National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip in parliament Nahid Islam said that the people’s verdict has been reflected in the recent referendum, where 70 percent voted in favor of the 'Yes' option. He stated that the BNP participated in the referendum and its party chief supported it, yet the party is now invoking the constitution to reject the referendum’s outcome. Nahid Islam made these remarks on Saturday while attending an NCP general meeting in Chashara, Narayanganj. He further commented on the controversy surrounding the declaration of independence, saying that according to the constitution, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is recognized as the proclaimer of independence, not Ziaur Rahman. He accused BNP leaders of double standards in following the constitution. Nahid Islam added that this inconsistency has become clear to the public and urged all parties to accept the referendum results and implement reforms through the Constitutional Reform Council. He warned that continued constitutional disputes could lead to a crisis of trust and spill over into street movements.

A ballistic missile was intercepted by the air defense system over Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The incident occurred on March 28, 2026, when debris from the destroyed missile fell in the Khalifa Economic Zone, injuring five Indian nationals. Earlier, the Abu Dhabi Media Office had posted on social media platform X that emergency teams were responding to two fire incidents in the same area. The office later confirmed that the injuries resulted from missile debris rather than the fires. The report did not specify the source of the missile or further details about the broader security situation in the region.

Iran’s military has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Ukrainian drone-defense equipment warehouse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. According to a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters said the strike targeted secret U.S. military sites in Dubai and destroyed a Ukrainian depot allegedly supporting American forces. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry rejected the Iranian claim, calling it completely false. Ministry spokesperson Horhi Tykhi told reporters that the statement was a blatant lie and accused Iranian authorities of spreading misleading and propagandistic narratives. The denial came amid heightened diplomatic activity in the region. The Iranian claim coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s unannounced visit to the UAE, during which he said both countries had agreed to strengthen defense cooperation. The timing of the claim has drawn attention to growing regional tensions involving Iran, Ukraine, and Western allies.

Qatar has signed a defense cooperation agreement with Ukraine as regional tensions rise due to ongoing Iranian attacks. The Qatari Ministry of Defense confirmed the deal, which includes collaboration on missile and drone defense and the exchange of related expertise. The signing took place during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Doha, following his earlier trip to the United Arab Emirates. The agreement comes as Iran continues retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting U.S. bases in neighboring Gulf states, entering the second month of conflict triggered by U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. Amid this volatile environment, Qatar’s move to strengthen defense ties with Ukraine underscores its intent to enhance military readiness and cooperation with European partners. According to the report, the deal could play a significant role in boosting the military capabilities of both nations as they navigate heightened regional and global security challenges.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Office has issued a warning that strong storms with wind speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour may sweep across 19 districts. The advisory, valid until 1 a.m. on Saturday night, also forecasts rain or thundershowers in the affected areas. The districts include Rangpur, Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogura, Tangail, Dhaka, Faridpur, Mymensingh, Jashore, Kushtia, Madaripur, Khulna, Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, and Sylhet. River ports in these regions have been instructed to hoist warning signal number one. A separate weather bulletin noted that an extension of a low-pressure area lies over West Bengal and nearby regions of India, while the seasonal low remains over the South Bay of Bengal. Under these conditions, temporary gusty winds accompanied by lightning and rain or thundershowers are likely across all divisions of the country over the next few days. The forecast indicates unstable weather patterns, suggesting possible disruptions to river transport and outdoor activities in the affected districts.

Ruling party members of parliament held a special prayer session in the National Parliament on Saturday afternoon for the departed soul of Dilara Hafiz, wife of Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom. The prayer was led under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, who expressed deep sorrow and condolences over her death. Following the prayer, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman delivered a directive speech to the attending lawmakers, emphasizing the need to accelerate parliamentary activities. The meeting also discussed the government’s ongoing programs, the current political situation, legislative initiatives, and future plans. The event reflected both a moment of mourning and a continuation of parliamentary and governmental discussions under the leadership of the prime minister.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has termed the government’s recent replacement of vice-chancellors at eight public universities during the Eid holidays as abnormal and deeply concerning. In a statement issued to the media, he said the education minister’s sudden March 16 announcement to change the vice-chancellors while universities were closed was unprecedented and undermined the integrity of higher education. Parwar argued that prioritizing political loyalty over merit and experience in such appointments damages institutional dignity and erodes public trust in the education system. He questioned the grounds for removing the previous vice-chancellors appointed by the interim government and claimed that most of the new appointees hold positions within the ruling party or its affiliates. He demanded a clear explanation from the government and called for a transparent, parliamentary process involving both government and opposition representatives in future appointments. He warned that such unilateral decisions could destabilize university administration and academic activities, hinder progress in higher education, and set a negative precedent for the nation’s academic governance.

