The first session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament began at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The session was convened by President Md. Shahabuddin within the constitutional 30-day limit following the February 12 election, which brought the BNP to power with a two-thirds majority. The Jamaat-e-Islami–led alliance secured 77 seats and became the main opposition. The session opened without a speaker or deputy speaker, as both previous officeholders were unavailable, and a senior member was expected to preside temporarily. Tensions surfaced before the session between the ruling BNP and the opposition over constitutional reform, the July National Charter implementation, and the deputy speaker’s selection. Disagreement also arose regarding the president’s address to parliament. The opposition hinted it might boycott the address but had not confirmed its stance. Despite the friction, both sides publicly pledged to make the new parliament effective. The BNP’s chief whip emphasized cooperation and dialogue, while opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman promised constructive criticism and accountability. The government invited the opposition to propose a deputy speaker candidate, but the opposition demanded full implementation of the July reform package instead.

Former CIA Director and former US Central Command chief General David Petraeus has suggested that the United States may be responsible for a recent attack on a school in southern Iran. He made the remark when asked about possible US involvement in the incident. Although Petraeus said he had not personally reviewed the evidence from the investigation, he believed that the US likely carried out the strike using Tomahawk missiles. Petraeus added that there might have been outdated intelligence indicating the targeted building was once part of a larger Iranian naval compound. According to CBS, a US partner of the BBC, preliminary assessments also indicate that the United States was likely responsible for the deadly strike, though the attack on the school was unintentional and occurred by mistake. The report comes amid heightened regional tensions, with recent attacks in the Persian Gulf and Hormuz Strait, as well as Iranian strikes on Israeli targets, further complicating the security situation.

The US Department of Defense has reported that the country spent more than $11.3 billion during the first six days of the ongoing war in the Middle East. According to US media reports, Pentagon military officials presented this preliminary estimate to American lawmakers during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday. Reports from The New York Times and NBC News, citing unnamed sources, stated that the figure covers only direct expenses incurred during the first six days of the conflict. The reports also noted that the estimate excludes pre-war expenditures such as the deployment of additional troops and military equipment. As a result, the actual cost of the war is expected to be significantly higher than the initial estimate, according to the same reports.

Real Madrid secured a commanding 3–0 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on March 12, 2026. Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde scored all three goals, marking his first career hat-trick. Despite missing key players Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham due to injury, Real dominated the match from the start. Valverde opened the scoring in the 20th minute, doubling the lead seven minutes later from a Vinícius Júnior assist, and completed his hat-trick in the 42nd minute from a Brahim Díaz cross. In the second half, Vinícius missed a penalty, while City’s Erling Haaland failed to convert his chances, with Antonio Rüdiger making a crucial defensive block. The Spanish side maintained control until the final whistle. With this result, Real Madrid take a strong advantage into the return leg in Manchester next Tuesday, where City face a difficult task to overturn the deficit.

International crude oil prices have risen again, with Brent crude climbing 9.3 percent to reach $100.50 per barrel on Thursday. The increase occurred despite announcements from the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other countries to release record amounts of emergency reserves. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also rose 8.8 percent to $94.92 per barrel. The surge in prices has been linked to renewed Iranian attacks on energy supply systems and infrastructure in the Middle East. The instability has disrupted market confidence and contributed to sharp fluctuations in oil prices. Earlier in the week, oil briefly exceeded $110 per barrel before experiencing significant volatility. The situation underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, where multiple ships have reportedly been attacked, further heightening concerns about global energy security.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced on March 12, 2026, that four Bahraini citizens aged between 22 and 36 have been arrested on charges of spying for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to the ministry’s statement, the first detainee was allegedly following organizational instructions to photograph key sites in Bahrain with assistance from others. The collected information was reportedly transmitted to the IRGC through software channels. The ministry also reported that Iran carried out an attack targeting a fuel tank at a facility in Bahrain’s northern Muharraq Governorate early Thursday morning. In a post on social media platform X, the ministry described the incident as Iranian aggression and said relevant authorities were taking necessary measures in response. These developments come amid heightened regional tensions, with Bahrain directly accusing Iran of hostile actions on its territory and pursuing legal action against alleged domestic collaborators.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and rain across eight divisions, including Dhaka, over the coming days. The forecast, issued on March 11, 2026, also warned that Rajshahi, Jessore, and Sylhet regions may experience temporary gusty or squally winds along with rain. River ports in these areas have been advised to hoist cautionary signal number one. According to the department, a trough of low pressure lies over West Bengal and adjoining areas, while the seasonal low remains over the South Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, scattered rain or thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are likely to occur in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. The forecast also indicated that daytime temperatures across the country may drop by one to two degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged.

Security has been strengthened in and around the Bangladesh Parliament complex ahead of the first session of the 13th National Assembly. Authorities have banned all types of gatherings, processions, and rallies in the area. On Thursday morning, a large number of law enforcement personnel were deployed, and the entire zone was placed under multiple layers of security involving police, Rapid Action Battalion, and intelligence agencies. According to a notice from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, the restrictions took effect from midnight Wednesday, prohibiting the carrying of weapons, explosives, or any harmful substances, as well as any form of public demonstration. To manage traffic during the session, diversions were implemented from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on specific roads near the Parliament. Vehicles from Indira Road toward Begum Rokeya Sarani are required to use alternate routes via Manik Mia Avenue and Mirpur Road. Dhaka Metropolitan Police urged residents to follow the temporary traffic guidelines to avoid congestion and cooperate during the parliamentary session period.

