Pakistan carried out airstrikes on military installations in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in response to drone attacks allegedly launched from Afghan territory. According to Geo News, citing official sources, the strikes targeted the 313 Corps in Kabul and the Tarawo militant camp in Kandahar, destroying key infrastructure. The operation also hit four militant hideouts belonging to the Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Kharij in Paktia province between March 12 and 13. Fuel storage and supply facilities near Kandahar airport were also destroyed during the raids. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the drone attacks from Afghanistan, warning Kabul that targeting Pakistani civilians crossed a “red line.” The Pakistani military stated that locally made drones were intercepted before reaching their targets, though debris injured civilians in Quetta, Kohat, and Rawalpindi. Airspace around Islamabad was temporarily closed after the drones were detected. Tensions between the two neighbors have escalated since late February, when Pakistan began operations against militants allegedly sheltering inside Afghanistan.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament on Sunday that the government will implement the July Charter strictly in accordance with the constitution, laws, and regulations. He made the remarks around 12:15 p.m. in response to opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s comments on the charter. The minister emphasized that the President has convened the national parliament session, not any so-called ‘Reform Council’. Salahuddin Ahmed clarified that under the July National Charter, any move to form a constitutional reform council would first require an amendment to the constitution. He stated that the existence of such a council has already been challenged in court, and a rule has been issued on the matter, which is now under judicial consideration. The minister reiterated that the government is currently participating in the parliamentary session as per constitutional provisions. He further noted that if a referendum mandates the formation of such a council, it can only occur after constitutional amendments are passed in Parliament and incorporated into the constitution, followed by necessary steps for council formation and oath-taking.

During the second session of the 13th National Parliament on Sunday, March 15, 2026, opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman attempted to speak about the July uprising. He stated that the current parliament was formed in stages following that event, mentioning that two votes were held on the same day—a parliamentary election and a referendum. The Speaker interrupted him, instructing him to limit his remarks to the scheduled question session. Dr. Rahman then asked whether he would be allowed time later to discuss the issue, to which the Speaker replied that he could raise it after the question-answer period. The session began at 11 a.m. and included a motion of thanks on the President’s address, question-answer sessions, and discussions on urgent public matters. According to the day’s agenda published by the Parliament Secretariat, questions were scheduled for ministries including the Cabinet Division, Science and Technology, Education, Social Welfare, and Housing and Public Works.

Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) has launched a pilot program to provide high-speed satellite-based Starlink internet on three intercity trains. The service, introduced on Friday, allows passengers to access free Wi-Fi while traveling on the Parjotok Express, Upoban Express, and Bonolota Express. This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to offer free Wi-Fi at all airports and railway stations across the country. The trial was observed by Rehan Asif Asad, adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology. He stated that the government is taking various steps to enhance national connectivity, and the introduction of Starlink internet on moving trains is a continuation of that effort. Passengers can now connect easily by scanning a QR code. The service is currently in a testing phase and will be improved in the future. BSCL Managing Director and CEO Imadur Rahman said the company is working to strengthen digital connectivity in line with the government’s manifesto.

An air ambulance carrying Mirza Abbas, political adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Member of Parliament for Dhaka-8, departed from Dhaka for Singapore on Sunday around 11:30 a.m. He is being taken abroad for advanced medical treatment. His wife Afroza Abbas and their eldest son Mirza Yasir Abbas are accompanying him, according to his personal secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel. Mirza Abbas was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara after losing consciousness on Wednesday night. A medical board was formed for his treatment, and he underwent two brain surgeries. He has since been kept under intensive observation. On Saturday morning, a CT scan of his brain was conducted, and the report was described as good by BNP’s health affairs secretary Rafiqul Islam. The transfer to Singapore marks the next stage of his medical care following several days of critical treatment in Dhaka.

A new poll by Quinnipiac University, released last week, shows that 53 percent of Americans oppose a U.S. military attack on Iran, while 40 percent support such action. The survey also found that a large majority of respondents are strongly against sending U.S. ground troops to Iran. According to the poll, nearly three-quarters of participants said they do not favor deploying American ground forces in Iran. More than three-quarters also expressed concern that a war with Iran could increase the risk of terrorist attacks inside the United States. The survey further revealed mixed opinions about Israel, with 44 percent of respondents believing the U.S. gives too much support to Israel, while an equal share considers the level of support appropriate. The findings highlight widespread public caution toward military escalation in the Middle East and reflect ongoing divisions in American views on U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and Israel.

President convened the national parliament in accordance with the constitution, and there is no entity called a reform council, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated on Sunday, March 15, before attending the second day of the first session. He explained that under the July Charter, any implementation of a constitutional reform council would first require an amendment. Earlier, on March 12, the new parliament began its journey, and after the President’s address, Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed adjourned the session until Sunday. According to the Parliament Secretariat, the day’s agenda includes a question-and-answer session, discussions on urgent public issues, and a motion of thanks on the President’s speech. Questions will cover several ministries, including Cabinet, Science and Technology, Education, Social Welfare, and Housing. The Business Advisory Committee decided that the 13th National Parliament’s first session will continue until April 30, meeting daily at 3 p.m. except on public holidays. A total of 468 questions have been submitted, along with 27 notices under Rule 71 and 97 decision proposals under Rule 131.

