State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul said the BNP government has started implementing promises made to the people during the 13th parliamentary election, even before completing its first month in office. She made the remarks on Monday, March 16, during the inauguration of the Padmakol canal excavation program in Chatmohar, Pabna. The initiatives already underway include distribution of family cards, honorarium allowances for imams and priests, and agricultural loan waivers.

Putul stated that agriculture and farmers are the driving forces of the national economy, and the canal excavation aims to revive irrigation systems once introduced by the late President Ziaur Rahman. His son Tarique Rahman has now launched a program to rejuvenate 54 canals across the country to improve irrigation and rural livelihoods. The minister added that restoring dead canals will increase surface water, reduce dependence on groundwater, and help mitigate droughts, floods, and waterlogging.

The event was chaired by Pabna Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shahed Mostafa and attended by local MPs, officials, and BNP leaders. The Water Development Board said the 4-kilometer canal will connect to the Ichamati River and benefit surrounding farmland, with plans to excavate 106 more canals in Pabna.

The Ministry of Shipping, along with the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry and the Railway Ministry, inaugurated three new ships to ease Eid travel on March 16, 2026. The inauguration ceremony took place at Dhaka’s Sadarghat Launch Terminal, led by Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam. The newly launched BIWTC vessels—Rupsha and Sugandha—will operate on the Dhaka-Hatia route, while Madhumati will serve the Dhaka-Betua route.

During the event, the minister also introduced free wheelchair and trolley services for passengers, warning that any financial transactions under the guise of these services would face legal action. He announced a seven-day waiver of lease charges during the Eid travel period, with the ministry covering the associated costs. Sheikh Robiul Alam emphasized that complaints of harassment over goods transport would be addressed promptly.

The minister further assured that there would be no fuel shortages in the transport sector during the Eid season, aiming to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for passengers across the waterways.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the United Kingdom is working with its allies to develop an effective plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said the move is essential to ensure market stability and restore freedom of navigation in the region. Starmer emphasized that the task is not easy but necessary to maintain global trade routes.

According to Starmer, recent U.S. military operations have significantly weakened the military capabilities of what he described as Iran’s “hateful regime.” However, he noted that a negotiation-based agreement will be required to limit Iran’s ability to rebuild its nuclear program and to secure international shipping lanes. The British leader underscored that cooperation among allies is central to achieving these goals.

The statement comes amid heightened regional conflict, including reports of U.S. and Iranian military engagement and attacks in nearby areas, underscoring the urgency of securing maritime routes through the vital waterway.

Qatar issued two consecutive missile attack warnings within an hour on March 16, 2026. The country’s defense ministry reported that its armed forces intercepted a missile attack before issuing a second alert, instructing residents to remain indoors. The alert was lifted shortly afterward. In neighboring Bahrain, the Interior Ministry activated warning sirens and urged citizens to move to the nearest safe locations.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Home Front Command stated that missiles were launched from Iran toward central Israel and Jerusalem. Following the alerts, explosions were heard in Jerusalem, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera.

The incidents occurred amid a broader escalation across the region, with reports of drone and air attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan and rising military casualties involving U.S. forces. The situation underscores heightened instability and the potential for further conflict in the Middle East.

Dr. Abdul Kader, Secretary General of Khelafat Majlis, has accused the government of creating confusion instead of implementing the July Charter. Speaking at a discussion before an iftar event organized by Islami Jubo Majlis in Dhaka’s Nayapaltan on Monday, he said the youth of the country would not accept any betrayal of the charter, which was formed by anti-fascist parties after the July uprising. He warned that the people would not allow a return of the system they had overthrown through sacrifice.

Dr. Kader claimed that despite a public referendum giving a mandate for the charter, the government has begun delaying its implementation. The event was chaired by Islami Jubo Majlis President Tawhidul Islam Tuhin and attended by several leaders from Khelafat Majlis and affiliated organizations. In his remarks, Tuhin stated that the youth would not remain calm until every clause of the charter is implemented and warned against any manipulation of public opinion.

