Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told parliament on Friday, March 20, 2026, that the country had rejected a US request to deploy two fighter jets at a civilian airport in southern Sri Lanka. The United States had sought permission in late February to station the aircraft, equipped with anti-ship missiles, transferred from a base in Djibouti. Dissanayake said the decision was made to maintain Sri Lanka’s neutral stance.

The president also revealed that on the same day, Iran and India had requested permission for three Iranian warships to dock at Colombo Port after completing joint naval exercises. He explained that granting permission to one side would have required allowing the other, so both requests were denied. His statement received applause from the 225-member parliament.

Earlier in March, a US attack near Sri Lanka’s southern coast sank an Iranian warship, killing at least 84 sailors. Sri Lanka’s navy rescued 32 survivors, and another Iranian vessel was later allowed to enter Sri Lankan waters for safety reasons, with 219 sailors currently sheltered in Colombo.

Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition whip, extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message sent to the media on Friday, he described Eid as a festival that strengthens social harmony and teaches peace, compassion, and brotherhood after a month of fasting and self-restraint.

He noted that this is the second Eid-ul-Fitr after the end of fascism in the country, emphasizing the sacrifices of those who fought for a free environment to celebrate. Nahid Islam urged citizens to stand by the families of martyrs and injured activists who contributed to achieving a fascist-free Bangladesh. He also expressed gratitude to expatriate Bangladeshis who continue to support the national economy despite being away from their families.

In his message, he called on Muslims to support the poor, helpless, and neglected members of society and prayed for happiness, peace, and prosperity for Bangladesh and the entire Muslim community.

A fire broke out at a factory in the Czech Republic associated with Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, according to local police. Authorities are investigating possible involvement of a terrorist group after several buildings at the site were destroyed in an early morning attack. A group has already claimed responsibility for the incident.

Al Jazeera reported that the facility, jointly operated by a Czech company and Elbit Systems, suffered extensive damage. Elbit Systems is a key supplier of weapons to the Israeli military, providing arms used in ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Iran.

A group calling itself “The Earthquake Fashion” claimed responsibility on Telegram, describing the site as a major European hub for Elbit’s operations and declaring it was now burning. The group said it acted to disrupt what it called tools of killing, asserting that it would take necessary measures against cooperating governments.

The main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation in Sylhet will be held at the historic Shahi Eidgah ground at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury. After inspecting the venue, the minister told reporters that all preparations for the event had been completed through coordination among Sylhet Metropolitan Police, the district administration, the city corporation, and the Shahi Eidgah management committee. Security and overall management arrangements have been finalized.

The Sylhet City Corporation has undertaken renovation, painting, and facility improvements at the Eidgah ground. The minister also said that Baruna’s Pir Allama Mufti Rashidur Rahman Farukh Barnavi will attend the main congregation. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, and City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury are expected to join thousands of worshippers at the site.

Other Eid congregations in Sylhet will take place at the Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) shrine mosque at 8:30 a.m., Kudrat Ullah Jame Mosque at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 a.m., Hazrat Shah Paran (R.) shrine mosque at 8:00 a.m., and the Alia Madrasa field at 8:00 a.m.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has acknowledged buying location data of ordinary citizens from commercial vendors. The disclosure came during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, where FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the practice in response to questions from Democratic Senator Ron Wyden. Patel said the agency collects commercially available data within legal boundaries to support intelligence operations.

The revelation contradicts a 2023 statement by former FBI Director Christopher Wray, who had said such purchases were halted. Senator Wyden criticized the practice as a serious violation of the Fourth Amendment, arguing that buying personal data without a warrant endangers civil liberties, especially given the analytical power of artificial intelligence. Current U.S. law requires court approval to obtain data directly from telecom companies but not from private data brokers, prompting calls to close this legal loophole.

Republican Representative Warren Davidson also condemned the practice and introduced a bipartisan bill to prevent intelligence agencies from purchasing citizens’ personal data. Analysts say the controversy is intensifying the ongoing tension between civil rights and surveillance policy in the United States.

Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman delivered a video message on Friday evening, extending Eid-ul-Fitr greetings to the people of Bangladesh and expatriate Bangladeshis worldwide. In his message, he expressed gratitude to Allah for granting the opportunity to observe Ramadan and announced that Eid would be celebrated on Saturday following the sighting of the moon.

Rahman emphasized that Ramadan was not only about fasting but also about learning restraint, fostering piety, and promoting goodness. He prayed for forgiveness, mercy, and blessings for all, both living and deceased, and urged people to cultivate mutual respect, love, and responsibility. He also prayed for the removal of hatred and vengeance from society.

Concluding his message, the opposition leader sought divine blessings for peace, prosperity, and honor for Bangladesh and its citizens, wishing everyone good health and long life.

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee announced her party’s election manifesto on March 20, 2026, during a press conference at her residence in Kalighat, Kolkata. The manifesto includes ten key promises, such as a monthly allowance for women and a new scheme called ‘Banglar Yuba Sathi’ to support unemployed youth. She also pledged initiatives for farmers’ development and guaranteed access to safe drinking water for every household.

Banerjee emphasized healthcare as the manifesto’s central commitment, announcing plans to hold medical camps in every block and small town across West Bengal to ensure government healthcare for all citizens. Additional pledges include transforming Kolkata into a major commercial hub for eastern India and the world, and improving access to education, housing, and administrative services.

She stated that her campaign activities would begin after the Eid festival.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced that metro rail services in the capital will remain suspended on Saturday, the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The decision was confirmed through an official press release issued by the company on March 20, 2026.

