The Indian government has urged citizens not to engage in panic buying of fuel, asserting that the country has sufficient reserves of crude oil, petrol, and diesel. The appeal came as long queues formed at fuel stations across India despite official assurances. The government’s statement followed a sharp rise in global oil prices triggered by Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Sujata Sharma, a senior official at India’s Petroleum Ministry, stated that there is no shortage of fuel and asked the public not to believe rumors. However, reports from various parts of the country indicated that many people continued to crowd fuel pumps, fearing potential shortages. One commuter told AFP that he had to wait nearly an hour to refuel. The government’s reassurance aims to stabilize public sentiment and prevent unnecessary strain on fuel distribution networks as global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran.

Social Welfare Minister and Member of Parliament Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain stated that there is no scope to insult or belittle freedom fighters in any way. He emphasized that honoring them brings honor to oneself. The minister made these remarks on Thursday at 5 p.m. during a discussion and award ceremony held at Nawabganj Government Pilot High School field in Dinajpur, marking Independence and National Day. The event was organized by the Upazila administration and chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Zillur Rahman. Other speakers included Bir Muktijoddha Dabirul Islam, convener of the Upazila Freedom Fighters Command, and martyr family member Sultan Mahmud. Senior police officials, local political leaders, and government officers were also present. The program was conducted by Upazila Social Services Officer Shuvra Prakash Chakraborty. The minister further noted that history cannot be fabricated and that true history is built through actions and contributions, not through invented stories.

Bangladesh lost 3-0 to Vietnam in a FIFA international friendly match held on March 26, 2026. Vietnam dominated the first half, scoring all three goals before the break. Tuan Hai opened the scoring in the eighth minute, followed by Do Duy Manh in the 18th minute, and Nguyen Hai Long added the third in the 38th minute. Despite Bangladesh’s improved performance in the second half, they failed to reduce the deficit. Bangladesh coach Cabrera made tactical adjustments after halftime, switching to a 5-3-2 formation that helped contain Vietnam’s attacks. Goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon made several key saves, while substitute Shahriar Emon’s attempt was blocked by the hosts. Vietnam’s Khueat Phon Khang and Rafael both came close to adding more goals but were denied by Bangladesh’s defense. Following this defeat, Bangladesh will face Singapore in their next match in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, aiming to recover from the setback and strengthen their campaign.

Five people, including the driver of a private car, were killed in a collision between a Star Line Paribahan bus and a private car in front of Miami Hotel at Kalakchua in Burichong upazila of Cumilla. The accident occurred around 6 p.m. on Thursday, according to Md. Abdul Mumin, officer-in-charge of the Mainamati Highway Police Station. He confirmed that all the deceased were residents of Sonaiamuri upazila in Noakhali district. Local sources said the Chattogram-bound bus hit the private car from behind, leaving the vehicle completely wrecked. Four of the bodies were taken to Eastern Medical College Hospital and Cumilla Medical College Hospital. One person was also injured in the crash. Police have contacted the victims’ relatives, who are on their way to the scene. Traffic movement on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway remained normal after the accident, according to the highway police official.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a missile attack on a US F-18 fighter jet near the Chabahar port area in Iran’s southern Sistan-Baluchestan region. The claim was made in an official IRGC statement, according to reports published on March 26, 2026. BBC Persian reported that several videos circulated in Iranian media showed a US F-18 flying over the area. BBC’s fact-checking team verified that at least one of the videos was filmed near the Tis Bridge in Chabahar. The footage appeared to show a defensive missile strike hitting the aircraft’s tail section, causing an explosion. However, there was no visual or other evidence confirming that the aircraft was shot down. The US Central Command issued a statement denying that any of its fighter jets had been downed.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is not preparing to send drones to Iran, dismissing media reports on the matter as false. He made the remarks in response to a journalist’s question, urging people not to pay attention to what he described as widespread misinformation in the media. Russia and Iran maintain a strategic partnership agreement, and Moscow has consistently condemned U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. However, there has been no public disclosure of Russia providing weapons or military equipment to Tehran. Some discussions have suggested that Russia may be sharing intelligence with Iran, though this has not been confirmed. The report also recalls that Iran previously supported Russia during the war in Ukraine, notably through the supply of Iranian-made Shahed drones, which drew international attention.

The National Sports Council (NSC) has formed an investigation committee to probe alleged irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election. The committee has summoned BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul for an interview, though the exact date of his appearance has not been confirmed. Committee sources confirmed the summons but declined to specify when it was issued. According to another source, Bulbul, who is currently abroad, intends to appear before the committee after April 4. He was expected to return to Bangladesh on March 26 but is reportedly attending an Asian Cricket Council meeting before returning. His exact return date remains uncertain, and he plans to meet the committee upon his return. Earlier, five BCB directors and several participants from the most recent BCB election have already been interviewed by the investigation committee as part of the ongoing inquiry.

