The Department of Narcotics Control under the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a recruitment circular for 68 vacant posts in its revenue sector. The announcement, published on March 12, 2026, includes positions across 14 categories ranging from grade 11 to grade 20. The application process began on March 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. and will continue until April 23, 2026, at 5 p.m. Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years of age as of March 1, 2026, and can apply online through the official website http://dnc.teletalk.com.bd. The circular lists positions such as medical technologist (radiology), pharmacist, physical instructor, lab assistant, dietitian, vocational instructor, ECG technician, linen keeper, ticket clerk, rent collector, assistant steward, ward master, record keeper, and lab attendant. Educational qualifications vary by post, from secondary school certificates to university degrees, with specific technical or vocational training required for some roles. Application fees range from 56 to 168 taka depending on the post category. All recruitment and examination-related information will be available on the Department of Narcotics Control’s official website.

Iran’s military has claimed responsibility for drone attacks targeting the headquarters of Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, and two Israeli air bases. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, cited by Al Jazeera, the attacks took place on Thursday and struck multiple sites, including the Shin Bet headquarters in Tel Aviv’s Ramat Aviv area, the Palmachim air base west of Yavne on the Mediterranean coast, and the Ovda air base in southern Israel. The Shin Bet headquarters, known as the “Invisible Shield,” serves as the central command for Israel’s internal security and intelligence operations. Iran’s statement described the strikes as drone-based assaults on these strategic locations. The report also noted that the attacks followed earlier claims by Israel of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and incidents involving ships in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. The developments mark a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two countries, with reports indicating widespread attacks in Israel over the past 24 hours that left 179 people injured.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained three individuals in two separate operations in Dhaka, recovering illegal firearms and a large quantity of narcotics. According to a press release issued on Thursday, March 12, 2026, RAB-10 conducted the raids in Demra and Jatrabari areas as part of ongoing drives against drugs and illegal weapons. In Demra’s Sarulia area, RAB officers arrested two suspects. One, identified as Md. Fahim Hossain, was caught with 3,865 yaba tablets, 11 packets, and 278 grams of heroin worth about Tk 4.05 million. Another suspect, Md. Hasibul Hasan alias Shanto, was detained with a locally made single-barrel gun and two rounds of 12-bore cartridges. Later that night, in Jatrabari’s Dolairpar area, RAB arrested Md. Mamun Mia, an alleged member of a snatching gang, and recovered evidence linked to his activities. RAB-10 officials stated that surveillance and regular operations have been intensified to curb the spread of drugs, illegal weapons, and street crimes in the capital, with efforts continuing to maintain law and order.

The Ministry of Shipping has announced the launch of a special river transport service from March 17 to ensure safe and smooth travel for people returning home ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. The service will operate from two terminals in Dhaka, covering several key river routes with launch and steamer services. According to the ministry, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is coordinating with relevant agencies to implement the initiative. Under the plan, vessels will operate from Shimulia Tourist Terminal near Kanchan Bridge on the Shimulia–Demra–Narayanganj–Chandpur–Kaliganj–Hijla–Barishal route, and from Bosila Terminal near Bosila Bridge on the Bosila–Sadarghat–Munshiganj–Chandpur–Eidgai Ferry Ghat–Shariatpur–Ilisha–Hakimuddin–Galachipa route. Authorities have issued necessary instructions to maintain safety and order during the Eid travel period. Passengers are urged to use designated routes and contact the BIWTA hotline 16113 for assistance or emergencies.

