U.S. President Donald Trump has failed to secure allied participation in maintaining open navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Both Australia and Japan have rejected his call for assistance in patrolling the vital global oil supply route. Australian Transport Minister Catherine King stated that her country would not send ships to the strait, emphasizing that Australia is already providing aircraft for defense support in the United Arab Emirates, considering the number of Australians in the region. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament that Tokyo has no plans to dispatch vessels to escort oil tankers through the strait. She added that Japan is still examining what actions it can take independently within its legal framework. Meanwhile, France said it is considering participation in an international mission to protect ships, but only after the ongoing conflict ends. Germany expressed skepticism about the plan and made clear it does not want to be directly involved in the war. Iran has effectively blocked the narrow waterway, heightening tensions over global energy security and maritime safety in the region.

Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the northern region, has described the appointment of district council administrators based on party affiliation as the first step toward autocracy. He made the remarks on Sunday night through a post on his verified Facebook account, criticizing the government’s decision to appoint administrators in 42 district councils on partisan grounds. In his post, Sarjis compared the current situation to a previous interim government that appointed only one city corporation administrator, which the BNP had then labeled as the destruction of democracy. He argued that the current appointments are entirely undemocratic and urged the government to immediately hold local government elections under an elected administration. He also called for an end to what he described as the politics of looting through partisan appointments. Sarjis further warned that appointing party loyalists as administrators to gain political advantage and later electing them would mark the beginning of an autocratic political blueprint.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an online system allowing taxpayers to apply for extensions in filing their income tax returns. According to an NBR notice issued on Monday, registered users of the e-return system can log in and use the 'Time Extension' menu to submit applications before March 31. The respective tax commissioner will review and either approve or reject the request online. Approved applicants can file their returns within the extended period without penalties or additional charges. For taxpayers not required to file returns online, written applications for extensions can be submitted to the relevant tax commissioner before March 31, who may grant up to 90 additional days. These taxpayers may also choose to apply online if they prefer. The current tax year’s filing deadline for individual taxpayers has already been extended to March 31. NBR reported that around five million individual taxpayers are registered in the e-return system, and approximately 4.1 million have already submitted their returns for the 2025–2026 tax year.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sought assistance from NATO allies to ensure the Hormuz Strait remains open, a key route for global oil supply. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said the United States has begun reaching out to its allies for cooperation in maintaining security in the strait. He emphasized that regional countries should protect their own areas since they depend on the route for energy supplies. Trump noted that the U.S. itself has abundant oil resources and might not need to maintain a presence there. Trump stated that the United States has so far spoken with seven countries, many of which are NATO members. He added that Washington continues to support NATO, including on the Ukraine issue. The president said it would be interesting to see which countries decline to assist in what he described as a “very small initiative” to keep the strait open. He declined to name the countries that have offered help but mentioned receiving some positive responses. Trump also claimed that the U.S. has already destroyed Iran’s navy but warned that a few individuals or terrorists could still create chaos in the strait.

At least 13 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday, according to local authorities. The attacks struck multiple locations, including a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, where four people died, among them a 30-year-old couple and their 10-year-old son. Al-Aqsa Hospital officials confirmed that one of the victims was a pregnant woman carrying twins. Fourteen others were reported injured. The Gaza Interior Ministry stated that another strike targeted a police vehicle at the entrance to Az-Zawaida city along the southern-northern Philadelphi corridor, killing nine police officers, including senior officer Colonel Iyad Abu Yusuf. A neighbor described the attack as powerful and said it occurred without prior warning. The Israeli military has not issued any immediate comment on the incidents. The strikes come amid ongoing conflict in the war-torn enclave, with no indication yet of whether further military actions are planned or how the situation may evolve.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to inaugurate a nationwide canal excavation program covering 54 districts on Monday, March 16, 2026. The launch will take place at 11:30 a.m. in Sahapara canal under Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur district. Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister will distribute goats among poor and underprivileged families and address a public gathering. According to the plan, the first phase of the project will excavate 1,200 kilometers of canals over six months, with a long-term goal of dredging 20,000 kilometers of rivers, canals, and wetlands within five years. The initiative aims to improve water management and rural livelihoods across the country. As part of his schedule, the Prime Minister will travel from Saidpur Airport to Balrampur in Kaharol, visit family graves in Dinajpur in the afternoon, attend a civic meeting, and join an iftar and prayer event before returning to Dhaka in the evening.

A fire broke out in the power car of the Ramna commuter train stationed at Parbatipur Railway Junction in Dinajpur around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday night. According to railway sources, the incident occurred while repair work was underway at the meter-gauge wash pit. Sparks from welding during train lighting repair reportedly fell into oil stored inside the compartment, causing the fire to spread rapidly through the generator and power car. Firefighters from the Parbatipur Fire Service and Civil Defense Station responded promptly with two units and managed to bring the blaze under control after about an hour of effort. Most of the interior of the power car was burned, though no casualties were reported. Railway police, security forces, and officials from various departments assisted in controlling the situation. The station master confirmed that no investigation committee had yet been formed, while attempts to contact the Lalmonirhat Railway DRM for further details were unsuccessful. The railway authorities have begun assessing the cause and extent of the damage.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran is desperate to reach a deal, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. He added that while Iran wants an agreement, he does not believe Tehran is ready to take the necessary steps. Trump also mentioned that despite Iran’s threats of retaliation, he is in discussions with other countries about protecting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected Trump’s claim, saying Tehran has not requested any ceasefire or negotiations. He stated that Iran sees no reason to talk with the United States under current circumstances and is prepared to defend itself as long as needed. In an interview with CBS News, Araghchi said Iran was attacked even while engaged in talks, calling the conflict a war of choice by President Trump and the U.S. The exchange underscores continuing U.S.-Iran tensions over security in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader regional standoff, with both sides maintaining firm positions against compromise.

