At the invitation of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt will arrive in Islamabad on Sunday for a two-day official visit. According to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the high-level diplomatic meeting will take place on March 29 and 30, 2026. The participants include Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Turkey’s Hakan Fidan, and Egypt’s Badr Abdelatty. The main objective of the visit is to reduce regional tensions and strengthen cooperation among the four countries in various sectors. The statement added that, in addition to formal meetings, the visiting ministers will also meet Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The discussions aim to develop a coordinated stance on current regional developments and deepen mutual strategic relations. The meeting is expected to serve as a platform for enhanced diplomatic coordination among the participating nations, focusing on stability and partnership in the region.

Global energy markets saw a sharp rise in oil prices, with Brent crude futures climbing by 5.7 percent to reach 114.2 dollars per barrel on Friday, March 27, according to Anadolu Agency. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also rose by 6.18 percent, surpassing 100 dollars per barrel. Since late February, Brent prices have increased by about 45 percent, while WTI prices have grown by roughly 40 percent. The report added that amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Russia has decided to halt petrol exports starting April 1. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak instructed the energy ministry to prepare a draft decision, with the restriction expected to remain in effect until July 31. Novak stated that the Middle East crisis has caused significant volatility in global energy markets, leading to fluctuating oil prices. He further noted that while international demand for Russian energy remains high, maintaining domestic supply is now the government’s main priority.

A Labour Party leader in Babuganj upazila of Barishal has been served a show-cause notice for a social media post supporting an Awami League leader. The notice was issued on Saturday, March 28, 2026, by the upazila unit of the Labour Party after Jahidul Islam Opu, convener of the Kedarapur Union Labour Party, expressed on Facebook his wish to see former union chairman and Awami League member Md. Nure Alam Bepari as chairman candidate again. According to party sources, the post was deemed contrary to the organisation’s principles and ideals. The notice, signed by upazila Labour Party president Md. Farid Hossain and acting general secretary Mizanur Rahman Mintu, directed Opu to submit a written explanation within three days. It also warned that organisational action would be taken if his response was unsatisfactory. The upazila Labour Party president confirmed the issuance of the notice, and the incident has sparked considerable discussion in the local political arena.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the Home Minister to take strict measures against fuel hoarding and smuggling despite adequate national reserves. The order aims to prevent an artificial fuel crisis and ensure market stability. The government is currently providing a monthly subsidy of 200 crore taka to keep fuel prices steady, and Members of Parliament have been instructed to remain vigilant in their constituencies. Chief Whip Nurul Islam shared these details with reporters after a ruling party parliamentary committee meeting held on Saturday, March 28, at the National Parliament Building. According to the Chief Whip, although global oil prices have risen due to the war situation in the Middle East, the government is making every effort to maintain domestic price stability. Reports of attempts by dishonest groups to create artificial shortages and smuggle fuel across borders have prompted the Prime Minister’s directive for a comprehensive crackdown. The meeting also discussed parliamentary committee formation, women’s reserved seats, and recent transport accidents, with ministers briefing the committee on preventive measures. Further decisions on parliamentary committee formation are expected in the next meeting, while reports on pending bills are targeted for submission by March 30.

All educational institutions in Bangladesh, from primary to higher secondary levels, are set to reopen on Sunday following the extended holidays for Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. Ahead of the reopening, the Ministry of Education has issued an urgent directive to ensure cleanliness and proper maintenance across all campuses. A special inter-ministerial committee has been formed to oversee year-round supervision, with the State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives appointed as its convener. The directive, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Muhammad Helal Chowdhury from the Secondary and Higher Education Division, outlines five key instructions. These include ensuring complete cleanliness before classes resume, strengthening daily monitoring of hygiene, conducting weekly cleaning drives with teacher and student participation, implementing tree-planting and gardening programs, and organizing awareness activities on personal and environmental hygiene. The ministry emphasized that these measures aim to maintain a healthy and sustainable learning environment throughout the academic year.

After the Gaza war began in October 2023, Houthi missile attacks on Israel caused limited damage as most were intercepted. However, in July 2024, a Houthi drone evaded Israeli defenses and struck a residential building in Tel Aviv, killing one civilian. Renewed Houthi attacks on Israel are seen as a concern but not a major military challenge. The greater risk lies in potential Houthi operations targeting Red Sea shipping routes. Saudi Arabia currently transports about four million barrels of oil daily through the Yanbu port pipeline to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, with tankers passing near Yemen en route to Asian markets. Between November 2023 and early 2025, the Houthis carried out around 200 attacks on Red Sea vessels, damaging more than 30 ships and hijacking at least one, reducing traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Suez Canal by nearly half. Analysts warn that if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz while the Houthis block the Red Sea, the simultaneous disruption of these two vital waterways could have catastrophic consequences for global trade.

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.