Fourteen people were killed in a head-on collision between a bus and a microbus on the Khulna–Mongla highway at Belai Bridge area of Rampal upazila on Thursday afternoon. The victims included a newlywed couple returning from a wedding ceremony. The accident occurred when the microbus, carrying family members of Mongla municipality’s Ward 8 BNP president Abdur Razzak, collided with the bus. Among the dead were seven members of Razzak’s family, five from the bride’s family, the driver, and one other passenger. Local administration and police quickly arrived at the scene and conducted rescue operations. The district commissioner and police officials confirmed the incident. State Minister Lions Dr. Sheikh Faridul Islam expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. Police stated that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Advocate Tazul Islam, former Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, has announced the death of his father, Mohammad Fazlul Haque Khan. The news was confirmed through a verified Facebook post by Tazul Islam on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in which he shared that his father had passed away and requested prayers for his departed soul. Tazul Islam previously served as Chief Prosecutor of the reconstituted International Crimes Tribunal for one and a half years. Under his leadership, the prosecution submitted 24 formal charges related to crimes against humanity committed in July–August before the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Trials of these cases are ongoing in Tribunal-1 and Tribunal-2, with verdicts already delivered in three cases. The announcement marks a personal loss for the former prosecutor, who remains known for his role in advancing war crimes prosecutions in Bangladesh.

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that the country will take revenge for the blood of its citizens. According to Iranian state television, cited by the BBC, Khamenei made the statement in his first message after being chosen as the nation’s top religious leader. He referred specifically to the attack on a girls’ school in Minab, which Iran attributes to Israel, saying 168 people were killed, including about 110 children. Khamenei also declared that Iran would continue targeting the Hormuz Strait and advised neighboring countries to close U.S. military bases on their soil, warning that such bases could be attacked. Despite emphasizing a policy of friendship with neighboring states, his remarks underscored a hardline stance toward foreign military presence in the region. Mojtaba Khamenei was selected by Iran’s 88-member Assembly of Experts as the third Supreme Leader following the death of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike on February 28 after leading Iran for 37 years.

US President Donald Trump stated that American and foreign vessels wishing to transit the Hormuz Strait would receive support if necessary. However, the US Navy has taken a different stance, confirming that it has declined requests to provide military escorts for commercial ships at this time. The Navy noted that no decision has been made to resume such assistance, which the United States has provided in the past. Experts have raised concerns about whether commercial vessels will continue using the risky route, warning that potential attacks or conflicts could make it difficult for companies to obtain adequate liability insurance. The uncertainty has already affected energy markets, with crude oil prices in the United States trading near $100 per barrel and gasoline prices beginning to rise, heightening consumer anxiety. Trump’s political advisers believe that if the ongoing conflict ends soon, easing inflation and cost-of-living pressures could benefit Republicans in the election year.

International media reported that six additional ships were attacked in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Iran war. The attacks targeted vessels linked to the United States and Europe, bringing the total number of ships hit in the region to at least sixteen since the conflict began. Maritime traffic through the narrow strait has nearly come to a halt since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28. According to reports, an explosive-laden Iranian boat attacked oil tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, killing one crew member and destroying two ships. The incidents followed projectile strikes on four other vessels in the Gulf. Iraqi port officials identified the destroyed ships as the Marshall Islands-flagged Safe Sea Vishnu and the Malta-flagged Zephyros, both carrying fuel products from Iraq. Iraq’s state oil marketing company SOMO said Safe Sea Vishnu had been chartered by an Iraqi firm under contract with them, while Zephyros was transporting fuel for the Basra Gas Company. The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of global oil shipments, and the attacks have raised concerns about further disruption to energy transport in the region.