Iranian police have arrested 500 individuals accused of supplying information to the country’s enemies, according to a statement made on Sunday by Police Chief Ahmadreza Radan. He said many of those detained were involved in serious incidents and had allegedly shared footage and photographs of potential attack sites with hostile entities. Authorities did not disclose when the arrests took place. Earlier on Sunday, Iranian media had reported that several people were detained across multiple regions, though details were limited. The announcement underscores heightened security measures and the government’s focus on countering alleged espionage and internal threats. No further information was provided about the identities of the detainees or the specific nature of the incidents, leaving key aspects of the case undisclosed.

Flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on March 16, 2026, as part of precautionary safety measures following a drone-related incident. Officials stated that the suspension was implemented after a fire broke out in a fuel tank due to the drone event. Travelers were advised to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules. Before the recent conflict between the United States and Iran began in late February, Dubai International Airport was recognized as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. In 2025, approximately 90 million travelers passed through the airport, underscoring its global significance as a major aviation hub. The temporary suspension highlights the airport’s heightened security protocols amid regional tensions and recent drone-related risks, though no further details were provided on the duration of the disruption or the extent of the damage.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate a nationwide canal excavation program in Dinajpur on Monday, marking the start of another election pledge by the BNP government before completing its first month in office. The event will take place at Balrampur Sahapara in Kaharol upazila, where the prime minister will launch the initiative by reopening a 12-kilometer canal. The program aims to restore silted and dead canals across the country to improve irrigation systems and reduce waterlogging during the monsoon season. According to government sources, the initiative also seeks to strengthen canal-based rural economies through fish farming and duck rearing. Experts believe the project will enhance agricultural productivity, mitigate flooding, and help maintain ecological balance. The program will be implemented jointly by the Water Resources Ministry, the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, and BADC. Preparations and security measures have been completed in Dinajpur ahead of the prime minister’s visit, which includes a public rally, grave visits, and an iftar gathering. The canal excavation initiative follows the legacy of late President Ziaur Rahman, who launched a similar program in 1977 to boost rural development and agricultural output.

The government has extended the tenure of the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC) by one year, despite a prior recommendation from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances to dissolve the controversial surveillance agency. The decision, issued on February 20, 2026, allows NTMC to continue operations until new telecommunications regulations are implemented. Meanwhile, the promised restructuring of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), including a name and uniform change to the Special Intervention Force (SIF), has seen no visible progress. Experts and rights advocates have expressed concern that the NTMC’s vast data archives—containing call records, location data, and social media information—lack a transparent plan for disposal or transfer. Critics argue that extending NTMC’s mandate without a clear roadmap risks erasing evidence related to past disappearances. The Commission of Inquiry had earlier identified both NTMC and RAB as central to human rights abuses under the previous administration and recommended their dissolution or deep reform. Analysts warn that the government’s delay in reforming these institutions undermines public expectations of accountability and may prolong a culture of impunity surrounding surveillance and extrajudicial actions.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has set an ambitious goal to raise revenue collection to 8 percent of GDP in the 2026–27 fiscal year, up from the current 6.6 percent. The plan was presented to the Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. The move comes despite sluggish implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP), weak investment, export slowdown, and rising unemployment, compounded by new uncertainties from the Middle East conflict. The NBR’s efforts are also linked to conditions under the International Monetary Fund’s loan program, which requires improved revenue performance. Although Bangladesh has met other IMF conditions, it has repeatedly failed to meet revenue targets. Officials say the drive to increase revenue is driven by domestic development needs, not just IMF pressure. The NBR is focusing on expanding the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing tax evasion. Experts warn that escalating global energy prices and supply disruptions could further strain Bangladesh’s economy and hinder revenue collection. The NBR is also reviewing tax exemptions and implementing digital systems to close collection gaps and recover large outstanding dues from state entities.

Meta is reportedly planning large-scale layoffs that could impact 20% or more of its workforce, according to three sources cited by Reuters. The move is said to be part of efforts to offset the company’s growing artificial intelligence infrastructure expenses and to prepare for efficiency gains expected from AI-assisted operations. No date or final figure for the job cuts has been set, and Meta has not commented on the reports. If confirmed, the layoffs would mark Meta’s most significant workforce reduction since its 2022–2023 restructuring, when it cut about 21,000 jobs in total. The company employed nearly 79,000 people as of December 31. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been driving an aggressive push into generative AI, offering large compensation packages to attract top researchers and committing $600 billion to data center investments by 2028. Meta recently acquired Moltbook, a social platform for AI agents, and is spending at least $2 billion to buy Chinese AI startup Manus. The reported cuts align with a broader trend among major U.S. tech firms, including Amazon and Block, which have also reduced staff while citing AI-driven efficiency improvements.

Iran has asserted full control over the Strait of Hormuz, blocking all vessel movement without its permission. The closure has halted the transport of nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, driving global energy prices sharply higher. The situation follows the February 28 joint attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, which has now entered its third week. President Donald Trump, facing mounting pressure from rising fuel costs, has sought help from allies but received little response. Iran’s foreign minister warned that the strait would remain closed to Tehran’s enemies, while reports said at least 16 ships have been attacked since fighting began. The U.S., Israel, and Iran have continued reciprocal strikes, including explosions near Tehran and Shiraz. Israel’s military claimed thousands of Iranian casualties, while Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli and regional targets. Several countries, including Japan, the UK, China, France, and South Korea, have reacted cautiously to Trump’s calls for cooperation. Trump rejected any negotiation with Tehran, insisting that Iran must abandon its nuclear program before any deal. Meanwhile, rumors about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s death were denied, and Hezbollah continued retaliatory attacks in Lebanon as diplomatic efforts by France and the UN sought to halt the violence.