National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan alleged that individuals close to the government are hoarding oil. Speaking at a discussion meeting organized by the Dhaka South unit of the party on Thursday afternoon, he claimed that large companies have stockpiled oil but the government has not taken any action. He suggested that this inaction indicates possible collusion between the government and the hoarding syndicate. Asif Mahmud, a former adviser and member of the interim government’s purchasing committee, said there should be a two-month oil reserve, expressing surprise at the current crisis within a month. He also criticized the BNP for appointing party loyalists as administrators in various institutions, arguing that such actions harm democracy. He questioned whether those appointed as administrators would also contest mayoral elections. He added that if the government proceeds with implementing the July Charter, the NCP would cooperate; otherwise, it should align with the people. He also criticized the BNP’s proposal to amend the enforced disappearance ordinance, saying it shows the party’s own intent to justify such acts.

Iran’s state news agency Tasnim has reported that Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels are prepared to directly join the ongoing war against the United States and Israel. Citing an unnamed informed source, the report said the Houthis, also known as Ansarullah, are ready to take full control of the strategically vital Bab al-Mandab Strait, describing the move as an easy task for them. According to the report, since October 2023 the Houthis have attacked hundreds of Israeli targets in the Red Sea in protest against Israeli strikes in Gaza, severely disrupting maritime traffic in the region. They have also targeted ships linked to the United States and the United Kingdom, affecting global trade flows. Despite international efforts to stop the attacks, they have continued, prompting Western navies, including the US, to escort commercial vessels through the Red Sea. Analysts cited in the report noted that if the Houthis seize control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, it would further constrain Western military and commercial options, as the strait connects the Mediterranean and the Arabian Sea and links Europe with Africa and Asia.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh has announced that Bangladeshi nationals stranded in Saudi Arabia with expired visit, Umrah, or final exit visas can leave the country without facing fines or legal complications. According to an emergency notice issued on March 25, 2026, those whose visas expired by February 25, 2026, are eligible for this facility if they depart by April 18, 2026. The embassy stated that eligible individuals can go directly to the airport and leave Saudi Arabia by showing their air tickets, without needing to extend their visas or pay any penalties. The Saudi authorities have granted this temporary opportunity to facilitate the return of those unable to leave earlier due to special circumstances. The notice also warned that anyone failing to depart by the April 18 deadline may face serious legal consequences, including fines and possible travel bans. The embassy urged all affected Bangladeshis to arrange their tickets and leave the country promptly to avoid future complications.

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has warned that the global trading system is facing its most severe disruption in 80 years. She made the remark during the opening session of the WTO ministerial conference, emphasizing the scale of the challenges confronting the global economy. The warning comes as global energy markets experience turmoil following U.S.-Israeli attacks in Iran. Tehran has nearly halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route that handles about 20 percent of the world’s energy supply. This disruption has intensified instability in global energy flows and heightened concerns about broader economic impacts. The WTO chief’s statement underscores the growing strain on international trade and supply chains, with energy insecurity adding to existing global economic pressures.

Iran’s ambassador to South Korea, Saeed Kozechi, announced that South Korean ships will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iran in advance. He said Seoul has been asked to share information about its vessels with Iranian authorities before transit. The ambassador’s statement comes after Iran imposed stricter controls on ship movements through the strategic waterway following the outbreak of conflict involving Israel and the United States. Despite these restrictions, Kozechi noted that vessels from China, India, and Japan have continued to use the route. The development highlights Iran’s selective approach to maritime coordination in the region, signaling that cooperation with Tehran remains essential for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Bangladesh National Parliament Whip and Natore-2 Member of Parliament Advocate Ruhul Kudddus Talukder Dulu stated that the Awami League has distorted the true history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and independence. Speaking as the chief guest at separate events organized by the Natore district administration, district BNP, and Naldanga upazila BNP on Independence Day, he said the Awami League failed to properly present the contributions of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, and all sector commanders. Dulu argued that by denying others’ roles, the Awami League portrayed the Liberation War as its sole achievement. He emphasized that history cannot be destroyed or rewritten by anyone and that the truth will eventually emerge. He also said that fascist forces had prevented people from knowing the real history for twenty years, but now the correct version will be written. He added that BNP leader Tarique Rahman does not believe in revenge politics and that the BNP does not wish to return to the situation before August 5. Dulu expressed his desire to build a peaceful and livable Natore free from terrorism.

