State Minister for Shipping Rajib Ahsan visited Dhaka’s Sadarghat Launch Terminal on Friday to monitor the final phase of Eid travel. He noted that passenger pressure had eased but warned that the return journey would pose a major challenge. Preparations have already been strengthened to ensure a smooth and safe return for travelers. During the inspection, the minister spoke with passengers and closely observed the overall condition of passenger transport inside several launches. To prevent overloading, he instructed that vessels depart only with passengers within their approved capacity. He thanked officials, workers, and law enforcement personnel for their continuous efforts in managing the terminal and maintaining order. Rajib Ahsan also urged all agencies involved in terminal operations to work in coordination to ensure that Eid travel remains smooth, safe, and disciplined. He expressed appreciation to journalists for their role in disseminating information and raising public awareness about waterway transport management.

Multiple unidentified drones were reportedly seen flying over a military base in Washington, D.C., where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reside, according to The Washington Post. The sightings occurred on at least one night within the past ten days, prompting immediate security reviews. The U.S. government is considering relocating some senior officials for safety reasons, and a high-level meeting has been called at the White House to address the issue. The source reports that the origin of the drones remains unknown. The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Israel over Iran, leading the U.S. military to strengthen security at its bases. The State Department has also instructed all American diplomatic missions worldwide to conduct security assessments. Officials reportedly discussed the possibility of relocating Rubio and Hegseth due to the seriousness of the drone presence over Fort McNair, though no final decision has been made. Analysts suggest such incidents could pose new challenges for U.S. internal security systems.

India has appointed Vikram Doraiswami, currently serving as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, as its new ambassador to China. He will replace Pradeep Kumar Rawat and is expected to assume his duties in Beijing soon. Doraiswami, a 1992 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, previously served as India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure and has also held ambassadorial roles in South Korea and Uzbekistan. Doraiswami’s diplomatic experience includes earlier service in Beijing from 1996 to 2000, during which he studied the Chinese language at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He has also held senior positions in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, notably leading the Indo-Pacific division. Before joining the foreign service, he briefly worked as a journalist and earned a master’s degree in history from the University of Delhi. The appointment comes as part of India’s efforts to rebuild relations with China following the 2020 border conflict, with both sides still maintaining troop deployments along the frontier.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that Tehran no longer has the capability to produce missiles. According to a report by Al Jazeera, an IRGC spokesperson stated that Iran is still manufacturing missiles at full capacity and facing no difficulties in storing them. The spokesperson emphasized that Iran’s missile industry remains strong, describing its performance as “20 out of 20.” He added that despite the ongoing state of war, production continues without interruption. The IRGC representative also declared that the war will continue. Earlier, during a press conference in Israel, Netanyahu had asserted that Iran’s ballistic missile production capability had been destroyed, claiming that “we are winning, and Iran is collapsing.”

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that his country has taken a neutral position regarding the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Speaking in parliament after a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, he dismissed accusations that Sri Lanka was favoring any side in the conflict. Dissanayake addressed criticism suggesting that Sri Lanka delayed permission for an Iranian ship due to a defense agreement with the United States. He clarified that both Iran and the United States had recently requested permission for their naval vessels to dock in Sri Lankan ports, and the government refused both requests to maintain neutrality. The president emphasized that rejecting both sides’ requests demonstrated Sri Lanka’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy amid rising regional tensions.

During this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr travel period, the usually busy Paturia-Daulatdia ferry route in Manikganj has seen an unusually calm situation. Unlike previous years when heavy passenger and vehicle congestion was common, the terminals remained largely empty on Friday afternoon, with several ferries waiting idle due to a lack of passengers and vehicles. Officials and local sources attributed the reduced pressure to improvements in road connectivity, particularly after the opening of the Padma Bridge, which has diverted much of the traffic away from the river route. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) reported that 17 ferries are operating on the Paturia-Daulatdia route and 5 on the Aricha-Kazirhat route, along with 33 launches ensuring smooth passenger crossings. Passengers expressed satisfaction with the ease of travel, noting the absence of long waits or congestion. Authorities described the situation as normal and comfortable, with ferry services running efficiently and without disruption.