Star Cineplex is set to launch a new multiplex cinema branch in Narayanganj during Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, according to the company. The new branch is located at Simanto Tower in Jalkuri, Narayanganj, and will officially open on Eid day. It features three halls, two with 178 seats each and one with 75 seats, all equipped with modern sound systems, giant screens, and world-class facilities. Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Assistant General Manager of Media and Marketing at Star Cineplex, described the new branch as an Eid gift for Narayanganj residents, particularly for local movie lovers. He said the opening fulfills a long-standing demand from the area’s audience and reflects the company’s satisfaction in expanding as planned. Ahmed added that Star Cineplex prioritizes high-quality viewing environments and advanced technology to meet evolving audience preferences. The company plans to open additional branches later this year, extending its presence from major cities to district and sub-district levels across Bangladesh.

The Department of Narcotics Control under the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a recruitment circular for 68 vacant posts in its revenue sector. The announcement, published on March 12, 2026, includes positions across 14 categories ranging from grade 11 to grade 20. The application process began on March 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. and will continue until April 23, 2026, at 5 p.m. Applicants must be between 18 and 32 years of age as of March 1, 2026, and can apply online through the official website http://dnc.teletalk.com.bd. The circular lists positions such as medical technologist (radiology), pharmacist, physical instructor, lab assistant, dietitian, vocational instructor, ECG technician, linen keeper, ticket clerk, rent collector, assistant steward, ward master, record keeper, and lab attendant. Educational qualifications vary by post, from secondary school certificates to university degrees, with specific technical or vocational training required for some roles. Application fees range from 56 to 168 taka depending on the post category. All recruitment and examination-related information will be available on the Department of Narcotics Control’s official website.

Iran’s military has claimed responsibility for drone attacks targeting the headquarters of Israel’s internal security agency, Shin Bet, and two Israeli air bases. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, cited by Al Jazeera, the attacks took place on Thursday and struck multiple sites, including the Shin Bet headquarters in Tel Aviv’s Ramat Aviv area, the Palmachim air base west of Yavne on the Mediterranean coast, and the Ovda air base in southern Israel. The Shin Bet headquarters, known as the “Invisible Shield,” serves as the central command for Israel’s internal security and intelligence operations. Iran’s statement described the strikes as drone-based assaults on these strategic locations. The report also noted that the attacks followed earlier claims by Israel of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and incidents involving ships in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. The developments mark a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two countries, with reports indicating widespread attacks in Israel over the past 24 hours that left 179 people injured.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained three individuals in two separate operations in Dhaka, recovering illegal firearms and a large quantity of narcotics. According to a press release issued on Thursday, March 12, 2026, RAB-10 conducted the raids in Demra and Jatrabari areas as part of ongoing drives against drugs and illegal weapons. In Demra’s Sarulia area, RAB officers arrested two suspects. One, identified as Md. Fahim Hossain, was caught with 3,865 yaba tablets, 11 packets, and 278 grams of heroin worth about Tk 4.05 million. Another suspect, Md. Hasibul Hasan alias Shanto, was detained with a locally made single-barrel gun and two rounds of 12-bore cartridges. Later that night, in Jatrabari’s Dolairpar area, RAB arrested Md. Mamun Mia, an alleged member of a snatching gang, and recovered evidence linked to his activities. RAB-10 officials stated that surveillance and regular operations have been intensified to curb the spread of drugs, illegal weapons, and street crimes in the capital, with efforts continuing to maintain law and order.

The Ministry of Shipping has announced the launch of a special river transport service from March 17 to ensure safe and smooth travel for people returning home ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. The service will operate from two terminals in Dhaka, covering several key river routes with launch and steamer services. According to the ministry, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is coordinating with relevant agencies to implement the initiative. Under the plan, vessels will operate from Shimulia Tourist Terminal near Kanchan Bridge on the Shimulia–Demra–Narayanganj–Chandpur–Kaliganj–Hijla–Barishal route, and from Bosila Terminal near Bosila Bridge on the Bosila–Sadarghat–Munshiganj–Chandpur–Eidgai Ferry Ghat–Shariatpur–Ilisha–Hakimuddin–Galachipa route. Authorities have issued necessary instructions to maintain safety and order during the Eid travel period. Passengers are urged to use designated routes and contact the BIWTA hotline 16113 for assistance or emergencies.

