The government of Bangladesh has decided to invite new applications for the inclusion of educational institutions under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme. Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced the decision in the National Parliament on Sunday, March 15, 2026. He stated that previously submitted applications will be re-evaluated as part of the process.

The minister also said that the ministry is considering the recruitment of 9,000 religious teachers across the country to prevent moral degradation. He clarified that teachers from all religions, not only Islamic studies, will be appointed. Additionally, a committee has been formed to bring English medium schools under regulatory oversight.

In response to another parliamentary question, the minister mentioned that the government would decide on establishing new public universities based on necessity. He noted that Bangladesh currently has 57 public universities and that the government is committed to improving their quality.

Bangladesh Bank has increased the maximum loan limit against credit cards to Tk 4 million, up from the previous Tk 2.5 million. The central bank also raised the unsecured loan ceiling to Tk 2 million from Tk 1 million. The Banking Regulation and Policy Department issued a guideline on Sunday outlining these changes.

According to the guideline, the use of credit cards in Bangladesh is steadily rising due to convenience, improved security, more electronic point-of-sale terminals, and various incentives from issuers. Bangladesh Bank stated that the updated framework aims to ensure safe, secure, and efficient credit card operations while promoting digital payments.

The new directives are designed to strengthen risk management, encourage responsible lending, and enhance financial discipline among cardholders. Bank officials noted that the higher limits could increase lending volumes and profitability for banks, though they also acknowledged a potential rise in credit risk.

A vessel of the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC), named MV Banglar Joyjatra, has been stranded near the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The ship, carrying 31 Bangladeshi sailors, was only 66 nautical miles from the strait’s entrance on March 12 when reports of missile attacks emerged. Following security instructions from the UAE Coast Guard, the vessel retreated to a safer position in the Persian Gulf and is now anchored in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The ship had earlier crossed the Hormuz Strait from India on February 2 and reached the UAE after loading steel coils from Qatar on February 27. The conflict began the next day when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, spreading instability across the region. BSC had planned to load new cargo in Kuwait after unloading at Jebel Ali Port on March 11 but decided to return the ship safely due to the war situation.

BSC has requested the Ministry of Shipping to seek diplomatic assistance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the vessel’s safe passage through the Hormuz Strait.

Commerce, Industry, Textile and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that the Ministry of Commerce will form a fact-finding committee to investigate the causes of unreasonable price differences between wholesale and retail markets. He made the statement on Sunday after inspecting the price situation at Chattogram’s Khatunganj wholesale market and attending a discussion titled “Middle East Conflict: Review of Consumer Goods Supply and Price Situation.” The committee will include business representatives, administration officials, and other professionals if necessary, and will provide recommendations after a detailed review.

The minister said Bangladesh remains import-dependent, and global price hikes, dollar appreciation, or higher transport costs naturally affect domestic markets. However, the government is alert to prevent unjustified price increases due to internal mismanagement. He also mentioned that the government may consider policy measures to keep essential imported fruits like apples, grapes, and oranges affordable, while luxury fruits will not receive tariff reductions.

Muktadir urged traders to prioritize fairness during Ramadan and commended the relatively stable edible oil market. He warned against overpricing despite adequate supply and held discussions with local officials and business leaders in Chattogram.

A senior US official has warned that Israel might consider using nuclear weapons if its ongoing conflict with Iran continues. David Sacks, an adviser to former US President Donald Trump on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, made the remarks on his All-In podcast, saying Israel is facing one of the most severe attacks in its history. He cautioned that prolonged warfare could weaken Israel’s air defense systems, posing a serious threat to its national security.

Sacks compared the current situation to the 12-day war in June 2025, noting that although Iran launched more missiles and drones then, the present conflict has caused greater humanitarian losses, infrastructure destruction, and displacement. He urged a swift end to the hostilities, arguing that the United States has already achieved its main objective by significantly weakening Iran’s military capabilities.

Sacks suggested that now is the right time to declare victory and de-escalate tensions through a ceasefire or negotiations with Tehran.

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has announced special arrangements to ensure uninterrupted medical services during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. According to an official notice signed by Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, the university hospital’s outpatient department will remain open on March 19 (Thursday) and March 22 (Sunday). On these two days, patients can receive medical consultations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The notice further stated that except for March 19 and 22, the outpatient department will remain closed from March 17 to 23. However, the hospital’s indoor and emergency departments will continue operating as usual during the holiday period. The university administration has instructed the hospital director to take necessary measures to implement the plan.

All classes, offices, evening specialized consultation services, super-specialized hospital consultations, and the PCR lab will remain closed during the Eid holidays. Regular academic and hospital activities will resume on March 24 (Tuesday), with an “Eid Reunion 2026” scheduled at the university premises between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has claimed that a group he described as the remaining members of the ‘Epstein gang’ might plan an attack similar to the September 11 attacks in the United States and attempt to blame Iran for it. He stated that Iran strongly opposes any such terrorist plan and emphasized that the Iranian people have no conflict with the American public.

The remarks came amid the ongoing war involving Iran and the recent release of a large number of US government documents. Those documents reportedly reveal connections between the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and several influential and wealthy individuals. Former US President Donald Trump, who once called Epstein a “pervert,” had been photographed with him on multiple occasions.