Air New Zealand has announced the cancellation of 1,100 flights over the next two months due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The airline’s chief executive, Nikhil Ravishankar, said the cancellations represent about five percent of its total flights, potentially affecting around 44,000 passengers. Most of the canceled flights are on domestic routes, though some international services will also be impacted. Flights between New Zealand and the United States will continue as planned, as demand for that route has increased with travelers using it as an alternative path to Europe. Ravishankar explained that the conflict has caused unprecedented volatility in jet fuel prices, prompting airlines worldwide to adjust fares and schedules to manage rising costs. The airline’s decision highlights the broader disruptions facing global aviation as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to affect fuel markets and flight operations.

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf region and calling on Tehran to immediately cease hostilities. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained. Iran criticized the measure as one-sided. The vote took place at the UN headquarters in New York, according to Al Jazeera’s correspondent Gabriel Elizondo, who noted that China and Russia could have used their veto powers but chose not to. The resolution follows escalating hostilities that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks inside Iran. In response, Iran has been firing missiles and drones targeting Israeli positions and U.S. military sites across the Arab Gulf region. The situation has heightened tensions around the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, where several ships have also been attacked. The Security Council’s decision signals growing international concern over regional stability and maritime security, though Iran’s rejection of the resolution suggests continued friction in the near term.

Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament begins its first session on March 12, 2026, with the Speaker’s chair vacant. The session, convened by President Md. Shahabuddin, follows the February 12 election held under an interim government, in which the BNP secured a two-thirds majority and formed the new government. The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance won 77 seats and will serve as the main opposition, while the banned Awami League has no representation. Due to the resignation of former Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and the imprisonment of Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque Tuku, the opening meeting will be presided over by a senior member proposed by Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman. The session will begin with Quran recitation, followed by the election of a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker. After their swearing-in, the new Speaker will preside over the session. The agenda includes a condolence motion on the death of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and presentation of 133 ordinances issued during the interim government. The President will address the Parliament later in the day, marking the formal start of the new legislative term.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has outlined three conditions for ending the ongoing war. In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, he stated that Tehran demands recognition of its legitimate rights, compensation, and firm international guarantees against future aggression. The announcement comes as Iran seeks to define its stance in the conflict. Amid escalating regional tensions, Pezeshkian held telephone conversations with the leaders of Russia and Pakistan as part of diplomatic efforts. He reportedly emphasized Iran’s position during these discussions. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump told Axios that the war would end 'soon' and claimed there was 'nothing left to strike' in Iran, asserting that it would end whenever he decided. The statements from both sides highlight contrasting narratives about the conflict’s trajectory, with Iran focusing on conditions for peace and the United States projecting control over the war’s timeline.

A global oil shortage triggered by aggression in Iran by Israel and the United States has disrupted fuel supply in Bangladesh, raising concerns over launch operations at Dhaka’s Sadarghat terminal. Launch owners reported receiving only 50,000 to 60,000 liters of fuel daily against a demand of 250,000 to 300,000 liters, forcing a reduction in long-distance services. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Owners Association said it has sought government intervention to maintain normal operations. Fuel suppliers under the Bangladesh River Fuel Trade Association said Meghna Petroleum and Jamuna Petroleum depots in Fatullah were providing 60–70 percent less fuel than required. The shortage has already reduced launch trips to southern regions. Meghna Petroleum officials confirmed limited supply due to government restrictions on agent-based distribution. The Ministry of Shipping acknowledged the crisis and said high-level discussions are underway to restore supply. Ahead of Eid, authorities plan to strengthen Sadarghat’s security with 60 CCTV cameras and introduce new launch routes from Bosila and Kanchan-Shimuliaghat to ease passenger pressure.

Iran has launched a new missile attack on Israel, according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday. The IDF announced through its official Telegram channel that missiles fired from Iran toward Israeli territory were detected, and Israel’s defense systems were actively working to intercept the threat. The report also noted that an Iranian security official, speaking to Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity, warned that the ongoing conflict could soon enter a new phase due to continued U.S. and Israeli attacks. The official reiterated that Iran had previously cautioned against such actions, suggesting that further escalation could make the situation more complex. The renewed missile strike follows a series of recent attacks and rising tensions in the region, including incidents in the Persian Gulf and Hormuz Strait, where multiple ships have been targeted.

Following the appointment of a new Inspector General of Police, attention has turned to the selection of the next commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the country’s largest and most critical police unit. The position became vacant after Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali resigned on February 25, and senior officials have confirmed that a new appointment will be made soon. The selection file is currently with the Prime Minister’s Office. According to police headquarters sources, three Additional Inspector Generals are being considered for the post: Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, Sardar Nurul Amin, and Hasib Aziz. Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, serving in logistics and asset acquisition, is reportedly leading the race. Sardar Nurul Amin, from the HRM and Development division, and Hasib Aziz, the current Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner, are also strong contenders. All three belong to the 15th BCS police cadre. Officials indicated that the government seeks a capable and trusted officer to lead the DMP, which employs about 32,000 personnel and faces constant challenges in maintaining law and order in the capital.