The Ministry of Shipping has formed a six-member investigation committee following a fatal bus accident at Daulatdia Ghat in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila. The incident occurred on March 25 when a passenger bus fell into the Padma River while boarding a ferry. According to the ministry’s order issued on Thursday, at least 26 people have been confirmed dead, and the toll may rise further. The committee is led by Additional Secretary Md. Mahidul Islam of the Ministry of Shipping. Other members include representatives from the Rajbari district administration, the river police, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), and the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department. The committee has been tasked with identifying the cause of the accident and determining those responsible. The ministry has instructed the committee to submit its report within three working days. It may co-opt additional members if necessary to complete the investigation.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to come to the negotiating table without delay, warning that waiting too long could have serious consequences. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Iranian negotiators as “strange” and claimed that Iran’s military power had been destroyed with no chance of recovery. He asserted that Iran was pleading for a deal with the United States, even though publicly it continued to say it was only considering U.S. proposals. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by saying that communication between Tehran and Washington was taking place through allied countries, emphasizing that this did not amount to direct negotiations. The comments from both sides highlight ongoing tensions and the complex diplomatic channels being used to manage them. The exchange suggests that while both nations are signaling some form of engagement, direct talks have not yet begun, leaving uncertainty about when or if formal negotiations will take place.

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again warned Iran to return to negotiations, emphasizing that the country must take the matter seriously before it is too late. In a social media post on Thursday, Trump stated that once the situation escalates, there will be no way back and it will not look good. He asserted that Iran has been militarily destroyed and has no chance of recovery. According to the report sourced from Al Jazeera, Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. The statement reflects continued pressure from Washington for Tehran to reengage in diplomatic discussions. The report also mentions related developments, including Saudi Arabia’s call for the U.S. to continue strikes on Iran and indications that the U.S. and Iran may soon resume talks. The renewed warning underscores the fragile state of U.S.-Iran relations and suggests that diplomatic engagement could resume in the near future if both sides agree to return to the table.

The Feni district administration has instructed all petrol pumps, packed points, and fuel agencies not to supply fuel to any motor vehicle, including motorcycles, that lacks a valid registration certificate, fitness certificate, or updated driving license. The directive was issued on Wednesday, March 25, through a notice signed by Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque. According to the notice, operating a vehicle without proper documentation violates the Road Transport Act 2018, which prohibits driving without a valid license, registration, or fitness certificate. The decision followed a meeting between the district administration and the Petrol Pump Owners Association, where several proposals were discussed, including refusing fuel to unregistered or helmetless motorcyclists, closing petrol pumps from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., introducing a card system for fuel purchase, and deploying law enforcement at pumps. The deputy commissioner noted that pump owners reported receiving less fuel from depots and that repeated fuel purchases by the same motorcycles were causing disorder. The administration aims to implement these measures to ensure compliance with the law and reduce fuel shortages.

Islami Andolan Bangladesh’s Amir and Charmonai Pir, Mufti Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim, stated that despite 55 years since independence, the people of Bangladesh have not yet experienced the true essence of freedom. Speaking at a discussion titled “Expectations of Independence and Our Achievements in National Life” at the National Press Club’s Abdus Salam Hall on Thursday, he said the nation’s founding goals of equality, human dignity, and justice remain unfulfilled. He recalled that after the August 5 uprising, hopes were raised for building a people-oriented Bangladesh, and Islamist parties had advanced toward consensus. However, he accused a power-hungry group of destroying that environment and misleading people through misinterpretations of Islam. Addressing the Prime Minister, he pledged cooperation if the government works for the welfare of the country, Islam, and humanity, but warned of protest otherwise. He urged control of commodity prices, prevention of food adulteration, and action against drugs, while calling for implementation of the July Charter and legal recognition of referendums. Karim also condemned U.S. actions in Iran as violations of international law and criticized Israel for destabilizing the Middle East through warlike behavior.

Iran’s deputy health minister Ali Jafarian told Al Jazeera that the death toll from US and Israeli attacks on Iran has risen to at least 1,937 after 27 days of conflict. Among the dead are 240 women and 212 children. The report, published by Al Jazeera on Thursday, also noted that more than 24,800 people have been injured, including around 4,000 women and 1,621 children. According to the source, the attacks by the United States and Israel began on February 28. In response, Iran has launched counterstrikes targeting Israeli positions and US bases across several Middle Eastern countries. The ongoing conflict has caused significant civilian casualties and widespread injuries. The report also mentioned that discussions between the United States and Iran are expected soon, though no further details were provided.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that, following discussions with Iranian officials, Malaysia’s ships have been granted permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement was made on March 26, 2026, marking Malaysia as the latest country to confirm such access to the strategic waterway. Anwar stated that, in addition to Iran, he has also held talks with Egypt, Turkey, and other regional countries regarding maritime navigation. Before Malaysia, ships from South Korea, India, China, and Japan had already been allowed to use the same route, indicating a gradual expansion of access among Asian nations. The development highlights Malaysia’s diplomatic engagement with Middle Eastern partners and its efforts to ensure secure maritime routes for its vessels in a region of significant geopolitical importance.

A tense situation erupted at the At Kobor Shaheed Minar in Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga when local BNP leaders allegedly attacked and threatened the Jamaat-e-Islami’s Natudaha Union Ameer during a tribute ceremony on March 26, 2026. Witnesses said BNP’s Natudaha Union president Shamsul Alam Khan and upazila vice-president Abdul Wahed got into an argument with Jamaat leader Shamsuzzoha, which escalated into a physical altercation and threats. Member of Parliament Ruhul Amin, the upazila executive officer, the officer-in-charge of the local police station, and law enforcement personnel were present at the scene. As tensions rose, MP Ruhul Amin intervened to calm both sides. The situation was brought under control through immediate administrative action, preventing further escalation. According to Damurhuda Model Police Station’s officer-in-charge Sheikh Mezbah Uddin, no formal complaint had been filed as of the report’s publication, but tension remained in the area following the incident.