Tension erupted between BNP and Jamaat activists during an Independence Day event at Domar High School field in Nilphamari on Thursday morning. The dispute began after the name of Nilphamari-1 constituency MP Maulana Abdus Sattar was not announced as the chief guest. Amid the commotion, the MP left the venue. Jamaat leaders alleged that the event’s host, former BNP upazila organizing secretary Masud Bin Amin Suman, deliberately omitted the MP’s name, leading to verbal clashes where some BNP activists shouted slogans labeling Jamaat members and the MP as anti-liberation. Masud Bin Amin Suman denied the allegation, stating that the official script provided by the upazila administration did not mention a chief guest. He claimed the MP was respectfully invited to take his seat and that a few troublemakers caused the disturbance. MP Abdus Sattar later told reporters that such national events should be conducted by government officials rather than political figures and urged the administration to ensure smoother arrangements in the future. Assistant Police Superintendent Niaz Mehdi confirmed that police quickly brought the situation under control after brief disorder.

Russia has begun supplying Iran with drones, food, and missiles as Tehran continues its conflict with the United States and Israel, according to a Financial Times report published Thursday. The shipments reportedly started earlier this month and are expected to be completed by the end of March. This marks the first lethal weapons delivery from Moscow to Tehran since the war began on February 28. Previously, Russia had supported Iran with intelligence and satellite imagery. The report noted that while Russia had been producing Iranian-designed drones for use in the Ukraine war since 2023, it is now sending drones back to Iran to strengthen its defense systems and battlefield position. A Kremlin spokesperson did not directly confirm the drone supply but acknowledged ongoing dialogue with Iranian leadership, suggesting deepening strategic ties between the two nations. Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in the Caspian Sea were reportedly aimed at disrupting this military and logistical exchange. Western countries view the growing Russia-Iran cooperation as a new source of concern, with analysts describing the drone transfer as a reciprocal exchange following earlier Iranian support for Russia.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, in connection with the murder case of Delwar Hossain under Mirpur Model Police Station. The order was issued on Thursday by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Siddiq Azad after a hearing. During the hearing, Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi told the court that Mamun Khaled had previously forced former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to leave the cantonment with only the clothes she was wearing, and that he later received various benefits from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The prosecutor also alleged that under Mamun Khaled’s direction, attacks were carried out during a student movement in which Delwar was killed. The prosecutor further stated that Mamun Khaled was involved in detaining businessmen and political leaders during the 1/11 period, misappropriating large sums of money, and politicizing the DGFI. He was also accused of embezzling funds from the Jolsiri project, leading the court to impose a travel ban on him and his wife.

US President Donald Trump stated that Iranian leaders are afraid of being killed by their own people, even as they continue secret discussions with the United States. He made the remarks during the National Republican Congressional Committee’s annual fundraising event in Washington, D.C., where he addressed topics including the midterm elections, immigration, and Venezuela. Trump insisted that Tehran is desperate to reach a deal with Washington, despite repeated denials from Iran earlier in the week. According to Trump, Iranian leaders are reluctant to admit their willingness to negotiate because they fear both domestic backlash and potential US action. He also described the ongoing Middle East conflict as a “military operation,” noting that the term “war” would require congressional approval. His comments came amid reports of continued US strikes in the region and Saudi Arabia’s call for maintaining pressure on Iran. The remarks highlight Trump’s continued focus on Iran policy and his framing of US actions in the Middle East as part of a broader strategic campaign.

