Workers have started returning to Dhaka after the Eid holidays, with a noticeable increase in passenger flow since the third day of Eid. From early Monday morning, launches arriving from southern regions began crowding the Sadarghat terminal. Many passengers said they chose to travel a day earlier to avoid congestion on the return journey.

Similar scenes were observed at Kamalapur railway station and Mohakhali bus terminal, where travelers returning from their hometowns gathered in large numbers. Passengers reported that this year’s Eid travel was relatively comfortable. Long-distance buses from various parts of the country began arriving at Gabtoli and Sayedabad terminals from early morning, with the highest passenger pressure coming from northern and southern regions.

Railway officials stated that the post-Eid return to the capital is progressing gradually and that the passenger rush may continue for several more days. Authorities have taken necessary measures to ensure safe and smooth travel for all passengers.

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks targeting Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon. According to statements released by the group, rocket strikes were launched at Israeli positions near Yaroun, Marwahin, and Ad-Duhayrah, while artillery fire targeted troops in the Maroun al-Ras area. Hezbollah also reported using drones to strike an Israeli unit advancing from Maroun toward Khallat al-Bustan, asserting that the attack successfully hit its target.

Israel’s Walla News reported that seven Israeli soldiers were injured in southern Lebanon. The report described a “security-related incident” in which four soldiers sustained minor injuries, while another was hurt in a drone strike near a military unit in the same area. Additionally, two soldiers were slightly injured in a separate “accident” in northern Israel.

All injured soldiers were taken to hospitals for treatment, according to the report. The incidents highlight ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in the region.

The European Union has stepped up diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas held discussions with Iran and several regional powers, including Turkey, Qatar, and South Korea, according to reports from Al Jazeera and Reuters. On Sunday, Kallas spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, following a similar conversation earlier in the week.

An EU official stated that these talks aim to find a diplomatic solution amid the current tensions. The discussions covered the ongoing conflict, attacks on energy infrastructure, and growing international pressure to reopen the strategic waterway. EU officials have warned that renewed threats against key civilian infrastructure could affect millions of people across the Middle East and beyond.

The situation remains tense as international actors continue to push for de-escalation and the restoration of stability in the region.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent has stated that military operations near the Strait of Hormuz will continue until Iran’s military positions in the area are completely destroyed. Speaking to NBC News, Besent said the campaign aims to weaken Iran’s defense bases near the strategic waterway and will persist until those targets are eliminated. He claimed that the ongoing operations have already significantly damaged Iran’s military capabilities.

Besent criticized media coverage of the conflict, arguing that the American public is not being shown an accurate picture of what the United States is doing. He also rejected comments from Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, who had accused the Trump administration of losing control of the war and becoming detached from reality. Besent dismissed those remarks as false, asserting that Iran’s capabilities have been destroyed.

The statement comes amid heightened regional tensions, with reports of drone incidents in Saudi Arabia, strengthened defenses in Kuwait, and attacks in Lebanon, while the European Union seeks a diplomatic solution to the Hormuz issue.

According to Al Jazeera, one in every five people in Lebanon has been forcibly displaced amid the ongoing conflict. The report states that Israeli forces have expanded evacuation orders for residents of southern Lebanon, extending from the Litani River to areas north of the Zahrani River. This zone covers about 1,470 square kilometers, roughly 14 percent of Lebanon’s total territory.

Maps show that numerous villages across southern Lebanon have been ordered to evacuate, with the highest levels of displacement occurring near the Litani River and border regions. The coastal city of Saida (Sidon), Nabatieh, and surrounding areas are witnessing heavy population movement as people head north in search of safety.

The large-scale displacement is intensifying the ongoing conflict and deepening the humanitarian crisis. It is also placing severe pressure on Lebanon’s infrastructure, economy, and social stability.

The Israeli military has reported that Iran launched a new round of missile attacks toward Israel. According to the army’s statement, Israel’s air defense systems are actively intercepting the missiles. The announcement was carried by Al Jazeera and comes amid heightened regional tensions.

The report notes that this latest strike follows several recent Iranian missile attacks, including one targeting the city of Dimona, which houses a protected nuclear facility. Another recent attack on the city of Arad caused significant damage and casualties. As a result, air raid sirens have been sounding across multiple areas in Israel.

The renewed hostilities underscore the intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel, adding further strain to the already volatile situation in the Middle East.

Israeli airstrikes have nearly destroyed the Qasmiyeh Bridge in southern Lebanon, a key infrastructure link connecting the coastal city of Tyre with the rest of the country, according to Al Jazeera. The attack has effectively cut off Tyre, leaving limited alternative routes across the Litani River, which are located far away and not suitable for quick or efficient travel.

Local sources said the destruction of the bridge underscores the growing intensity of the ongoing conflict. The strikes appear to target infrastructure more aggressively than in previous confrontations. During the 2024 clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, large-scale attacks on major infrastructure were not reported.

The latest escalation suggests a shift in Israel’s military approach, with increased focus on strategic targets that could further disrupt civilian and logistical connectivity in southern Lebanon.

