Top diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye have gathered in Islamabad for two days of talks with their Pakistani counterpart, aiming to de-escalate the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran. The discussions, held on Sunday and Monday, are led by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Ahead of the talks, Dar announced that Iran had allowed 20 additional ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for over an hour as part of the preparations. According to Al Jazeera’s Kamal Kyder, Pakistan has been acting as a key intermediary between the United States and Iran, relaying messages as part of mediation efforts. Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s role in attempting to halt aggression against Iran. Islamabad’s longstanding ties with Tehran and Gulf states, as well as its communication channels with Washington, have positioned it as a central player in the diplomatic process. The talks come amid rising regional tensions, including Houthi attacks on Israel and the arrival of additional US forces in the Middle East, heightening fears of a broader conflict.

Egypt has ordered all shops, restaurants, and shopping centers to close by 9 p.m. each night for one month starting Saturday. The government said the measure aims to conserve energy as fuel prices have surged due to the ongoing war in Iran. Street lighting and advertising illumination will also be reduced, and employees will be allowed to work from home one day a week during April to save energy. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated that Egypt’s petrol expenses more than doubled between January and March, reaching 2.5 billion dollars. Although Egypt is not directly involved in the conflict, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, leaving the import-dependent country vulnerable to shortages. Hotels and tourist resorts are exempt from the restrictions, as tourism accounts for about one-tenth of Egypt’s economy. Essential services such as hospitals, schools, and factories will also remain unaffected by the work-from-home directive.

A major fire erupted at a cold storage facility in the Sagorika area of Chattogram on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The blaze spread rapidly throughout the warehouse, filling the surrounding area with thick smoke and causing panic among local residents. Eight units of the Fire Service are currently working tirelessly to bring the fire under control. According to the Fire Service control room, multiple units were dispatched immediately after receiving the alert. As the intensity of the fire increased, additional units were deployed in phases. Rescue teams are also searching the facility to determine whether any workers or employees remain trapped inside. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and assessments are underway to estimate the extent of the damage.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to abolish the monthly rental or meter charge for electricity prepaid meters. The announcement was made by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Sunday afternoon while speaking to reporters. He said the decision was taken to address long-standing dissatisfaction among consumers over extra charges on prepaid meters. According to the minister, many users have been paying a fixed amount each month as meter rent or maintenance charge during recharge, even though the actual cost of the meters had already been recovered. The Ministry of Power stated that in the past, irregularities and excessive spending in meter procurement had placed an unfair financial burden on consumers. The current government aims to ensure transparency in the power sector and reduce costs for users. Officials said the removal of the charge is part of broader efforts to make electricity services more consumer-friendly and restore public trust in the sector.

Opposition members of Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad held a meeting on Sunday morning ahead of the resumption of the adjourned parliamentary session. The meeting took place at 11 a.m. in the opposition conference room of the National Parliament Building, chaired by Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman. Opposition Chief Whip and NCP Convener Nahid Islam MP, Whip Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, and other MPs attended. Discussions focused on the opposition’s stance and strategy for the ongoing session. The first session of the 13th National Parliament, which began on March 12, had been adjourned on March 15 due to Eid-ul-Fitr and other holidays. The session resumed at 3 p.m. on Sunday under the chairmanship of Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam stated that the third day of the session would feature discussions on the motion of thanks for the President’s address, with participation from both government and opposition members. According to the parliamentary business advisory committee, the session will continue until April 30, with 50 hours of discussion scheduled on the President’s speech.

Iranian officials have warned that the United Arab Emirates will face extensive attacks on its state assets if the United States proceeds with a ground offensive against Iran. According to a report by Middle East Eye citing two senior Iranian officials, Tehran believes the UAE is playing an active role alongside the US and Israel in the ongoing conflict. The warning comes as US President Donald Trump reportedly plans a ground operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has kept closed since the war began. The officials claimed that the US assault could target Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s crude oil exports, and that the operation might be launched from Gulf Arab states, including the UAE and Bahrain. They alleged that the UAE has provided air power and bases to US forces and that Iran has already conveyed a message to Abu Dhabi about potential consequences. If the ground attack originates from Emirati territory, Iran said it will treat the UAE as a direct enemy and expand strikes beyond military and intelligence sites to include government-owned civilian infrastructure.

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has ordered retired Lieutenant Generals Mamun Khaled and Masud Uddin Chowdhury to appear before the court on April 7. The order was issued around 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Mamun Khaled, a former director general of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), has been shown arrested in a disappearance case, while Masud Uddin Chowdhury has been shown arrested in a case related to a July killing incident. Earlier in the morning, the prosecution filed petitions to show both retired officers arrested in their respective cases. The tribunal granted the petitions and subsequently issued the order for their appearance. The proceedings were conducted under the jurisdiction of International Crimes Tribunal-2. The next hearing is scheduled for April 7, when both accused are expected to be presented before the tribunal as per the court’s directive.

A fuel station manager was killed in Narail’s Tularampur area after being allegedly run over by a truck driver following a dispute over fuel availability. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Saturday when the driver, identified as Sujat Molya, reportedly attacked the manager, Nahid Sardar, after being told that diesel was unavailable at the Messrs Tanvir Filling and Gas Station. Nahid’s companion, Jihadul, was seriously injured in the attack. Police and witnesses said the driver had earlier argued with the manager and threatened him before waiting near the station. When Nahid and his friend left on a motorcycle, the driver allegedly chased them and ran them over about 150 to 200 yards from the station along the Jessore-Narail highway. Nahid died on the spot, and his injured companion was first taken to Narail Sadar Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka’s Pangu Hospital. Highway police confirmed that the accused driver fled with the truck. Efforts are underway to apprehend him, and legal action has been initiated.

