India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly withheld the release of the Oscar-nominated film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” citing concerns that it could harm India-Israel relations. The Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania’s docudrama tells the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, who was allegedly killed by Israeli soldiers while waiting to be rescued in Gaza.

Indian distributor Manoj Nandwana said he submitted the film for approval in February, hoping for a March release, but the CBFC blocked it, reportedly warning that the film’s release might damage diplomatic ties. He noted that the decision came shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. The film had already been barred from several Indian film festivals, including those in Goa, Bengaluru, Pune, and Kerala.

Badi Ali, co-founder of production company Watermelon Pictures, criticized the move as unreasonable, while director Ben Hania questioned on social media whether the relationship between the two democracies was so fragile that a film could threaten it.

A US federal court has declared the Pentagon’s press-related restrictions unconstitutional, ruling that the policy violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution. District Judge Paul Friedman of Washington, D.C., ordered parts of the Pentagon’s policy to be struck down and directed the reinstatement of press passes for seven New York Times journalists who had returned their credentials last October after refusing to sign the new policy.

In his ruling, Judge Friedman stated that the Pentagon’s policy favored journalists willing to publish only “favorable or pre-approved information,” granting the government excessive power and interfering with press freedom. The court also found that the policy violated journalists’ Fifth Amendment rights by failing to clearly define how they could avoid losing their credentials.

The decision is viewed as a setback for the former Trump administration, which had reportedly increased pressure on the media. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the department disagreed with the ruling and would appeal. The court emphasized that while national security is vital, protecting the public’s right to know about government actions is essential to democracy.

The 199th Eid-ul-Fitr congregation was held at the historic Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj on March 21, 2026. Devotees from across Bangladesh gathered for the prayer, which began at 10 a.m. and was led by Mufti Abul Khayer Mohammad Saifullah. Approximately 600,000 worshippers attended the congregation, marking one of the largest gatherings in the country.

To ensure security, 1,100 police officers, four platoons of army personnel, five platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh, six Rapid Action Battalion teams, five platoons of Ansar, and 13 executive magistrates were deployed. Two special Eid trains operated from Mymensingh and Bhairab to facilitate travel for distant worshippers. State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam and Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aslam Molla, who also chairs the Eidgah Committee, performed the Eid prayers at the site.

The large-scale congregation continued the long-standing tradition of Eid prayers at Sholakia, which has become a central religious event for Muslims across Bangladesh.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahid Uddin Swapon performed the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the central Eidgah mosque in Gournadi upazila of Barishal on Saturday morning. The congregation began at 8 a.m. and was attended by senior local administration officials, political leaders, and worshippers from various walks of life.

After the prayers, the minister exchanged Eid greetings with the attendees and local residents. A special prayer was also offered seeking the welfare, prosperity, and unity of the nation and the Muslim Ummah. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the minister extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of Gournadi, Agailjhara, and the entire country.

The event reflected a communal spirit of celebration and unity as local leaders and citizens joined together in the religious observance.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that people are celebrating Eid with comfort due to the presence of a democratic environment in the country. He made the remarks on Saturday morning after offering Eid prayers at the Darus Salam Jame Mosque near his residence in Ward 10, North Kattali, Chattogram.

The minister extended Eid greetings to all and said that this year’s celebration feels different because citizens have regained a sense of ownership following the recent election. He emphasized that people are enjoying the festival with extra joy in a changed national atmosphere.

Chowdhury expressed hope that the country would continue to uphold this environment, allowing everyone to live freely, speak openly, and enjoy their constitutional, democratic, and political rights.

State Minister for Youth and Sports and Dhaka North BNP convener Aminul Haque exchanged Eid-ul-Fitr greetings with residents of Pallabi and Rupnagar in Dhaka on Saturday, March 21, 2026. After performing Eid prayers at Baitus Sujud Jame Mosque in Pallabi, he greeted worshippers and local residents, extending his best wishes to people across the country and his constituency.

During the exchange, Aminul Haque emphasized the importance of sharing joy with one another on this holy day and strengthening mutual harmony and unity. He urged everyone to work collectively to build a disciplined environment for the future of Bangladesh, noting that public cooperation is vital for national development and peace.

He further stated that fostering a healthy political culture requires unity beyond party lines and that mutual cooperation and harmony are essential to solving social problems.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japan’s Kyodo News that Iran is ready to assist Japan-linked ships in transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the report, discussions between the two sides have already begun, and Iran is considering a temporary relaxation of the blockade.

A Japanese government official told Kyodo that direct talks with Iran are the most effective way to ease the blockade but emphasized the need for caution to avoid provoking the United States. The official also noted that even if Japanese vessels are allowed passage, it would not resolve the ongoing energy crisis. Another Japanese Foreign Ministry official said Araghchi’s statement should be carefully evaluated to understand its true intent.

The development highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts between Tokyo and Tehran to manage maritime access and regional tensions while balancing relations with Washington.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has declared that his party will ensure the implementation of the referendum verdict with public support. Speaking to reporters after Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at Monipur Girls School field in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday, he said the referendum issue has already been raised in parliament and accepted by the Speaker for discussion. He emphasized that both the referendum and the general election reflected the people's will and urged the ruling party to respect that outcome.