An Iraqi armed group named Ashab al-Kahf has claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting what it described as a 'Mossad office' in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, according to Al Jazeera. The claim was made through a statement posted on Telegram, where the group said it carried out the strike on the facility.

The statement did not provide details about the extent of damage or any casualties resulting from the attack. Alongside the claim, the group also urged civilians to stay away from areas near U.S. military bases across Iraq, suggesting possible future risks or operations in those zones.

No independent confirmation of the attack or its impact was reported in the source, and official responses from Iraqi or Israeli authorities were not mentioned.

Iran’s military has claimed responsibility for a drone attack targeting facilities of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the state-owned defense and space technology company. According to a statement cited by Iran’s official news agency, the attack struck IAI installations located near Ben Gurion International Airport. The same statement also claimed that a US surveillance aircraft stationed at Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base was targeted.

Iran did not provide details about the nature of the attack or the extent of any damage. Al Jazeera reported that it could not independently verify the claims, and there were no immediate responses from Israel or the United States regarding the incident.

The report comes amid heightened regional tensions, with recent incidents involving drone interceptions in Saudi Arabia and military clashes in Lebanon. However, the immediate impact or potential escalation following Iran’s latest claim remains unclear.

Saudi Arabia’s air defense system intercepted and destroyed a drone near its northern border, according to the country’s Ministry of Defense. The ministry said the air defense unit acted swiftly to neutralize the threat. Reports also indicated that multiple drones had been intercepted earlier in Saudi Arabia’s eastern region.

Meanwhile, Kuwait announced that it has taken preventive defense measures in response to missile and drone threats. The Kuwaiti army stated that explosions heard in the air were the result of its defense systems intercepting attacks. Authorities urged citizens to follow official instructions as security measures were reinforced.

The developments come amid heightened regional tensions in the Middle East, prompting Gulf countries to strengthen their defense readiness and air surveillance capabilities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the country will not be influenced by pressure or threats from the United States and Israel regarding the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on social media platform X, he asserted that the strait is not closed and that any uncertainty in maritime traffic is not caused by Iran.

Araghchi added that ships are hesitant because insurance companies fear the war initiated by others, not Iran. He emphasized that no Iranian or insurance company will be affected by further threats. Earlier, Iran’s Foreign Ministry had issued a statement directly blaming the United States and Israel for escalating tensions and disruptions in the strategic waterway.

The remarks underline Tehran’s firm stance on maintaining control and resisting external pressure over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy transport.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman visited army camps in Rangamati, Chittagong Hill Tracts, on Sunday ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. During the visit, he exchanged Eid greetings with soldiers stationed in the remote hill areas and commended their professionalism, dedication, and tireless efforts in maintaining national peace and order. He also instructed them to continue performing their duties with the same commitment in the future.

Senior military officials, including the Adjutant General of the Bangladesh Army, the General Officer Commanding of the 24th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Chittagong Area, as well as officers from Army Headquarters and other local commands, were present during the visit.

The visit underscored the army leadership’s engagement with troops deployed in challenging terrains during major national occasions, reinforcing morale and operational readiness in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.

Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) announced that efforts are underway to bring back two suspects arrested in India in connection with the murder of Inquilab Manch leader Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are jointly coordinating the repatriation process, according to DB Additional Police Commissioner Shafiqul Islam at a press briefing on March 22 in Dhaka.

The two main suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Hossain, were arrested on March 8 by the West Bengal Police Special Task Force in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas district. After a four-day remand, they were presented before the Bidhannagar Sub-Divisional Court on Sunday. During the court appearance, Masud claimed he was innocent and suggested the murder might be part of a political conspiracy.

At the same press briefing, the DB chief also discussed post-Eid security in Dhaka, noting that law and order remained stable and police patrols have been intensified across key city areas.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has threatened to target financial institutions investing in US Treasury bonds. His warning came after US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions between the two countries. Ghalibaf posted on social media that institutions financing the US military budget are legitimate targets and claimed that US Treasury bonds are stained with Iranian blood.

He further stated that Iran is monitoring the activities of such investors and described his message as a final warning. Earlier, Ghalibaf had cautioned that if the United States attacked Iran’s power plants, Tehran would retaliate by striking regional infrastructure and energy facilities.

The threats follow Trump’s warning that the US could strike Iranian power plants if Tehran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a series of strong responses from Iranian officials.

Israeli forces have reportedly carried out artillery attacks using white phosphorus shells in the southern Lebanese city of Naqoura, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The bombardment was accompanied by ground fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters inside the city. Local sources described the situation as increasingly tense, with the alleged use of phosphorus munitions raising potential international concern due to strict restrictions on such weapons.

In addition to the Naqoura assault, Israeli forces launched a second strike on the strategic Qasmiya Bridge in southern Lebanon, Al Jazeera Arabic reported. The bridge is considered a key communication link in the region. Separately, Israeli aircraft also targeted the eastern Lebanese city of Majdal Salem.

No immediate details were available regarding casualties or damage from the attacks. Authorities indicated that further information would be provided as it becomes available.