The Bangladesh government has carried out a major administrative reshuffle, appointing new secretaries to twelve ministries, divisions, and departments. According to separate notifications issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Wednesday night, eight officials were promoted, three were transferred, and one was appointed on a contractual basis. The changes include new appointments in key ministries such as Women and Children Affairs, Expatriates’ Welfare, Environment, ICT, Civil Aviation, and Fisheries. Among the new appointees are Md. Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan as Secretary of the National Parliament Secretariat, Yasmin Parveen at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and Md. Mokhter Ahmed at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Several existing secretaries, including Kaniz Mawla and Nasreen Jahan, were reassigned to new roles within the Planning Commission and other departments. RSM Ebadur Rahman was appointed Secretary of the Economic Relations Division on a one-year contract. Additionally, several senior officials, including secretaries from the Economic Relations, Financial Institutions, and Environment ministries, were attached to the Ministry of Public Administration following the reshuffle.

Pakistan’s former prime minister and cricket legend Imran Khan remains steadfast in his beliefs despite being imprisoned. In a recent column for The Times, former England captain Michael Atherton shared insights from a conversation with Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Qasim, who spoke about their father’s condition and unyielding spirit. They said Imran would not compromise and was prepared to die in jail if necessary. The two sons spoke with their father by phone last Saturday, their first conversation since January. They revealed that the 73-year-old’s right eye has severely deteriorated, yet he remains calm and resilient, using meditation to maintain his composure. Qasim said that even restrictions such as cutting electricity or denying books have made his father spiritually stronger. Sulaiman added that Imran openly declared he would rather die in prison than abandon his principles. According to his sons, Imran is more concerned about his wife Bushra Bibi’s imprisonment than his own suffering, telling them that while he can endure hardship, attacks on his family are far more difficult.

Bangladesh has called for intensified global efforts to eliminate slavery and exploitation. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman made the appeal at a commemorative meeting of the United Nations General Assembly held in memory of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. He paid deep respect to the millions who suffered under slavery and praised the resilience of those who fought for freedom and justice. Rahman emphasized that the transatlantic slave trade left a lasting scar on humanity. Reaffirming Bangladesh’s firm stance against slavery, racism, genocide, and all forms of oppression, he noted that the country’s constitution rejects imperialism, colonialism, racism, and discrimination while expressing solidarity with oppressed peoples. He recalled that the 1926 Slavery Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognized slavery as a grave human rights violation. The minister highlighted the need to strengthen anti-human trafficking measures, enhance digital forensic coordination, and invest in education and dialogue on the human and civilizational costs of slavery. He urged the international community to unite in building a world free from slavery, discrimination, and injustice.

Tamirul Millat Kamil Madrasa in Dhaka observed the Independence and National Day on Thursday with a series of events. The day began with the hoisting of the national flag after the Fajr prayer, followed by Quran recitation, Hamd-Naat performances, essay competitions, a discussion meeting, and a prayer session involving students and teachers. The discussion and prayer session, held at the madrasa auditorium, was conducted by Assistant Professor Abdus Samad Azad from the English Department. Acting Principal Dr. Muhammad Khalilur Rahman Madani attended as the chief guest. He prayed for the martyrs of the Liberation War and emphasized the importance of ensuring national security, education, healthcare, and housing for all, along with strengthening the education sector. Dr. Madani urged students to become patriotic, responsible citizens, writers, and researchers to build a just and prosperous nation. Prizes were distributed among competition winners, and the event concluded with prayers for the welfare and prosperity of the country.

Police in Comilla have arrested two individuals in connection with the train and bus collision that killed 12 people at the Paduar Bazar rail crossing on March 21. The arrests include main suspect Helal Uddin, detained Tuesday night, and temporary gatekeeper Kawsar, detained Wednesday night in Bijoypur under Sadar Dakshin upazila. Police claim both were involved in negligence that led to the crash. According to investigators, Helal Uddin and Mehedi Hasan, who were assigned to duty on the night of the accident, had arranged for Kawsar and Nazmul to replace them for a payment of one thousand taka. The substitute gatekeepers reportedly failed to close the gate before the Dhaka Mail train arrived around 2:45 a.m. Police are also examining possible drug-related activities at the gatehouse and whether proper signals were received from the previous station. Authorities have suspended the two on-duty railway employees and formed three investigation committees. Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest Mehedi Hasan, who remains at large.

