An opinion essay published on March 29, 2026, by Md. Mahmudul Hasan reflects on the 2024 July Revolution in Bangladesh, describing it as a mass student uprising against the Hasina government’s quota policy and broader authoritarian practices. The author argues that the movement emerged when students protested a discriminatory quota system limiting public sector jobs, and the government responded with violent suppression, killing around 1,500 protesters and detaining many others. The piece portrays the crackdown as a massacre and a turning point in Bangladesh’s political history. The essay situates the July Revolution within a broader context of alleged electoral manipulation, corruption, and repression during the Awami League’s rule from 2009 to 2024. It claims that students had long faced intimidation and abuse from the ruling party’s student wing, which controlled university dormitories and silenced dissent. The author contends that these conditions drove students to risk their lives for a fairer and more democratic Bangladesh. The article concludes by urging citizens to preserve the spirit of the July Revolution and pass its lessons to future generations as a defense of national sovereignty and human rights.

Following the general election held on February 12, newly elected representatives of the ruling party announced they would not take oath as members of the Constitutional Reform Council. This decision sparked a national debate over the legality of the council, which had been established under the July Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order of 2025. Critics argue that the 1972 Constitution does not grant the president authority to issue such an order and that, without a separate election, parliament members cannot serve on the council. The article explains that the July political uprising represented a constitutional moment when citizens directly asserted their sovereign power to reshape the state. It argues that the council’s legitimacy stems from this popular mandate, not merely from written constitutional provisions. The July Charter sought fundamental restructuring of state principles and institutions, changes that could not be sustained through ordinary amendment procedures due to the Supreme Court’s basic structure doctrine. The author concludes that the council’s legitimacy arises from dual mandates—both the general election and the referendum approving the reform process—reflecting the people’s sovereign will to redefine the constitutional order.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led opposition alliance is preparing to raise two major issues—the implementation of the July Charter and the holding of local government elections—in the national parliament. Opposition MPs are expected to make the session heated today, with a preparatory meeting scheduled before the sitting. Jamaat and its allies have been demanding the enforcement of the February 12 referendum verdict, which they claim showed strong public support for constitutional reform. Opposition leader and Jamaat chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has warned that if parliament fails to resolve the issue, the alliance may resort to street protests. The second issue concerns the government’s recent appointment of administrators to 11 city corporations and 42 district councils, which the opposition views as an attempt to delay local elections. Jamaat leaders argue that these partisan appointments undermine democratic norms. The alliance’s 11-party coordination committee is expected to meet soon to decide on next steps, while Jamaat has nearly finalized its candidates for upcoming local polls. Several allied parties, including the National Citizens Party and Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, have also criticized the government’s actions and announced rallies demanding swift elections and reform implementation.

Iran has claimed responsibility for a drone strike in Dubai that allegedly destroyed a Ukrainian anti-drone weapons depot. According to a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Command, the attack targeted a secret U.S. military site in Dubai where Ukrainian drone defense systems were reportedly stored. The spokesperson said 21 Ukrainian drone specialists were present during the strike and are feared dead. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry rejected the Iranian claim, calling it false. Ministry spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy stated that Iran frequently spreads misinformation and compared its actions to those of Russia. The Iranian statement was first reported by Tasnim News Agency. The incident adds to growing tensions involving Iran, Ukraine, and the United States, though no independent confirmation of the alleged strike or casualties has been reported in the source.

Lieutenant General (Retd.) Masud Uddin Chowdhury and Lieutenant General (Retd.) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, both key figures of Bangladesh’s 1/11 interim government, are providing contradictory and evasive statements while in police remand. Mamun Khaled, arrested from Mirpur DOHS and placed on five-day remand, claimed he acted to help Tarique Rahman during the 2007–08 period, including facilitating his medical treatment abroad. Masud Uddin, detained from Baridhara DOHS and also on five-day remand, has been shifting blame to other former officers, saying he only tried to assist the Zia family. Investigators report that both former generals have avoided direct answers about their alleged roles in torture, corruption, and political manipulation during the 1/11 period. Masud Uddin has accused former DGFI officials of implementing the “Minus Two Formula” and claimed India’s intelligence agency RAW planned the 1/11 government with DGFI involvement. Mamun Khaled faces allegations of large-scale corruption, enforced disappearances, and misuse of power during his tenure as DGFI chief. Police sources indicate Masud Uddin may face further remand for questioning in murder and money laundering cases filed in Dhaka and Feni after the fall of the Awami League government.

