Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has declared that his party will ensure the implementation of the referendum verdict with public support. Speaking to reporters after Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at Monipur Girls School field in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday, he said the referendum issue has already been raised in parliament and accepted by the Speaker for discussion. He emphasized that both the referendum and the general election reflected the people's will and urged the ruling party to respect that outcome. Rahman criticized the government for mismanagement during the Eid travel rush, citing fare irregularities and hardships faced by low-income travelers. He described the situation as inhumane and a national embarrassment, urging authorities to make future Eid journeys more comfortable. He also extended Eid greetings to the nation and expressed solidarity with people suffering from conflicts in Gaza, Palestine, Iran, Kashmir, and other regions. Senior Jamaat leaders, including Mohammad Selim Uddin and Abdur Rahman Musa, were present at the event, along with local residents and party activists.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the 70th phase of its retaliatory operations, claiming to have struck more than 55 locations linked to US and Israeli interests. According to a statement published by Iran’s English-language outlet Press TV, the latest attacks caused powerful explosions, flashes of fire, and rising smoke columns in targeted areas. Several regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Israel, reported activating their air defense systems early Saturday to intercept incoming drones and missiles. The report also stated that Iran launched at least two medium-range ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean. The overall situation across the Gulf and the wider Middle East has become increasingly tense following these developments, signaling a further escalation of regional hostilities.

NCP convenor and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam extended Eid greetings to the nation after offering Eid prayers at Beribadh Jame Mosque in Dhaka on Saturday morning. Speaking to journalists, he said that the caretaker government and related matters had occurred outside the constitution, but were later legitimized under constitutional provisions. He described the process as a matter of political will and goodwill. Nahid Islam emphasized that Eid is a day for unity and positivity, stating that political discussions should be avoided during the festival. He added that after Eid, the parliament would hold discussions on the referendum and constitutional issues, and his party would present its programs there. The event took place amid a festive atmosphere in the capital, where political and community leaders exchanged greetings following Eid prayers.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for 55 separate attacks on Israeli forces in a single day, describing it as the highest number of assaults against Israel in its history. According to the group, the operations targeted Israeli positions both inside Lebanon and across the border in northern Israel, intensifying regional tensions. Reports indicate significant clashes across multiple fronts in Lebanon. In the southern and western Koura areas, Hezbollah said it attacked Israeli troops attempting to cross the border. Fierce fighting also continued near Khiam and Taybeh on the eastern front. By evening, at least one person was reported killed in an airstrike. The situation in Lebanon has grown increasingly volatile, with the impact reaching the capital, Beirut. Two attacks in the city’s southern suburbs highlighted how the conflict’s escalation is spreading beyond border zones.

CBS News has reported that US military officials are preparing detailed plans for a possible deployment of ground troops in Iran. Multiple sources cited by the report said high-level discussions are underway regarding the potential move. Senior Pentagon officials have reportedly issued specific instructions to develop such plans, including how to handle the detention of Iranian soldiers if US troops are deployed. The report comes shortly after President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the United States was considering gradually reducing its military operations in Iran. However, he clarified that he was not seeking a ceasefire. Trump also told reporters that he had no current plans to send ground troops anywhere, adding that if he did, he would not disclose it publicly. The US Department of Defense did not respond to requests for comment, and the United States Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, declined to speculate on any potential troop deployment.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO and several allied nations, accusing them of failing to provide adequate support during an ongoing war. Speaking outside the White House, Trump said the United Kingdom was slow to grant U.S. forces access to its military bases. He also alleged that Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Korea were not contributing enough, particularly in sending naval forces to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. According to the report, Trump aims to build a large-scale military operation while U.S. forces remain engaged elsewhere. However, he did not inform allied nations in advance about the U.S. decision to join the war alongside Israel, which created surprise and limited cooperation. In response, Trump has publicly criticized and pressured allies to increase their involvement. The report notes that the United Kingdom eventually allowed U.S. forces to use its bases, but this did not satisfy Trump. Overall, relations between the U.S. and its allies appear strained amid the ongoing conflict.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, attended Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Manipur Girls High School field in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. After performing the prayer, he called on citizens to unite beyond hatred and enmity to build a new Bangladesh. He emphasized that life should be shaped for both worldly and spiritual success to attain divine satisfaction. Following the prayer, Dr. Rahman exchanged Eid greetings with local residents and well-wishers. Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdur Rahman Musa, and other city and local leaders were also present at the congregation. Later in the day, Dr. Rahman was scheduled to receive diplomats at his official residence on 29 Minto Road between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and to exchange Eid greetings with political leaders and people from various professions from 3 p.m. onward.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid-ul-Fitr greetings with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during a telephone conversation, according to a statement posted on Sharif’s X handle on Friday. The discussion between the two leaders was described as warm and cordial, with Sharif conveying Eid greetings to Rahman and the people of Bangladesh. During the call, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh. He recalled the historical, fraternal, and familial ties between the two nations and emphasized Pakistan’s determination to enhance collaboration in all areas. The exchange highlighted the continuing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, focusing on goodwill and mutual respect during the Eid celebrations.