After the United States and Israel began military action against Iran in late February, Tehran announced the closure of the Hormuz Strait, a key route for 20 percent of the world’s crude oil shipments. The move triggered a global energy shock, with oil prices surging and Asian economies hit hardest as 90 percent of their crude and gas imports pass through the strait. Governments across Asia have imposed energy-saving measures such as work-from-home policies, shorter workweeks, and temporary closures of universities. In India, gas shortages have crippled Gujarat’s ceramic industry and forced restaurants in Mumbai to shut down or reduce operations. The Philippines declared a national emergency as transport workers and farmers struggled with rising fuel costs. Thailand urged citizens to conserve energy, while Sri Lanka, still recovering from a financial crisis, introduced midweek holidays to curb fuel use. Myanmar enforced alternate-day driving rules to save fuel amid ongoing internal conflict. Across the region, citizens reported long fuel queues, reduced incomes, and growing uncertainty. Analysts and local voices warned that if the conflict continues, Asia’s energy crisis and social instability could deepen further.

The United States has warned Iran to accept defeat or face harsher retaliation, according to statements reported on March 26, 2026. Tehran, however, rejected any proposal for negotiations and pledged to continue its counterattacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on state television that his government has not participated in any talks to end the war and has no plans to do so. Iran’s state-run Press TV cited a senior political and security official saying that Iran will decide when to end the war, only after its own conditions are met. The report added that Iran has set several conditions for ending the conflict. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that discussions between the United States and Iran are ongoing, a claim Iranian officials have denied. The source also noted that Russia provided intelligence to Iran before the war, and regional tensions have escalated, with the Gulf Cooperation Council accusing Iran of crossing a red line by closing the Strait of Hormuz.

US Vice President JD Vance may travel to Pakistan later this week to discuss President Donald Trump’s proposal for ending the ongoing Middle East war, according to a CNN report cited by Amar Desh. The report said Iranian representatives informed the Trump administration that they did not wish to resume talks with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Following this, Islamabad proposed Vance’s name, leading to reports of his possible visit. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said that nothing had changed in the administration’s approach and described Vance as a key member of the national security team. She added that President Trump regularly seeks Vance’s advice on both domestic and foreign matters. Levitt declined to specify which Iranian officials the US was engaging with, but CNN sources indicated that Trump’s team was working to organize peace-focused discussions in Pakistan this weekend. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that his country is ready to host meaningful talks aimed at ending the conflict. Reports suggest that US and Iranian representatives could meet in Islamabad within the week, though timing and participation remain subject to change.

An imam named Nahid Hasan, aged 20, was seriously injured in an attack by drug users and their associates in Sirajnagar Nayachar village of Adiabadh Union, Raipura upazila, Narsingdi, on Thursday morning, March 26, 2026. The assault occurred after he had been protesting against drug abuse in the area. Locals rescued the injured imam and admitted him to the Raipura Upazila Health Complex. The incident has sparked anger and tension in the locality. According to the victim’s family, several young men in the area had been consuming drugs for a long time. When Nahid Hasan protested, a group of drug addicts attacked him with sharp weapons while he was on his way to the market with his niece. Family members accused 10–12 individuals, including Sulaiman, Siam, Pranto, Sagor, Maruf, and Sohan, of involvement in the assault. They are preparing to file a written complaint with the police. Raipura police confirmed the incident and said officers were dispatched immediately. Preliminary names of suspects have been identified, and efforts are underway to arrest them.