The statements reflect growing frustration among Islamist political groups over what they describe as government inaction on the July Charter’s commitments.

Rakib Hasan, a student of the 2017–18 session in the Law Discipline at Khulna University, was posthumously recognized as a lawyer after the Bangladesh Bar Council published its viva examination results on Sunday, March 15. His name appeared among the successful candidates, though he had passed away months earlier after battling blood cancer.

Rakib had been undergoing treatment at Ahsania Mission Cancer and General Hospital in Dhaka, where he died on November 22 at around 11:30 p.m. Earlier, on October 25 of the previous year, he had shared on social media that he passed the written portion of the Bar Council examination while still hospitalized. He later took part in the viva exam, hoping to fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer.

Although Rakib lost his life before seeing the final results, his name on the successful candidates’ list stands as a posthumous recognition of his perseverance and dedication to his goal.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said that although oil prices have risen in 39 countries due to the war situation in the Middle East, Bangladesh has not increased its oil prices. He made the remarks on Monday, March 16, after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Katakhali canal, known locally as Zia Khal, in Islampur, Jamalpur.

Millat stated that even though Bangladesh imports oil, the government has not raised prices, considering the hardship of farmers and ordinary citizens. He added that electricity and fuel prices would also remain unchanged. The minister further mentioned that discussions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are ongoing to resolve issues faced by citizens stranded abroad or dealing with visa complications due to the Middle East conflict. Those unable to travel despite purchasing air tickets will not lose any money from their ticket payments.

The event was chaired by Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Yusup Ali and conducted by Islampur Upazila Executive Officer Nazmul Hossain, with members of parliament from the district’s other constituencies in attendance.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md. Abdus Salam announced that the Matuail landfill in the capital will be transformed into a scenic eco park and playground. He made the announcement during a visit to the landfill on Monday, where he also inaugurated a new compost plant. The initiative aims to eliminate the area’s long-standing odor and pollution through modern waste management and turn it into a public recreation center.

According to the administrator, DSCC has signed an agreement with a Korean private company to convert 3,200–3,500 tons of daily waste into valuable resources. Work on the project will begin after Eid-ul-Azha, producing gas, electricity, and fertilizer instead of dumping waste. The newly inaugurated compost plant targets producing 20 tons of organic fertilizer daily from 100 tons of household waste, which could reduce greenhouse gases and increase city revenue.

To prevent frequent fires, DSCC is installing 40 water hydrants and permanent reservoirs across 181 acres and has purchased six portable pumps. Salam added that 40 percent of soil covering work is complete, helping control odor and fire risks, aligning with the Prime Minister’s directive to make Dhaka a “Clean and Green City.”

U.S. President Donald Trump urged several countries, including the United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, and South Korea, to help keep commercial shipping lanes open in the Strait of Hormuz. The appeal received mixed responses, with some nations declining to participate in any military or NATO-led operations.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK is working with allies on an effective plan but will not join a NATO mission or engage in a wider war. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius rejected Trump’s call, saying it was not Germany’s war. Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told parliament that Japan is not considering any maritime security operation under current conditions in Iran. Australia’s cabinet member Catherine King also ruled out sending warships to the area.

South Korea stated it would maintain close communication with the United States and decide after careful review. A Chinese embassy spokesperson in Washington avoided a direct comment but emphasized that ensuring stable and uninterrupted energy supplies is a shared responsibility.

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam said the government has started walking the old path and has taken a clear stance against reforms. He made the remarks on Monday at an iftar and discussion event organized by NCP Dhaka Metropolitan North at the National Bangla High School field in Mirpur, Dhaka.

Nahid Islam emphasized that the NCP’s struggle for reform and change will continue, stating that the party stands for justice and against corruption. He urged supporters to be ready to open new horizons if the government continues on its old course and to prepare for the fight to implement reforms.