An Iranian attack on a US-owned crude oil tanker near Basra, Iraq, has killed one Indian crew member, according to the Indian Embassy in Baghdad. The incident occurred in Iraqi waters, and the remaining 15 Indian crew members aboard the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel 'Safe Sea Vishnu' were evacuated to safety. The embassy confirmed the death and said it is in contact with the rescued sailors and Iraqi authorities to provide necessary assistance. Following the attack near Basra, another oil tanker in the Persian Gulf caught fire. Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that the country has claimed responsibility for the assault, stating that underwater drone strikes destroyed two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. The embassy’s statement on social media emphasized ongoing coordination with local authorities. The incident adds to a series of maritime attacks in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have escalated amid regional hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The Bangladesh Coast Guard has arrested an active member of the notorious Karim Sharif gang during an operation near the Shhela River in the Sundarbans. The arrest took place early Thursday morning following a raid by a special team from the Coast Guard’s Mongla base. The detainee, identified as Osman Gani, 38, is a resident of Ashashuni in Satkhira district. According to a press release issued by Coast Guard media officer Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujon, the operation was based on secret intelligence about the gang’s presence in the area. Following the arrest, the Coast Guard recovered a single-barrel gun, 16 rounds of live cartridges, and five blank cartridges from the site based on information provided by the detainee. Authorities said Osman Gani had long been involved with the Karim Sharif gang, participating in robberies and supplying weapons and ammunition to the group. The Coast Guard stated that the arrested individual and seized items are being handed over to the relevant authorities for legal action. Officials reaffirmed that regular operations will continue to keep the Sundarbans free from bandit activity.

Eight members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) were injured in an attack during an anti-drug operation in Teknaf’s Nazirpara area of Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday evening. The violence erupted after RAB arrested Faridul Alam, also known as Daket Farid, a local leader of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal and a suspected drug trafficker facing 17 criminal cases including murder and money laundering. During the clash, two motorcycles, including one belonging to RAB, were set on fire and completely burned. RAB-15’s Teknaf CPC-1 commander Sohel Rana confirmed the incident, saying the operation targeted known drug dealers. He reported that two of the injured RAB members were in critical condition and sent to Cox’s Bazar District Hospital. Local residents claimed the arrest occurred during a community iftar event organized by the volunteer group, which triggered public outrage and led to the attack. Police and fire service units later arrived to control the situation. Teknaf police chief Saiful Islam said legal action would follow if RAB filed a complaint. The detainee’s father alleged political harassment and denied any active arrest warrant against his son.

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, announced in a televised address that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to exert pressure on Iran’s adversaries. The statement, broadcast on state television on March 12, 2026, emphasized the need for national unity to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and security. Khamenei warned that the strategic maritime route would be shut down as part of efforts to apply strategic pressure on those opposing Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transport routes, through which a significant portion of global crude oil normally passes. Analysts cited in the report noted that any closure of this passage could have a major impact on international energy markets. The announcement marks one of Khamenei’s first major policy declarations since assuming leadership, signaling a potentially tense phase in regional and global energy dynamics.

President Md. Shahabuddin Chuppu delivered his constitutionally mandated address at the opening of the 13th National Parliament session on Thursday, where he strongly criticized the former Sheikh Hasina government. In his 16-page speech, he described the previous administration as fascist and accused it of corruption, killings, and enforced disappearances. He also recounted the July 2024 mass uprising that he said ended Hasina’s rule and marked Bangladesh’s liberation from fascism. The session was presided over by Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed. During his address, the president honored the country’s martyrs, including former President Ziaur Rahman, whom he called the proclaimer of independence, and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia for her role in establishing parliamentary democracy. Government members, including Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, applauded his remarks, while opposition lawmakers protested, labeling him an accomplice of the former regime and briefly walking out before returning. The president also discussed the interim government’s initiatives following the 2024 uprising, the current administration’s welfare programs, and economic challenges such as inflation and foreign currency reserves. He expressed hope for progress in agriculture and the economy despite global instability.