Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. The tribute took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Zia Udyan in Dhaka, where Tarique Rahman led senior BNP leaders in offering floral respects. Prayers and special supplications were also held for the two leaders. Earlier that morning, at 6 a.m., the Prime Minister visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to honor the nation’s war heroes. After completing the ceremony there, he returned to Dhaka and by 7 a.m. paid homage at the graves of Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, and Khaleda Zia. The events were part of the day’s official observances marking the country’s independence. The commemorations underscored the symbolic importance of the Independence Day in Bangladesh’s political and historical landscape, reflecting respect for national leaders associated with the country’s founding and governance.

Bangladesh confirmed that England-based footballer Hamza Chowdhury will start in the match against Vietnam, ending earlier uncertainty about his inclusion. The team’s starting lineup also features goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Shrabon, who has not been a regular for Bashundhara Kings but was chosen by the coach for this match. Defenders include Shakil Ahad Topu, Tariq Kazi, and Sad Uddin. Captain Jamal Bhuiyan has been left out of the starting eleven, with Sohel Rana taking over the captain’s armband. Fahmidul Islam returns to the lineup after missing the previous match due to card suspension. The attacking line includes Samit Som and Zayan Ahmed, alongside other regulars. The match marks a notable change in Bangladesh’s formation and leadership, with new inclusions and tactical adjustments aimed at strengthening the team’s performance against Vietnam.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for Lieutenant General (Retd.) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), in connection with the murder of Delwar Hossain during the July uprising in Mirpur. The order was issued on Thursday, March 26, 2026, by Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Siddiq Azad after a hearing. According to the case details, on July 19, 2024, a group of 500 to 700 armed individuals, including the accused, attacked protesting students and citizens at Mirpur-10’s fruit market area. Delwar Hossain was shot and critically injured during the assault. He was first taken to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and later to a private hospital in Shyamoli, where he died on the morning of July 21. Police arrested Sheikh Mamun Khaled from his residence in Mirpur DOHS on Wednesday night. The investigating officer had sought a seven-day remand, while the defense requested its cancellation. After hearing both sides, the court approved a five-day remand for interrogation.

Iran has rejected a United States proposal to end the ongoing war, according to Iranian state television Press TV, citing a senior political and security official. The official stated that Iran would decide when to end the war based on its own conditions, emphasizing that the decision would only come once those conditions are met. Among Iran’s stated conditions are a complete halt to what it calls enemy aggression and assassinations, the establishment of concrete measures to prevent the war from being reimposed on Iran, and guarantees for compensation and reparations for wartime damages. Iran also demands clear financial arrangements for all resistance groups involved across the region and the conclusion of hostilities on all fronts. Additionally, Tehran seeks international recognition and assurance of its sovereign rights over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have repeatedly said they are seeking not just a ceasefire but a full end to the war, underscoring their insistence on sovereignty and security guarantees before any settlement.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued new claims about Iran’s military losses in the ongoing Middle East war. In a video message on Wednesday, CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper said that over three weeks of fighting, US forces carried out strikes on more than 10,000 Iranian military targets and conducted over 10,000 aerial operations. He asserted that Iran’s air defense systems have been severely weakened. According to Cooper, 92 percent of Iran’s largest naval vessels have been destroyed, and the country’s missile and drone launch rates have dropped by more than 90 percent. He added that over two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and shipbuilding facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Cooper stated that the US is on track to achieve its military objectives, including reducing Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders. Despite these claims, Tehran continues to launch drone and missile attacks on US and Israeli positions in the Gulf region, as well as on energy facilities, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and flight disruptions.

On March 26, 2026, Jamaat-e-Islami organized a rally and assembly in Chattogram city and Chandgaon Thana on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence Day. The procession moved through various city roads and concluded at Bahaddarhat intersection, where a brief assembly took place. During the event, Jamaat leader and parliamentary candidate Dr. Abu Naser stated that the Election Commission had delivered a referendum verdict through two ballots, and it was now the elected government’s duty to implement it. He emphasized that the people were united in implementing the July Charter and that full independence would remain incomplete without its realization. Assistant city Jamaat leader Mohammad Ullah urged the government to take immediate steps to enforce the referendum’s outcome, warning that failure to do so would prompt public action. Speakers at the assembly cautioned that if the issue was not resolved within parliament, they would mobilize people to the streets to ensure the referendum’s implementation.

Culture Minister Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury emphasized national unity beyond religion, ethnicity, and political differences during a religious discussion and cultural program held on Wednesday night, March 25, in Langalband, Bandar, Narayanganj. Speaking as the chief guest at the Mahashtami holy bath celebration, he said the government, under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, is working collectively to rebuild the country through teamwork since taking office. The minister highlighted Bangladesh’s diverse cultural heritage, describing it as a source of unity and democratic beauty where differences in opinion and belief coexist. Referring to global unrest, he said Bangladesh aims to remain peaceful, tolerant, and culturally rich. He recalled Bengal’s historical prominence in knowledge and prosperity, mentioning that travelers once came here for its wealth and learning. Chowdhury added that with proper leadership, Bangladesh can regain its lost glory and build a nation of new possibilities where all religious communities stand together. He also announced plans to further develop Langalband as part of the country’s ancient heritage.