NCP senior joint convener and Dhaka Metropolitan North convener Ariful Islam Adib said the party’s leaders and activists in the city are ready for the struggle to implement change and the July Charter. Other party leaders, including Nasiruddin Patwari, Monira Sharmin, and Sardar Amirul Islam Sagor, also spoke at the event.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that 20,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated across Bangladesh within the next five years. He made the statement on Monday, March 16, 2026, at a public gathering in Sahapara, Balarampur Mouza of Kaharol upazila, Dinajpur, marking the start of canal excavation work. Rahman said the initiative aims to retain excess monsoon water, reduce flood damage, and ensure water supply for agriculture during dry seasons.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of agricultural productivity and efficient water use, noting that underground water should be preserved for future generations. He said the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara canal will benefit 31,000 farmers, enable irrigation for 12,000 hectares of land, and support 350,000 people. The project also includes road construction along the canal and planting 10,000 trees. Rahman added that four crore families will receive family cards, and farmer cards will be distributed next month to small and marginal farmers.

He further stated that the northern region will see the development of agro-based industries to create employment for farmers’ children, reaffirming that public cooperation is essential for implementing national plans.

A new video showing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering coffee at a Jerusalem café has sparked widespread debate on social media. Many users claimed the clip was generated using artificial intelligence. The controversy follows earlier speculation about Netanyahu’s safety after another video appeared to show him with six fingers on one hand. The latest video was posted on the prime minister’s official X account, apparently mocking rumors of his death.

The AI chatbot Groq, responding to a user query on X, asserted that the video was AI-generated and described it as a deepfake with no real-world basis. Several social media users also questioned the video’s authenticity, pointing to visual inconsistencies such as the coffee cup’s movement and changes in Netanyahu’s facial shape. Groq reiterated its claim, calling the video a “100% confirmed advanced AI deepfake.”

However, the café identified as the filming location, The Sataf in Jerusalem, posted photos on Instagram showing Netanyahu drinking coffee there, stating they were honored to host the prime minister and his staff.

Iran has confirmed its plan to participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup despite security warnings from the United States. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) stated that, as of now, Iran is expected to compete in the tournament. At a press conference at AFC headquarters, Secretary General Windsor Paul John said the organization is monitoring the situation but believes Iran will play, emphasizing that Iran is one of Asia’s strongest teams.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump warned on social media that Iran’s team should reconsider participation for safety reasons. In response, Iran’s national football team issued a statement on its official Instagram account asserting that participation in the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not by any individual or country. The team highlighted its early qualification through consistent success.

The uncertainty stems from ongoing conflict in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, now entering its second week. The regional war has begun to affect global affairs and discussions surrounding preparations for the World Cup, scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026.

Professor Dr. Md. Roich Uddin, from the Department of Islamic Studies at Jagannath University, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of the university. The announcement was made on Monday, March 16, 2026, at a press conference held at the Ministry of Education, where Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon officially declared his appointment.

Dr. Roich Uddin has long been associated with Jagannath University’s academic, research, and administrative activities. He previously served as the general secretary and is currently the president of the university’s teachers’ association. He also leads the pro-BNP teachers’ organization, JnU Sadadal. His research and writings in Islamic Studies have earned recognition among teachers and students, and he has participated in several national and international seminars and conferences.

He replaces Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, who was appointed by the interim government on September 18, 2024, and was removed before completing his term. The new appointment marks a leadership change at the university’s top administrative level.

Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu inaugurated a canal excavation program at Damdama in Godagari upazila of Rajshahi on Monday afternoon. He said the nationwide canal digging initiative follows the vision of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, emphasizing that people will dig their own soil to bring water, cultivate the land, and achieve food self-sufficiency.

During his speech, the minister recalled the severe famine in Bangladesh between 1972 and 1975, noting that Ziaur Rahman had inspired citizens to dig canals across the country, transforming single-crop lands into triple-crop fields and moving the nation toward food self-sufficiency by 1977–78. He also reminisced about his student days in Rajshahi when he participated in canal digging led by Ziaur Rahman, which he said brought significant local change.

The event was attended by the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT, Rehan Asif Asad, Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Afia Akhter, Police Superintendent Mohammad Naimul Hasan, and other local officials, media representatives, and residents.