Flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended on March 16, 2026, as part of precautionary safety measures following a drone-related incident. Officials stated that the suspension was implemented after a fire broke out in a fuel tank due to the drone event. Travelers were advised to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules.

Before the recent conflict between the United States and Iran began in late February, Dubai International Airport was recognized as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. In 2025, approximately 90 million travelers passed through the airport, underscoring its global significance as a major aviation hub.

The temporary suspension highlights the airport’s heightened security protocols amid regional tensions and recent drone-related risks, though no further details were provided on the duration of the disruption or the extent of the damage.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate a nationwide canal excavation program in Dinajpur on Monday, marking the start of another election pledge by the BNP government before completing its first month in office. The event will take place at Balrampur Sahapara in Kaharol upazila, where the prime minister will launch the initiative by reopening a 12-kilometer canal. The program aims to restore silted and dead canals across the country to improve irrigation systems and reduce waterlogging during the monsoon season.

According to government sources, the initiative also seeks to strengthen canal-based rural economies through fish farming and duck rearing. Experts believe the project will enhance agricultural productivity, mitigate flooding, and help maintain ecological balance. The program will be implemented jointly by the Water Resources Ministry, the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, and BADC. Preparations and security measures have been completed in Dinajpur ahead of the prime minister’s visit, which includes a public rally, grave visits, and an iftar gathering.

The canal excavation initiative follows the legacy of late President Ziaur Rahman, who launched a similar program in 1977 to boost rural development and agricultural output.

The government has extended the tenure of the National Telecommunications Monitoring Centre (NTMC) by one year, despite a prior recommendation from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances to dissolve the controversial surveillance agency. The decision, issued on February 20, 2026, allows NTMC to continue operations until new telecommunications regulations are implemented. Meanwhile, the promised restructuring of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), including a name and uniform change to the Special Intervention Force (SIF), has seen no visible progress.

Experts and rights advocates have expressed concern that the NTMC’s vast data archives—containing call records, location data, and social media information—lack a transparent plan for disposal or transfer. Critics argue that extending NTMC’s mandate without a clear roadmap risks erasing evidence related to past disappearances. The Commission of Inquiry had earlier identified both NTMC and RAB as central to human rights abuses under the previous administration and recommended their dissolution or deep reform.

Analysts warn that the government’s delay in reforming these institutions undermines public expectations of accountability and may prolong a culture of impunity surrounding surveillance and extrajudicial actions.

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has set an ambitious goal to raise revenue collection to 8 percent of GDP in the 2026–27 fiscal year, up from the current 6.6 percent. The plan was presented to the Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. The move comes despite sluggish implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP), weak investment, export slowdown, and rising unemployment, compounded by new uncertainties from the Middle East conflict.

The NBR’s efforts are also linked to conditions under the International Monetary Fund’s loan program, which requires improved revenue performance. Although Bangladesh has met other IMF conditions, it has repeatedly failed to meet revenue targets. Officials say the drive to increase revenue is driven by domestic development needs, not just IMF pressure. The NBR is focusing on expanding the tax base, improving compliance, and reducing tax evasion.

Experts warn that escalating global energy prices and supply disruptions could further strain Bangladesh’s economy and hinder revenue collection. The NBR is also reviewing tax exemptions and implementing digital systems to close collection gaps and recover large outstanding dues from state entities.

Meta is reportedly planning large-scale layoffs that could impact 20% or more of its workforce, according to three sources cited by Reuters. The move is said to be part of efforts to offset the company’s growing artificial intelligence infrastructure expenses and to prepare for efficiency gains expected from AI-assisted operations. No date or final figure for the job cuts has been set, and Meta has not commented on the reports.

If confirmed, the layoffs would mark Meta’s most significant workforce reduction since its 2022–2023 restructuring, when it cut about 21,000 jobs in total. The company employed nearly 79,000 people as of December 31. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been driving an aggressive push into generative AI, offering large compensation packages to attract top researchers and committing $600 billion to data center investments by 2028. Meta recently acquired Moltbook, a social platform for AI agents, and is spending at least $2 billion to buy Chinese AI startup Manus.

The reported cuts align with a broader trend among major U.S. tech firms, including Amazon and Block, which have also reduced staff while citing AI-driven efficiency improvements.

