A total of 133 ordinances issued during the interim government period have been sent to a special committee of the National Parliament for review. The committee has been instructed to submit its report by April 2. The proposal to send the ordinances to the special committee was made by Law Minister Asaduzzaman after 11 a.m. on Sunday in the National Parliament, and it was subsequently approved.

Earlier, during the first session, the Law Minister had presented the ordinances before Parliament, and on that same day, a special committee was formed to examine and select them. The review process is part of the legislative procedure to evaluate the ordinances enacted under the interim administration.

The committee’s findings are expected to guide Parliament’s next steps regarding the ordinances once the report is submitted by the specified deadline.

According to a report by Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, the United States has suffered nearly $4 billion in military equipment losses during two weeks of war, with operational expenses estimated at around $280 billion. The report cites military analysts who said Iran’s attacks caused the greatest damage to the US THAAD missile defense system, destroying at least four AN/TPY-2 radars in the UAE, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Additional losses include damaged radar systems in Qatar, destroyed drones, fighter jets, and a tanker aircraft, as well as infrastructure damage in Bahrain and Kuwait.

A Democratic member of the US House Committee has requested the Congressional Budget Office to disclose the true cost of the war, while the Pentagon has not released any official data. The New York Times reported that the first week of the war cost about $6 billion, with daily expenses estimated between $1 billion and $2 billion. Analysts attribute the high costs to expensive interceptor missiles, advanced aircraft operations, and extensive military deployment across the Middle East.

Experts also noted that while the US defense budget can absorb the expenses, replenishing destroyed equipment and managing domestic discontent over rising costs remain major concerns.

During a parliamentary session on March 15, 2026, MP Hasanat Abdullah questioned Education Minister Ehsanul Haque Milon about the current lottery-based admission system in primary schools. Abdullah argued that the shift from merit-based admissions to a lottery process had reduced the quality of education in feeder institutions and affected the supply of qualified students to universities. He asked whether the government planned to revise the system.

In response, Minister Milon acknowledged the importance of the issue and said it required broad discussion. He explained that Bangladesh’s education system operates differently in rural and urban areas, with competition being less intense in rural institutions. The minister noted that the previous government had introduced the lottery system to address urban admission complexities, but he personally found it unjustified. He added that the admission procedure for the next academic year would be decided after consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The parliamentary session began at 11 a.m. and included other scheduled discussions such as the president’s address and matters of public importance.

Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon informed the National Parliament on Sunday that the recruitment of 9,000 religious teachers is currently under consideration. He stated that teachers from all religions, not only Islamic education, would be included. The minister also mentioned that a committee has been formed to bring English medium schools under regulatory frameworks.

In a written reply to a question from Member of Parliament S M Jahangir Hossain, the minister said the government will decide on establishing new public universities after assessing necessity. He noted that Bangladesh currently has 57 public universities and that the government is committed to improving their quality. Additionally, he said the government will invite new applications for inclusion of educational institutions under the MPO scheme, and previous applications will be re-evaluated.

These statements outline the government’s ongoing review of teacher recruitment, university expansion, and institutional inclusion policies within the education sector.

Pakistan carried out airstrikes on military installations in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in response to drone attacks allegedly launched from Afghan territory. According to Geo News, citing official sources, the strikes targeted the 313 Corps in Kabul and the Tarawo militant camp in Kandahar, destroying key infrastructure. The operation also hit four militant hideouts belonging to the Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Kharij in Paktia province between March 12 and 13. Fuel storage and supply facilities near Kandahar airport were also destroyed during the raids.

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the drone attacks from Afghanistan, warning Kabul that targeting Pakistani civilians crossed a “red line.” The Pakistani military stated that locally made drones were intercepted before reaching their targets, though debris injured civilians in Quetta, Kohat, and Rawalpindi. Airspace around Islamabad was temporarily closed after the drones were detected.

Tensions between the two neighbors have escalated since late February, when Pakistan began operations against militants allegedly sheltering inside Afghanistan.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told Parliament on Sunday that the government will implement the July Charter strictly in accordance with the constitution, laws, and regulations. He made the remarks around 12:15 p.m. in response to opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman’s comments on the charter. The minister emphasized that the President has convened the national parliament session, not any so-called ‘Reform Council’.

Salahuddin Ahmed clarified that under the July National Charter, any move to form a constitutional reform council would first require an amendment to the constitution. He stated that the existence of such a council has already been challenged in court, and a rule has been issued on the matter, which is now under judicial consideration. The minister reiterated that the government is currently participating in the parliamentary session as per constitutional provisions.

He further noted that if a referendum mandates the formation of such a council, it can only occur after constitutional amendments are passed in Parliament and incorporated into the constitution, followed by necessary steps for council formation and oath-taking.

During the second session of the 13th National Parliament on Sunday, March 15, 2026, opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman attempted to speak about the July uprising. He stated that the current parliament was formed in stages following that event, mentioning that two votes were held on the same day—a parliamentary election and a referendum. The Speaker interrupted him, instructing him to limit his remarks to the scheduled question session.

Dr. Rahman then asked whether he would be allowed time later to discuss the issue, to which the Speaker replied that he could raise it after the question-answer period. The session began at 11 a.m. and included a motion of thanks on the President’s address, question-answer sessions, and discussions on urgent public matters.

According to the day’s agenda published by the Parliament Secretariat, questions were scheduled for ministries including the Cabinet Division, Science and Technology, Education, Social Welfare, and Housing and Public Works.

Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) has launched a pilot program to provide high-speed satellite-based Starlink internet on three intercity trains. The service, introduced on Friday, allows passengers to access free Wi-Fi while traveling on the Parjotok Express, Upoban Express, and Bonolota Express. This initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to offer free Wi-Fi at all airports and railway stations across the country.

The trial was observed by Rehan Asif Asad, adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology. He stated that the government is taking various steps to enhance national connectivity, and the introduction of Starlink internet on moving trains is a continuation of that effort. Passengers can now connect easily by scanning a QR code. The service is currently in a testing phase and will be improved in the future.

BSCL Managing Director and CEO Imadur Rahman said the company is working to strengthen digital connectivity in line with the government’s manifesto.

An air ambulance carrying Mirza Abbas, political adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Member of Parliament for Dhaka-8, departed from Dhaka for Singapore on Sunday around 11:30 a.m. He is being taken abroad for advanced medical treatment. His wife Afroza Abbas and their eldest son Mirza Yasir Abbas are accompanying him, according to his personal secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel.

Mirza Abbas was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara after losing consciousness on Wednesday night. A medical board was formed for his treatment, and he underwent two brain surgeries. He has since been kept under intensive observation. On Saturday morning, a CT scan of his brain was conducted, and the report was described as good by BNP’s health affairs secretary Rafiqul Islam.

The transfer to Singapore marks the next stage of his medical care following several days of critical treatment in Dhaka.

A new poll by Quinnipiac University, released last week, shows that 53 percent of Americans oppose a U.S. military attack on Iran, while 40 percent support such action. The survey also found that a large majority of respondents are strongly against sending U.S. ground troops to Iran.

According to the poll, nearly three-quarters of participants said they do not favor deploying American ground forces in Iran. More than three-quarters also expressed concern that a war with Iran could increase the risk of terrorist attacks inside the United States. The survey further revealed mixed opinions about Israel, with 44 percent of respondents believing the U.S. gives too much support to Israel, while an equal share considers the level of support appropriate.

The findings highlight widespread public caution toward military escalation in the Middle East and reflect ongoing divisions in American views on U.S. foreign policy toward Iran and Israel.

President convened the national parliament in accordance with the constitution, and there is no entity called a reform council, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated on Sunday, March 15, before attending the second day of the first session. He explained that under the July Charter, any implementation of a constitutional reform council would first require an amendment.

Earlier, on March 12, the new parliament began its journey, and after the President’s address, Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed adjourned the session until Sunday. According to the Parliament Secretariat, the day’s agenda includes a question-and-answer session, discussions on urgent public issues, and a motion of thanks on the President’s speech. Questions will cover several ministries, including Cabinet, Science and Technology, Education, Social Welfare, and Housing.

The Business Advisory Committee decided that the 13th National Parliament’s first session will continue until April 30, meeting daily at 3 p.m. except on public holidays. A total of 468 questions have been submitted, along with 27 notices under Rule 71 and 97 decision proposals under Rule 131.

The Pentagon has released the identities of six US service members killed when a KC-135 refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq earlier this week. In a statement on Saturday, the Pentagon said preliminary findings indicate the crash was not caused by hostile action. The incident occurred Thursday and increased the number of US personnel killed in the anti-Iran military campaign to at least 13. Another aircraft involved in the operation landed safely, according to officials.

The Pentagon confirmed that the victims were crew members on duty at the time, including three from the US Air Force and three from the Air National Guard. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though US Central Command stated it was not due to enemy fire or friendly fire. Meanwhile, the Iran-backed coalition “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” claimed responsibility for downing a KC-135 and said it had targeted another aircraft that escaped.

The KC-135 crash marks at least the fourth US military aircraft lost in the ongoing conflict, following earlier friendly-fire incidents over Kuwait.

The government of Bangladesh has withdrawn the rationing system in fuel marketing and supply, effective immediately. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit announced the decision on Sunday at a press conference held at the Secretariat. He stated that the rationing system had been introduced earlier due to concerns over possible supply disruptions caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East, but current fuel reserves are now stable and there is no shortage.

According to the minister, the decision aims to ensure uninterrupted travel during the upcoming Eid holidays and to maintain adequate electricity supply for irrigation season. He added that the directive will remain in effect until further notice.

The minister also clarified that the government has no intention to increase fuel prices despite global price hikes, emphasizing that the decision was made considering public interest.

Switzerland has refused a request from the United States to use Swiss airspace for military operations targeting Iran. According to the report, the US made two separate requests to allow its aircraft to fly over Swiss territory as part of its Middle East military actions. The Swiss government declined both requests, citing its neutrality law.

In an official statement, the Swiss authorities explained that under national law, it is prohibited to allow any party involved in a conflict to use Swiss airspace for military purposes. However, the government confirmed that it had approved three flights unrelated to combat operations—one for maintenance and two for transport purposes.

The decision underscores Switzerland’s long-standing policy of neutrality and its legal restrictions on involvement in foreign conflicts, even when approached by major powers such as the United States.

Britain is planning to deploy mine-detection drones in the Strait of Hormuz to reduce Iran’s influence over this vital global trade route. The British Ministry of Defence stated that various options are being considered to ensure the safe passage of cargo ships through the strait, which handles about 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments daily. The proposal was first reported by The Sunday Times, citing the Royal Navy’s Mine and Threat Exploitation Group, currently stationed in the Middle East, as the likely source of the drone deployment.

The Sunday Telegraph reported that British interceptor drones, originally designed for Ukraine, may also be used to counter Iranian Shahed drones. The initiative follows earlier calls by former U.S. President Donald Trump for allied nations to send warships to protect oil tankers in the region.

Details such as the number of operational drones and how many could be deployed remain uncertain, according to the reports.