Ruling party members of parliament held a special prayer session in the National Parliament on Saturday afternoon for the departed soul of Dilara Hafiz, wife of Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom. The prayer was led under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, who expressed deep sorrow and condolences over her death.

Following the prayer, Prime Minister Tarek Rahman delivered a directive speech to the attending lawmakers, emphasizing the need to accelerate parliamentary activities. The meeting also discussed the government’s ongoing programs, the current political situation, legislative initiatives, and future plans.

The event reflected both a moment of mourning and a continuation of parliamentary and governmental discussions under the leadership of the prime minister.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has termed the government’s recent replacement of vice-chancellors at eight public universities during the Eid holidays as abnormal and deeply concerning. In a statement issued to the media, he said the education minister’s sudden March 16 announcement to change the vice-chancellors while universities were closed was unprecedented and undermined the integrity of higher education.

Parwar argued that prioritizing political loyalty over merit and experience in such appointments damages institutional dignity and erodes public trust in the education system. He questioned the grounds for removing the previous vice-chancellors appointed by the interim government and claimed that most of the new appointees hold positions within the ruling party or its affiliates. He demanded a clear explanation from the government and called for a transparent, parliamentary process involving both government and opposition representatives in future appointments.

He warned that such unilateral decisions could destabilize university administration and academic activities, hinder progress in higher education, and set a negative precedent for the nation’s academic governance.

Authorities in Rangamati have deployed army personnel to petrol pumps to restore order following an artificial fuel shortage in the district. The deployment began on Saturday morning after large crowds gathered at the Mohsin Petrol Pump upon hearing that fuel was being distributed. The situation became difficult to control due to the heavy rush of buyers.

Under the direction of Assistant Magistrate Abu Huraira Ador and with support from the police, the army successfully brought the situation under control. Long queues of motorcyclists and people carrying bottles were seen waiting for hours to collect fuel. The district administration stated that the army would remain stationed at all petrol pumps across Rangamati to ensure discipline in fuel distribution.

According to the administration, the deployment aims to prevent hoarding and black-market sales of fuel. Officials emphasized that strict monitoring will continue to maintain order and ensure fair access to fuel supplies.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, representing Donald Trump, said Washington is hopeful about holding a meeting with Iran later this week. He added that the United States is awaiting Tehran’s response to a proposed 15-point agreement submitted earlier in the week.

The statement comes amid a surge in regional violence. Several powerful explosions were reported in Tehran, while Iran claimed its Bushehr nuclear power plant was attacked for the third time this month. Israel announced it had successfully struck the Arak heavy water plant in central Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of targeting civilian facilities and warned that they would pay a heavy price for such aggression.

Meanwhile, several Gulf states reported intercepting new aerial threats. The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems successfully neutralized ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran.

The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has directed all fuel pumps across the country to display fuel supply information around the clock. The directive, announced on March 28, 2026, comes as part of efforts by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and BPC to maintain uninterrupted fuel distribution nationwide amid disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to a BPC press release, fuel supply operations through marketing companies are continuing smoothly. To ensure transparency and proper distribution, filling stations, packed point dealers, and petrol pumps must collect fuel from BPC depots between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day and display supply data on whiteboards in front of their premises. The displayed information must include the current month’s average fuel receipts, comparative data from the same month last year, and details of the fuel types received.

BPC’s public relations officer stated that the directive took effect on March 28, and officials are working nationwide to ensure continuous fuel supply.

At the FII Priority Summit held in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the 'Trump Strait' during his speech. Addressing the audience, he quickly corrected himself, saying he meant the Strait of Hormuz, and then joked that the media would label it a mistake. Trump added humorously that he rarely makes mistakes.

In the same address, Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, demanding that the country fully open the vital waterway. He threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants if it failed to comply. However, he also mentioned that discussions with Tehran were ongoing and announced an extension of his previously set deadline by ten days.

The remarks, reported by CNN, come amid heightened tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, and reflect Trump’s continued hardline stance toward Iran.

At the Saudi Investment Forum in Miami on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Cuba could be the next target following the U.S. victory in the war against Iran. He defended the military campaign, claiming it prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons within weeks and delayed its nuclear program by several years. Trump also criticized NATO for not supporting Washington’s actions against Tehran and accused Iran of long being a regional oppressor.

Addressing Saudi attendees, Trump said Iran’s weapons could have been used against them and Israel. He also criticized Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, recounting a past conversation about the United States’ resurgence. Trump hinted at possible action against Cuba and said he was pressuring Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to reach an agreement with Washington, though he did not specify any terms.

The forum took place amid global economic instability linked to the war’s impact on energy markets, according to The Hill.

Bangladesh Under-20 football team advanced to the semifinals of the SAFF U-20 Championship after a 1-1 draw against India on March 28, 2026. The match saw India take the lead through Vishal Yadav in the 17th minute, but Bangladesh equalized before halftime when Mohammad Abdul Riad scored from a corner delivered by US-based player Ronan Sullivan. The result secured Bangladesh’s place in the semifinals as group runners-up with four points from two matches.

India topped the group on goal difference, while Bangladesh finished second. As a result, Bangladesh will face Nepal in the semifinals, and India will play against Bhutan. The match was competitive, with both teams creating chances in the second half but failing to score again.

Sullivan, who had also played a key role in Bangladesh’s earlier win over Pakistan, once again contributed decisively. The upcoming semifinal against Nepal presents a new challenge for Bangladesh’s young players as they aim to continue their strong performance in the tournament.