A severe energy shortage triggered by the Middle East war has forced the shutdown of India’s $6.5 billion ceramic production hub in Morbi, Gujarat. The once-bustling factories now stand idle, with only a few workers loading the last shipment produced three weeks ago. The disruption stems from the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has halted gas supplies critical to ceramic manufacturing. According to the local producers’ association, most factories in Morbi, which accounts for about 80 percent of India’s ceramic output, have been closed for nearly a month due to the gas crisis. The industry, valued at around $8.1 billion, employs roughly 400,000 workers who are now affected. Factory owners report that both propane and natural gas supplies have dwindled, forcing them to suspend operations. Advisers to the Morbi Ceramic Manufacturers Association said about 550 factories have stopped production, with only a few operating where gas is still available. The shutdown is expected to continue until April 15, raising concerns of domestic shortages as inventories decline from April onward.

The historic Nidaria Mosque in Lalmonirhat, built in Mughal architectural style nearly three centuries ago, is now at risk due to neglect and structural decay. Despite being listed by the Department of Archaeology, the three-domed mosque has weakened over time without proper restoration. Locals warn that without urgent renovation and recovery of encroached land, this northern heritage site could be lost. According to local accounts, the mosque was built in 1176 Hijri by Subedar Monsur Khan in fulfillment of a vow. The single-room structure, measuring about 42 feet by 16 feet, features three domes, four corner pillars, and a single entrance. It stands in Kishamat Nagarband Mouza of Panchagram Union, with an adjacent Eidgah, graveyard, and a madrasa established in 2019. Although about 10 acres of land were donated to the mosque, part of it is now under dispute. Local residents and the district administration have called for immediate action to restore the mosque and resolve the land issues. Officials said necessary measures will be taken soon to preserve the site, which locals believe could become a major heritage tourism destination if properly maintained.

The hill town of Bandarban, long known as one of Bangladesh’s most popular tourist destinations, is preparing for a new phase of tourism growth. Following a busy winter season when hotels and resorts were fully booked, the area has entered a quieter period during Ramadan. Local businesses are using this time for renovation and maintenance, aiming to attract visitors during the upcoming Eid holidays and beyond. Hotel owners report strong performance in the last tourist season and expect good business between Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. They have added new facilities and improved comfort to enhance visitor experience. Entrepreneurs note that despite Bangladesh’s tourism potential, the sector lags behind due to limited international branding and complex visa policies. They hope the new government will prioritize tourism development. Newly elected Member of Parliament Saching Prue Jerry has pledged to protect the interests of small and medium tourism entrepreneurs. He emphasized developing eco-friendly resorts and homestays that preserve the natural environment while improving local livelihoods and promoting traditional crafts and cuisine internationally.

A fire broke out at the central July Memorial in Shariatpur district, according to a report published on March 29, 2026. The incident gained attention after Mohsin Madbor, identified as the district convener of a banned organization named Chhatra League, posted a video of the fire on his personal Facebook account last Friday. Former convener of the District Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Imran Al Nazir, criticized the local administration, saying repeated incidents like this occur due to administrative failure. He described the fire as not only an act of arson but also an insult to the memory of July. Nazir warned that if those responsible are not arrested promptly, the administration itself should be held accountable. The report did not mention the extent of the damage or whether any arrests had been made following the incident.

An Iranian official this week introduced a new condition for ending the war initiated by the United States and Israel, demanding recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes, has become a central element of Tehran’s strategy. Iran now aims to turn it into a major source of annual revenue worth hundreds of billions of dollars while leveraging its global economic influence. Analysts noted that Iran’s long-standing threat to close the strait in case of attack has gained new weight. The country’s leadership, including new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, emphasized the strategic importance of using the strait’s blockade potential. Bloomberg Economics’ Middle East head Dina Esfandiary said Iran was surprised by how effective and inexpensive it was to pressure the global economy through this route. According to a CNN estimate cited in the report, if Iran charged $2 million per large oil tanker daily, its monthly income could exceed $800 million, potentially surpassing Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman has departed for an official visit to the United States. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) announced the trip through its official Facebook page on Sunday, March 29, 2026. According to the post, the army chief left for the United States on Saturday, March 28, as part of his government assignment. During the visit, General Waker-Uz-Zaman is scheduled to receive a recognition proposal from the Georgia State Capitol for the commendable contributions of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in United Nations peacekeeping missions. He will also deliver a special lecture at the Senate Chamber as part of the program. The ISPR statement further mentioned that the army chief plans to hold bilateral meetings with relevant representatives of the United States during his stay.

Three journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon on March 29, 2026. The attack targeted a vehicle, killing a reporter from Hezbollah-affiliated Al Manar television and two siblings, Fatima and Mohammad Touni. The incident occurred amid ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon. According to CNN, Al Manar reporter Ali Shuaib was among the dead. The Israeli military claimed Shuaib was acting as a terrorist under the guise of journalism and was revealing Israeli troop positions. In contrast, Al Manar described him as a “symbol of resistance journalism.” Iran-backed Al Mayadeen television confirmed the deaths of the Touni siblings and released a video showing their father expressing pride in his children despite his grief. Lebanon’s presidential office condemned the strike as a “clear crime.” Israel’s statement did not mention the other two journalists. The incident has drawn condemnation from Iran, as reported separately, and may heighten tensions between Israel and Lebanon.