The Pentagon is preparing for several weeks of ground operations in Iran, according to a Washington Post report citing US officials. As part of the preparations, thousands of US Navy and Marine troops have arrived in the Middle East. The USS Tripoli has reached its designated area of responsibility, the US Central Command confirmed. However, it remains uncertain whether President Donald Trump will approve the deployment of ground forces, and the exact locations of troop positions have not been disclosed. The report indicates that the planned operations would not constitute a full-scale invasion but rather a series of coordinated missions involving special operations units and conventional infantry forces. More than 4,000 US Marines are believed to be aboard ships heading toward the Gulf, and discussions are ongoing about sending additional troops. The White House and Pentagon have not commented on the matter despite inquiries from the BBC, leaving the timeline and scope of the potential operations unclear.

Bangladesh Bank has not recovered Tk 68,250 crore lent to 12 commercial banks, according to central bank sources. The loans, issued by printing money during the previous Awami League government and the subsequent interim administration, were meant to be repaid within three months but remain unpaid after more than a year. The funds were extended under the tenures of former governors Abdur Rouf Talukder and Ahsan H. Mansur. The banks include First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, Bangladesh Commerce Bank, ICB Islami Bank, EXIM Bank, National Bank, Padma Bank, AB Bank, BASIC Bank, and Premier Bank. Industry observers said the banks became financially weak due to large-scale irregularities and mismanagement, particularly under groups such as S. Alam. Despite repeated liquidity support, the sector shows little improvement. Former chief economist Mustafa K. Mujeri described the assistance as a temporary relief that fails to address structural problems like default loans and corruption. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Arif Hossain Khan stated that the central bank was compelled to provide liquidity support to prevent depositor panic but acknowledged that such measures cannot continue indefinitely. The new governor is expected to decide on the next steps for the troubled banks.

The Gazipur-Airport Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project has become a major burden for the government after years of delays, flawed planning, and alleged corruption. Initiated in 2012 under the Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project, the 20.5-kilometer scheme aimed to provide a fast, affordable, and eco-friendly transit system. However, after spending over Tk 4,000 crore, the project remains incomplete, with its operations suspended since December 2024 and the route now used as a regular road. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) rejected proposals to extend the project’s duration and budget following revelations of design weaknesses and mismanagement. Experts and former officials have described the project as one of the worst examples of corruption and poor planning, citing copied foreign designs unsuited to Bangladesh’s traffic system. A special committee is investigating financial irregularities and design flaws. Interim government adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud called for legal action against those responsible, while the current administration awaits the committee’s report before deciding future steps. Despite widespread criticism, some project officials remain optimistic, claiming that once completed, the BRT could still offer efficient urban transport if technical issues are resolved.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for a second round of attacks on Israeli territory. According to Yahya Sari, spokesperson for the group’s military wing, the strikes targeted southern Israel on Saturday using cruise missiles and drones. He said several key military installations were hit during the operation. The Israeli military confirmed detecting a missile launched from Yemen toward its territory and stated that air defense systems were active in response. This marks the first official acknowledgment of an attack from Yemen since the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel entered its second month. The Houthis later said they had fired ballistic missiles at Israeli military sites in the occupied West Bank, describing the action as retaliation for Israeli strikes in Lebanon, Iran, and Palestine. Sari warned that if other parties join the war against Iran and its allies, the Houthis are prepared to expand their military operations.

Phulbaria upazila in Mymensingh, covering 399 square kilometers, is rich in natural and historical resources but remains underdeveloped as a full-fledged tourist destination due to insufficient government and private initiatives. The area features the country’s largest enclosed wetland, Barabila, and the mysterious Nabaikuri, which attract visitors with lotus blooms and migratory birds. Nearby stands the legendary site of King Anai’s palace, tied to a local folktale that continues to intrigue tourists. Santoshpur forest, with its dense sal and gazari trees, wildlife, and a large rubber plantation, offers another attraction. The area’s “social monkeys,” known for their friendly behavior with visitors, have become a highlight. Other notable sites include the privately owned Deepto Orchid Garden in Dulma village, the historic Tamaltala Guptabrindaban, and a privately developed park in Betbari. Visitors can reach Phulbaria from Mymensingh for a modest travel cost. Locals believe that with proper planning and investment, Phulbaria could emerge as one of Bangladesh’s most appealing tourism zones, generating significant annual revenue.

