The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has approved a Tk 500 crore zero-coupon bond proposed by Akij Food and Beverage Limited. The approval was granted during a commission meeting held on Wednesday, chaired by BSEC Chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud, according to an official press release.

The bond will be unsecured, non-convertible, and fully redeemable at face value upon maturity, with no interest payments. Its tenure will range from six months to a maximum of five years. Each unit of the bond will have a face value of Tk 10 lakh and will be issued through private placement to banks, non-bank financial institutions, insurance companies, institutional investors, and high-net-worth individuals. Sena Kalyan Insurance PLC will act as the trustee, while North Star Investments (BD) Limited will serve as the fund arranger.

The approval marks a significant financing initiative for Akij Food and Beverage Limited, expanding its access to institutional capital through the domestic bond market.

Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) has issued new directives requiring motorcyclists to meet three conditions before obtaining fuel in Sylhet city. The announcement, signed by SMP Commissioner Abdul Kudduch Chowdhury and released on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, instructs all filling station authorities to comply with the order.

According to the public notice, motorcyclists must possess a valid driving license, ensure the motorcycle is properly registered, and both the rider and passenger must wear helmets with clear visors. Filling stations have been asked not to supply fuel to any motorcycle failing to meet these criteria.

The SMP stated that the directive was issued in the public interest and warned that legal action would be taken against those who violate the rules or create disorder.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that US troops may be deceived by what he described as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plot. In a post on social media platform X, Ghalibaf said Tehran is closely monitoring all US movements in the region, particularly troop deployments, and cautioned against testing Iran’s resolve to defend its territory.

According to the Associated Press, the United States is deploying more than 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, along with two Marine units, bringing the total presence to about 5,000 Marines and several thousand naval personnel. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran on February 28, Israel’s military has carried out over 15,000 bombings in Iran, four times more than during a 12-day conflict last June.

Katz, speaking alongside Israel’s army chief Yaal Zamir, added that Tel Aviv has approved new targets for attacks in Iran and Lebanon, signaling a potential escalation in the conflict.

Two delegations from Japanese universities met with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at his office. The meetings focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in education and research between Dhaka University and the visiting institutions.

A four-member team from Hiroshima University, led by Professor Dr. Md. Moshior Rahman, discussed launching joint academic and research programs and initiating faculty, student, and researcher exchange activities. Both sides agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding soon. The vice-chancellor briefed the delegation on Dhaka University’s history and academic activities and expressed appreciation for their interest.

On the same day, Professor Dr. Kawashima Hiroto from Japan’s Shibaura Institute of Technology met separately with the vice-chancellor, joined by the dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Dr. Abdus Salam. They discussed strengthening ongoing collaborative research on air pollution, environment, and climate change. The vice-chancellor emphasized the importance of expanding global academic partnerships to improve education and research quality.

A total of 775 international flights have been canceled from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka over the past 27 days due to airspace closures across several Middle Eastern countries. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh confirmed the cancellations in a statement on March 25, 2026, citing ongoing security concerns in the region that have led Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan to temporarily close or restrict their airspace.

According to official data, flight cancellations began on February 28 and continued through the end of March, with 30 to 40 flights canceled daily at the start of the period. Although the number has slightly decreased, more than 20 flights per day were still being canceled as of March 25. An additional 22 flights scheduled after midnight on March 26 were also canceled, including services by Kuwait Airways, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Jazeera Airways.

Authorities advised passengers to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates, as uncertainty is expected to persist until Middle Eastern air routes fully reopen.

Authorities in Kuakata, Patuakhali, launched a special operation on March 25, 2026, to control reckless motorcycle movement on the beach following a report in the daily Amar Desh highlighting tourist safety concerns and police inaction. The operation began around 4:30 p.m. and was led by Kuakata Municipality Administrator and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Yasin Sadek, with support from the Tourist Police.

During the drive, several motorcycles were seized for operating in tourist walking areas, and their keys were confiscated. Considering the tourism season, no fines were imposed, but the riders were warned and later had their keys returned. The administration also designated a specific zone for motorcycle use, warning that any violations outside this area would result in legal action.

Tourists and local residents expressed satisfaction with the initiative but urged that such monitoring be maintained permanently to ensure continued safety and order on the beach.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on all citizens to work together to move Bangladesh forward. In a message posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday marking the Great Independence Day, he said the day renews the spirit of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. He emphasized that the goal of independence was to build a non-discriminatory, democratic, peaceful, and prosperous Bangladesh, and urged everyone to unite to achieve that vision.

In his message, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all citizens of Bangladesh and expatriates on the occasion of the Great Independence and National Day. He paid deep respect to the martyrs and freedom fighters whose sacrifices brought independence and sovereignty to the nation, and prayed for the departed souls of all martyrs.

Tarique Rahman further stated that national unity, mutual tolerance, and patriotism are essential to accelerate the country’s progress and development. He called on everyone to dedicate themselves to the welfare of the nation and work collectively to build a developed, prosperous, and dignified Bangladesh.

Barrister Md. Ruhul Kudduz Kajol has been appointed as the 18th Attorney General of Bangladesh. Following his appointment on Wednesday, he stated that he would not obstruct anyone’s pursuit of justice. The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued the official notification of his appointment earlier in the day.

Kajol is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court with extensive legal experience. He previously served three terms as the elected secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association and held positions as a member of the Bar Council and chairman of its executive committee. His legal career began in 1995 at the Dhaka District and Sessions Judge Court, and he was later enrolled as an advocate in the Supreme Court and the Appellate Division.