Authorities in Rangamati have deployed army personnel to petrol pumps to restore order following an artificial fuel shortage in the district. The deployment began on Saturday morning after large crowds gathered at the Mohsin Petrol Pump upon hearing that fuel was being distributed. The situation became difficult to control due to the heavy rush of buyers. Under the direction of Assistant Magistrate Abu Huraira Ador and with support from the police, the army successfully brought the situation under control. Long queues of motorcyclists and people carrying bottles were seen waiting for hours to collect fuel. The district administration stated that the army would remain stationed at all petrol pumps across Rangamati to ensure discipline in fuel distribution. According to the administration, the deployment aims to prevent hoarding and black-market sales of fuel. Officials emphasized that strict monitoring will continue to maintain order and ensure fair access to fuel supplies.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, representing Donald Trump, said Washington is hopeful about holding a meeting with Iran later this week. He added that the United States is awaiting Tehran’s response to a proposed 15-point agreement submitted earlier in the week. The statement comes amid a surge in regional violence. Several powerful explosions were reported in Tehran, while Iran claimed its Bushehr nuclear power plant was attacked for the third time this month. Israel announced it had successfully struck the Arak heavy water plant in central Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of targeting civilian facilities and warned that they would pay a heavy price for such aggression. Meanwhile, several Gulf states reported intercepting new aerial threats. The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems successfully neutralized ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has directed all fuel pumps across the country to display fuel supply information around the clock. The directive, announced on March 28, 2026, comes as part of efforts by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and BPC to maintain uninterrupted fuel distribution nationwide amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to a BPC press release, fuel supply operations through marketing companies are continuing smoothly. To ensure transparency and proper distribution, filling stations, packed point dealers, and petrol pumps must collect fuel from BPC depots between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day and display supply data on whiteboards in front of their premises. The displayed information must include the current month’s average fuel receipts, comparative data from the same month last year, and details of the fuel types received. BPC’s public relations officer stated that the directive took effect on March 28, and officials are working nationwide to ensure continuous fuel supply.

At the FII Priority Summit held in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the 'Trump Strait' during his speech. Addressing the audience, he quickly corrected himself, saying he meant the Strait of Hormuz, and then joked that the media would label it a mistake. Trump added humorously that he rarely makes mistakes. In the same address, Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, demanding that the country fully open the vital waterway. He threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants if it failed to comply. However, he also mentioned that discussions with Tehran were ongoing and announced an extension of his previously set deadline by ten days. The remarks, reported by CNN, come amid heightened tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, and reflect Trump’s continued hardline stance toward Iran.

At the Saudi Investment Forum in Miami on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Cuba could be the next target following the U.S. victory in the war against Iran. He defended the military campaign, claiming it prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons within weeks and delayed its nuclear program by several years. Trump also criticized NATO for not supporting Washington’s actions against Tehran and accused Iran of long being a regional oppressor. Addressing Saudi attendees, Trump said Iran’s weapons could have been used against them and Israel. He also criticized Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, recounting a past conversation about the United States’ resurgence. Trump hinted at possible action against Cuba and said he was pressuring Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to reach an agreement with Washington, though he did not specify any terms. The forum took place amid global economic instability linked to the war’s impact on energy markets, according to The Hill.

Bangladesh Under-20 football team advanced to the semifinals of the SAFF U-20 Championship after a 1-1 draw against India on March 28, 2026. The match saw India take the lead through Vishal Yadav in the 17th minute, but Bangladesh equalized before halftime when Mohammad Abdul Riad scored from a corner delivered by US-based player Ronan Sullivan. The result secured Bangladesh’s place in the semifinals as group runners-up with four points from two matches. India topped the group on goal difference, while Bangladesh finished second. As a result, Bangladesh will face Nepal in the semifinals, and India will play against Bhutan. The match was competitive, with both teams creating chances in the second half but failing to score again. Sullivan, who had also played a key role in Bangladesh’s earlier win over Pakistan, once again contributed decisively. The upcoming semifinal against Nepal presents a new challenge for Bangladesh’s young players as they aim to continue their strong performance in the tournament.

Security has been tightened at fuel depots in Sylhet, where Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed to prevent possible hoarding, sabotage, and supply disruption. Acting under the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs, BGB members began duty on Saturday at key depots, including Padma and Meghna. Sources said BGB is now stationed at 19 fuel depots across the country, including those in Sylhet and Moulvibazar, with officers leading patrols and surveillance. Intelligence monitoring has also been increased to handle any untoward incidents. Barrister Riyashad Azim Haque Adnan, acting president of the Sylhet divisional committee of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association, expressed differing views on the deployment. He warned that such security measures might create public anxiety and urged authorities to identify and control oil theft points instead. He emphasized that BGB should focus on border duties to prevent smuggling. BGB officials confirmed that two platoons are stationed at the Sylhet depots, with temporary base camps set up for operational convenience. The district administration has also appointed tag officers to monitor petrol pumps and announced rewards for information on illegal hoarding or manipulation.

Residents of Godagari in Rajshahi held a human chain protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, demanding the cancellation of prepaid electricity meters and withdrawal of what they described as excessive billing by the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO). The demonstration took place at the Dyingpara roundabout, organized by the Godagari Citizens’ Rights Protection Committee, with participation from people of various professions who expressed anger and hardship over the issue. Participants wore white cloths on their heads as a symbol of protest and displayed banners appealing to the Prime Minister to accept their demands. Speakers alleged that NESCO was forcibly installing prepaid meters and charging up to three times the normal electricity cost, pushing many into financial distress. They said the new system had made regular electricity use unaffordable for many households. Protesters called for an immediate halt to the prepaid meter installation and the withdrawal of the additional charges. They warned of tougher programs if their demands were not met and sought the Prime Minister’s direct intervention.