Iran has confirmed that it is reviewing a ceasefire proposal from the United States but has ruled out any possibility of direct negotiations. The statement came after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran was desperate to reach a deal to end nearly four weeks of fighting. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump’s claim, clarifying that while Tehran is examining the proposal, it has no intention of engaging in talks to resolve the conflict. The prolonged war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has intensified economic and humanitarian crises, with global energy markets facing severe disruptions. Many countries and companies are struggling to manage the resulting oil shortages. Araghchi stated that no direct dialogue has taken place between Tehran and Washington, though messages have been exchanged through mediators. In a televised interview, Araghchi emphasized that responding to messages or clarifying Iran’s stance through friendly nations does not constitute formal negotiations. The situation continues to strain international energy stability and heighten regional uncertainty.

Police have sought a seven-day remand for retired Lieutenant General Sheikh Mamun Khaled, former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), in connection with a murder case filed at Mirpur Model Police Station. The remand petition was submitted on Thursday, March 26, 2026, by Sub-Inspector Kofil Uddin, the investigating officer from the Detective Branch. The hearing on the petition is scheduled to take place at the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Siddiq Azad. Mamun Khaled was arrested late Wednesday night from his residence in Mirpur DOHS, Dhaka. According to the case statement, on July 19, 2024, a violent attack occurred during an anti-discrimination student movement at Mirpur-10’s fruit market area. The attackers reportedly opened fire from multiple directions, injuring participant Delwar Hossain, who later died on July 21, 2024, while under treatment. His wife, Mosha Liza, filed the murder case on July 6, 2025. The court’s decision on the remand request will determine the next stage of the investigation into the 2024 killing incident.

The United States Embassy in Iraq has instructed American citizens to leave the country due to ongoing risks from missile, drone, and rocket attacks in Iraqi airspace. The advisory also urged citizens to avoid visiting the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate general in Erbil. With air routes closed, travelers were advised to exit Iraq by land through Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey. According to the new security alert, Iran-backed armed groups have been carrying out widespread attacks across Iraq, including the Kurdish region, targeting American citizens and sites linked to Washington. The embassy’s directive reflects heightened security concerns amid escalating regional tensions. The situation underscores the growing instability in Iraq and the broader region, with potential implications for diplomatic operations and civilian safety if the attacks continue.

Four leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) in Chapainawabganj, including district convener Alaul Haque, have resigned from their posts. On Thursday, they sent their resignation letters to the party’s central convener Nahid Islam, with copies also forwarded to the Chapainawabganj Press Club and local media representatives. The other leaders who stepped down are senior joint member secretary Nazmul Huda Khan Rubel, joint convener Sheikh Oliul Islam Kafi, and joint member secretary Syed Kibria. In separate letters, the four leaders stated that they were resigning from all party positions for personal reasons. Alaul Haque told reporters that family and personal issues had prevented him from fulfilling his responsibilities properly. Nazmul Huda Khan Rubel said they had joined the NCP hoping for change, but their expectations were not met, prompting their decision to resign. Alaul Haque had been appointed chief coordinator of the NCP’s Chapainawabganj district coordination committee on June 5, 2025, before later becoming the district convener.

Turkey’s Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that a Turkish oil tanker was hit by a drone attack in the Black Sea early Thursday morning. The vessel, operated by a Turkish company but sailing under a foreign flag, was carrying crude oil loaded from Russia. At the time of the incident, 27 Turkish sailors were on board, and all have been reported safe. Uraloğlu stated in a televised interview that the country’s emergency call center received reports of an explosion shortly after midnight. He confirmed that relevant authorities were dispatched to the scene and that the situation is being closely monitored. According to the minister, the tanker’s operations and safety measures are under review as officials continue to assess the extent of the damage and potential risks in the area.

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian leaders informally offered him the position of Iran’s next Supreme Leader. He made the statement on Wednesday at a Republican Congressional Committee fundraising event in Washington, asserting that Iran is desperate to reach a deal but afraid to admit it publicly. According to Trump, Iranian officials expressed strong interest in negotiating with the United States but feared backlash from their own citizens and possible consequences from the U.S. itself. He said he declined the alleged offer, telling them he was not interested in the role. The remarks come amid broader tensions involving Iran, including reports of intelligence sharing with Russia and regional warnings from the Gulf Cooperation Council about Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz.