On Thursday, March 26, 2026, several countries including China, the United States, India, Russia, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and Italy sent congratulatory messages to Bangladesh on the occasion of its Independence and National Day. Chinese President Xi Jinping described China and Bangladesh as good neighbors, friends, and partners, expressing commitment to advancing Belt and Road cooperation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings, noting Bangladesh’s new chapter after recent elections and emphasizing shared goals for a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Russia’s ambassador Alexander Zh. Khokhin praised Bangladesh’s progress since independence and recalled Soviet support in 1972. UK’s King Charles III highlighted mutual respect, Commonwealth ties, and Bangladesh’s leadership on climate action. Pakistan’s foreign ministry expressed wishes for peace and prosperity, while India’s President Droupadi Murmu emphasized shared history and cultural bonds. Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella lauded bilateral cooperation and the contribution of Bangladeshi workers in Italy.

The messages collectively underscored Bangladesh’s growing international partnerships and recognition of its achievements as the nation marked its 55th year of independence.

Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Naib-e-Ameer of Dhaka South Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that when rulers exploit people and govern against public opinion, nations are compelled toward revolution. He said true independence means ensuring economic, political, and fundamental rights, not merely possessing land, a flag, or a map. He expressed that the dream of independence envisioned by the people of Bangladesh remains unfulfilled.

Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organized by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Paltan Thana unit on the occasion of Independence and National Day, Dr. Helal Uddin said the revolution of 2024 emerged because the spirit of 1971 was not realized. He added that the nation has pledged to rebuild a new Bangladesh in the spirit of July and that implementing the July Charter is essential for achieving that vision.

He called on the government to respect the referendum’s verdict and take steps to implement the July Charter order instead of pushing the nation toward political crisis.

French football star Kylian Mbappé has expressed disappointment over Neymar Jr.’s exclusion from Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking to Brazil’s Globo media, Mbappé said he could not imagine a World Cup without Neymar, describing the Brazilian forward as one of the biggest stars in the sport. Neymar was left out of the national team after coach Carlo Ancelotti decided not to compromise on fitness standards, making his participation in the upcoming tournament uncertain.

Mbappé and Neymar played together at Paris Saint-Germain from 2017 to 2023, a period marked by both collaboration and reported tensions. Despite past differences, Mbappé praised Neymar’s talent and influence, calling him a player capable of making a major difference on the field. Neymar has been struggling with injuries and was not included in Brazil’s recent international friendlies, further fueling doubts about his readiness for the World Cup, which begins on June 11.

The final two friendly matches before the tournament are seen as Brazil’s last opportunity to finalize their squad, and Neymar’s absence from these games suggests his World Cup participation remains in serious doubt.

Two motorcyclists were killed and another was seriously injured when a passenger bus hit two motorcycles on the Cox’s Bazar–Chattogram highway in Chakaria upazila early Thursday, March 26, 2026. The accident occurred in the Baniarchhara area of Baraitali Union. Police confirmed the incident after being informed by locals.

According to local sources, a ‘Lal Sobuj Paribahan’ bus traveling from Chattogram to Cox’s Bazar was moving at high speed when it struck two motorcycles from behind in the same lane. The collision killed two riders on one motorcycle on the spot and left another rider from the second motorcycle critically injured. The deceased were identified as Shariful Islam, 30, and Raisul Islam Shishir, 30, both from Uttarkhan Atipara in Dhaka. The injured person was taken to Chakaria Upazila Health Complex, but his identity was not known.

Police from Chiringa Highway Station reached the scene, brought the situation under control, and confirmed that the bus driver fled after the crash. Legal proceedings are underway.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed the killing of Alireza Tangsiri, the naval chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In a video message delivered in Hebrew, Netanyahu described the operation as another example of cooperation between Israel and the United States. He also stated that Israel continues to carry out powerful strikes against various Iranian targets.

Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed that Israeli forces conducted an airstrike that killed Tangsiri. Katz said the IRGC commander had played a key role in creating a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and in laying mines in the area. Netanyahu publicly endorsed his defense minister’s statements, reinforcing Israel’s official position on the incident.

The report, citing BBC as its source, highlights the ongoing Israeli military actions against Iranian interests and the coordination between Israel and the United States in these operations.

The Indian government has urged citizens not to engage in panic buying of fuel, asserting that the country has sufficient reserves of crude oil, petrol, and diesel. The appeal came as long queues formed at fuel stations across India despite official assurances. The government’s statement followed a sharp rise in global oil prices triggered by Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Sujata Sharma, a senior official at India’s Petroleum Ministry, stated that there is no shortage of fuel and asked the public not to believe rumors. However, reports from various parts of the country indicated that many people continued to crowd fuel pumps, fearing potential shortages. One commuter told AFP that he had to wait nearly an hour to refuel.

The government’s reassurance aims to stabilize public sentiment and prevent unnecessary strain on fuel distribution networks as global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran.

Social Welfare Minister and Member of Parliament Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain stated that there is no scope to insult or belittle freedom fighters in any way. He emphasized that honoring them brings honor to oneself. The minister made these remarks on Thursday at 5 p.m. during a discussion and award ceremony held at Nawabganj Government Pilot High School field in Dinajpur, marking Independence and National Day.

The event was organized by the Upazila administration and chaired by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Zillur Rahman. Other speakers included Bir Muktijoddha Dabirul Islam, convener of the Upazila Freedom Fighters Command, and martyr family member Sultan Mahmud. Senior police officials, local political leaders, and government officers were also present. The program was conducted by Upazila Social Services Officer Shuvra Prakash Chakraborty.