Security has been tightened at fuel depots in Sylhet, where Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed to prevent possible hoarding, sabotage, and supply disruption. Acting under the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs, BGB members began duty on Saturday at key depots, including Padma and Meghna. Sources said BGB is now stationed at 19 fuel depots across the country, including those in Sylhet and Moulvibazar, with officers leading patrols and surveillance. Intelligence monitoring has also been increased to handle any untoward incidents.

Barrister Riyashad Azim Haque Adnan, acting president of the Sylhet divisional committee of the Bangladesh Petroleum Dealers, Distributors, Agents and Petrol Pump Owners Association, expressed differing views on the deployment. He warned that such security measures might create public anxiety and urged authorities to identify and control oil theft points instead. He emphasized that BGB should focus on border duties to prevent smuggling.

BGB officials confirmed that two platoons are stationed at the Sylhet depots, with temporary base camps set up for operational convenience. The district administration has also appointed tag officers to monitor petrol pumps and announced rewards for information on illegal hoarding or manipulation.

Residents of Godagari in Rajshahi held a human chain protest on Saturday, March 28, 2026, demanding the cancellation of prepaid electricity meters and withdrawal of what they described as excessive billing by the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO). The demonstration took place at the Dyingpara roundabout, organized by the Godagari Citizens’ Rights Protection Committee, with participation from people of various professions who expressed anger and hardship over the issue.

Participants wore white cloths on their heads as a symbol of protest and displayed banners appealing to the Prime Minister to accept their demands. Speakers alleged that NESCO was forcibly installing prepaid meters and charging up to three times the normal electricity cost, pushing many into financial distress. They said the new system had made regular electricity use unaffordable for many households.

Protesters called for an immediate halt to the prepaid meter installation and the withdrawal of the additional charges. They warned of tougher programs if their demands were not met and sought the Prime Minister’s direct intervention.

Iran has claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks on two locations in Dubai where US forces were reportedly stationed. According to Iranian sources cited by Al Jazeera, the attacks targeted sites hosting around 500 American soldiers. The strikes were carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the command of its Khatam al-Anbia headquarters.

IRGC spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari stated that the attacks caused significant damage and forced US troops to abandon their bases and take cover. He warned that the region could become a graveyard for American forces unless they surrender. The semi-official Tasnim news agency also reported that the US soldiers were hiding outside their bases following the strikes.

The report did not include any confirmation or response from US or UAE authorities regarding the alleged attacks or their impact.

The first trailer of the new series 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' has set a record by surpassing 277 million views within 48 hours of release. According to the report, this makes it the most-watched trailer in the history of HBO and HBO Max. The total view count includes views from YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, and HBO Max, with YouTube contributing the largest share.

Based on J.K. Rowling’s seven-part novel series, the show aims to reintroduce the Harry Potter universe. Dominic MacLaughlin plays Harry, with John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, and Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape. Francesca Gardiner serves as showrunner, and several episodes are directed by Mark Mylod.

The series is set to premiere on HBO and stream on HBO Max during Christmas 2026. Fans have expressed excitement about seeing the magical world return to the screen, and the record-breaking trailer views reflect the enduring global popularity of the Harry Potter story.

At an Independence Day shadow parliament debate held at the FDC in Dhaka on Saturday, National Press Club President and poet Hasan Hafiz stated that the Awami League did not achieve independence alone and that the problems began when Liberation War credentials were commercialized after independence. He accused the party of severely politicizing the spirit of the Liberation War to maintain power, turning genuine freedom fighters into villains and labeling dissenters as anti-independence.

Hafiz called for identifying fake freedom fighters and bringing them under legal action to revoke their illegal benefits. The event, organized by Debate for Democracy, saw Sir Salimullah Medical College defeat Sonargaon University in the competition on the spirit of the Liberation War. Judges included academics and journalists, and participants received trophies, crests, and certificates.

Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said in his speech that the struggle for liberation is not over and must continue until a just and discrimination-free society is achieved, noting that the full benefits of independence have yet to be realized.

More than 400 Hezbollah fighters have been killed in the ongoing conflict with Israel that began after the group launched rockets on March 2 in retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Two sources familiar with Hezbollah’s casualty figures confirmed the toll to Reuters, providing the first comprehensive estimate of losses in the latest round of fighting.

The deaths occurred amid Israel’s expanded airstrikes and ground operations in Lebanon. Previously, Hezbollah had only reported individual deaths without disclosing total figures. During the 2023–24 conflict, the group had lost around 5,000 fighters and used to release daily casualty updates. The Israeli military has claimed that at least 700 Hezbollah members, including several from the elite Radwan force, have been killed in the current four-week-long war.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 1,142 people have been killed so far in Israeli attacks, including 122 children, 83 women, and 42 medical workers, though it did not specify how many were combatants. Israel said one soldier and one combat officer were seriously injured during overnight operations, adding to four earlier confirmed military deaths.

U.S. and European officials have reported that Russia is sending an upgraded version of the Shahed drone to Iran. The drones, previously used by Russia in the Ukraine war, now include jet engines, AI-based navigation systems, advanced jammer resistance, and Starlink internet devices. These enhancements are said to make the drones significantly more powerful, and the current shipment is reportedly being delivered to Tehran.

European officials believe the drones are being transported through Azerbaijan under the guise of humanitarian aid. However, it remains unclear how large the shipment is or whether it represents a one-time delivery or part of an ongoing supply chain. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as baseless, while White House spokesperson Olivia Wells stated that Iran’s acquisitions would not affect U.S. operations.

The report notes that Iran has continued drone attacks in the Middle East for over a month following U.S. and Israeli strikes. Analysts suggest that if these advanced drones reach Iran, they could pose a serious challenge to U.S. and allied air defense systems in the region.