Several houses belonging to 10–12 Jamaat-e-Islami activists were vandalized and set on fire in Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah on Wednesday night. The attack reportedly followed the death of Abul Kashem, general secretary of the Kapashhatia Union Krishak Dal, with allegations that BNP supporters carried out the violence. Fire service units brought the blaze under control, and multiple homes, including those of Jamaat leaders Abdul Aziz, Nayeb Ali, and Matiar Rahman, were damaged.

Following the incident, the victim’s son filed a complaint naming 12 individuals and 10–15 unidentified persons, though police have yet to register the case. The BNP and its affiliated organizations held a protest rally demanding the arrest of those responsible for Kashem’s death. Police said the conflict began over a Facebook post that led to a dispute between BNP and Jamaat supporters, resulting in Kashem’s death during a clash.

In response, local Jamaat leaders denied involvement, claiming the death stemmed from a family dispute and accusing BNP activists of exploiting the situation for political gain.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, stated that fuel theft is still occurring even after deploying guards at petrol pumps and depots. He said that although the fuel supplied to pumps should last one to one and a half days, it is now being sold out within two hours. The minister made these remarks on Thursday afternoon while addressing a reception for freedom fighters organized by the Sirajganj district administration at the Shilpakala Academy, marking Independence and National Day.

During his speech, the minister emphasized that Bangladesh was not created through any foreign conspiracy but through the struggle for its own rights, flag, and land. He urged freedom fighters to take an active role in preventing fuel theft, saying that simply identifying as vigilant guardians is not enough. He also reflected on the historical context of Bangladesh’s independence, contrasting it with Pakistan’s religious state model and acknowledging the leadership that guided the nation during its formative years.

Former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) Lt Gen (retd) Sheikh Mamun Khaled was arrested late Wednesday night from his residence in Mirpur DOHS, Dhaka, by the Detective Branch (DB) police. On Thursday, a Dhaka court granted a five-day remand in connection with the July murder case, where he is accused of ordering armed attacks that killed Delwar Hossain. The court decision followed a DB request for seven days of remand, citing the need for intensive interrogation.

According to the prosecution, Mamun Khaled was a key figure in the controversial 1/11 government and later served as DGFI chief during the Awami League era. He faces multiple allegations, including misuse of DGFI for political repression, corruption in the Jalshiri housing project, and involvement in secret detention centers such as “Aynaghar.” Journalist Syed Abdal Ahmad also accused him of torture during the 1/11 period. The prosecution claims he played a role in evicting former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from her cantonment residence and in orchestrating violence against student protesters.

Mamun Khaled denied all allegations in court, asserting he was not present at the crime scene and had no political involvement since retirement. His lawyers sought bail, arguing his name was not in the case’s initial report.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is uncertain whether the United States is truly interested in reaching a deal with Iran. Speaking about Iran, he remarked that Iranians are not good fighters but are skilled negotiators. Trump also asserted that it is Iran, not him, that is requesting a deal.

According to his statements, Trump had given Iran 48 hours last Saturday to open the Strait of Hormuz. He later claimed on Monday that discussions between the two countries had taken place and announced a five-day suspension of planned U.S. strikes on Iranian energy facilities.

The developments come amid reports that Saudi Arabia has urged the United States to continue its attacks on Iran, while both nations are expected to enter new talks soon.

On the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day, nine Master Chief Petty Officers of the Bangladesh Navy were granted honorary commissions as Sub-Lieutenants. The announcement was made on March 26, 2026, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Defence. The honorary commissions take effect from the same date.

The officers receiving the honorary Sub-Lieutenant rank are Khondaker Jahangir Alam, Md. Nazrul Islam, M. Abdul Jalil, Shah Mohammad Ashrafulzaman, Md. Saiful Islam Pradhan, Hawlader Mohammad Hannan, Md. Samiul Haque, Md. Nuruzzaman, and Md. Din Islam. The recognition marks their service and dedication within the naval force.

The Ministry of Defence’s decision aligns with the tradition of honoring distinguished service members on national occasions, reflecting the Navy’s continued commitment to acknowledging long-serving personnel.

Farmers in Juri upazila of Moulvibazar district are set to receive farmer cards as part of a government pilot project covering 11 upazilas in 10 districts. The initiative aims to distribute 21,500 cards in the first phase, with 834 farmers from Phultala Union in Juri selected to receive them. The cards will be provided to landless, marginal, and small farmers to help them access annual cash incentives for agricultural activities, fisheries, livestock, and input support.

Moulvibazar district has 127,994 hectares of cultivable land, of which 93,596 hectares remain fallow annually. Officials expect that the farmer card program will encourage cultivation on previously unused land, boosting local food production. Farmers have welcomed the initiative, calling it a landmark step for agricultural development. They noted that the government has already waived agricultural loans and launched canal excavation programs to improve irrigation.

According to the district agriculture extension office, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the farmer card program on April 14, marking its official rollout in the selected upazilas. The department expects the scheme to expand gradually across all upazilas in the district.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the killing of Iranian naval commander Alireza Tansiri represents another example of coordination between Israel and the United States. In a video message delivered in Hebrew, Netanyahu said Israel continues to carry out a series of attacks on various targets across Iran.

He added that Tansiri had played a key role in efforts to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz and claimed that the commander had 'a lot of blood on his hands.' The statement underscores Israel’s ongoing military operations targeting Iranian interests and its close security cooperation with the United States.

The remarks come as tensions remain high between Israel and Iran, with continued strikes and mutual accusations shaping the regional security environment.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a plan to launch 'Notun Kuri Sports' to develop new athletes across Bangladesh. Speaking after a friendly football match at the National Stadium on Thursday, he said the initiative aims to organize sports competitions among schools and various classes at district, upazila, and union levels.

