Amid ongoing protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Turkish authorities detained at least seven journalists, including an AFP photojournalist, on Tuesday. The mass demonstrations have continued for seven consecutive days. Authorities claim the detained journalists were participating in ‘illegal protests.’ AFP’s CEO has sent a formal request to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, demanding the journalist’s release.

A U.S. intelligence report has identified India, alongside China, as a ‘state accomplice’ in supplying precursor chemicals for illicit fentanyl production. The report, released Tuesday, highlights India’s role in providing raw materials to criminal organizations involved in manufacturing synthetic opioids. Fentanyl is the deadliest drug in the U.S., responsible for over 52,000 deaths in the 12 months leading up to October 2024. The assessment places India as the second-largest supplier after China.

BNP’s acting chairman, Tarique Rahman, commemorated Independence Day by highlighting the role of former President Ziaur Rahman in the Liberation War. In a Facebook post, he claimed that on this day in 1971, then-Major Ziaur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence, rallying the nation against Pakistani forces. He described the event as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and reiterated his commitment to safeguarding democracy, people’s rights, and inclusive development.

Dhaka Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Zillur Rahman faced sharp criticism from war veterans after equating the July 2024 movement with the 1971 Liberation War. During a public event, he stated that the fight for democracy in 2024 was a continuation of the struggle for independence. This statement provoked strong objections from freedom fighters present, who demanded he retract his remarks. Following protests, both the civil surgeon and a veteran later apologized.

Sirajum Munira, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Sarail, Brahmanbaria, faced intense criticism after a Facebook post from the account ‘Acland Sorail’ referred to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the ‘proclaimer of independence.’ The post sparked backlash from local BNP activists and other groups. At an Independence Day event at Annada High School, BNP members confronted her. The post was deleted within an hour, with claims that her account had been hacked. However, BNP leaders dismissed this as a cover-up and demanded her immediate removal from office. She has since been temporarily relieved of her duties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the occasion of Independence Day. Chinese Premier Li Qiang also extended his greetings to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Xi Jinping emphasized that over the past 50 years, China and Bangladesh have upheld the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and beneficial cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both nations.

In response to the ongoing heatwave, residents of Kishoreganj organized a special Istisqa prayer seeking rainfall. The congregation, attended by people from various walks of life, included religious leaders and community elders. Following the prayer, a special sermon and nationwide supplication were offered for rain. Notable attendees included retired teacher Maulana Qari Abdul Khaleq, Anwar Hossain, secretary of Chiknirchar Central Mosque, and former UP member Selim Mia.

To mark Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) exchanged goodwill gestures with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Hili border checkpoint. At 10:30 AM, BGB’s Hili ICP Company Commander Asim Marak presented sweets to BSF’s Camp Commander Rohit Sharma, who reciprocated with flowers. Both sides engaged in a cordial interaction, reinforcing the tradition of exchanging gifts during national and religious festivities to maintain cross-border harmony.

Police detained three individuals at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on Independence Day for allegedly attempting to ‘create instability’ by chanting the slogan ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu.’ The incident occurred when members of the Liberation War Family Command and Liberation War Generation League paid tribute to martyrs. The arrested individuals include Selim Reza (47), General Secretary of the Liberation War Family Command; Shahidul Islam (50), Organizational Secretary of the same group; and Sohel Parvez (41) from Ashulia. All three are reportedly affiliated with the ruling Awami League.

Several hand bombs exploded at the residence of Azizur Rahman Hormuz Munshi, president of the BNP’s Ghorshia Union Parishad unit in Shariatpur. The attack occurred early Wednesday morning when a group of unidentified assailants infiltrated his home and detonated multiple explosive devices before fleeing. The loud blasts triggered widespread panic among residents. Law enforcement was alerted, and an unexploded hand bomb was later recovered from the scene.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has departed for Beijing. His official visit, from March 26 to 29, includes participation in the Boao Forum for Asia’s annual conference in Hainan Province on March 27, where he will deliver a speech at the inaugural plenary session. He is also expected to meet with China’s Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. On March 28, Dr. Yunus will hold a meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and visit Huawei’s high-tech enterprise division. On March 29, Peking University will confer an honorary doctorate upon him, followed by a keynote speech. He is scheduled to return to Dhaka later that day.

On the occasion of Bangladesh's Independence and National Day, Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent congratulatory messages to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, respectively. They highlighted that the spirit of the Liberation War continues to guide bilateral relations. Emphasizing mutual interests, they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships for peace, stability, and prosperity. They also acknowledged the multifaceted ties between Bangladesh and India, spanning trade, connectivity, development cooperation, energy, education, cultural exchange, and people-to-people interactions. India reiterated its vision of a democratic, stable, inclusive, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh.

In an official statement, the Pakistani government refuted reports claiming that Pakistani journalists had visited Israel. It emphasized that Pakistani passports explicitly state they are not valid for travel to Israel. The statement reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance of not recognizing Israel and reaffirmed its unwavering support for Palestinian rights based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a temporary suspension of green card applications for certain refugees and asylum seekers due to additional screening measures. The directive from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will impact refugees and those seeking protection through immigration courts. Asylum seekers must prove they were persecuted due to their race, religion, or political beliefs.

On the occasion of Independence and National Day, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Md. Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury, and Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam paid respects to the martyred police officers at Razarbagh Police Lines. Led by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali, leaders from the Police Service Association and Bangladesh Police Women Network also placed wreaths in honor of the fallen police heroes.