calling them a blatant display of extremist mentality and a serious threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He also alleged that India’s ongoing military activities near the border, satellite surveillance, and religious provocations pose grave challenges to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and regional security, creating fear and unrest among border residents.

Porwar urged Indian leaders to respect international law and Bangladesh’s sovereignty, demanded an apology and withdrawal of the remarks, and called on the Bangladesh government to respond firmly through diplomatic and legal means to safeguard national independence and regional stability.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed optimism that if the National Parliament operates on the basis of justice, justice will also be established throughout the country. He made this remark on Sunday afternoon while delivering a goodwill speech in the National Parliament, following a statement by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal.

During his address, Dr. Rahman thanked the Deputy Speaker for citing verses from the Holy Quran and references to Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) in his speech. The opposition leader also assured the Deputy Speaker of his full cooperation in parliamentary activities.

The statement reflects a call for fairness and moral governance within the legislative process, emphasizing the link between just parliamentary conduct and broader national justice.

The Thirteenth National Parliament of Bangladesh resumed its adjourned session on Sunday at 3 p.m. The first session, which began on March 12, had been adjourned until March 29. This resumed sitting is expected to be heated due to discussions surrounding the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) and the Referendum Ordinance 2025. Opposition parties, including Jamaat and its allies, have demanded debates on these issues and submitted multiple notices, according to the Parliament Secretariat.

The day’s agenda includes question-and-answer sessions for the Local Government Division, the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Election Commission, and the President’s Office. Notices submitted under Rule 71 on urgent public matters have been resolved. The current session is scheduled to continue until April 30.

A special committee was earlier formed to review 133 ordinances issued during the outgoing interim government. Of these, 113 have already gained consensus between the government and opposition, while the remaining 20 will be discussed in the committee’s third meeting tonight. According to the constitution, ordinances must be passed within 30 days or they will be void, requiring completion by April 12.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that a final decision on 133 ordinances issued during the interim government period may be made tonight. He made the statement on Sunday, March 29, after a parliamentary meeting of the ruling party. The parliamentary special committee responsible for reviewing the ordinances is scheduled to meet tonight to finalize its decisions.

Committee chairman Zainul Abedin stated that consensus has not yet been reached on 24 of the ordinances, and these will be discussed further in the special committee meeting. The thirteenth national parliament session resumed after about 13 days and officially began at 3 p.m. The special committee meeting is set to take place after the parliamentary session concludes.

The parliamentary session began under the chairmanship of the Speaker in his absence, with Prime Minister Tareq Rahman and Opposition Leader Shafiqul Rahman present. The session opened with a recitation from the Quran following Eid and other holidays.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh arrived at the National Parliament in Dhaka five minutes before the start of the third day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament. The session began at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with the Prime Minister taking his designated seat ahead of proceedings.

At the beginning of the session, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, who represents the Netrokona-1 constituency, delivered a welcome address. In the absence of the Speaker, Barrister Kamal presided over the parliamentary sitting.

The session marks the continuation of the 13th Parliament’s inaugural proceedings, with the Deputy Speaker temporarily overseeing responsibilities during the Speaker’s absence.

Deputy Speaker Kaysar Kamal presided over the national parliament session for the first time on Sunday at 3 p.m., pledging to perform his duties with complete impartiality. He vowed to uphold the rights, dignity, and equal opportunities of all members. The session began with Quran recitation following Eid and other holidays, attended by Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarek Rahman and Opposition Leader Shafiqul Rahman. Kamal sought cooperation from all members and announced that he had resigned from government and party positions to ensure neutrality.

Chief Whip Nurul Islam and Opposition Leader Shafiqul Rahman welcomed the Deputy Speaker, with the latter assuring cooperation from the opposition. The session also included prayers for the deceased relatives of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and MP Moktar Ali. Kamal reflected on the 2024 student-people movement, describing it as a turning point for restoring parliamentary democracy.

He emphasized that democracy rests on the rule of law, human rights, and effective constitutional institutions, noting that both government and opposition play vital roles in ensuring accountability. Kamal urged members to maintain decorum and mutual respect, describing the parliament as the mirror of the nation.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have made their first social media post since being detained in the United States. The couple, held for about three months in a Brooklyn prison after being taken from Caracas by U.S. commandos, thanked their supporters and said they were well. The message, shared on Maduro’s X account, expressed gratitude for the love, letters, and prayers they had received, saying these had strengthened them spiritually. It remains unclear who posted the message on their behalf.

According to a source close to the Venezuelan government cited by AFP, Maduro reads the Bible in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where some inmates refer to him as “President.” The facility is known for its poor conditions. The source added that Maduro is allowed up to 15 minutes per phone call with his family and lawyers.

In their post, Maduro and Flores also praised the unity and solidarity of Venezuelans at home and abroad during this difficult time.

The government of Bangladesh has appointed new deputy commissioners (DCs) and district magistrates in 11 districts. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Sunday, March 29, 2026, signed by Deputy Secretary Aminul Islam. The order stated that the appointments were made in the public interest and would take immediate effect.

According to the notification, Kazi Shahidul Islam has been appointed to Rajshahi, Lutfun Nahar to Chuadanga, Hure Jannat to Khulna, Marzina Akter to Madaripur, Abu Sayeed to Brahmanbaria, Ahmed Ziaur Rahman to Chandpur, G.M. Sarfaraz to Habiganj, Israt Jahan Keya to Narsingdi, Shilpi Rani Roy to Meherpur, Md. Rashedul Haque Pradhan to Lalmonirhat, and Md. Saniul Ferdous to Bandarban.

The circular emphasized that the new appointments were made for administrative purposes and would be implemented without delay.

Attorney General Barrister Ruhul Kudddus Kajol announced that legal officers at the Attorney General’s Office accused of note trading and unethical activities will face action following investigation. He made the statement on his first working day as the country’s 18th Attorney General while speaking to journalists at his office on March 29, 2026.

Earlier in the day, he began his duties with prayers alongside senior lawyers, who congratulated him with flowers. Present at the event were Supreme Court Bar Association President Barrister A M Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Acting Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Milon, former Attorney General Fida M Kamal, Member of Parliament and senior lawyer Fazlul Rahman, and Additional Attorneys General Arshadur Rauf, Muhammad Abdul Jabbar Bhuiyan, and Mohammad Anik R Haque.

President appointed Barrister Ruhul Kudddus Kajol as the 18th Attorney General of Bangladesh on the preceding Wednesday.