A Dhaka court has cleared former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 123 others from charges in a case filed over the alleged killing of a teenager named Jihad during an anti-discrimination student movement in Keraniganj. The order was issued after reviewing the final investigation report submitted by Sub-Inspector Badiar Rahman of Keraniganj Model Police Station. The court’s decision followed confirmation that the victim was alive and that the case had been based on incorrect information. According to court officials, the investigation concluded on August 11 of the previous year, and the report was submitted to the court, which later issued the discharge order on November 30. The investigation found that Jihad had been injured in Hazaribagh, not killed in Keraniganj, and that the case had been falsely framed as a murder. Among those discharged were Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Sheikh Helal, former mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, and former Inspector General of Police Abdullah Al Mamun.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that if sanctions on Iranian oil are lifted, shipments could begin reaching Asian markets within three to four days. He made the remarks in an interview with Fox Business Network, noting that rapid supply resumption could help stabilize global oil prices. The statement comes amid volatility in global oil markets driven by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The United States is reportedly considering various policy options to manage the situation. Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that sanctions on Iranian oil stored in tankers at sea might soon be lifted. Experts cited in the report believe that easing sanctions would allow Iranian oil to flow quickly into global markets, potentially increasing supply and reducing price pressure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that more than 200 Ukrainian specialists have been deployed to the Middle East to assist Gulf countries in defending against Iranian drones. The initiative aims to help nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait strengthen their defenses against the same type of Iranian 'Shahed' drones that were previously sold to Russia in 2022. Ukraine claims to have achieved about 90 percent success in intercepting these drones, according to Al Jazeera. Analysts cited in the report noted that Iranian drones have become a growing threat to U.S.-aligned Gulf states, which have traditionally focused on high-altitude missile defense systems while neglecting low-altitude threats. The report also highlighted the stark cost difference between defense systems: a U.S. ballistic missile interceptor can cost around 10 million dollars per use, whereas a Ukrainian counter-drone costs roughly 3,000 dollars and can destroy a 50,000-dollar Shahed drone. The cooperation underscores Kyiv’s effort to share its wartime experience and expand defense partnerships in the region.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told parliament on Friday, March 20, 2026, that the country had rejected a US request to deploy two fighter jets at a civilian airport in southern Sri Lanka. The United States had sought permission in late February to station the aircraft, equipped with anti-ship missiles, transferred from a base in Djibouti. Dissanayake said the decision was made to maintain Sri Lanka’s neutral stance. The president also revealed that on the same day, Iran and India had requested permission for three Iranian warships to dock at Colombo Port after completing joint naval exercises. He explained that granting permission to one side would have required allowing the other, so both requests were denied. His statement received applause from the 225-member parliament. Earlier in March, a US attack near Sri Lanka’s southern coast sank an Iranian warship, killing at least 84 sailors. Sri Lanka’s navy rescued 32 survivors, and another Iranian vessel was later allowed to enter Sri Lankan waters for safety reasons, with 219 sailors currently sheltered in Colombo.

Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition whip, extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message sent to the media on Friday, he described Eid as a festival that strengthens social harmony and teaches peace, compassion, and brotherhood after a month of fasting and self-restraint. He noted that this is the second Eid-ul-Fitr after the end of fascism in the country, emphasizing the sacrifices of those who fought for a free environment to celebrate. Nahid Islam urged citizens to stand by the families of martyrs and injured activists who contributed to achieving a fascist-free Bangladesh. He also expressed gratitude to expatriate Bangladeshis who continue to support the national economy despite being away from their families. In his message, he called on Muslims to support the poor, helpless, and neglected members of society and prayed for happiness, peace, and prosperity for Bangladesh and the entire Muslim community.

A fire broke out at a factory in the Czech Republic associated with Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, according to local police. Authorities are investigating possible involvement of a terrorist group after several buildings at the site were destroyed in an early morning attack. A group has already claimed responsibility for the incident. Al Jazeera reported that the facility, jointly operated by a Czech company and Elbit Systems, suffered extensive damage. Elbit Systems is a key supplier of weapons to the Israeli military, providing arms used in ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Iran. A group calling itself “The Earthquake Fashion” claimed responsibility on Telegram, describing the site as a major European hub for Elbit’s operations and declaring it was now burning. The group said it acted to disrupt what it called tools of killing, asserting that it would take necessary measures against cooperating governments.

The main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation in Sylhet will be held at the historic Shahi Eidgah ground at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury. After inspecting the venue, the minister told reporters that all preparations for the event had been completed through coordination among Sylhet Metropolitan Police, the district administration, the city corporation, and the Shahi Eidgah management committee. Security and overall management arrangements have been finalized. The Sylhet City Corporation has undertaken renovation, painting, and facility improvements at the Eidgah ground. The minister also said that Baruna’s Pir Allama Mufti Rashidur Rahman Farukh Barnavi will attend the main congregation. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury are expected to join thousands of worshippers at the site. Other Eid congregations in Sylhet will take place at the Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) shrine mosque at 8:30 a.m., Kudrat Ullah Jame Mosque at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 a.m., Hazrat Shah Paran (R.) shrine mosque at 8:00 a.m., and the Alia Madrasa field at 8:00 a.m.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has acknowledged buying location data of ordinary citizens from commercial vendors. The disclosure came during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, where FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the practice in response to questions from Democratic Senator Ron Wyden. Patel said the agency collects commercially available data within legal boundaries to support intelligence operations. The revelation contradicts a 2023 statement by former FBI Director Christopher Wray, who had said such purchases were halted. Senator Wyden criticized the practice as a serious violation of the Fourth Amendment, arguing that buying personal data without a warrant endangers civil liberties, especially given the analytical power of artificial intelligence. Current U.S. law requires court approval to obtain data directly from telecom companies but not from private data brokers, prompting calls to close this legal loophole. Republican Representative Warren Davidson also condemned the practice and introduced a bipartisan bill to prevent intelligence agencies from purchasing citizens’ personal data. Analysts say the controversy is intensifying the ongoing tension between civil rights and surveillance policy in the United States.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman delivered a video message on Friday evening, extending Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the people of Bangladesh and expatriate Bangladeshis worldwide. In his message, he expressed gratitude to Allah for granting the opportunity to observe Ramadan and announced that Eid would be celebrated on Saturday following the sighting of the moon. Rahman emphasized that Ramadan was not only about fasting but also about learning restraint, fostering piety, and promoting goodness. He prayed for forgiveness, mercy, and blessings for all, both living and deceased, and urged people to cultivate mutual respect, love, and responsibility. He also prayed for the removal of hatred and vengeance from society. Concluding his message, the opposition leader sought divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and honor for Bangladesh and its citizens, wishing everyone good health and long life.