Tehran has recently highlighted Epstein’s links with American political, business, and social elites to portray Washington’s adversaries as morally corrupt, according to the report.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of renewed attacks on Iran’s main oil export hub, Kharg Island, while calling on allied nations to deploy warships to protect the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to NBC News on Saturday, Trump claimed that U.S. strikes had already destroyed much of the island and suggested further attacks could follow. His remarks signaled an escalation from earlier statements that U.S. operations targeted only military facilities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that Tehran would intensify its countermeasures if its energy infrastructure were attacked. He alleged that the U.S. launched strikes on Kharg Island from two locations in the United Arab Emirates, calling the move dangerous but pledging Iran would avoid civilian areas. The U.S. Central Command declined to comment, while a UAE presidential adviser said the country prioritizes restraint and rationality despite its right to self-defense.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced missile and drone strikes on Israeli and U.S. bases in response to a deadly attack in Isfahan that killed at least 15 workers. The tensions have raised fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil passes.

Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian couple and their two young children in the occupied West Bank, according to a report published on March 15, 2026. The incident occurred in the northwestern city of Tammum, where the family’s car came under fire. Two other children from the same family, aged eight and eleven, were also injured in the attack. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the victims as Ali Bani Odeh, his wife Wad Bani Odeh, and their sons Mohammad, aged five, and Osman, aged seven. All were reportedly shot in the face and head.

The Palestinian Red Crescent stated that its emergency workers were initially prevented by Israeli forces from reaching the wounded at the scene and were ordered to leave the area. The report cited the BBC as its source but did not include any official comment from Israeli authorities or further details about the circumstances of the shooting.

The incident adds to ongoing tensions in the occupied West Bank, though the report did not specify any immediate political or security responses.

South Korea is considering sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz following a call from US President Donald Trump for allied nations to help ensure security in the region, according to a report by Middle East Eye. A South Korean presidential official told AFP that Seoul is closely monitoring Trump’s social media statements and will carefully review the matter in consultation with the United States.

The official added that South Korea is comprehensively reviewing various possible measures to secure the safety of energy transport routes. Trump said on Saturday that many countries would send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe, expressing hope that China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom would join the effort.

Meanwhile, a senior Japanese official stated on Sunday that Tokyo remains highly cautious about taking such steps, indicating differing levels of readiness among US allies regarding participation in the proposed maritime security initiative.

Former legal adviser Asif Nazrul has explained the reasons for the delay in the trial of the murder case of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. In a Facebook post on Sunday, he said that although he had expected the trial to begin during his time in government, the proceedings have not yet started. The investigating officer submitted a charge sheet against 17 people on January 6 this year.

Nazrul stated that the plaintiff was dissatisfied with the charge sheet and filed a petition of objection, prompting the court to order further investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). As the CID’s investigation is still ongoing, the trial has not begun. He added that once the CID submits its report and if no further objection is raised, the trial can proceed.

He further noted that if the plaintiff again objects or if the investigation remains incomplete, the trial could face additional delays. Nazrul emphasized that while investigation and trial processes are complex, collective goodwill can help ensure timely and fair justice.

A total of 500 international flights from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were canceled over the past 16 days due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Muhammad Kausar Mahmud, public relations officer of the Civil Aviation Authority. On Sunday alone, 23 flights were canceled.

The cancellations began on February 28, when 23 flights were grounded. The following days saw fluctuating numbers, including 40 on March 1, 46 on March 2, and 39 on March 3. Airlines affected include Kuwait Airways, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Jazeera, Flydubai, US-Bangla Airlines, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Despite the disruptions, 49 flights operated on Sunday, mainly to Muscat, Kuwait, and the UAE.

The Civil Aviation Authority continues to monitor the situation as the conflict in the Middle East disrupts regular air connectivity from Dhaka to key destinations in the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on France to refrain from any actions that could escalate current conflicts. He made the remarks during a phone conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The discussion focused on the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel and its regional consequences.

According to a post from Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Telegram, Araghchi blamed the United States and Israel for increasing insecurity in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. He urged all countries to act responsibly and avoid moves that could intensify the situation. Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and national security, stating that Iranian forces had only targeted military bases of aggressors, not other nations.

He also noted that achieving lasting peace in Lebanon depends largely on an end to Israeli attacks, emphasizing the need for restraint across the region.

Israel has issued an immediate evacuation warning for residents in several southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, ahead of a potential military operation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced that the alert applies specifically to the neighborhoods of Haret Hreik, Ghobeiry, Laylaki, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahouit al-Ghadir, and Chiyah.

Adraee stated that the IDF would not hesitate to target anyone found near Hezbollah members, urging civilians to leave the areas immediately to avoid danger. The warning was shared on the social media platform X, emphasizing that remaining in those neighborhoods could put lives at risk.

The announcement signals heightened tension between Israel and Hezbollah, as the IDF prepares for possible operations in Lebanon’s capital region.

The opposition in Bangladesh has stated that it wants to resolve the ongoing complications surrounding the July Charter and the Constitutional Reform Council session within the parliament. Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks on Sunday after the national parliament session, emphasizing that if the issue cannot be settled in parliament, the opposition will be compelled to take to the streets.

Dr. Rahman said the opposition plans to issue a notice regarding the council session and hopes the matter will proceed under the Speaker’s guidance. He clarified that the issue should be addressed in the House rather than in a business advisory meeting. He also referred to the recent referendum, noting that the proposal for constitutional reform had won public approval.

Earlier, the opposition leader had expressed concern in parliament over the government’s failure to convene the Constitutional Reform Council within 30 calendar days as required by the July Charter implementation order.