Iran has launched a series of missile attacks on Israel, with explosions reported in the central Gush Dan area, according to Israeli Channel 12 on March 18, 2026. At least one missile was intercepted, but debris caused damage on the ground. Reports indicated that vehicles were damaged and caught fire in Holon city, while sirens were heard across southern Israel. The Israeli military confirmed detecting missiles fired from Iran and urged residents in targeted areas to seek shelter. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the strikes were carried out to avenge the killing of Larijani and his companions. The IRGC claimed that over 100 military and security targets in central Israel were successfully hit using Khorramshahr-4, Qadr, Emad, and Kheibar Shekan missiles. In Tel Aviv’s Ramat Gan area, a man and a woman were reported killed by missile fragments. Authorities in Israel have heightened alerts across multiple regions, while the situation remains tense following the retaliatory strikes.

Severe nor’wester storms and hail on Sunday night caused widespread damage to crops and homes in several parts of Bangladesh, particularly in Naogaon and Sherpur districts. In Naogaon, the storm lasted about 30 minutes, damaging 731.5 hectares of farmland, including banana, maize, wheat, potato, and vegetables. The Department of Agricultural Extension reported that 225 hectares of banana, 216 hectares of maize, and 216 hectares of wheat were affected, with banana and maize losses valued at over Tk 172 crore. Many banana and papaya trees were uprooted or broken just before harvest. In Sherpur’s Nalitabari upazila, Saturday night’s storm and hail destroyed homes and trees, leaving around 35 families homeless. The worst-hit area was Singuarpara village in Rupnarayankura union, where 30–35 houses were completely destroyed. Power supply was disrupted in several areas, and many residents were forced to stay under the open sky. Local officials visited the affected sites and informed higher authorities for assistance. Agricultural officials advised farmers to prepare for recovery and future disaster resilience, while weather observers recorded wind speeds up to 50 km per hour and 29 millimeters of rainfall during the storm.

The 'Zia Canal' in Shayestaganj, Habiganj, once linked to late President Ziaur Rahman’s canal excavation program, is now on the verge of extinction due to encroachment, pollution and lack of maintenance. Locals say the canal, dug during Ziaur Rahman’s 1978 visit to the area, once played a vital role in irrigation and flood control but has since deteriorated severely. Elderly residents recall that before the canal’s excavation, farmers in the region suffered from water shortages during dry months and severe flooding during monsoon. The canal had provided relief by improving irrigation and drainage. Local leaders, including former municipal BNP president Korom Ali and former vice-chairman A S M Afzal Ali, emphasized the canal’s historical and agricultural importance and urged for its immediate restoration. Habiganj-3 MP and Parliament Whip G K Gaus pledged to prioritize the canal’s dredging, citing both public demand and the site’s association with Ziaur Rahman’s legacy.

Iran’s military has announced plans to take revenge for the killing of National Security Council chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli airstrike. Army chief Amir Hatami warned that Iran’s response would be “final and regrettable,” describing the planned retaliation as both decisive and sorrowful. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the death of Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani in the same context. The report noted that this assassination marks the highest-level killing since the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on February 28 that killed former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The developments signal a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. According to the report, Iran’s leadership views the attack as a direct assault on its national security structure, and the military’s vow of retribution underscores the growing regional tension following recent high-profile assassinations.

Bangladesh’s export trade has been severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict centered on Iran involving the United States and Israel. The closure of airspace, instability in the Strait of Hormuz, and rising international shipping charges have hindered cargo transport. Exporters of agricultural goods, ready-made garments, and frozen foods are facing losses, with officials warning that prolonged conflict could exert major pressure on foreign trade. According to the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh exported about 80 million dollars’ worth of goods to Middle Eastern countries in fiscal year 2024–25, including vegetables, garments, and processed foods. Exports to Iran totaled roughly 539,000 dollars, limited by sanctions and banking restrictions. The war has halted air shipments, leaving 80 tons of vegetables grounded in a single day. The Middle East accounts for about 60 percent of Bangladesh’s vegetable exports, and the suspension of flights has nearly frozen this trade. Garment industry leaders report rising production costs due to fuel shortages and shipping delays. The Export Promotion Bureau notes exports have fallen 3.15 percent in the first eight months of 2025–26. Stakeholders warn that unless transport routes normalize soon, Bangladesh’s export sector faces escalating risks.

