The United Nations announced the formation of a task force to maintain trade flow through the Hormuz Strait, where maritime commerce has been disrupted by the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said immediate action is essential to reduce the conflict’s impact. The task force will be led by Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva.

According to the UN, the initiative will draw inspiration from previous mechanisms such as the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the UN2720 mechanism for Gaza. The task force will engage with all relevant member states to determine how best to implement the plan, with the UN urging broad support to protect populations already affected by the conflict.

Experts warned that disruptions in fertilizer supply and rising fuel prices could further increase food costs in vulnerable countries. The World Food Programme cautioned that if the Iran war continues through June, tens of millions of people could face severe hunger.

The parliamentary committee has formed a three-member investigation team to look into the sound system failure that disrupted the opening session of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. The committee was instructed to submit its report by April 3, 2026, determining whether the incident involved sabotage. The decision was made during a committee meeting on Saturday, and Chief Whip Nurul Islam briefed reporters afterward.

The malfunction occurred on March 12, 2026, during the first day of the new parliament’s session, forcing a temporary suspension. The following day, Jamaat MP Shahjahan Chowdhury expressed frustration over the issue. Chief Whip Nurul Islam said the investigation, led by the Sergeant-at-Arms, would examine both possible sabotage and technical faults, with experts from BUET assisting. He also criticized the large headphones used in parliament, saying they would be replaced.

The meeting also discussed housing and medical facilities for MPs. The Chief Whip said all members would receive housing, with ministers and senior officials having separate residences. The committee plans to meet again on March 30, 2026.

A delivery robot operated by Serve Robotics caused damage in Chicago on Tuesday after crashing into and shattering a glass bus shelter. The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, showed the robot twitching amid the debris before rolling away. Alderman Walter Burnett said his office contacted Serve Robotics to stress public safety concerns and ensure the shelter’s repair. The company confirmed it is working with the shelter provider to clean up the damage and has launched an internal review.

The crash comes amid growing tension over Chicago’s pilot program allowing autonomous delivery robots from Serve Robotics and Coco Robotics. The initiative, approved in 2022, has faced protests and petitions from residents worried about sidewalk safety and accessibility. Critics argue the robots obstruct walkways and pose risks to pedestrians, while supporters highlight their potential to reduce car traffic and emissions.

Serve Robotics’ leadership has pledged to engage with residents and city officials to address concerns. The pilot program, overseen by city departments, is set to continue until May 2027 unless the City Council decides otherwise.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a nearly one-hour telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. The call was part of Pakistan’s broader consultations with regional leaders. In a post on social media platform X, Sharif expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran and condemned Israeli attacks. He also thanked Pezeshkian for appreciating Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and dialogue in the region.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will meet his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt in Islamabad. The two-day meeting is scheduled to begin on Sunday. Officials confirmed that earlier in the week, Pakistan conveyed Washington’s 15-point ceasefire proposal to Tehran.

The discussions reflect Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagement amid heightened regional tensions and efforts to facilitate dialogue among key Middle Eastern states.

Kuwait International Airport sustained extensive damage to its radar system following multiple drone attacks, according to the state news agency KUNA. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that no casualties occurred in the incident, which took place amid heightened security concerns in the region.

The report stated that the airport had been targeted several times since the outbreak of the Iran war. The most recent attack before this incident occurred on Wednesday, when a drone strike on a fuel depot caused a major fire. Kuwaiti authorities have blamed Iran for these repeated assaults, reflecting ongoing regional instability and escalating hostilities.

The repeated targeting of key infrastructure such as airports and fuel depots underscores the vulnerability of Gulf states to drone warfare and may prompt further security measures at critical facilities.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the Bangladesh Police are not satisfied with their current uniform and that discussions are underway at the highest level of government to decide on restoring one of the force’s traditional attires. He made the remarks on Saturday, March 28, during the passing-out parade of the 43rd BCS Police batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi.

The minister emphasized that the police are not a partisan force but should serve as friends of the people. He said the government aims to make the police a modern, service-oriented, and humane institution free from political influence. As part of broader democratic reforms, a Police Reform Commission has been established to ensure the force remains independent of political interference.

