A major controversy has erupted over the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title as Senegal’s national football team has taken legal action after its championship win was annulled. Two months after celebrating victory in the January final, Senegal filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board’s decision that awarded Morocco a 3–0 win. CAF had ruled Senegal ineligible for the final after players briefly left the field in protest during stoppage time.

The Senegal Football Federation said it needed more time to appeal because the detailed reasoning behind CAF’s ruling was received late. The Senegalese government also requested an international investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the decision. CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb stated that all parties would receive a fair hearing and that the case would be resolved as quickly as possible, though a final verdict could take several months.

The dispute stems from a tense final in Rabat on January 18, where a penalty decision against Senegal sparked chaos and led to fines and suspensions before the result was overturned.

The death toll from the bus accident at Daulatdia Ferry Terminal No. 3 in Rajbari rose to 26, according to local authorities on Thursday morning. The victims include 11 women, 8 children, and 7 men. All 26 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families. Several people remain missing, and search operations are ongoing to locate them.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 25, when a Dhaka-bound bus of Souhardya Paribahan from Kushtia lost control while boarding a ferry and plunged into the Padma River. The confirmation of the casualties was provided by Md. Hafizur Rahman, Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate of the Rajbari District Administration Office.

Officials stated that the recovery and handover of the bodies took place between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Rescue teams continue to search the river for those still unaccounted for.

Iran has claimed responsibility for a series of missile attacks targeting Israeli cities and US military bases across the Middle East. In a statement released on the 26th day of the ongoing war, Iran’s military listed operations that allegedly struck Israel’s satellite stations and several US bases, including Jordan’s Al Azraq, Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa, and Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem and Arifjan bases. The statement also claimed that missiles hit more than 70 locations in Israel, including Haifa and Dimona, and that a US F-18 aircraft was struck in Chabahar.

According to the same statement, US forces in Erbil, Iraq, were also targeted, and the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier was forced to change position after a missile strike. However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) denied Iran’s claims, stating that none of its aircraft had been hit. The report was sourced from Al Jazeera.

The developments mark a significant escalation in the regional conflict, with both sides issuing conflicting accounts of the attacks and their impact.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Bangladesh’s President Md. Sahabuddin Chuppu on Thursday, March 26, marking the country’s 55th Independence Day. In his message, Xi described China and Bangladesh as good neighbors, friends, and partners, emphasizing mutual respect, equality, and cooperation between the two nations.

Xi stated that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Bangladesh relations and expressed readiness to deepen political mutual trust with President Chuppu. He also highlighted the goal of advancing traditional friendship, promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and enhancing exchanges across various sectors to strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended greetings to Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on the anniversary occasion.

Iran has rejected a United States proposal for a ceasefire in the Middle East and declared that it has no plans to hold talks with Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on state television that his government has not participated in any discussions to end the conflict and will not do so, describing any talk of negotiations as an admission of defeat.

According to an Associated Press report, Iran dismissed the US ceasefire proposal and instead presented its own conditions for ending the war. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that discussions between the two countries are ongoing and productive, despite Iranian officials denying any such engagement. Leavitt also warned that if talks fail, President Donald Trump would ensure a stronger response against Iran.

The report added that NATO has not provided assistance on the Iran issue, while analysts warned that a prolonged conflict could increase energy shortages and instability across Asia.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for a missile attack targeting the Israeli army headquarters in Tel Aviv. According to the group, the strikes hit the Kirya complex in central Tel Aviv, which houses the Israeli military’s main command, and another facility belonging to Israel’s military intelligence agency in the city’s north. The incident reportedly occurred on March 26, 2026.

The Kirya area serves as the central hub for Israel’s defense operations and several government activities. Despite Hezbollah’s announcement, Israeli authorities have not issued any immediate comment or confirmation regarding the alleged attack. The report was carried by Al Jazeera and cited by the outlet Amar Desh.

The absence of an official Israeli response leaves uncertainty about the extent of the damage or casualties, if any, resulting from the claimed missile strikes.

Dr. Zubaida Rahman, spouse of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tareque Rahman and a noted cardiologist, visited Washington, D.C. on an official trip to attend the “Fostering the Future Together: Global Coalition Summit.” The event, held on March 24–25, 2026, was hosted by U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and brought together spouses of heads of state and first ladies from over forty-five countries to discuss global child welfare and development. Zubaida Rahman emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for every child.

During the summit, Melania Trump welcomed all delegates at the White House and called for collective efforts to build a safer future for children. Dr. Rahman held a courtesy meeting with Melania Trump, expressing gratitude for organizing the event and agreeing to collaborate on child welfare initiatives. She also met with other first ladies and spouses of world leaders and participated in the closing session and reception.

The summit also featured an exhibition by eleven leading U.S. technology firms showcasing innovations in education technology, which Dr. Rahman and her delegation visited.

Iranian military adviser and former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohsen Rezaei said that Iran is waiting for US troops in the region. He made the statement on Wednesday in a post on social media platform X, questioning the effectiveness of the US Air Force and suggesting that American soldiers should reconsider fighting for Israel.

The comment comes after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli attack on February 28, the day the Middle East war began. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has since become the new Supreme Leader and appointed Rezaei as his military adviser. Meanwhile, the United States is preparing to deploy more than 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East, signaling possible ground operations if needed.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that “very good” discussions are ongoing with Tehran to end the war, though NATO has not provided assistance on the Iran issue.

Farmers across northern Bangladesh are struggling to irrigate their Boro rice fields due to a severe diesel shortage caused by the ongoing energy crisis. In Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj, irrigation pumps, tube wells, and agricultural machinery have stopped operating, leaving farmers deeply worried about potential crop losses. Many report being forced to buy diesel at inflated prices, paying 15 to 20 taka more per liter than the government rate.