Mahmudur Rahman, writing in *Amar Desh* on March 18, 2026, describes this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr as one of deep sorrow rather than joy. He recounts personal grief following the deaths of his mother and his wife’s mother, alongside anguish over violence in Muslim regions during Ramadan. Rahman laments that the usual spirit of Eid has been replaced by mourning across the Muslim world. He condemns the United States and Israel for attacks in Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine during Ramadan, citing a report from Al Jazeera about U.S. actions against Iran. Rahman criticizes global silence and the indifference of the wider Muslim community. He notes that despite provocations, sectarian conflict between Shia and Sunni Muslims has not escalated into full-scale war. Oman’s foreign minister, he writes, has refused to align with U.S. or Israeli agendas, while other Gulf states show mixed responses. Rahman concludes by reflecting on his decades-long struggle as a journalist under various regimes in Bangladesh, expressing hope that the country’s return to democratic governance will allow fearless journalism and a safer future for the press.

The BNP government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has completed its first month in office after taking power on February 17, 2026. During this period, the administration launched several populist programs, including family cards for low-income families, stipends for religious leaders, debt waivers for small farmers, and nationwide canal excavation projects. The government also reduced bureaucratic protocols, stabilized commodity prices despite global fuel hikes, and introduced free Wi-Fi at airports. These initiatives have drawn public and media praise for their quick implementation and focus on welfare. However, the government has also faced criticism for failing to form the reform council mandated by a national referendum, appointing party administrators instead of holding local elections, and controversial reshuffles in key institutions such as the central bank and universities. Allegations of favoritism, internal conflicts, and a minister’s remarks on extortion have sparked debate. Additionally, multiple election results have been challenged in court, raising questions about the political climate. Observers note that while the government’s early actions reflect energy and intent, unresolved reform commitments and administrative controversies could test its credibility in the coming months.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has turned to the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the National Sports Council (NSC) formed a five-member committee to investigate alleged irregularities in the board’s most recent election. The NSC directed the committee to submit its report within 15 working days. In a statement issued two nights earlier, the BCB described the investigation as concerning and warned that such action could lead to ICC suspension of Bangladesh’s membership. The BCB maintained that its last election was conducted lawfully under its constitution but expressed unease over the NSC’s move. The board also indicated its willingness to discuss the matter with the NSC, though no timeline was provided. The issue has sparked debate within Bangladesh’s cricket community, particularly regarding the entry of Aminul Islam Bulbul, Faruk Ahmed, and Nazmul Abedin Fahim into the BCB following government nominations after the August 5 regime change. Former BCB directors and current dissenting members argued that the board’s statement undermines the election’s legitimacy and reflects internal fear of scrutiny. They also questioned whether government involvement influenced the BCB’s composition, while others asserted that national law supersedes ICC regulations.

The BNP-led government has replaced vice-chancellors of eight public universities and the chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) within a month of taking office. Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced the appointments at an emergency press briefing, stating that academic performance, research, and qualifications were considered in the selection process. The official gazettes were issued on March 16, confirming the new appointments and relieving the previous officeholders. The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami sharply criticized the mass replacements, alleging that the government appointed politically loyal individuals rather than merit-based candidates. Jamaat leaders argued that the interim government had previously made careful selections and accused the BNP administration of undermining academic neutrality. National Citizen Party leader Dr. Mahmuda Mitu also expressed outrage on social media over the appointment of Dhaka University’s new vice-chancellor. Former UGC chairman Dr. S M A Faiez resigned citing health reasons, and Dhaka University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mamun Ahmed was appointed as his successor. Some academics described the rapid changes as alarming and inconsistent with expectations for a new Bangladesh.

Islamic banks in Bangladesh experienced a decline in key financial indicators in January 2026, according to the latest Bangladesh Bank report. Deposits in the sector fell by about Tk 2,569 crore, while investments dropped by Tk 176 crore. At the end of January, total deposits stood at Tk 4,73,657 crore, down 0.57 percent from December. Despite the monthly fall, deposits were 9.34 percent higher than a year earlier. The report showed that ten full-fledged Islamic banks held Tk 4,04,023 crore in deposits, while Islamic branches of conventional banks had Tk 42,623 crore, and Islamic windows held Tk 26,010 crore. The sector’s investment position stood at Tk 5,84,574 crore, slightly lower than December’s Tk 5,84,750 crore, though up by over 11 percent year-on-year. Remittance inflows through Islamic banks fell by about seven percent, and export earnings dropped four percent, while imports rose by more than 16 percent. Industry sources attributed the deposit decline partly to customer withdrawals following the merger of several Islamic banks, which have begun refunding Tk 2 lakh per depositor.