An Iranian attack on a US-owned crude oil tanker near Basra, Iraq, has killed one Indian crew member, according to the Indian Embassy in Baghdad. The incident occurred in Iraqi waters, and the remaining 15 Indian crew members aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel 'Safe Sea Vishnu' were evacuated to safety. The embassy confirmed the death and said it is in contact with the rescued sailors and Iraqi authorities to provide necessary assistance. Following the attack near Basra, another oil tanker in the Persian Gulf caught fire. Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that the country has claimed responsibility for the assault, stating that underwater drone strikes destroyed two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. The embassy’s statement on social media emphasized ongoing coordination with local authorities. The incident adds to a series of maritime attacks in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have escalated amid regional hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested an active member of the notorious Karim Sharif gang during an operation near the Shhela River in the Sundarbans. The arrest took place early Thursday morning following a raid by a special team from the Coast Guard’s Mongla base. The detainee, identified as Osman Gani, 38, is a resident of Ashashuni in Satkhira district. According to a press release issued by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, the operation was based on secret intelligence about the gang’s presence in the area. Following the arrest, the Coast Guard recovered a single-barrel gun, 16 rounds of live cartridges, and five blank cartridges from the site based on information provided by the detainee. Authorities said Osman Gani had long been involved with the Karim Sharif gang, participating in robberies and supplying weapons and ammunition to the group. The Coast Guard stated that the arrested individual and seized items are being handed over to the relevant authorities for legal action. Officials reaffirmed that regular operations will continue to keep the Sundarbans free from bandit activity.

Eight members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were injured in an attack during an anti-drug operation in Teknaf’s Nazirpara area of Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday evening. The violence erupted after RAB arrested Faridul Alam, also known as Daket Farid, a local leader of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal and a suspected drug trafficker facing 17 criminal cases including murder and money laundering. During the clash, two motorcycles, including one belonging to RAB, were set on fire and completely burned. RAB-15’s Teknaf CPC-1 commander Sohel Rana confirmed the incident, saying the operation targeted known drug dealers. He reported that two of the injured RAB members were in critical condition and sent to Cox’s Bazar District Hospital. Local residents claimed the arrest occurred during a community iftar event organized by the volunteer group, which triggered public outrage and led to the attack. Police and fire service units later arrived to control the situation. Teknaf police chief Saiful Islam said legal action would follow if RAB filed a complaint. The detainee’s father alleged political harassment and denied any active arrest warrant against his son.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, announced in a televised address that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to exert pressure on Iran’s adversaries. The statement, broadcast on state television on March 12, 2026, emphasized the need for national unity to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and security. Khamenei warned that the strategic maritime route would be shut down as part of efforts to apply strategic pressure on those opposing Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transport routes, through which a significant portion of global crude oil normally passes. Analysts cited in the report noted that any closure of this passage could have a major impact on international energy markets. The announcement marks one of Khamenei’s first major policy declarations since assuming leadership, signaling a potentially tense phase in regional and global energy dynamics.

President Md. Shahabuddin Chuppu delivered his constitutionally mandated address at the opening of the 13th National Parliament session on Thursday, where he strongly criticized the former Sheikh Hasina government. In his 16-page speech, he described the previous administration as fascist and accused it of corruption, killings, and enforced disappearances. He also recounted the July 2024 mass uprising that he said ended Hasina’s rule and marked Bangladesh’s liberation from fascism. The session was presided over by Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. During his address, the president honored the country’s martyrs, including former President Ziaur Rahman, whom he called the proclaimer of independence, and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for her role in establishing parliamentary democracy. Government members, including Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, applauded his remarks, while opposition lawmakers protested, labeling him an accomplice of the former regime and briefly walking out before returning. The president also discussed the interim government’s initiatives following the 2024 uprising, the current administration’s welfare programs, and economic challenges such as inflation and foreign currency reserves. He expressed hope for progress in agriculture and the economy despite global instability.

