Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei stated that Iran remains committed to maintaining friendly relations with neighboring countries but will continue targeting United States military bases. In a televised address on March 12, 2026, he said the attacks on US installations would persist as part of Iran’s defense strategy. Khamenei emphasized the need for national unity to safeguard Iran’s sovereignty and security. He warned that strategic maritime routes would remain closed to exert pressure on those opposing Iran. The leader also reiterated the importance of improving ties with neighboring states. His remarks followed a series of missile and drone strikes in several regional countries, which he claimed were directed solely at US military facilities. The statement reflects Iran’s dual approach of pursuing regional diplomacy while maintaining a confrontational stance toward US military presence in the region.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei publicly thanked the country’s armed forces in his first televised address to the nation on March 12, 2026. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to the military for protecting Iran from subjugation and division despite facing attacks. Khamenei praised the bravery and dedication of soldiers who, according to him, performed admirably under pressure. The statement, reported by Al Jazeera and local outlet Amar Desh, marks Khamenei’s first major public message since assuming leadership. His comments emphasized national unity and resilience during a period of external pressure and conflict. The address also highlighted the military’s role as a stabilizing force in safeguarding Iran’s sovereignty. The speech signals that the new leadership intends to maintain strong ties with the armed forces and reinforce their importance in national defense and internal cohesion.

Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram, Member of Parliament from Bhola-3 and a senior BNP leader, has been elected Speaker of the National Parliament, marking the first time in Bangladesh’s history that someone from Bhola has held this position. The announcement on March 12, 2026, sparked widespread celebration among residents of Bhola, who expressed pride and joy at the historic achievement. Prime Minister Tareq Rahman was also congratulated by local BNP leaders for appointing him. Political leaders from across parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and BJP, extended congratulations, describing Hafiz Uddin as a transparent and capable politician. Local BNP leaders said his leadership would benefit both Bhola and the country, while Jamaat leaders hoped his neutrality would strengthen political harmony. Businesspeople and workers in Bhola expressed optimism that his leadership would bring peace and stability. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has been elected to Parliament seven times from Bhola-3 (Lalmohan-Tajumuddin) and previously served twice as a minister, including as Commerce Minister.

Police in Tongi, Gazipur, arrested 16 individuals on Thursday morning during a special operation targeting alleged involvement in robbery and drug trafficking. The arrests took place in the Ershadnagar and Bank Math slum areas, where officers also seized locally made weapons from several houses. According to police, the operation was launched following long-standing complaints of robbery and drug dealing in the area. The detainees include individuals identified as Shakil, Joy, Zahid, Hridoy, Shanto, Sohag, Mamun, Nasir, Khalid Hasan, Shiba, Parvez, Masum, Kiran, Muktar, Mainuddin Rabbi, and Joy alias Moto Joy. Tongi East Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mehedi Hasan stated that legal action has been initiated against the arrested persons, who have been sent to the Gazipur court for further proceedings.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei delivered his first televised address to the nation on March 12, 2026, focusing on national unity, regional politics, and ongoing conflicts. He called for internal solidarity and reaffirmed Iran’s firm stance on protecting its security and sovereignty. Khamenei warned that all U.S. military bases in the Middle East should be closed immediately, otherwise they would continue to face attacks. He stated that Iran seeks good relations with neighboring countries but emphasized that nations hosting U.S. military bases would remain targets under Iran’s current policy. Khamenei also announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as part of Tehran’s strategy to pressure its adversaries. He vowed to continue fighting to avenge the deaths of Iran’s former Supreme Leader and children killed in recent attacks. Khamenei praised Iran’s armed forces for their sacrifices in defending the country from domination and division, promising financial and other support for war victims. He concluded by urging Iranians to overcome differences and work together for the nation’s interests.

Turkey has expressed its support for Bangladesh to assume the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The announcement came during a courtesy meeting between Turkish Ambassador to Dhaka Ramis Sen and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir. The meeting took place on Thursday afternoon, March 12, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. During the discussion, both sides reviewed the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Turkey and explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation. They exchanged views on expanding collaboration in trade and investment, defense, education, cultural exchange, technology, and infrastructure development. Regional and global issues, including challenges facing the Muslim world, humanitarian cooperation, and mutual support in international forums, were also discussed. Both parties expressed optimism about deepening the historic friendship and reaffirmed their commitment to work together for the welfare of their peoples based on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.

Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has offered prayers for the recovery of Mirza Abbas, a member of parliament, BNP Standing Committee member, and political adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Patwari expressed his wishes in a Facebook post on Thursday night, praying for Abbas’s good health and long life. According to family sources, Mirza Abbas lost consciousness during iftar on Wednesday and was admitted to a hospital later that night when his condition did not improve. His wife, Afroza Abbas, who is also the president of the Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal, has requested prayers from the public for her husband’s recovery. The incident has drawn attention within political circles, as Abbas holds key positions in the BNP and serves as a senior political figure in the party.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon stated that protecting all types of business ventures is a responsibility of the government. He made the remarks on Thursday while addressing an iftar gathering organized by the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB). Highlighting the difficulties faced by cable operators, the minister noted that the rise of internet-based platforms such as IPTV and online streaming services has posed significant challenges to the traditional cable television business worldwide. He emphasized that if the government can establish a proper technological framework, it would be possible to ensure protection for business operators. Swapon urged COAB leaders to present the technical aspects of the cable TV industry through experts and affirmed his commitment to understanding and addressing the sector’s issues from multiple perspectives. He also announced plans to continue consultations with COAB to find solutions to the operators’ problems.