Rahman criticized the government for mismanagement during the Eid travel rush, citing fare irregularities and hardships faced by low-income travelers. He described the situation as inhumane and a national embarrassment, urging authorities to make future Eid journeys more comfortable. He also extended Eid greetings to the nation and expressed solidarity with people suffering from conflicts in Gaza, Palestine, Iran, Kashmir, and other regions.

Senior Jamaat leaders, including Mohammad Selim Uddin and Abdur Rahman Musa, were present at the event, along with local residents and party activists.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the 70th phase of its retaliatory operations, claiming to have struck more than 55 locations linked to US and Israeli interests. According to a statement published by Iran’s English-language outlet Press TV, the latest attacks caused powerful explosions, flashes of fire, and rising smoke columns in targeted areas.

Several regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Israel, reported activating their air defense systems early Saturday to intercept incoming drones and missiles. The report also stated that Iran launched at least two medium-range ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia Island in the Indian Ocean.

The overall situation across the Gulf and the wider Middle East has become increasingly tense following these developments, signaling a further escalation of regional hostilities.

NCP convenor and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam extended Eid greetings to the nation after offering Eid prayers at Beribadh Jame Mosque in Dhaka on Saturday morning. Speaking to journalists, he said that the caretaker government and related matters had occurred outside the constitution, but were later legitimized under constitutional provisions. He described the process as a matter of political will and goodwill.

Nahid Islam emphasized that Eid is a day for unity and positivity, stating that political discussions should be avoided during the festival. He added that after Eid, the parliament would hold discussions on the referendum and constitutional issues, and his party would present its programs there.

The event took place amid a festive atmosphere in the capital, where political and community leaders exchanged greetings following Eid prayers.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for 55 separate attacks on Israeli forces in a single day, describing it as the highest number of assaults against Israel in its history. According to the group, the operations targeted Israeli positions both inside Lebanon and across the border in northern Israel, intensifying regional tensions.

Reports indicate significant clashes across multiple fronts in Lebanon. In the southern and western Koura areas, Hezbollah said it attacked Israeli troops attempting to cross the border. Fierce fighting also continued near Khiam and Taybeh on the eastern front. By evening, at least one person was reported killed in an airstrike.

The situation in Lebanon has grown increasingly volatile, with the impact reaching the capital, Beirut. Two attacks in the city’s southern suburbs highlighted how the conflict’s escalation is spreading beyond border zones.

CBS News has reported that US military officials are preparing detailed plans for a possible deployment of ground troops in Iran. Multiple sources cited by the report said high-level discussions are underway regarding the potential move. Senior Pentagon officials have reportedly issued specific instructions to develop such plans, including how to handle the detention of Iranian soldiers if US troops are deployed.

The report comes shortly after President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the United States was considering gradually reducing its military operations in Iran. However, he clarified that he was not seeking a ceasefire. Trump also told reporters that he had no current plans to send ground troops anywhere, adding that if he did, he would not disclose it publicly.

The US Department of Defense did not respond to requests for comment, and the United States Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, declined to speculate on any potential troop deployment.

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized NATO and several allied nations, accusing them of failing to provide adequate support during an ongoing war. Speaking outside the White House, Trump said the United Kingdom was slow to grant U.S. forces access to its military bases. He also alleged that Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Korea were not contributing enough, particularly in sending naval forces to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

According to the report, Trump aims to build a large-scale military operation while U.S. forces remain engaged elsewhere. However, he did not inform allied nations in advance about the U.S. decision to join the war alongside Israel, which created surprise and limited cooperation. In response, Trump has publicly criticized and pressured allies to increase their involvement.

The report notes that the United Kingdom eventually allowed U.S. forces to use its bases, but this did not satisfy Trump. Overall, relations between the U.S. and its allies appear strained amid the ongoing conflict.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, attended Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Manipur Girls High School field in Mirpur, Dhaka, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. After performing the prayer, he called on citizens to unite beyond hatred and enmity to build a new Bangladesh. He emphasized that life should be shaped for both worldly and spiritual success to attain divine satisfaction.

Following the prayer, Dr. Rahman exchanged Eid greetings with local residents and well-wishers. Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer Mohammad Selim Uddin, Nayeb-e-Ameer Abdur Rahman Musa, and other city and local leaders were also present at the congregation.

Later in the day, Dr. Rahman was scheduled to receive diplomats at his official residence on 29 Minto Road between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and to exchange Eid greetings with political leaders and people from various professions from 3 p.m. onward.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif exchanged Eid-ul-Fitr greetings with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during a telephone conversation, according to a statement posted on Sharif’s X handle on Friday. The discussion between the two leaders was described as warm and cordial, with Sharif conveying Eid greetings to Rahman and the people of Bangladesh.

During the call, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh. He recalled the historical, fraternal, and familial ties between the two nations and emphasized Pakistan’s determination to enhance collaboration in all areas.

The exchange highlighted the continuing diplomatic engagement between Bangladesh and Pakistan, focusing on goodwill and mutual respect during the Eid celebrations.