Four people sustained burn injuries after an electrical transformer exploded at Maona intersection in Sreepur, Gazipur, on Wednesday night around 10:45 p.m. The explosion triggered a fire that spread to nearby shops, causing panic among hundreds of people in the area. Three of the injured were transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment after receiving initial care at Al Hera Hospital. According to local witnesses, the transformer exploded with a loud noise, and flames quickly spread to the adjacent Sahid Super Market. Sparks from the blast caused several people to catch fire, including one man whose head caught flames. The incident led to chaos as people fled the area, and some were injured while running. Sreepur Fire Service Station Officer Nurul Karim said two fire service units brought the blaze under control shortly after it began. The fire spread to a nearby three-story building, damaging several shops and goods before being extinguished.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed commented on the opposition’s walkout and protest during President Md. Shahabuddin’s address at the first session of the 13th National Parliament on March 12, 2026. Speaking to reporters after the session was adjourned, he questioned the rationale behind the opposition’s stance, noting that the same president had previously held discussions with them on August 5 and 6, and that advisers to the interim government had taken oaths before him. He pointed out that some opposition members who protested are also current members of parliament. Responding to remarks by Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, the minister said it was contradictory for the opposition to now reject the president they had earlier engaged with. However, he described walkouts as a normal part of parliamentary democracy and said such actions are permissible within democratic culture. Ahmed added that the parliament would remain meaningful and serve as a center for national dialogue, emphasizing unity against fascism and cooperation on national issues.

At least 12 people were killed and two others were seriously injured in a road accident at Belai Bridge area of Rampal upazila in Bagerhat on Thursday afternoon. The collision occurred between a Bangladesh Navy bus and a microbus carrying wedding guests. Several passengers died on the spot, while others sustained critical injuries. According to local sources, the vehicles collided head-on while moving at high speed. Among the deceased, six were members of the family of Razzak Commissioner, while the identities of the others have not yet been confirmed. Police and fire service personnel quickly arrived at the scene and began rescue operations, sending the injured to Rampal Upazila Health Complex and Khulna Medical College Hospital. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further. The tragic incident has cast a pall of grief over the area, and the local administration has begun investigating the cause of the accident.

Bangladesh’s opposition lawmakers, led by Jamaat-e-Islami chief and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, walked out of Parliament on Thursday as President Md. Shahabuddin began his speech at the inaugural session. The opposition staged protests inside the chamber, holding placards and chanting slogans before leaving. Later, at a press briefing, Dr. Rahman said they refused to listen to the President’s address because of what he described as three major offenses committed by him. According to Dr. Rahman, the first offense was the President’s alleged complicity in killings during his tenure, as he did not protest or take action against them. The second was his contradictory statements about the resignation of a “fascist” prime minister, which Rahman said made him unfit for office. The third involved signing an ordinance related to the February 12 election and failing to convene the reform council session within the required time, which Rahman claimed insulted 70 percent of voters who supported the referendum. Rahman added that the opposition had repeatedly rejected the President’s legitimacy and vowed to continue fighting for citizens’ rights in Parliament.

Bangladesh’s Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqul Rahman stated that the country’s parliament had often been ineffective and symbolic under fascist control. Speaking on Thursday afternoon during a congratulatory address in the National Parliament, he said that in the 55 years since independence, the legislature had rarely functioned effectively. The session was presided over by Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Dr. Rahman paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in 1947, 1971, 1990, and the Shapla Chattar movement, as well as those who suffered during what he described as 15 and a half years of fascist rule. He said the current parliament stands on the blood of the 2024 struggle and congratulated both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal on their appointments. He expressed hope that the Speaker, having resigned from his party’s standing committee, would act impartially for the nation’s welfare and ensure justice for all members. Rahman also noted the presence of many young members in the new parliament and described himself as a first-time participant.

Iran has reportedly carried out a cyberattack that disabled Israel’s railway system, according to Iranian news agency Fars. The report stated that Israel’s railway network was hacked and rendered inoperative, with warnings that no Israeli railway station would be safe until further notice. At the same time, Israel’s Defense Forces announced that Iran had launched new missile attacks targeting Israeli territory. The IDF confirmed through its official Telegram channel that missiles fired from Iran were detected and that Israel’s defense systems were working to intercept the threats. The developments come amid escalating hostilities between the two countries, with reports of widespread Iranian attacks on Israel within the past 24 hours resulting in injuries to 179 people, according to the source.