Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it carried out its 70th retaliatory strike, targeting more than 55 locations linked to U.S. and Israeli interests across the Gulf region and beyond. According to a statement broadcast by Press TV, the attacks caused loud explosions, fires, and thick smoke in the affected areas. The report said that the strikes, conducted early Saturday using drones and missiles, prompted several regional countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Israel to activate their air defense systems. Additionally, Iran reportedly launched at least two medium-range ballistic missiles toward the joint U.S.-British military base on Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean. The announcement marks another escalation in Iran’s ongoing campaign of retaliatory operations, reflecting heightened regional tensions involving multiple states and military assets.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has pledged to resist any effort to bring back a culture of fear in the country. He made the statement on Saturday, March 21, in Dhaka’s Minto Road area while exchanging Eid greetings with people from different walks of life and speaking to the media. Dr. Rahman said that no one in Bangladesh wants the return of fear-based politics, and his party will stand united against any such attempt. He urged for a Bangladesh built on equality, harmony, humanity, and justice. During his remarks, he also noted that people faced significant suffering during this year’s Eid travel due to various reasons and expressed hope that corruption, extortion, and disorder would not recur in the future. The opposition leader extended Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the nation, emphasizing unity and collective resolve to prevent the reemergence of fear in society.

Iran has launched two ballistic missiles targeting the joint U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing U.S. officials on March 20. Neither missile hit its target, and one failed during flight. The other was reportedly intercepted by a missile defense system from a U.S. warship, though it remains unclear whether the interception was successful. The Pentagon has declined to comment on the incident. The base, located about 4,000 kilometers from Iranian territory, is a key hub for U.S. operations in Asia and was previously used during air campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera said the launch demonstrates Iran’s possession of longer-range missiles than previously known, potentially exceeding 4,000 kilometers. This development could alter U.S. strategic calculations and raise concerns in London and the European Union. The report also notes that Britain retains the lease of Diego Garcia despite agreeing to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a decision criticized by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended greetings to Iranian leaders on the occasion of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, reaffirming Moscow’s position as a loyal and reliable partner of Tehran. According to the Kremlin, Putin wished the Iranian people strength and dignity in overcoming the hardships of war, emphasizing that Russia remains a steadfast friend and dependable ally during difficult times. Russia also commented on the broader regional situation, accusing the United States and Israel of pushing the Middle East into chaos through attacks on Iran and Israel. Moscow said these actions have triggered a major global energy crisis. Additionally, Russia described the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a brutal assassination. The report further mentioned related developments, including Iranian attacks on military bases in the UAE and Kuwait, as well as a call from Russia for an international investigation into an attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has said the UN is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with the US outlet Politico, he stated that the organization aims to play a mediating role similar to its 2022 involvement in facilitating grain and fertilizer exports between Russia and Ukraine. Guterres explained that his main goal is to help restore the normal conditions that previously existed in the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the UN is currently holding close discussions with Gulf countries and the Council of Europe to address the situation. The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions, with reports of attacks on military bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, as well as incidents in Iran. Several countries, including the United Kingdom and Japan, have reportedly joined efforts to keep the strategic waterway operational.

A US-based human rights organization, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), has reported that at least 3,220 people have been killed in Iran since February 28 following joint attacks by the United States and Israel. According to HRANA, the victims include 1,398 civilians, among them 210 children, 1,165 military personnel, and 657 others whose identities or roles have not yet been confirmed. The report highlights a significant discrepancy between HRANA’s figures and official Iranian government data. Iran’s Ministry of Health stated that 1,444 people have been killed and 18,551 injured in the same attacks. HRANA said it gathered its data from field reports, local sources, medical and emergency centers, and civil society networks, as well as reviewing publicly available materials such as photos, videos, and official statements. Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera noted that it could not independently verify the casualty figures provided by the human rights organization.

Bangladesh’s newly elected Speaker of the 13th National Parliament, Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, stated that a new journey of democracy has begun in the country. Speaking to journalists on Saturday morning after the Eid congregation at the National Parliament premises, he expressed hope that the dream behind the 1971 Liberation War, which remains unfulfilled, would be realized through collective efforts of the new parliament and the people. He emphasized that citizens have elected a party and representatives with great expectations, and he urged all members of parliament to reflect those aspirations through their work. The Speaker also mentioned that a war has broken out in the Middle East, warning that countries like Bangladesh could face economic challenges as a result. He prayed for an end to the conflict soon. Hafiz Uddin Ahmad further called on Bangladesh and other Muslim nations to strengthen their economies and work together for the welfare and prosperity of their people.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has announced a major diplomatic initiative to reopen the Hormuz Strait, which has been blocked amid Iran’s ongoing “Operation Epic Fury.” In an interview with Politico, Guterres said the UN is ready to mediate a deal similar to the 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative to ensure safe passage of energy and food shipments through the strait. He confirmed that high-level discussions are underway with Gulf nations and the European Council to restore stability in the region. Guterres directly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision-making and his controversial “Board of Peace,” calling it a personal project lacking institutional accountability. While the UN continues limited cooperation with the board on Gaza reconstruction, Guterres warned that Trump’s “go-it-alone” approach has stalled coordinated global diplomacy on the Iran crisis. Several countries, including South Korea and Japan, have voiced concern over the closure’s impact on energy supply chains and economic stability. Experts cautioned that without a formal diplomatic agreement, irregular maritime movements could trigger serious military misunderstandings or accidents. The world now awaits whether the UN can secure a widely accepted peace framework beyond unilateral authority.

