Farmers in Juri upazila of Moulvibazar district are set to receive farmer cards as part of a government pilot project covering 11 upazilas in 10 districts. The initiative aims to distribute 21,500 cards in the first phase, with 834 farmers from Phultala Union in Juri selected to receive them. The cards will be provided to landless, marginal, and small farmers to help them access annual cash incentives for agricultural activities, fisheries, livestock, and input support. Moulvibazar district has 127,994 hectares of cultivable land, of which 93,596 hectares remain fallow annually. Officials expect that the farmer card program will encourage cultivation on previously unused land, boosting local food production. Farmers have welcomed the initiative, calling it a landmark step for agricultural development. They noted that the government has already waived agricultural loans and launched canal excavation programs to improve irrigation. According to the district agriculture extension office, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the farmer card program on April 14, marking its official rollout in the selected upazilas. The department expects the scheme to expand gradually across all upazilas in the district.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the killing of Iranian naval commander Alireza Tansiri represents another example of coordination between Israel and the United States. In a video message delivered in Hebrew, Netanyahu said Israel continues to carry out a series of attacks on various targets across Iran. He added that Tansiri had played a key role in efforts to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz and claimed that the commander had 'a lot of blood on his hands.' The statement underscores Israel’s ongoing military operations targeting Iranian interests and its close security cooperation with the United States. The remarks come as tensions remain high between Israel and Iran, with continued strikes and mutual accusations shaping the regional security environment.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a plan to launch 'Notun Kuri Sports' to develop new athletes across Bangladesh. Speaking after a friendly football match at the National Stadium on Thursday, he said the initiative aims to organize sports competitions among schools and various classes at district, upazila, and union levels. Rahman explained that the program aligns with his party’s election manifesto, which emphasized professionalizing sports and creating opportunities for young players. He said the government intends to revive the spirit of the earlier 'Notun Kuri' program by introducing this new sports platform. The prime minister added that the goal is to enhance Bangladesh’s performance in international sporting events and bring greater recognition to the country. He called on all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to work together to build a vibrant sports culture that fosters friendship and national pride. The event was attended by his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and several ministers and officials.

The United Arab Emirates has claimed that its air defense system intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones launched from Iran. The UAE Ministry of Defense announced the interception on Thursday but did not immediately provide details about casualties or damage resulting from the attack. According to the ministry, since Iran began its attacks on February 28, a total of 372 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,826 drones have been intercepted. The UAE authorities also reported that two soldiers and eight civilians from various countries have been killed, while 169 others have been injured during this period. The report, citing Anadolu as the source, comes amid continued regional tensions and ongoing hostilities between Iran and several neighboring states.

Uganda’s army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has warned that his country will directly join the war on Israel’s side if Israel faces the risk of defeat. He made the statement amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. In a message posted on X, Kainerugaba said that Uganda wants the Middle East war to end immediately, as the world is weary of the conflict. However, he emphasized that if there is any move to destroy or defeat Israel, Uganda will enter the war in support of Israel. Kainerugaba is the son of Uganda’s current president, Yoweri Museveni, and is widely regarded as a possible successor. His remarks come at a time of heightened regional tension, with multiple international actors involved in the Iran-Israel confrontation. The statement signals Uganda’s potential alignment in the Middle East conflict, though no further details were provided about possible military or diplomatic steps.

The National Sports Council (NSC) has formed a five-member investigation committee to look into alleged irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections, instructing it to submit a report within 15 working days. The BCB issued a statement warning that any decision based on the committee’s report might not be well received by the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, BCB directors claimed that the statement was made unilaterally by BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul without prior discussion. Speaking to reporters after a friendly match at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Independence Day, BCB Vice President Faruk Ahmed said the letter sent to the ICC was within the president’s authority but was not discussed internally. He expressed uncertainty about the outcome of the investigation report and suggested that the matter should be referred to the election commission officials responsible for overseeing the election process. Faruk added that clarity could come from discussions with the election commissioner, as differing opinions exist between those involved in the election and those who were not.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri has come under renewed discussion after Israel reportedly claimed responsibility for his killing. Tangsiri has led the IRGC Navy since 2018, following his tenure as deputy commander from 2010. His leadership has been marked by strong statements regarding Iran’s maritime sovereignty, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian media, a social media account under his name became active on X (formerly Twitter) on March 10 this year, where he made several posts about the Strait of Hormuz. In one post, he asserted that ships linked to aggressors against Iran had no right to pass through the waterway. Tangsiri has long been known for his outspoken stance against the United States and Israel. In 2019, he warned that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz if its oil exports were blocked. That same year, after Iran shot down a U.S. surveillance drone near the strait, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Tangsiri and several other IRGC commanders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump requested Ukraine’s assistance in countering Iranian drones. In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, cited by Al Jazeera, Zelensky said Ukrainian experts are already stationed in several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to support related efforts. He noted that Washington is maintaining direct contact with Kyiv to help protect U.S. military bases in the region. Zelensky explained that Ukraine has become highly skilled in neutralizing Iranian drones due to their frequent use by Russia in the ongoing war. He stated that existing air defense systems in the Middle East, such as Patriot and THAAD, are insufficient to fully repel heavy drone attacks, and discussions are underway to supply specific Ukrainian interceptors to the region. In return, Ukraine has proposed a mutual assistance deal, seeking air defense missiles from Middle Eastern partners to address shortages in Kyiv. Zelensky added that Ukraine’s defense industry is operating at half capacity due to financial constraints and expressed hope that new military cooperation with Middle Eastern nations would strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute and Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-6 (Bhairab-Kuliarchar) Shariful Alam has called on citizens to work from their respective positions to build a humane nation. He made the call on Thursday, March 26, during the inauguration of the Independence Day parade held in Kuliarchar, Kishoreganj. During his address, the minister said the current government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was elected by popular vote and is committed to ensuring justice and fairness in the state. He emphasized that the benefits of independence, achieved through the sacrifices of countless martyrs and the honor of women, must reach every citizen through collective effort. The event, organized at the Kuliarchar police ground, was attended by local government officials, political leaders, and community representatives. Earlier in the day, the minister paid tribute to the martyrs at the Independence Monument, visited the graves of freedom fighters, and later attended a reception honoring freedom fighters and their families.