The minister further noted that history cannot be fabricated and that true history is built through actions and contributions, not through invented stories.

Bangladesh lost 3-0 to Vietnam in a FIFA international friendly match held on March 26, 2026. Vietnam dominated the first half, scoring all three goals before the break. Tuan Hai opened the scoring in the eighth minute, followed by Do Duy Manh in the 18th minute, and Nguyen Hai Long added the third in the 38th minute. Despite Bangladesh’s improved performance in the second half, they failed to reduce the deficit.

Bangladesh coach Cabrera made tactical adjustments after halftime, switching to a 5-3-2 formation that helped contain Vietnam’s attacks. Goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon made several key saves, while substitute Shahriar Emon’s attempt was blocked by the hosts. Vietnam’s Khueat Phon Khang and Rafael both came close to adding more goals but were denied by Bangladesh’s defense.

Following this defeat, Bangladesh will face Singapore in their next match in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, aiming to recover from the setback and strengthen their campaign.

Five people, including the driver of a private car, were killed in a collision between a Star Line Paribahan bus and a private car in front of Miami Hotel at Kalakchua in Burichong upazila of Cumilla. The accident occurred around 6 p.m. on Thursday, according to Md. Abdul Mumin, officer-in-charge of the Mainamati Highway Police Station. He confirmed that all the deceased were residents of Sonaiamuri upazila in Noakhali district.

Local sources said the Chattogram-bound bus hit the private car from behind, leaving the vehicle completely wrecked. Four of the bodies were taken to Eastern Medical College Hospital and Cumilla Medical College Hospital. One person was also injured in the crash. Police have contacted the victims’ relatives, who are on their way to the scene.

Traffic movement on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway remained normal after the accident, according to the highway police official.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a missile attack on a US F-18 fighter jet near the Chabahar port area in Iran’s southern Sistan-Baluchestan region. The claim was made in an official IRGC statement, according to reports published on March 26, 2026.

BBC Persian reported that several videos circulated in Iranian media showed a US F-18 flying over the area. BBC’s fact-checking team verified that at least one of the videos was filmed near the Tis Bridge in Chabahar. The footage appeared to show a defensive missile strike hitting the aircraft’s tail section, causing an explosion.

However, there was no visual or other evidence confirming that the aircraft was shot down. The US Central Command issued a statement denying that any of its fighter jets had been downed.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is not preparing to send drones to Iran, dismissing media reports on the matter as false. He made the remarks in response to a journalist’s question, urging people not to pay attention to what he described as widespread misinformation in the media.

Russia and Iran maintain a strategic partnership agreement, and Moscow has consistently condemned U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. However, there has been no public disclosure of Russia providing weapons or military equipment to Tehran. Some discussions have suggested that Russia may be sharing intelligence with Iran, though this has not been confirmed.

The report also recalls that Iran previously supported Russia during the war in Ukraine, notably through the supply of Iranian-made Shahed drones, which drew international attention.

The National Sports Council (NSC) has formed an investigation committee to probe alleged irregularities in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election. The committee has summoned BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul for an interview, though the exact date of his appearance has not been confirmed. Committee sources confirmed the summons but declined to specify when it was issued.

According to another source, Bulbul, who is currently abroad, intends to appear before the committee after April 4. He was expected to return to Bangladesh on March 26 but is reportedly attending an Asian Cricket Council meeting before returning. His exact return date remains uncertain, and he plans to meet the committee upon his return.

Earlier, five BCB directors and several participants from the most recent BCB election have already been interviewed by the investigation committee as part of the ongoing inquiry.

The Ministry of Shipping has formed a six-member investigation committee following a fatal bus accident at Daulatdia Ghat in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila. The incident occurred on March 25 when a passenger bus fell into the Padma River while boarding a ferry. According to the ministry’s order issued on Thursday, at least 26 people have been confirmed dead, and the toll may rise further.

The committee is led by Additional Secretary Md. Mahidul Islam of the Ministry of Shipping. Other members include representatives from the Rajbari district administration, the river police, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), and the Fire Service and Civil Defence Department. The committee has been tasked with identifying the cause of the accident and determining those responsible.

The ministry has instructed the committee to submit its report within three working days. It may co-opt additional members if necessary to complete the investigation.

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to come to the negotiating table without delay, warning that waiting too long could have serious consequences. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Iranian negotiators as “strange” and claimed that Iran’s military power had been destroyed with no chance of recovery. He asserted that Iran was pleading for a deal with the United States, even though publicly it continued to say it was only considering U.S. proposals.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by saying that communication between Tehran and Washington was taking place through allied countries, emphasizing that this did not amount to direct negotiations. The comments from both sides highlight ongoing tensions and the complex diplomatic channels being used to manage them.

The exchange suggests that while both nations are signaling some form of engagement, direct talks have not yet begun, leaving uncertainty about when or if formal negotiations will take place.

U.S. President Donald Trump has once again warned Iran to return to negotiations, emphasizing that the country must take the matter seriously before it is too late. In a social media post on Thursday, Trump stated that once the situation escalates, there will be no way back and it will not look good. He asserted that Iran has been militarily destroyed and has no chance of recovery.

According to the report sourced from Al Jazeera, Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. The statement reflects continued pressure from Washington for Tehran to reengage in diplomatic discussions. The report also mentions related developments, including Saudi Arabia’s call for the U.S. to continue strikes on Iran and indications that the U.S. and Iran may soon resume talks.

The renewed warning underscores the fragile state of U.S.-Iran relations and suggests that diplomatic engagement could resume in the near future if both sides agree to return to the table.