Two people were killed in an Iranian missile strike on Ramat Gan, a district in Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial capital, according to reports published on March 18, 2026. The victims were attempting to reach a bomb shelter when the missile hit. Both were found severely injured near the staircase of their apartment building and later confirmed dead. Hebrew-language media cited by the Times of Israel reported that the victims were around 70 years old. The attack also caused damage in several parts of Tel Aviv, including the city’s train station, spreading panic among residents. The incident marks a deadly escalation in the ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel. Authorities have not yet released further details about the extent of the damage or possible additional casualties, and the situation in Tel Aviv remains tense following the strike.

World Bank South Asia Vice President Johannes Zutt concluded a three-day visit to Bangladesh on Tuesday, during which he met with senior government officials including the finance and planning ministers, the commerce minister, the prime minister’s economic adviser, and the Bangladesh Bank governor. Discussions focused on the government’s development priorities and areas where the World Bank Group could provide support. Zutt stated that the government is prioritizing large-scale job creation alongside skills development and investment, with the World Bank committed to assisting in these goals. He noted that 14 million young people entered Bangladesh’s labor market in the past decade, but only 8.7 million jobs were created, leaving nearly half of the youth unemployed, particularly women facing greater challenges. He emphasized the need for long-pending macroeconomic and financial sector reforms to sustain growth and employment amid global uncertainty. The World Bank Group continues to support Bangladesh through investments in physical and human infrastructure, promotion of a business-friendly environment, and mobilization of private capital, having provided over $46 billion in grants and concessional loans since independence.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all banks, mobile financial service (MFS) providers, payment service providers (PSP), and payment system operators (PSO) to establish a dedicated 'Cashless Bangladesh Unit' at their head offices by March 31. The directive, issued by the central bank’s Payment Systems Department, aims to strengthen the country’s transition toward a cashless and digital payment infrastructure. According to the circular, the initiative is part of a broader government and central bank effort to expand digital transactions nationwide. The use of Bangla QR, internet banking, and point-of-sale (POS) machines has been increasing significantly. To ensure better coordination, each institution must have a designated unit. Under the Cashless Bangladesh initiative, inclusion of Bangla QR transactions has been made mandatory for licensing and renewal of retail merchants. The circular further specifies that a deputy managing director or equivalent officer will oversee the unit in banks, while a senior officer one rank below the managing director will lead it in MFS, PSP, and PSO organizations. Institutions must submit unit details to Bangladesh Bank by March 31 and provide annual reports on cashless activities by the end of each March.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Iran policy has become increasingly chaotic and controversial, with the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz turning into a prolonged and complex confrontation. Analysts say the situation is evolving into Trump’s own version of the Vietnam War, marked by confusion, shifting narratives, and a lack of clear objectives. Initial expectations of a quick victory and minimal market disruption have collapsed, leading to energy market instability and global concern. Inside the administration, confusion persists over the war’s purpose. Trump alternates between calling it a short-term operation and acknowledging it as a full-scale war. His secretary of state, Marco Rubio, cited potential Iranian threats, which Trump later denied, while the Pentagon confirmed no immediate threat intelligence. Trump’s inconsistent statements about regime change and negotiations have added to policy uncertainty. Domestically, political pressure is rising as Congress demands hearings on the war’s rationale and management. Analysts warn that prolonged conflict, economic strain, and international criticism could weaken Trump’s political standing and push the situation beyond his control.

Eighteen days after attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes on American installations across several Middle Eastern countries. In this context, Ali Larijani, head and secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued an open six-point letter on Monday addressed to Muslim-majority nations. In the letter, he called on the Muslim world to stand with Iran in its war against the US and Israel, describing America as an unreliable partner and Israel as an enemy of Muslims. Larijani’s letter, written in Arabic, was characterized as part rebuke, part theological argument, and part strategic appeal. He accused Washington and Tel Aviv of orchestrating a deceptive aggression aimed at dividing Iran, which he said led to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, civilians, and military commanders. He criticized Muslim governments for failing to support Iran and urged them to reflect on the future of the Islamic world, emphasizing unity and collective security. Larijani reaffirmed that Iran would continue its resistance against what he termed the “great and small devils,” referring to the United States and Israel.