Volunteers from Hafezzi Charitable Society Bangladesh (HCSB) took part in rescue operations following a bus accident at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when a passenger bus of Souhardya Paribahan lost control and plunged into the Padma River. Under the leadership of the organization’s general secretary, Maulana Ibrahim Khalil, the team coordinated with the Fire Service and Civil Defence to conduct rescue efforts, send the injured to hospitals, transfer bodies, and support affected families. HCSB Director General Muhammad Raj stated that the organization has consistently responded to both domestic disasters and international humanitarian crises. He emphasized that their principle and duty are to stand beside people during emergencies, demonstrating that true service to humanity means immediate action rather than later financial pledges. The rescue operation highlighted the organization’s commitment to rapid humanitarian response and coordination with official emergency services during national crises.

FIFA has announced the schedule for the final phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, set to begin on April 1 and continue until the end of the tournament. According to FIFA, over one million tickets were sold in earlier phases between December and February. Additional tickets will be released gradually, meaning seat availability will vary over time. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, featuring 104 matches in total. FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously said ticket demand is unprecedented, with expectations that all matches will be sold out. However, criticism over ticket prices continues. The supporters’ group Football Supporters Europe has filed a complaint with the European Commission, alleging that FIFA’s dynamic pricing model has unfairly inflated prices. Earlier, group-stage tickets started at $140, while final match tickets reached up to $8,680, and semifinal tickets ranged from $920 to $1,125. In this final phase, tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and fans can choose their preferred seats. Those who already purchased tickets can view their seat allocations from April 1.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the ongoing war against Iran has gone beyond all limits and is now out of control. Speaking at a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, he said the conflict, which has lasted for more than three weeks, has reached a level that even leaders could not have imagined. Guterres cautioned that the world is facing the threat of a wider war, growing humanitarian suffering, and deeper global economic shocks. Calling for an immediate halt to military escalation, Guterres urged all parties to replace confrontation with diplomacy and to restore full respect for international law. Addressing the main parties involved, he said that the United States and Israel should end the war now, as civilian casualties and humanitarian suffering continue to rise and the global economic impact becomes increasingly devastating. He also called on Iran to stop attacks on Gulf countries, arguing that those nations are not parties to the conflict.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh extended greetings to members of the armed forces following a grand parade marking the country's Independence and National Day at the National Parade Square in Dhaka on March 26, 2026. The event, held after an 18-year interval, showcased patriotism, discipline, and military capability, drawing admiration from the prime minister. During his departure from the parade ground, Prime Minister Rahman exchanged greetings with the attending armed forces personnel. Among those present were his defense adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. President Md. Shahabuddin attended the ceremony as the chief guest and received the salute, underscoring the national significance of the occasion.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made a surprise appearance at the Dhaka National Stadium on March 26, 2026, during a friendly football match organized to mark the country's Independence and National Day. The event, held at 3:30 p.m., featured former footballers divided into two teams, Red and Green, preparing to face each other when the Prime Minister arrived unexpectedly. Rahman entered the field through the VIP gate, accompanied by his daughter Zaima Rahman and State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque. He greeted the players in the dugout, shook hands with them, and then walked around the stadium’s athletic track before taking his seat in the VIP lounge to watch the match between the two teams. The Prime Minister’s presence added a special highlight to the celebratory event, which blended sportsmanship with the spirit of national pride on Bangladesh’s Independence Day.

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah said that even after 55 years of independence, the people of Bangladesh have not yet experienced true freedom. He made the remarks on Thursday, March 26, during a rally and brief assembly organized by Islami Chhatra Shibir Dhaka Metropolitan at Baitul Mukarram Mosque’s north gate, marking Independence and National Day. The rally passed through Paltan, Press Club, and Matsya Bhaban intersections before ending at Shahbagh. Sibgatullah criticized the ruling authorities for suppressing the spirit of independence and ignoring the people’s mandate from the February 12, 2026 election, in which about 69 percent supported the “July Charter” reforms. He alleged that the government was bypassing key ordinances and planning to repeal the referendum ordinance. He urged the authorities not to act against the people’s will and called for the protection of human rights and prevention of enforced disappearances. He also expressed concern over the education system, human rights violations, and extortion in businesses, urging the government to take effective measures. The peaceful rally concluded with prayers for the martyrs of the Liberation War and the nation’s well-being.

The United States has claimed that nearly two-thirds of Iran’s missile and drone production capacity has been destroyed, along with major damage to its naval production systems. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command, stated in a video message on Wednesday that 92 percent of Iran’s large naval vessels have been damaged or destroyed. He said Iran has effectively lost its ability to project naval power regionally or globally. The report was carried by AFP from Washington. Cooper added that the conflict, which began with Israel’s involvement, has entered its fourth week and that the US is meeting or exceeding its operational goals. He said more than 10,000 military targets have been struck so far, and Iran’s missile and drone attack rate has dropped by 90 percent. According to him, Iran’s reconstruction capacity has also been broken. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Tehran has no plans to hold talks with the United States and remains determined to continue fighting. The White House had earlier stated that discussions were ongoing.

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Md. Mahabur Hasan, stationed at the Kaptai police outpost in Rangamati, has died following a road accident. According to Kaptai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan Rubel, the incident occurred on March 23, 2026, when the officer was traveling by CNG auto-rickshaw near the Manikchhari Army Camp gate on the Rangamati–Chattogram highway. The vehicle lost control and crashed, leaving him seriously injured. Local residents rescued the injured officer and took him to Rangamati Medical College Hospital for initial treatment. He was later transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced care, where he passed away at 5:50 p.m. on March 25, 2026, while undergoing treatment. Police authorities confirmed that the body of ASI Md. Mahabur Hasan has been taken to his ancestral home in Sadar Upazila of Jashore district for burial.