Iran has asserted full control over the Strait of Hormuz, blocking all vessel movement without its permission. The closure has halted the transport of nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, driving global energy prices sharply higher. The situation follows the February 28 joint attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, which has now entered its third week. President Donald Trump, facing mounting pressure from rising fuel costs, has sought help from allies but received little response.

Iran’s foreign minister warned that the strait would remain closed to Tehran’s enemies, while reports said at least 16 ships have been attacked since fighting began. The U.S., Israel, and Iran have continued reciprocal strikes, including explosions near Tehran and Shiraz. Israel’s military claimed thousands of Iranian casualties, while Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli and regional targets. Several countries, including Japan, the UK, China, France, and South Korea, have reacted cautiously to Trump’s calls for cooperation.

Trump rejected any negotiation with Tehran, insisting that Iran must abandon its nuclear program before any deal. Meanwhile, rumors about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s death were denied, and Hezbollah continued retaliatory attacks in Lebanon as diplomatic efforts by France and the UN sought to halt the violence.

Two people were killed after being hit by a truck at the Saptabarna Filling Station in Rajbari Sadar upazila on Sunday evening, March 15. The victims were Sobahan Patowary, 45, from Khan Khanapur Brakpara, and Swapan Mia, 22, from Nannar village in Dhamrai upazila of Dhaka. The accident occurred around 7 p.m. at Goaland Mor when a speeding truck struck a Mahendra vehicle, injuring both men who were standing near the fuel dispenser.

Local sources said Sobahan Patowary had stepped out of his truck to refuel, while Swapan Mia, a helper of another truck, was also waiting in line. Both sustained critical injuries and were taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared them dead upon arrival.

Inspector Harun-or-Rashid, in charge of the Khan Khanapur Police Investigation Center, confirmed that the truck involved in the accident was seized, but its driver and helper fled the scene. The bodies are being kept at Faridpur Medical College Hospital for autopsy before further legal procedures.

The BNP-led government has adopted a five-year master plan to revive dead canals and waterways across Bangladesh, aiming to complete the program by 2030. Under the plan, a total of 7,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated, re-excavated, and renovated. In the current year, 1,500 kilometers of nearly dead canals, drains, and water bodies will be restored. Excavation and re-excavation work on 18 canals in 12 districts will be inaugurated on March 16 and 17. The Water Resources Ministry will act as the lead authority, coordinating with the Agriculture, Disaster Management and Relief, and Local Government ministries.

According to ministry sources, the project will expand irrigation coverage, boost agricultural production, and increase fish supply, helping to restore traditional livelihoods. It is also expected to reduce waterlogging in urban areas, including the capital. The government plans to use a hybrid model combining modern machinery, skilled workers, and laborers under the Employment Generation Program for the Poorest (EGPP). Excavated soil will be used for local development or sold through open auctions.

Officials emphasized environmental protection and transparency, with regular monitoring by district administrations. Experts cautioned that political neutrality and transparency will be crucial for the project’s success.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated the Bangladesh cricket team for their thrilling victory against Pakistan. The team secured an 11-run win in the final match at Mirpur Stadium on Sunday, clinching the One Day International series 2–1. Following the match, the Prime Minister issued a statement praising the players for their performance and unity.

In his statement, Rahman said that the 11-run win and the 2–1 series result demonstrated that success is possible through dedicated and collective effort. He commended the young cricketers for making the nation proud with their remarkable performance and expressed hope that the team would continue this winning momentum in the future.

The statement reflected the government’s appreciation of the national team’s achievement and its encouragement for continued excellence in Bangladesh’s cricketing journey.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain has blamed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the failure to implement the Constitutional Reform Council. He made the remarks on Sunday while addressing an iftar event organized by the National Professional Alliance at a restaurant in Bijoy Sarani, Dhaka.

Hossain argued that citing constitutional reasons to block reforms is inconsistent, pointing out that other constitutional changes have been made based on public sentiment. He also criticized Salahuddin Ahmed for not adhering to the conditions of the July Charter despite previously advocating for them. NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari added that those opposing reforms under the pretext of constitutional constraints should be replaced in the 2029 election by reform-minded representatives.

Speakers at the event, including NCP leaders Alaudin Mohammad and Faridul Haque, reiterated their commitment to fighting corruption, extortion, and terrorism in politics, emphasizing that their struggle for reform would continue.

Police detained several Awami League leaders during a virtual meeting with Nafisa Kamal at the Oasis Hotel in Cumilla’s Tomchom Bridge area on Sunday evening, March 15, 2026. The leaders were reportedly released about an hour later, prompting allegations that Cumilla Kotwali Model Police had freed them shortly after detention. The meeting was part of an iftar event attended by former and current leaders of Nangalkot Upazila Awami League, including former chairman Nazmul Hasan Bhuiyan Bashir and others, some of whom have pending cases.

Police officials said the operation was conducted based on information about possible subversive activities. Officer-in-Charge Touhidul Anwar stated that the individuals were questioned at the scene and released after consulting senior officers. Additional Superintendent of Police Saiful Malek confirmed that several people were questioned but no significant information was found. Local MP Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan said he was unaware of any intervention to secure the leaders’ release.

The incident has drawn attention to the handling of political figures by local law enforcement and the transparency of police actions in Cumilla.

Advocate Md. Shahadat Hossain, member secretary of the Jhalakathi district BNP and president of the Jhalakathi District Lawyers’ Association, has been appointed as the administrator of the Jhalakathi District Council. The appointment was announced on Sunday, March 15, through a notification issued by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.

The order, signed by Deputy Secretary Khondkar Farhad Ahmed, named administrators for 42 district councils across the country. According to the District Council (Amendment) Ordinance–2024, the appointed individuals will serve as full-time administrators until further notice. Shahadat Hossain has long been active in Jhalakathi’s politics and legal profession, holding various leadership roles within the BNP and the local bar association.

Following his appointment, Shahadat Hossain expressed gratitude to the party leadership and stated his intention to use the district council to promote development, infrastructure improvement, and public welfare in Jhalakathi through collective effort.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar has protested the government’s decision to appoint party-affiliated individuals as administrators in 42 district councils. In a statement issued on Sunday, March 15, he said the Ministry of Local Government had issued a notification making these appointments, which he described as contrary to public expectations.

Porwar argued that in a democratic system, local government bodies should be run by representatives elected through public votes. He claimed that appointing administrators undermines this process and shifts control toward partisan and bureaucratic management. He warned that replacing elections with appointment-based governance poses a serious threat to democracy and directly harms citizens’ voting rights and representative governance.

He further stated that although the government speaks of strengthening local governance, such actions could weaken democracy and damage the country’s political culture. Porwar urged the government to cancel the decision and hold free, fair, and impartial elections for district councils, calling on citizens to stand up for their democratic rights.

Police recovered the bloodied body of Sharmin Jahan, a student of Jahangirnagar University’s Public Administration Department, from a rented apartment in Savar’s Islamnagar area on Sunday afternoon. She was found critically injured inside the residence she shared with her husband and was later declared dead at Enam Medical College Hospital. Her husband has been taken into police custody for questioning.

Investigators suspect the incident to be a homicide, as injuries were found on the victim’s head. Representatives from the university administration visited the hospital after learning of the incident. The body has been sent to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Ashulia Police Station’s officer-in-charge said the scene has been inspected and an investigation is underway. Dhaka District Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman stated that the cause of death is being investigated and further details will be provided later.

Police in Dhunat upazila of Bogura have arrested Imruz Raihan Tanzim, a 26-year-old leader of the Swechchhasebak League, in connection with an explosives case filed over a torch procession incident. He was sent to Bogura District Jail through the court on Sunday afternoon after being detained from his home on Saturday night.

According to the case details, on November 30, 2025, around 2 a.m., leaders and activists of the upazila Awami League organized a torch procession in the Bhubangati Uttarpara area of Chowkibari Union. It is alleged that participants detonated crude bombs, causing panic in the locality. On December 10, former president of the Gopalnagar Union Chhatra Dal, Raju Ahmed, filed a case naming 35 individuals and accusing 60 to 70 unidentified persons.

Imruz Raihan Tanzim was arrested as one of the unidentified accused in that case. Dhunat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikul Islam stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.