A total of 72 assistant superintendents of police from the 43rd BCS batch completed their training and will now join service, according to the minister’s remarks at the event.

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has launched its first-ever MD program in Emergency Medicine. The program was formally inaugurated on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the university’s Shaheed Dr. Milton Hall. The keynote paper was presented by Dr. Reza Ali, Associate Professor and Senior Staff Specialist in Emergency Medicine at the University of Western Sydney’s Local Health District in Australia. The event was attended by BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, senior officials from the Directorate General of Health Services and the Directorate of Medical Education, as well as other university leaders and faculty members.

Speakers at the event emphasized that the new program marks a milestone for Bangladesh in developing specialized expertise in emergency healthcare. They noted that newly enrolled doctors will receive training under the guidance of renowned local and international faculty, enabling them to deliver high-quality emergency medical services. The number of students admitted to this program is expected to increase annually.

According to the speakers, the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to ensuring modern, life-saving emergency medical care through coordinated efforts among the Ministry of Health, the Directorate General of Health Services, and BMU.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa celebrated the 2026 Independence and National Day of Bangladesh on March 26 with due dignity and festivity. The event, held on Saturday, featured a diplomatic reception attended by Canadian parliamentarians, senior officials, diplomats from various countries, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora. Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Foreign Minister Robert Oliphant attended as the chief guest.

High Commissioner Md. Jashim Uddin paid tribute to the martyrs, freedom fighters, and victims of the 1971 Liberation War, emphasizing that independence is a continuous responsibility. He noted Bangladesh’s efforts over the past 55 years to strengthen democratic institutions and achieve sustainable economic growth. Chief guest Robert Oliphant praised Bangladesh’s growing economic stability, contributions to global peacekeeping, and progress in social and economic indicators.

The celebration included a ceremonial cake-cutting and a cultural performance titled “Bangladesh: Baro Mashe Tero Parbon,” showcasing the country’s seasonal and cultural heritage. Earlier in the day, the national flag was hoisted at the Bangladesh House, followed by a special prayer for the martyrs of the Liberation War.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched a special mosquito eradication and cleanliness campaign titled “Clean School, No Mosquito” across 536 educational institutions under its jurisdiction. The initiative began on Saturday morning at Dhaka Residential Model School and College, inaugurated by DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan. The campaign aims to prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue, particularly after the long Eid holidays when schools and offices reopen.

DNCC officials stated that the three-day program will cover schools, colleges, and madrasas, focusing on removing and destroying potential mosquito breeding sites. The effort includes larviciding and adulticiding activities in classrooms and surrounding areas. DNCC’s Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury said the program was designed to ensure student health and address cleanliness gaps created during prolonged school closures.

The campaign also includes awareness activities to educate students about Aedes mosquitoes and dengue prevention, aligning with DNCC’s goal of building a livable, mosquito-free, and odor-free city.

A farmer was killed and two others were seriously injured when lightning struck a wheat field in the Shihara Union border area of Patnitala upazila in Naogaon on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026. The deceased was identified as Ashraf Hossain, 38, son of Ainal Haque of Shitalmat village. The injured, Tarek Hossain, 35, and Sharif Hossain, 36, were taken to Sapahar Upazila Health Complex in critical condition.

Local residents said the three farmers were harvesting wheat when the lightning struck suddenly. The incident caused panic in the area as all three victims were from the same village. Shihara Union Parishad Chairman Tofazzal Hossain confirmed that one person died on the spot due to the natural disaster, while the other two were hospitalized.

Patnitala Police Station Officer-in-Charge Asaduzzaman Asad also confirmed the death and injuries resulting from the lightning strike.

Hezbollah has intensified attacks on northern Israel, destroying several settlements including Misgav Am, Teshuba, and Gad. The mayor of Margaliot broke down in tears while describing the devastation. On Wednesday, local council heads met government officials via Zoom to discuss the worsening situation, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging them to prevent residents from leaving their areas.