Sri Lanka has reinstated fuel rationing and raised fuel prices by about 33 percent following the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran on February 28. Iran’s decision to halt most traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for 20 percent of global oil and gas, has severely disrupted supplies to the island nation, which imports 60 percent of its energy needs through the strait. The government has introduced a QR-based rationing system similar to that used during the 2022 economic crisis, limiting weekly fuel allocations for vehicles and implementing a no-work-on-Wednesday policy to conserve fuel. Officials say the government is absorbing part of the international price increase, resulting in monthly losses of $63 million. Bus fares have risen by more than 12 percent, while liquefied petroleum gas prices are up 8 percent. Negotiations are under way with Russia for fuel imports, and Sri Lanka has declined Iran’s offer due to lack of transport capacity. Experts warn that continued disruption could raise food prices by 15 percent and threaten food security, as fertiliser supplies are also affected. President Anura Dissanayake’s administration is expanding storage capacity and pursuing agreements with India and the UAE to renovate facilities, but economists caution that the crisis’s duration remains unpredictable.

Tens of thousands of people marched through central London on Saturday in what organisers described as the largest anti-far-right demonstration in British history. The Together Alliance, supported by around 500 groups including trade unions, antiracism organisations and Muslim representative bodies, led the rally that converged on Whitehall near the Houses of Parliament. Organisers claimed half a million participants, while police estimated about 50,000. The event was met by a much smaller group of counterprotesters waving Israeli and pre-1979 Iranian flags. Speakers and participants said the march aimed to counter the rise of racism and Islamophobia in mainstream politics, citing figures such as Reform leader Nigel Farage and far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Demonstrators described the atmosphere as inclusive and festive, comparing it to the Notting Hill Carnival. Several left-wing politicians, including Jeremy Corbyn, Zarah Sultana, Dianne Abbott, and Andy Burnham, joined the crowds, while Amnesty UK praised the event as a call for dignity, compassion and human rights. The protest took place amid warnings from the group Hope Not Hate that the British far right is becoming “bigger, bolder and more extreme than ever before.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Saturday that Iran has agreed to allow 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with two ships scheduled to cross daily. Dar described the move as a “harbinger of peace” and a “welcome and constructive gesture,” suggesting it could help stabilize a region strained by conflict and energy shortages. His announcement, addressed to senior U.S. and Iranian officials, underscored Islamabad’s broader diplomatic role in efforts to end the ongoing war. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed since coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, sparking a conflict that has severely disrupted global trade. With about 2,000 vessels stranded and oil prices surging above $100 a barrel, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has imposed strict passage controls, requiring ships to pay for escorted transit. Iran’s parliament is now considering legalizing these tolls as a revenue source. The deal follows a week of intense Pakistani diplomacy, including talks between Pakistan’s army chief and U.S. President Donald Trump. Islamabad has offered to host peace talks if all parties agree.

Malaysia has been detaining Israeli passport holders in increasing numbers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, according to a report published on March 28 by Wynet Global. In recent months, at least eight Israelis have been held, some while attempting to enter Malaysia and others while using the country as a transit point to other Asian destinations. The two nations do not maintain formal diplomatic relations. One incident involved four young Israelis detained during a transit stop on their way from Thailand to the Philippines. Two of them said they had consulted a chatbot about the safety of transiting through Kuala Lumpur and received a positive response before deciding to travel. In another case, two Israeli men traveling from Cambodia to the Philippines were detained and later sent back to Cambodia after two days. The report noted that detentions usually last 24 to 48 hours but can extend when other countries refuse entry to deported Israelis. The Israeli embassy in Singapore has intervened in several cases, and Ambassador Eliyahu Vered Hazan urged citizens to avoid travel or transit through Malaysia due to growing risks and complications.

A mobile court led by Sitakunda Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Md. Fakhrul Islam conducted an operation in the Bhatiari area on Saturday amid a nationwide fuel supply crisis. The court fined Bhatiari Filling Station Tk 50,000 under the Mobile Court Act for concealing government information and discrepancies in oil stock records. Officials found that the station reported 1,100 liters of octane but actually stored 1,069 liters more than declared. To prevent illegal fuel hoarding or smuggling, the administration has appointed tag officers at every petrol pump for regular monitoring. While most stations maintained accurate records, irregularities were confirmed at Bhatiari Filling Station, prompting legal action. The same mobile court also fined three minibuses Tk 2,000 each for overcharging passengers on the Alangkar–Sitakunda route. Officials said the trend of overcharging has recently increased, causing financial distress to passengers. They pledged to continue regular drives and urged passengers to report any fare violations immediately. Local residents welcomed the initiative as timely and beneficial for restoring discipline in the fuel and transport sectors.