A Rohingya youth was seriously injured when a landmine exploded inside Myanmar near the Ukhiya border in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday afternoon. The explosion occurred in the Chakmakata area along the Naf River, opposite the Palongkhali Border Outpost (BOP). The blast severed one of the victim’s legs. The injured man, identified as Mohammad Shahid, 26, from Block 5-E of Camp 16 in Ukhiya, was rescued by locals and given initial medical treatment. According to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the explosion took place about 2.5 kilometers southeast of the BRM-19 pillar and roughly 2 kilometers northeast of the Palongkhali BOP, inside Myanmar territory. Lieutenant Colonel Md. Zahirul Islam, commanding officer of the 64 BGB Battalion, confirmed that the injured man had entered Myanmar before the explosion and later returned near the border area. Authorities are investigating why the youth entered Myanmar. The BGB stated that necessary actions will be taken after the investigation is complete.

Former adviser to the interim government and NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan stated that during their tenure, powerful institutions referred to as the 'deep state' had offered to keep the government in power until 2029. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon at the NCP central office during a special discussion marking Independence Day, where he spoke about the 'strategy of the deep state'. According to him, the offer came with specific conditions and a roadmap designed to keep certain political figures, including BNP leaders with convictions, out of elections by prolonging their legal cases. Mahmud said the interim government rejected the proposal, emphasizing its commitment to democracy and fair elections. He explained that they resigned voluntarily to ensure the election process remained credible. However, he criticized the current government for appointing two key figures from the previous administration as ministers, arguing that this undermined the level playing field promised during the election. He concluded that such actions damaged the fairness of the electoral process and showed how some individuals were rewarded for serving particular interests.

UK Defense Minister John Healey has alleged that Russia provided Iran with intelligence and training before the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. Speaking in an interview with BBC Breakfast, Healey said a so-called 'axis of aggression' has formed between Russia and Iran. He claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence is guiding Iran’s actions and that Moscow seeks to divert global attention from its activities in Ukraine. Healey stated that Britain’s involvement in the conflict was aimed at protecting UK interests, military installations, and allies in the region. He added that the Royal Air Force had conducted more than one thousand hours of aerial patrols in the area as part of these efforts. The report also referenced related regional tensions, including statements about Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over potential energy instability in Asia if the conflict continues.

A man named Enayetul Karim, aged 50, died of heatstroke on Thursday morning, March 26, at the Sundail Asma Latifa Filling Station in Kaharole upazila of Dinajpur. He had stopped at the station to refuel his motorcycle while returning home from his in-laws’ house in Ichail village under Thargram union. Witnesses said he collapsed while waiting in line under the sun and was taken to Kaharole Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. Police confirmed that Enayetul Karim, a farmer from Satore village in Birganj upazila, became ill while standing in line for fuel. His body was handed over to his family as there was no complaint regarding the incident. The incident highlights the potential health risks of prolonged exposure to heat while waiting outdoors, particularly during hot weather conditions in the region.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi has accused Iran of crossing all red lines by closing the Strait of Hormuz and launching direct attacks on neighboring countries. Speaking at a GCC meeting in Riyadh on Thursday, he described Iran’s actions as a grave violation of international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Al Budaiwi said Iran imposed tariffs on passage through the strait, calling it direct aggression against GCC states. He added that several commercial vessels had been hijacked or attacked, severely disrupting international maritime traffic. Al Budaiwi emphasized the global economic importance of GCC countries, which he described as the “economic lungs” of the world. According to him, GCC members produce 16 billion barrels of crude oil daily—22 percent of global output—and export 27 percent of the world’s oil, about 11.5 billion barrels per day. He warned that Iran’s provocative actions threaten this vital supply chain. The GCC views Iran’s attacks as not only escalating regional tensions but also marking a turning point in GCC-Iran relations, with civilian casualties reported from missile and drone strikes.