The US Department of Defense is preparing to send an additional 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East to intensify ongoing military operations against Iran. The move comes as thousands of US Marines are already advancing toward Iran for special missions, though officials have not confirmed any final decision to enter Iranian territory. Military analysts view this deployment as a major escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict and a possible signal of direct US involvement. According to US Central Command, since February 28, air and missile strikes have destroyed more than 9,000 Iranian military targets, including missile launch sites, naval facilities, and defense infrastructure. The US currently has about 50,000 troops stationed in the region, and the new deployment suggests Washington may seek control over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, global oil prices have surged after Iran blocked access to the vital waterway, which handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows only 35 percent of Americans support the military campaign, while 61 percent oppose it, reflecting growing domestic discontent as President Donald Trump claims peace talks are underway—an assertion Tehran has denied.

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, several countries including China, the United States, India, Russia, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and Italy sent congratulatory messages to Bangladesh on the occasion of its Independence and National Day. Chinese President Xi Jinping described China and Bangladesh as good neighbors, friends, and partners, expressing commitment to advancing Belt and Road cooperation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings, noting Bangladesh’s new chapter after recent elections and emphasizing shared goals for a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Russia’s ambassador Alexander Zh. Khokhin praised Bangladesh’s progress since independence and recalled Soviet support in 1972. UK’s King Charles III highlighted mutual respect, Commonwealth ties, and Bangladesh’s leadership on climate action. Pakistan’s foreign ministry expressed wishes for peace and prosperity, while India’s President Droupadi Murmu emphasized shared history and cultural bonds. Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella lauded bilateral cooperation and the contribution of Bangladeshi workers in Italy. The messages collectively underscored Bangladesh’s growing international partnerships and recognition of its achievements as the nation marked its 55th year of independence.

Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Naib-e-Ameer of Dhaka South Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that when rulers exploit people and govern against public opinion, nations are compelled toward revolution. He said true independence means ensuring economic, political, and fundamental rights, not merely possessing land, a flag, or a map. He expressed that the dream of independence envisioned by the people of Bangladesh remains unfulfilled. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organized by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Paltan Thana unit on the occasion of Independence and National Day, Dr. Helal Uddin said the revolution of 2024 emerged because the spirit of 1971 was not realized. He added that the nation has pledged to rebuild a new Bangladesh in the spirit of July and that implementing the July Charter is essential for achieving that vision. He called on the government to respect the referendum’s verdict and take steps to implement the July Charter order instead of pushing the nation toward political crisis.

French football star Kylian Mbappé has expressed disappointment over Neymar Jr.’s exclusion from Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking to Brazil’s Globo media, Mbappé said he could not imagine a World Cup without Neymar, describing the Brazilian forward as one of the biggest stars in the sport. Neymar was left out of the national team after coach Carlo Ancelotti decided not to compromise on fitness standards, making his participation in the upcoming tournament uncertain. Mbappé and Neymar played together at Paris Saint-Germain from 2017 to 2023, a period marked by both collaboration and reported tensions. Despite past differences, Mbappé praised Neymar’s talent and influence, calling him a player capable of making a major difference on the field. Neymar has been struggling with injuries and was not included in Brazil’s recent international friendlies, further fueling doubts about his readiness for the World Cup, which begins on June 11. The final two friendly matches before the tournament are seen as Brazil’s last opportunity to finalize their squad, and Neymar’s absence from these games suggests his World Cup participation remains in serious doubt.

Two motorcyclists were killed and another was seriously injured when a passenger bus hit two motorcycles on the Cox’s Bazar–Chattogram highway in Chakaria upazila early Thursday, March 26, 2026. The accident occurred in the Baniarchhara area of Baraitali Union. Police confirmed the incident after being informed by locals. According to local sources, a ‘Lal Sobuj Paribahan’ bus traveling from Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar was moving at high speed when it struck two motorcycles from behind in the same lane. The collision killed two riders on one motorcycle on the spot and left another rider from the second motorcycle critically injured. The deceased were identified as Shariful Islam, 30, and Raisul Islam Shishir, 30, both from Uttarkhan Atipara in Dhaka. The injured person was taken to Chakaria Upazila Health Complex, but his identity was not known. Police from Chiringa Highway Station reached the scene, brought the situation under control, and confirmed that the bus driver fled after the crash. Legal proceedings are underway.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed the killing of Alireza Tangsiri, the naval chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In a video message delivered in Hebrew, Netanyahu described the operation as another example of cooperation between Israel and the United States. He also stated that Israel continues to carry out powerful strikes against various Iranian targets. Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed that Israeli forces conducted an airstrike that killed Tangsiri. Katz said the IRGC commander had played a key role in creating a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and in laying mines in the area. Netanyahu publicly endorsed his defense minister’s statements, reinforcing Israel’s official position on the incident. The report, citing BBC as its source, highlights the ongoing Israeli military actions against Iranian interests and the coordination between Israel and the United States in these operations.