US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington may scale back its military operations in Iran, citing that the United States is close to achieving its objectives. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, Trump said the administration is considering reducing military activities. His statement is being viewed as the strongest signal yet that the conflict, which began on February 28, could soon come to an end. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that both the President and the Pentagon had earlier suggested the mission could take four to six weeks to complete. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department has eased some restrictions on Iranian oil, allowing shipments loaded before March 20 to be sold until April 19 amid global concerns over rising oil prices and supply shortages. In response to recent escalations, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vowed harsh retaliation against enemies, leading to drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia and Israel. Israeli forces reportedly launched counterstrikes on targets in Tehran early Saturday.

The main congregation of Eid-ul-Fitr was held in a festive atmosphere at the National Eidgah ground adjacent to the High Court in Dhaka on Saturday morning. The prayer began at 8:30 a.m. and was attended by people from various walks of life, including the President, Prime Minister, and other important state figures. After the prayer, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged Eid greetings with attendees and shook hands with many. The congregation was led by Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Following the two-rakat wajib prayer, a special sermon was delivered, and a collective prayer was offered for the welfare of the country, the nation, and the peace and prosperity of the global Muslim community. After the prayer, worshippers embraced each other to share the joy of Eid. Later, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the graves of his parents and sought prayers from the nation on this special day.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to exchange Eid greetings with diplomats, academics, and people from all walks of life at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The event is set to begin at 10 a.m., marking a traditional celebration where citizens meet the head of government on Eid day. From early morning, large crowds began moving toward the Jamuna premises to meet the prime minister. Entry for the general public opened at 8:30 a.m., leading to a rapid increase in attendance. People from various professions and political affiliations gathered in groups, creating a festive atmosphere that extended as far as the Intercontinental Hotel area. Law enforcement personnel were visibly active across the zone to maintain order and security. The report also notes that Prime Minister Rahman visited his parents’ graves earlier in the day and sought prayers from the nation on this special occasion.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP performed Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Manipur Girls High School ground in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday morning. The congregation began at 8 a.m., where he delivered a brief message wishing peace and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh and the global Muslim community. After the prayers, he exchanged Eid greetings with residents from all walks of life in the area. Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Nayebe Ameer Abdur Rahman Musa, and other metropolitan and local leaders were present at the event. Later in the day, Dr. Rahman was scheduled to receive diplomats from various missions at his official residence on 29 Minto Road between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., followed by meetings with political leaders and representatives from different professions from 3 p.m. onward. The program reflected the opposition leader’s engagement in Eid festivities across both community and diplomatic circles in the capital.

Worshippers at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka offered prayers for the welfare of the nation following Eid congregational prayers on March 21, 2026. The special supplication included prayers for the acceptance of Ramadan fasting and other acts of worship, as well as for the forgiveness of sins and blessings for deceased relatives. Participants were seen praying with emotion, seeking divine mercy and protection for oppressed Muslims around the world. The mosque hosted five successive Eid congregations, scheduled at 10:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. for the later sessions. The third congregation was led by Islamic Foundation Deputy Director Maulana Md Zakir Hossain, the fourth by Imam Training Academy instructor Maulana Zubair Ahmed Al Azahari, and the fifth and final by Islamic Foundation Mufti Maulana Mohammad Abdullah. Assistant librarian Maulana Shahidul Islam was designated as an alternate imam. The event reflected a collective spiritual observance marking the end of Ramadan, emphasizing unity, repentance, and prayers for peace and well-being.

The main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation was held at the National Eidgah in Dhaka on Saturday morning, attended by President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The prayer began at 8:30 a.m., where both leaders performed the Eid prayer together along with thousands of worshippers. The congregation also included Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, cabinet members, state ministers, members of parliament, judges from the Supreme Court and High Court divisions, political leaders, senior government officials, and diplomats from various Muslim countries. The prayer was led by Mufti Mohammad Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, who also delivered the sermon after the two-rakat wajib prayer. Separate arrangements were made for women, including dedicated entrances, ablution facilities, and prayer areas. Special provisions were also made for VIP participants, along with medical teams and adequate ablution facilities. The Eidgah accommodated about 35,000 worshippers, including 3,500 women.

President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman performed the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers together at the National Eidgah ground in Dhaka on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The main congregation began at 8:30 a.m., marking a significant moment in the country’s political and religious history as both leaders attended the same prayer session. Worshippers began arriving at the Eidgah from early morning, braving cloudy skies and light rain. The venue was filled to capacity well before the prayers started. Strict security measures were in place, with members of law enforcement, including police and RAB, conducting thorough checks at three entry points before allowing worshippers to enter. The joint participation of the president and prime minister in the same congregation was viewed as a notable event, symbolizing unity during the nation’s major religious celebration.