Rahman explained that the program aligns with his party’s election manifesto, which emphasized professionalizing sports and creating opportunities for young players. He said the government intends to revive the spirit of the earlier 'Notun Kuri' program by introducing this new sports platform. The prime minister added that the goal is to enhance Bangladesh’s performance in international sporting events and bring greater recognition to the country.

He called on all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to work together to build a vibrant sports culture that fosters friendship and national pride. The event was attended by his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and several ministers and officials.

The United Arab Emirates has claimed that its air defense system intercepted 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones launched from Iran. The UAE Ministry of Defense announced the interception on Thursday but did not immediately provide details about casualties or damage resulting from the attack.

According to the ministry, since Iran began its attacks on February 28, a total of 372 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,826 drones have been intercepted. The UAE authorities also reported that two soldiers and eight civilians from various countries have been killed, while 169 others have been injured during this period.

The report, citing Anadolu as the source, comes amid continued regional tensions and ongoing hostilities between Iran and several neighboring states.

Uganda’s army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has warned that his country will directly join the war on Israel’s side if Israel faces the risk of defeat. He made the statement amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. In a message posted on X, Kainerugaba said that Uganda wants the Middle East war to end immediately, as the world is weary of the conflict. However, he emphasized that if there is any move to destroy or defeat Israel, Uganda will enter the war in support of Israel.

Kainerugaba is the son of Uganda’s current president, Yoweri Museveni, and is widely regarded as a possible successor. His remarks come at a time of heightened regional tension, with multiple international actors involved in the Iran-Israel confrontation.

The statement signals Uganda’s potential alignment in the Middle East conflict, though no further details were provided about possible military or diplomatic steps.

The National Sports Council (NSC) has formed a five-member investigation committee to look into alleged irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) elections, instructing it to submit a report within 15 working days. The BCB issued a statement warning that any decision based on the committee’s report might not be well received by the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, BCB directors claimed that the statement was made unilaterally by BCB President Aminul Islam Bulbul without prior discussion.

Speaking to reporters after a friendly match at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Independence Day, BCB Vice President Faruk Ahmed said the letter sent to the ICC was within the president’s authority but was not discussed internally. He expressed uncertainty about the outcome of the investigation report and suggested that the matter should be referred to the election commission officials responsible for overseeing the election process.

Faruk added that clarity could come from discussions with the election commissioner, as differing opinions exist between those involved in the election and those who were not.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri has come under renewed discussion after Israel reportedly claimed responsibility for his killing. Tangsiri has led the IRGC Navy since 2018, following his tenure as deputy commander from 2010. His leadership has been marked by strong statements regarding Iran’s maritime sovereignty, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iranian media, a social media account under his name became active on X (formerly Twitter) on March 10 this year, where he made several posts about the Strait of Hormuz. In one post, he asserted that ships linked to aggressors against Iran had no right to pass through the waterway. Tangsiri has long been known for his outspoken stance against the United States and Israel.

In 2019, he warned that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz if its oil exports were blocked. That same year, after Iran shot down a U.S. surveillance drone near the strait, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Tangsiri and several other IRGC commanders.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump requested Ukraine’s assistance in countering Iranian drones. In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, cited by Al Jazeera, Zelensky said Ukrainian experts are already stationed in several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, to support related efforts. He noted that Washington is maintaining direct contact with Kyiv to help protect U.S. military bases in the region.

Zelensky explained that Ukraine has become highly skilled in neutralizing Iranian drones due to their frequent use by Russia in the ongoing war. He stated that existing air defense systems in the Middle East, such as Patriot and THAAD, are insufficient to fully repel heavy drone attacks, and discussions are underway to supply specific Ukrainian interceptors to the region. In return, Ukraine has proposed a mutual assistance deal, seeking air defense missiles from Middle Eastern partners to address shortages in Kyiv.

Zelensky added that Ukraine’s defense industry is operating at half capacity due to financial constraints and expressed hope that new military cooperation with Middle Eastern nations would strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

State Minister for Textiles and Jute and Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-6 (Bhairab-Kuliarchar) Shariful Alam has called on citizens to work from their respective positions to build a humane nation. He made the call on Thursday, March 26, during the inauguration of the Independence Day parade held in Kuliarchar, Kishoreganj.

During his address, the minister said the current government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was elected by popular vote and is committed to ensuring justice and fairness in the state. He emphasized that the benefits of independence, achieved through the sacrifices of countless martyrs and the honor of women, must reach every citizen through collective effort.

The event, organized at the Kuliarchar police ground, was attended by local government officials, political leaders, and community representatives. Earlier in the day, the minister paid tribute to the martyrs at the Independence Monument, visited the graves of freedom fighters, and later attended a reception honoring freedom fighters and their families.

The US Department of Defense is preparing to send an additional 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East to intensify ongoing military operations against Iran. The move comes as thousands of US Marines are already advancing toward Iran for special missions, though officials have not confirmed any final decision to enter Iranian territory. Military analysts view this deployment as a major escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict and a possible signal of direct US involvement.

According to US Central Command, since February 28, air and missile strikes have destroyed more than 9,000 Iranian military targets, including missile launch sites, naval facilities, and defense infrastructure. The US currently has about 50,000 troops stationed in the region, and the new deployment suggests Washington may seek control over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, global oil prices have surged after Iran blocked access to the vital waterway, which handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows only 35 percent of Americans support the military campaign, while 61 percent oppose it, reflecting growing domestic discontent as President Donald Trump claims peace talks are underway—an assertion Tehran has denied.