The Pentagon has released the identities of six US service members killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq earlier this week. In a statement on Saturday, the Pentagon said preliminary findings indicate the crash was not caused by hostile action. The incident occurred Thursday and increased the number of US personnel killed in the anti-Iran military campaign to at least 13. Another aircraft involved in the operation landed safely, according to officials. The Pentagon confirmed that the victims were crew members on duty at the time, including three from the US Air Force and three from the Air National Guard. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though US Central Command stated it was not due to enemy fire or friendly fire. Meanwhile, the Iran-backed coalition “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” claimed responsibility for downing a KC-135 and said it had targeted another aircraft that escaped. The KC-135 crash marks at least the fourth US military aircraft lost in the ongoing conflict, following earlier friendly-fire incidents over Kuwait.

The government of Bangladesh has withdrawn the rationing system in fuel marketing and supply, effective immediately. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit announced the decision on Sunday at a press conference held at the Secretariat. He stated that the rationing system had been introduced earlier due to concerns over possible supply disruptions caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East, but current fuel reserves are now stable and there is no shortage. According to the minister, the decision aims to ensure uninterrupted travel during the upcoming Eid holidays and to maintain adequate electricity supply for irrigation season. He added that the directive will remain in effect until further notice. The minister also clarified that the government has no intention to increase fuel prices despite global price hikes, emphasizing that the decision was made considering public interest.

Switzerland has refused a request from the United States to use Swiss airspace for military operations targeting Iran. According to the report, the US made two separate requests to allow its aircraft to fly over Swiss territory as part of its Middle East military actions. The Swiss government declined both requests, citing its neutrality law. In an official statement, the Swiss authorities explained that under national law, it is prohibited to allow any party involved in a conflict to use Swiss airspace for military purposes. However, the government confirmed that it had approved three flights unrelated to combat operations—one for maintenance and two for transport purposes. The decision underscores Switzerland’s long-standing policy of neutrality and its legal restrictions on involvement in foreign conflicts, even when approached by major powers such as the United States.

Britain is planning to deploy mine-detection drones in the Strait of Hormuz to reduce Iran’s influence over this vital global trade route. The British Ministry of Defence stated that various options are being considered to ensure the safe passage of cargo ships through the strait, which handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments daily. The proposal was first reported by The Sunday Times, citing the Royal Navy’s Mine and Threat Exploitation Group, currently stationed in the Middle East, as the likely source of the drone deployment. The Sunday Telegraph reported that British interceptor drones, originally designed for Ukraine, may also be used to counter Iranian Shahed drones. The initiative follows earlier calls by former U.S. President Donald Trump for allied nations to send warships to protect oil tankers in the region. Details such as the number of operational drones and how many could be deployed remain uncertain, according to the reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed doubt about whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive. In an interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump said that no one has seen Khamenei so far and noted that the Iranian leader issued his first statement in writing rather than appearing on camera. Trump added that he has heard reports suggesting Khamenei may not be alive and remarked that if he is, he should act wisely for his country by surrendering. When asked whether he supports any potential successor to Khamenei, Trump declined to name anyone. The comments come amid uncertainty surrounding Iran’s leadership transition and the lack of public appearances by the new leader. The situation adds to ongoing speculation about Iran’s political stability following the leadership change, though no official confirmation regarding Khamenei’s condition has been provided.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that Russia is supplying Shahed drones to Iran for use in attacks against the United States and Israel. In an interview with CNN, he said it is 'one hundred percent true' that Iran used Russian-made Shahed drones to strike US bases. He also noted that similar drones have been linked to attacks in other regional countries, though it is not always clear who manufactures them. According to the report, Iran originally developed the Shahed drone as a cheaper alternative to missiles. Zelensky stated that since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the fall of 2022, Russian forces have launched thousands of these drones. Initially supplied by Iran, Russia is now producing the Shahed drones domestically. The report adds that the US military and other armed forces have also adopted these drones, viewing their use as part of operational planning against Iran. The Guardian was cited as the source of this information.

Bangladesh’s Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced on Sunday that the government has ended all fuel rationing for public transport across the country. The decision, effective immediately, follows an improvement in fuel supply conditions. The minister stated that fuel distribution and sales will continue normally, as they were before the onset of the Iran war crisis. The move aims to ensure smooth travel and goods transport during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday period. Fuel rationing had been introduced on March 6 amid public panic over a possible shortage linked to fears surrounding the Iran conflict. At that time, the government limited daily fuel allocations for different vehicle types, ranging from 2 liters for motorcycles to 220 liters for long-distance trucks. The restrictions were later eased, including an increase in the motorcycle fuel limit to 5 liters and a reduction in overall rationing from 25 percent to 15 percent. With the Eid travel surge approaching, the government has now fully withdrawn the rationing system to stabilize transport operations and meet public demand.

At least 17 ships have been attacked in the Middle East over the past two weeks following the outbreak of regional conflict, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incidents occurred around the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman. The UKMTO and the Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed that two Indian nationals were killed in the attacks. The UKMTO reported that on March 1, two tankers were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, and another vessel was struck while anchored in Bahrain. Additional attacks took place in the Gulf of Oman, the Persian Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz between March 3 and March 12, involving explosions, drone strikes, and projectile impacts. The most recent incident on March 12 set a container ship ablaze in the Persian Gulf. The series of maritime attacks highlights growing insecurity in key shipping routes of the Middle East, though the source did not specify who was responsible for the assaults or the broader military context.