According to the announcement, the suspension applies only to the day of Eid. From the following day, metro rail operations will resume as per the regular schedule. The notice clarified that this temporary halt is in observance of the religious holiday and that normal service will continue immediately afterward.

The DMTCL statement provides clarity for commuters planning travel during the Eid period, ensuring they can adjust their schedules accordingly.

The United States is reportedly considering a plan to seize or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island, a vital hub for the country’s oil exports, according to Axios. The move aims to break Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and compel Tehran to reopen the strategic waterway. Citing at least four sources, the report said Washington views this military pressure as essential to resolving the ongoing conflict with Iran. Nearly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil is processed and exported through Kharg Island.

The report warned that such an operation could expose US forces to significant risk due to the island’s proximity to Iran. The US military presence in the region has already been increased, with preparations underway for additional troop deployments. Plans reportedly include weeks of airstrikes to weaken Iran’s defenses before any attempt to seize the island, though no final decision has been made.

Military analysts and former US naval officers cautioned that the operation would be highly risky and might not guarantee Iran’s return to negotiations. The rising tension has already unsettled global energy markets, raising concerns about broader economic impacts.

Switzerland has suspended all types of arms exports to the United States amid the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S. The Swiss government announced the decision on Friday, citing the need to maintain the country's long-standing policy of neutrality. The move comes as the conflict reaches its 21st day following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

In an official statement, the Swiss government said it could not authorize the export of war materials to any country currently engaged in armed conflict with Iran. The statement specifically mentioned that, due to the prevailing situation, exports of war equipment to the United States were also being halted. The government emphasized that the decision was a direct result of Switzerland’s commitment to neutrality.

The suspension marks a significant policy action by Switzerland during the ongoing Middle East conflict, underscoring its intent to remain neutral despite pressure from global powers involved in the war.

Denmark reportedly made preparations to destroy key runways in Greenland amid fears that then-U.S. President Donald Trump might attempt to seize control of the island. According to a report by Danish state broadcaster DR, the plan aimed to prevent U.S. forces from landing easily in case of conflict. Authorities also prepared blood reserves for potential casualties. European officials confirmed the information to BBC and the Financial Times, though Denmark’s defense ministry declined to comment.

Tensions between the two NATO allies had risen over Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, after Trump repeatedly expressed interest in bringing it under U.S. control, a proposal rejected by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders. In response, Copenhagen sought support from European partners, particularly France and Germany, and coordinated joint military readiness with Nordic countries.

The situation escalated on January 3 when U.S. forces detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, prompting Denmark to strengthen its defensive preparations. Later, a joint military team from Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden was deployed to Greenland, officially as a drill but reportedly as a precaution against U.S. aggression. Tensions eased after Trump stated at the World Economic Forum that he preferred a diplomatic solution.

Israeli forces have been accused of attacking worshippers who gathered for Eid al-Fitr prayers near the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. According to a report by Al Jazeera, tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd, and operations were carried out to prevent the prayers from taking place. The incident occurred on Friday and has drawn attention due to its timing during one of the holiest events in the Muslim calendar.

The report noted that Israeli authorities had already imposed strict restrictions on entry to the Al-Aqsa Mosque amid ongoing tensions involving Israel, Iran, and the United States. Observers said the latest confrontation has further heightened regional tensions. The situation reflects the fragile security environment surrounding religious sites in Jerusalem.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that the incident could exacerbate instability in the region, where religious and geopolitical disputes remain deeply intertwined.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has extended greetings to the people of Bangladesh and the global Muslim community on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message delivered on Friday, March 20, 2026, he said that after a month of fasting, Eid brings joy, peace, harmony, and brotherhood to human life. The message was issued depending on the sighting of the Shawwal moon.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Ramadan teaches restraint, sacrifice, patience, and self-purification, helping individuals develop empathy and a sense of cooperation within society. He noted that the true meaning of Eid is realized when the teachings of Ramadan are reflected in personal, family, social, and national life, fostering love and fraternity beyond social and economic divisions.

He called on citizens to stand beside the underprivileged and share the joy of Eid with everyone. The Prime Minister also urged national unity and collective efforts to build a humane, peaceful, and prosperous Bangladesh, praying for divine blessings of peace, progress, and prosperity for the nation.

The Shawwal moon of the Hijri year 1447 was sighted in Bangladesh on Friday, March 20, confirming that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated across the country on Saturday. The sighting was reported from Cox’s Bazar, marking the end of 30 days of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

Earlier, the National Moon Sighting Committee met at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Thursday evening to review reports from across the country. Based on information from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation, the Meteorological Department, and the Space Research and Remote Sensing Center, the committee had announced that the moon was not visible on Thursday, making Friday the 30th day of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, several Middle Eastern countries, and parts of Africa including Afghanistan, Mali, and Niger observed Eid-ul-Fitr earlier, on Thursday and Friday respectively.

Bangladesh has initiated steps to secure a $2 billion loan to meet fuel import expenses for the upcoming summer season, according to a Bloomberg report published on March 20, 2026. The proposed financing includes $1.3 billion under the International Monetary Fund’s ongoing loan program and $700 million expected from the Asian Development Bank. The government aims to finalize the multilateral borrowing by June, though no official details have yet been released.

Economic adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir confirmed the plan, stating that discussions are underway with donor agencies for comparatively lower interest rates. He noted significant progress in talks with the Asian Development Bank and expressed optimism about securing funds from both ADB and IMF. Economists cited in the report said the loans would help stabilize Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves and reduce risks of fuel supply disruptions.

If completed as planned, the financing could provide short-term relief to the country’s energy sector and support economic stability during the high-demand summer months.