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a stern warning to the United States in his first public statement since assuming leadership. Speaking after his election on March 8, Khamenei demanded that all U.S. military bases in the region be shut down immediately, warning that failure to do so would result in attacks. His recorded address was broadcast publicly, marking his first message to both domestic and international audiences. Khamenei emphasized that Iran seeks friendly relations with neighboring countries but will continue to target American bases located within those nations. His statement follows a series of events beginning on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, resulting in the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, was subsequently chosen as Iran’s new leader. The warning signals a continuation of heightened regional tensions following the leadership transition and the earlier military strikes on Iranian territory.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that 3.2 million people have been displaced across Iran following attacks launched by the United States and Israel. The figure is based on an initial survey conducted among displaced families throughout the country, according to the agency’s statement released on March 12, 2026. UNHCR warned that the number of displaced individuals could continue to rise as the conflict persists, describing the situation as a serious humanitarian concern. The agency’s findings highlight the growing scale of displacement and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance across affected regions. The report underscores the worsening humanitarian crisis in Iran as the war continues, with UNHCR calling attention to the increasing pressure on relief operations and the potential for further instability if the conflict does not subside.

A college student named Juhamul Islam testified as the fifth witness before International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday in the case concerning crimes against humanity during the July uprising. The case involves death row convicts Salman F Rahman, former adviser on industry and investment to Sheikh Hasina, and former law minister Anisul Huq. Juhamul described being shot during the protests at Mirpur 10 Circle on July 19, 2024, when security forces and political activists allegedly opened fire on demonstrators. According to his statement, a bullet entered his left chest and exited through the right side, fracturing bone. He showed his injury marks to the tribunal. He recounted being taken by rickshaw pullers and others to several hospitals, including Shaheed Suhrawardy and Mahakhali Chest Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He also alleged that members of the student wing of the ruling party later harassed injured protesters at the hospital. Juhamul held former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Anisul Huq, and Salman F Rahman responsible for the incident and demanded justice.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) recognized outstanding contributions to law enforcement and crime control across the city. At the monthly crime review meeting for February, held on March 12, 2026, at DMP Headquarters, top-performing police units and officers were honored. Acting Commissioner Md. Sarwar presented the awards to the winners. Tejgaon Division was named the best among DMP’s crime divisions, while Mohammadpur Police Station was selected as the best among 50 stations in Dhaka. Assistant Commissioner Md. Shamim Hossain of Demra Zone was recognized as the best officer at the superintendent level. Sub-Inspectors Md. Rakibul Islam Rajib of Gendaria and Md. Jasim of Mohammadpur jointly received the best SI award. Assistant Sub-Inspectors Md. Rokibul Hasan of Mohammadpur and Md. Suman Islam of Gulshan shared the best ASI honor. In the detective and traffic categories, DB-Motijheel Division was named best detective unit, and Traffic-Mirpur Division received the best traffic unit award. The event, conducted by Joint Commissioner (Crime) Md. Faruk Hossain, also reviewed February’s crime situation and aimed to encourage officers contributing to public service.

Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom has decided to continue its operations in Iran despite recent US-Israeli attacks. Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev confirmed that the company will not withdraw from the country and that construction of two additional units at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant remains a priority. Rosatom previously built the first 1-gigawatt unit at Bushehr, Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant. Following the attacks launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, Rosatom temporarily suspended work on the new units and evacuated some staff. Likhachev stated that around 450 Rosatom employees are currently involved in the project, with 150 having recently returned to Russia. Under a bilateral agreement between Russia and Iran, a total of eight nuclear units are planned, including four in the city of Bushehr. The company’s decision signals continued Russian commitment to its nuclear cooperation with Iran despite the ongoing conflict.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, according to his son and current Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The incident occurred on Wednesday at a wedding ceremony in the Royal Park area of Greater Kailash, Jammu, where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhury was also present. A video circulating on social media shows a man approaching Farooq Abdullah with a pistol before being subdued by his security personnel. Police later arrested the suspect, identified as a resident of Jammu. During interrogation, the man reportedly claimed he had been attempting to kill Abdullah for the past 20 years, though his exact motive remains unclear. Omar Abdullah questioned how an armed individual managed to get so close to his father despite the presence of Z-plus and NSG security cover. The police investigation into the security breach and the suspect’s motives is ongoing.

Maldivian Airlines, the national carrier of the Maldives, has resumed its Male-Dhaka-Male route, marking the restoration of direct air connectivity between the two South Asian nations. The relaunch flight, operated with an Airbus A320, received a water cannon salute at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Thursday morning. The inaugural flight landed at 5:20 a.m. and departed for Male at 6:20 a.m., carrying a full load of passengers. The airline will initially operate two weekly flights on Sundays and Thursdays, with ticket prices starting at 399 U.S. dollars. Passengers will be allowed 30 kilograms of baggage and complimentary meals. Tickets are available through Maldivian’s website, mobile app, and call center. The service follows a February 23 agreement between Maldivian’s Managing Director Mohamed Ibrahim Yasir and Galaxy Bangladesh Group’s President and CEO Ahmed Yusuf Walid. Maldivian Ambassador to Bangladesh Shiunin Rasheed said the resumed flights will strengthen bilateral relations and ease travel for expatriate Bangladeshis and Maldivian travelers during Ramadan and Eid. The airline had suspended the route on August 6, 2024, due to political unrest in Bangladesh.