Kajol holds law degrees from the University of Dhaka, the University of London, and City University, and he is a barrister-at-law from Lincoln’s Inn. He is also active in politics as a central committee member of the BNP and senior joint secretary general of the Nationalist Lawyers’ Forum.

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry reported that 39 people were arrested in a raid in Tehran, where authorities seized a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and at least seven Starlink devices, according to Al Jazeera. The confiscated items included 49 homemade bombs, two Kalashnikov rifles, 16 pistols, 50 magazines, and more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition.

The arrests come as Iran continues to face a nationwide internet blackout, now lasting 26 days, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. The government has intensified surveillance and enforcement measures in response to ongoing internal unrest and security challenges.

The ministry’s actions reflect heightened domestic security operations amid persistent instability, with authorities maintaining strict control over communications and public activity.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman warned that any attempt to establish a new form of fascism in Bangladesh would be resisted with the support of the people. Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at the National Press Club auditorium in Dhaka, during a discussion organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South to mark Independence and National Day, he said the opposition would not compromise with those who undermine citizens’ rights and vowed to continue the struggle until those rights are secured.

Dr. Rahman stated that while the opposition wants the government to succeed, it will intervene if the government takes a wrong path. He urged the government to overcome narrow-mindedness, engage all parties in dialogue, and pursue reforms in the national interest. He also cautioned that if reforms are not addressed in parliament, the opposition would take to the streets.

The event was presided over by Jamaat leader Abdus Sabur Fakir and attended by LDP Chairman Col. (Retd.) Oli Ahmad and other senior Jamaat officials, who also delivered speeches.

The Directorate General of Health Services conducted a mobile court operation in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area on Wednesday, shutting down several private hospitals and diagnostic centers for irregularities. Ahmad Specialized Hospital was ordered to close its operations except for ICU and emergency services. The 50-bed Authentic Hospital and Active Blood Bank were also closed, while Prime TG Hospital’s blood bank was sealed and fined 60,000 taka. Health Aid Diagnostic Center was fined 100,000 taka and its operations suspended. One broker was detained during the operation.

Officials found that Ahmad Specialized Hospital kept its generator and oxygen cylinders in the same place and lacked emergency and post-operative rooms. Active Blood Bank and the diagnostic center were accused of operating without valid licenses and without specialist doctors for transfusion. The Health Directorate stated that such drives will continue to improve healthcare quality and ensure compliance among private institutions.

The authority emphasized that hospitals and blood banks without valid or renewed licenses will face closure as part of ongoing enforcement actions.

Bangladesh is celebrating its 56th Independence Day today, March 26, 2026, marking the beginning of the nation’s liberation struggle in 1971 that culminated in victory on December 16 of the same year. The day is being observed nationwide with tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for independence. This year’s celebration takes place in what is described as a fully democratic environment following recent political changes.

According to the report, the country is observing the day free from what it calls a fascist regime that lasted over fifteen years. After the ouster of former leader Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and the formation of a new government through elections in February 2026, citizens are now able to celebrate the day freely. President Md. Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued messages urging unity, justice, and national progress.

Official programs include a 31-gun salute, wreath-laying at the National Memorial, a parade and fly-past at the National Parade Ground, and cultural events across the country. Political parties and social organizations are also holding separate commemorative activities.

A Thai oil tanker has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s permission following diplomatic communication between Thailand and Iran, according to Bangchak Corporation. The company confirmed that the vessel passed through the strategic waterway without incident after both governments engaged in discussions to ensure safe passage.

Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangket told reporters that he had requested Iran’s assistance to guarantee the safety of Thai vessels using the strait. He added that Iran responded positively, promising to consider the request and asking for details about which ships would transit the route.

The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and gas. The route had been largely disrupted since February 28, when U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran led to a near shutdown of the passage. Reports now indicate that limited tanker movement has resumed under Iranian approval.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, Shipping, and Railways, Sheikh Robiul Alam, expressed deep sorrow over the bus accident at Daulatdia ghat in Rajbari, where a passenger bus carrying more than fifty people sank into the Padma River while boarding a ferry. In a condolence message issued Wednesday night, the minister described the incident as a national tragedy and confirmed that rescue operations began immediately after the accident.

According to the minister, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority’s rescue vessel ‘Hamza’ and diving teams are working tirelessly, supported by the Fire Service, BIWTC, Army, Police, Naval Police, and local administration. Prime Minister Tarek Rahman is monitoring the rescue efforts and has instructed that they be completed as quickly as possible. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the accident, and those responsible will face legal consequences.

The minister offered prayers for the deceased, conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, and directed authorities to ensure proper medical care for the injured. He also assured maximum government assistance for affected families.

The Pentagon is preparing to send several thousand additional U.S. troops to the Middle East, according to a Reuters report cited by the source. The deployment could include members of the elite 82nd Airborne Division. The move comes as part of the Trump administration’s consideration of expanding military options in the region, including possible operations involving Iranian territory.

The report notes that the U.S. military has declined to comment, referring questions to the White House. The conflict, now in its fourth week, has already disrupted global oil prices and caused instability in international stock markets. Analysts suggest that further troop deployments could intensify the situation and prolong the ongoing hostilities.

The developments highlight growing uncertainty in the Middle East, where multiple regional powers are engaged in escalating military actions, including reported attacks involving Israel and Iran.