Iran’s state media reported that Israel and the United States carried out another attack on the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility in central Iran on Saturday. The Tasnim News Agency said the strike did not cause any radioactive leakage, and residents near the site, located between Tehran and Isfahan, were not at risk. Earlier this month, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that the Natanz facility had already been damaged following a series of attacks across Iran on February 28, which were also attributed to the United States and Israel. The latest incident marks a continuation of those hostilities targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The report did not mention any immediate international response or further details about the extent of the new damage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that his country is prepared to consider any effective proposal to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Speaking to Japan’s Kyodo News, Araghchi stated that Iran welcomes any initiative that could lead to a genuine cessation of hostilities. However, he claimed that the war had been imposed on Iran and that the United States is not yet ready to stop the fighting. The interview, also published by Iran’s state-run Mehr News Agency, highlighted Araghchi’s view that while some countries are attempting to find a resolution, Washington’s stance remains an obstacle. He emphasized that Iran does not support a temporary ceasefire but seeks a final solution that ensures long-term stability in the region. The remarks come amid reports of escalating regional tensions, including attacks on military bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, and calls for international investigations into incidents such as the strike on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged Eid greetings with former Chief Adviser of the caretaker government Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Saturday morning at the Jamuna State Guesthouse, according to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere as part of the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. During the exchange, the Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and other family members, including his daughter Zaima Rahman, the late Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Shamila Rahman, and her two daughters, Jahia Rahman and Jafia Rahman. The event reflected a gesture of goodwill marking the religious festival. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the Eid congregation at the National Eidgah and later returned to the Jamuna State Guesthouse to exchange greetings with diplomats, continuing the day’s official Eid engagements.

A passenger bus overturned on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway in Patiya upazila on March 21, 2026, after the driver attempted to avoid hitting a pedestrian. The accident occurred around noon near the Paikpara area of Anwara Road, where a pedestrian suddenly stopped while crossing. The bus, operated by Hanif Paribahan, climbed onto the road divider and overturned, killing the pedestrian on the spot and injuring at least 20 passengers. Rescue teams from the Patiya Fire Service quickly arrived and transported the injured to Patiya Upazila Health Complex. The deceased was later identified as Abul Kashem, aged 35. Four of the injured were in critical condition and were referred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. According to emergency department physician Dr. Arup Chowdhury, one person with severe head injuries died before reaching the hospital. Patiya Highway Police Sub-Inspector Md. Mostafiz said traffic congestion lasted about two hours before being cleared and the overturned bus was recovered from the scene.

Iran has launched a strategic diplomatic move amid Middle East tensions by offering Japan a special proposal allowing Japanese-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without security risks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed direct talks with his Japanese counterpart, describing the offer as part of Tehran’s effort to attract Tokyo and prevent it from joining U.S.-led military coalitions. Analysts view this as a calculated attempt by Iran to assert control over the vital waterway and reassure nations that avoid conflict with it. At the same time, the U.S. Treasury has temporarily relaxed sanctions on Iranian oil, granting a 30-day “safe passage” for shipments loaded before March 20. This has prompted Indian refineries to prepare for renewed imports, with reports indicating that around 170 million barrels of Iranian oil have gained legal clearance for sale. Much of this oil remains stored in tankers near Chinese waters. Traders in Singapore warn that logistical and financial hurdles, including banking reluctance and insurance issues, could delay deliveries beyond the April 19 deadline, complicating the short-term benefits of the sanction relief.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam stated that the opposition will exert maximum pressure inside and outside parliament after Eid if the government fails to form the Constitutional Reform Council. He made the remarks on Saturday, March 21, after offering Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Purpara Jame Mosque in the Beribadh area of Dhaka. Nahid expressed disappointment that the council, which was supposed to take oath immediately after the 13th National Parliament election, has not yet been implemented. He emphasized that political will is essential to make it happen. Responding to a question, he said one month is not enough to evaluate a government’s performance and that further observation is needed. He acknowledged that the government has acted promptly on several promises, including the distribution of family cards, which he described as positive steps. He added that the opposition will continue to monitor the government’s activities closely.

Surat, the textile heart of Gujarat, is facing a severe crisis as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortages threaten to halt production across its garment factories. The disruption stems from the closure of the Hormuz Strait and ongoing conflict in West Asia, which have cut India’s LPG supply by 30 percent. Thousands of migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha are leaving the city as cooking gas becomes unavailable, forcing many small and medium textile units to shut down. Reports indicate that some factories have already reduced operations to one or two days a week due to labor shortages. In worker colonies, LPG scarcity has driven prices up to 500 rupees per kilogram on the black market, while small cylinders now cost five times their usual price. Many workers, unable to cook or afford food, are returning to their villages despite having jobs. Industry experts warn that if the exodus continues, India’s domestic and export textile markets could collapse ahead of the festive season. Factory owners are urging the government for fuel subsidies and faster LPG deliveries, but the situation remains uncertain until Middle East tensions ease.