During the meeting, Mayor Avichai Stern accused the government of failing to support border communities, saying Israeli homes and infrastructure had turned into ruins. He criticized Netanyahu’s government as a major failure, urging immediate action or acknowledgment of its inability to manage the crisis.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed to have carried out 82 operations against Israeli forces in the past 24 hours, destroying two Israeli tanks. Fierce ground battles continue in southern Lebanon, particularly around Qantara and Miniara, where both sides are engaged in intense fighting.

Thirteen Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted by Myanmar’s armed rebel group Arakan Army from the Naf River near Shahparir Island in Teknaf on Saturday morning, March 27, 2026. The fishermen, all residents of Shahparir Island’s Majher Para and Dangorpara areas, were taken along with three fishing boats while catching fish near the Naikhyangdia area of the river.

Local union council member Abdul Mannan confirmed that the Arakan Army frequently detains fishermen, making fishing in the Naf River and nearby sea areas nearly impossible. Abdul Gafur, president of the Shahparir Island Fishermen’s Association, said the incident occurred around 7 a.m. after several engine boats had gone out to fish earlier that morning. The matter has been reported to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local authorities, and fear now grips the fishing community.

Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer Mohammad Inamul Hafiz Nadim stated that although no written complaint has yet been received, steps will be taken in coordination with the BGB and Coast Guard to bring the fishermen back. According to BGB and local sources, over the past 18 months, more than 400 fishermen have been detained by the Arakan Army, with about 250 later released.

In Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj, local authorities have begun enforcing a new directive that prohibits the sale of fuel to motorcyclists lacking valid documents or helmets. The operation took place on Saturday afternoon at Messrs. Suman Filling Station in Kansat, led by Executive Magistrate Toufiq Aziz. With police assistance, officials verified each motorcycle’s registration, driving license, and helmet before allowing fuel distribution. Riders without proper documentation were turned away.

Several customers welcomed the initiative, saying it would help restore discipline on roads and reduce the movement of illegal vehicles. They also noted that maintaining the rule permanently could prevent fuel wastage and positively impact national revenue.

Executive Magistrate Toufiq Aziz stated that the directive has been implemented across all petrol pumps under district administration orders. He emphasized that such drives will continue regularly to ensure road safety and law enforcement compliance, urging all pump owners to strictly follow the instructions.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division of Bangladesh announced on Saturday, March 28, 2026, that there is no possibility of a fuel supply shortage in the country. In an official statement, the division said that fuel reserves and distribution remain normal and urged citizens not to panic or buy fuel excessively. It also warned that petrol, octane, and diesel are highly flammable and that illegal storage poses serious safety risks.

The division stated that legal action is being taken against unauthorized fuel hoarding, with mobile courts operating under executive magistrates in every district. The government has not raised fuel prices and continues to import necessary quantities from the international market to ensure uninterrupted supply. To strengthen monitoring, tag officers will be appointed at all petrol pumps, with the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation overseeing those in Dhaka and Chattogram.

Additionally, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed at fuel depots nationwide to prevent illegal storage and maintain orderly distribution. The deployment follows instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs in response to global fuel market instability caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

In Gaibandha’s Phulchhari upazila, the banned Awami League has reportedly continued organizing political programs despite restrictions on its activities. On March 26, the party observed Independence Day in Erendabari Union under the leadership of mid-level leader Popel Ahmed. The event was attended by Phulchhari Upazila Awami League president and former upazila chairman GM Selim Parvez, along with leaders and activists from various affiliated organizations.

Local police sources said the officer-in-charge of Phulchhari Police Station, Durul Huda, was on leave at the time. Acting officer SI Abdul Kaiyum stated he would investigate the matter and report to his superior. Opposition figures criticized the incident, with BNP’s Phulchhari unit general secretary Abdus Salam asserting that a banned party cannot hold such programs, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s upazila chief Sirajul Islam called it a failure of law enforcement and demanded action.

Reports indicate that the banned Awami League had previously organized events on February 21 and March 25, raising further questions about the implementation of the ban.