Field reports from Rajshahi’s Godagari and Naogaon’s Durgapur show diesel prices rising from 102 to 120 taka per liter, with some farmers unable to find fuel even at 150 taka. The Department of Agricultural Extension set a target of cultivating 352,000 hectares of Boro in the Rajshahi region, where 21 percent of irrigated land depends on diesel-powered pumps. Experts urge prioritizing agriculture in fuel distribution and suggest subsidies similar to electricity to ease farmers’ costs.

Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension deny receiving complaints, claiming irrigation remains normal nationwide. However, farmers warn that prolonged shortages could severely disrupt irrigation and threaten national food security.

Bangladeshi-origin footballer Ronan Benjamin Sullivan delivered a stunning performance in his debut for the Bangladesh Under-20 team, scoring twice in a match against Pakistan. The 18-year-old forward first struck in the 53rd minute with a curling free-kick from about 25 yards, followed by a header in the 67th minute. His performance marked an extraordinary debut, drawing widespread attention for his skill and composure on the field.

Born and raised in the United States, Ronan proudly represents Bangladesh, embracing his South Asian roots. Coming from a football-oriented family, he grew up in Philadelphia alongside his brothers Quinn, Declan, and Cavan Sullivan, all of whom are involved in the sport. While Quinn plays for the Philadelphia Union and represents the United States internationally, Ronan and his twin brother Declan aim to represent Bangladesh on the global stage.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Sports and former goalkeeper Aminul Haque praised Ronan’s commitment, emphasizing that all players wearing the national colors are equally Bangladeshi. National team captain Jamal Bhuiyan also lauded Ronan’s debut goals. Ronan expressed his joy on social media, calling the match a “big moment” and a “great finish.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that Iranian leaders are engaged in talks with Washington aimed at ending conflict in the Middle East. Speaking on Wednesday at a Republican Congressional Committee fundraising event in Washington, Trump said that despite public statements rejecting the U.S. peace plan, Iran’s leadership is in communication with his administration.

Trump disputed Iranian leaders’ denials, asserting that they are eager to reach an agreement but are afraid to admit it. He claimed that Iranian officials fear retaliation from their own people or possible harm from the United States if they acknowledge the discussions. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

The comments come amid ongoing regional tensions and concerns that prolonged conflict could intensify energy shortages and instability across Asia, according to the same report.

Bangladesh is struggling to manage a worsening fuel supply crisis triggered by the ongoing Middle East war and rising global oil prices. Despite government assurances of adequate reserves, long queues persist at petrol stations, and dealers report receiving only half of their required petrol and octane. The government earlier introduced and then withdrew a rationing system, claiming the situation had normalized. However, conflicting statements from ministries, distributors, and fuel station owners continue to create public confusion.

Energy experts attribute the crisis to a lack of coordination among government departments, state-owned enterprises, and private distributors. They argue that the government failed to take timely, unified action after the outbreak of the conflict, which has disrupted global supply chains. The International Energy Agency (IEA) had warned of severe global shortages and issued ten recommendations, but experts say these were not considered by the authorities.

Experts urge the government to prioritize essential sectors such as agriculture, promote fuel-efficient practices, and encourage public transport use. They warn that ignoring the crisis could deepen its impact on the economy and daily life.

A Krishak Dal leader named Abul Kashem, aged 45, was hacked and beaten to death on Wednesday night in Kullagacha Bhaturia village under Harinakundu upazila of Jhenaidah district. Kashem, who served as the general secretary of the Kapashhatia Union unit of the Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal, was attacked by a group of assailants while walking in front of his house around 8:30 p.m. Locals rescued him and took him to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital, where he died around 9:30 p.m. while undergoing treatment.

Jhenaidah district Jubo Dal general secretary Ashraful Islam Pintu alleged that members of Jamaat-e-Islami were responsible for the killing and demanded a proper investigation and exemplary punishment for those involved. Harinakundu Police Station Officer-in-Charge Golam Kibria Hasan confirmed the incident and said multiple police teams were working to identify the perpetrators. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have assured that efforts are being made to bring the killers to justice.

Former lieutenant general Masud Uddin Chowdhury, a controversial figure in Bangladesh’s military and political history, has been arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) police in Dhaka. He faces multiple charges including human trafficking, embezzlement, and murder. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case accusing him of misappropriating Tk 119 crore from workers seeking employment in Malaysia. A Dhaka court has scheduled a hearing on April 9 to decide whether he will be shown arrested in the ACC case. He was previously remanded for five days in a separate human trafficking case.

Masud’s career spans from allegations of relief theft during the 1974 famine to senior military and diplomatic positions, including serving as Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Australia. He later entered business and politics, becoming a Member of Parliament from Feni-3 under the Jatiya Party. Authorities allege he built a vast financial network through illegal recruiting and money laundering operations involving thousands of migrant workers.

Investigators say the scale of his financial dealings and international links make the probe complex. Social media users have demanded a fair investigation and justice for victims defrauded in overseas employment schemes.

Iran carried out a missile strike on a large Israeli power plant located in Hadera on the Mediterranean coast, according to a report verified by the BBC on March 26, 2026. Video footage showed gray smoke rising from beside one of the plant’s cooling towers. The BBC confirmed the authenticity of the footage through satellite imagery and reverse-image search, determining that the video was first uploaded on the same day.

The Hadera facility is one of Israel’s largest power plants and was converted from coal to gas operation in 2022. Following the attack, The Times of Israel, citing the Israel Electric Corporation, reported that the ballistic missile strike caused no damage to the plant’s infrastructure.

The incident adds to ongoing regional tensions, though immediate operational disruptions at the facility were not reported in the available information.