Dhaka Bar Association General Secretary Advocate Syed Nazrul Islam stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has given journalists genuine freedom to report truthfully. He made the remarks on Wednesday, March 11, during an iftar gathering of the Court Reporters Unity (CRU) held at the Dhaka Judicial Court. Nazrul Islam praised journalists for their courage during previous authoritarian periods when press freedom was restricted and urged them to continue honest reporting.

He expressed gratitude to CRU members for their integrity and bravery, assuring that the Dhaka Bar and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would continue to support them. BNP Central Assistant Law Affairs Secretary Syed Zainul Abedin Mezbah emphasized that journalists’ unity strengthens their ability to resist injustice and acknowledged the CRU’s role in exposing truth during oppressive times.

Additional Public Prosecutor Muhammad Shamsuddoha Suman highlighted the importance of court reporters in informing the public about judicial proceedings and ensuring transparency. The event was chaired by CRU President Liton Mahmud and attended by journalists and legal professionals.

Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, has called the Iranian attack on Qatar completely unjustified. Speaking at a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, she said the assault has increased tensions and endangered civilian lives while damaging infrastructure. She urged the UN Security Council to take action in response to the situation.

According to the statement, the Qatari envoy condemned the attack as unacceptable and emphasized the threat it poses to regional stability. The remarks came amid rising unrest in the Middle East, where reports indicate multiple cross-border strikes and growing insecurity. The call for UN intervention reflects Qatar’s concern over escalating hostilities and the need for international measures to prevent further deterioration.

The appeal to the Security Council underscores Qatar’s reliance on multilateral diplomacy to address security threats and maintain regional peace, as tensions between Iran and neighboring states continue to intensify.

The United States military has instructed Iranian civilians to avoid all port areas in the Strait of Hormuz where the Iranian navy is active. The directive, issued by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Wednesday, called for immediate avoidance of Iranian naval ships and military equipment. The warning specifically targeted port workers, administrative staff, and commercial vessel crews, urging them to stay clear of naval zones.

According to the CENTCOM statement, the guidance follows a series of US military actions against Iranian naval assets. Since February 28, the United States claims to have sunk or destroyed around 60 Iranian vessels, significantly weakening Iran’s naval capabilities. The information was reported by Al Jazeera.

The advisory underscores heightened tensions in the region following recent hostilities involving Iran and its allies. The situation remains volatile, with continued military activity in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

India has condemned an attack on a Thailand-flagged cargo ship named Mayuri Naree that was en route to Kandla, Gujarat, when it came under assault in the Hormuz Strait on March 11. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on Wednesday expressing strong disapproval of the incident, noting that commercial vessels are increasingly being targeted amid ongoing conflicts in West Asia.

The statement highlighted that similar attacks during the early stages of the regional conflict had already caused loss of valuable lives, including Indian nationals. It added that the intensity of such assaults and the resulting casualties appear to be rising. India emphasized that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or obstructing freedom of navigation and trade, is unacceptable.

The ministry’s remarks reflect growing concern over maritime security in the region, as attacks on civilian shipping threaten international trade routes and the safety of seafarers.

The Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has extended the deadline for filling out forms for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Examination 2026. According to a notice signed by the board’s examination controller, S M Kamal Uddin Haider, students can now complete their form submission with a late fee until March 31.

The notice stated that the last date for both form submission and payment of fees through the 'Sonali Seba' system has been extended to March 31. Earlier, the form fill-up process began on March 1 and continued until March 9, while fee submission was open until March 10.

The extension provides additional time for students who missed the initial deadline to complete their registration for the upcoming HSC examination under the Dhaka Education Board.

Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem has congratulated Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and declared unwavering loyalty to Tehran’s new leadership. In a statement published by Hezbollah-affiliated media on March 11, 2026, Qassem said the Assembly of Experts had chosen Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, a decision Hezbollah welcomed.

Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to follow the path of Iran’s Islamic Revolution and renewed the group’s pledge of allegiance to the new leader. He stated that on behalf of Hezbollah’s Shura Council, leadership, and the Islamic Resistance fighters in Lebanon, he was renewing their oath of loyalty to Mojtaba Khamenei.

The statement underscores Hezbollah’s continued alignment with Iran’s leadership, reflecting the group’s long-standing ideological and strategic ties with Tehran.

Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana produced a devastating spell to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup in a one-day match held on March 11, 2026. Pakistan reached 41 for 1 in the powerplay but collapsed to 81 for 8 within 23 overs, largely due to Nahid’s fiery pace and bounce. He completed his five-wicket haul in his very first over and finished with figures of 7 overs, 24 runs, and 5 wickets, setting a new record for the most economical five-wicket haul by a Bangladeshi pacer.

Nahid’s breakthrough came in the tenth over when he dismissed Sahibzada Farhan with a bouncer. He then removed debutants Shamil Hossain and Maj Sadakat in quick succession, both falling to short deliveries. His fourth wicket was Mohammad Rizwan, caught behind off a length ball, and his fifth came when Salman Agha was caught at short square leg. Bowling coach Shaun Tait praised Nahid’s performance, calling it one of the best spells he had seen from a Bangladeshi bowler.

Bangladesh eventually won the match by eight wickets with 209 balls remaining. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took three wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman claimed one each.

A mobile court in Matlab North upazila of Chandpur district detained 14 fishermen during an operation on the Meghna River on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The raid was part of the government’s 2026 jatka protection and sanctuary enforcement campaign. Authorities seized a large quantity of illegal fishing nets, including a behundi net, a pressure net, and about 20,000 meters of current net, which were later burned. Four fishing boats and four anchors were also confiscated and placed under police custody.

Each of the detained fishermen received a seven-day jail sentence from Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Rahmat Ullah. The convicts are residents of Matlab North, Lakshmipur’s Kamalnagar, and Chandpur Sadar areas. The operation was conducted in the presence of district and upazila fisheries officials and the Mohanpur River Police.

Officials stated that regular river patrols and awareness programs are ongoing to enforce the jatka conservation program. They emphasized that fishing during the government-declared ban period is strictly prohibited and that similar drives will continue to protect future hilsa production.

The United States military has issued an immediate directive for Iranian civilians to avoid all port areas in the Strait of Hormuz. The warning, released by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), specifically urges people to stay away from ports where Iran’s navy is active. The statement advises Iranian port workers, administrative staff, and commercial ship crews to steer clear of naval vessels and military equipment.

According to the CENTCOM statement cited by the source, the United States has destroyed or sunk around 60 Iranian naval vessels since the start of attacks on February 28. The US claims these operations have significantly weakened Iran’s naval capabilities. The advisory reflects ongoing military tensions in the region and a continued focus on maritime security in one of the world’s most strategic waterways.

The warning underscores the risk of further escalation around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments, though the source does not specify any new military actions beyond the advisory.

Iran has assigned its elite commando unit, NOPO, to handle the security of its new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. The decision follows the death of former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israel attack on February 28. Since the incident, 56-year-old Mojtaba has not appeared in public. International media reports claim he was seriously injured in the same attack and is receiving treatment at a highly secured location, though the Iranian government denies these claims, stating he is safe and healthy.

Analysts say the deployment of NOPO underscores efforts to strengthen Mojtaba’s protection. Formed in 1991, the black-clad NOPO unit is officially tasked with hostage rescue and counterterrorism but is widely regarded as the Supreme Leader’s personal shield. The force is known for its high level of training and discipline.

Experts also note that NOPO is considered more skilled and ruthless than Iran’s regular police or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Police have arrested Dr. A.K.M. Jamal Uddin, a sociology teacher at Dhaka University, from a rally in the Gulistan area of the capital. The arrest took place on Wednesday morning, March 11, 2026, during a procession linked to the Awami League that had been declared prohibited. Law enforcement officials stated that Jamal Uddin was detained and later formally arrested under an existing case filed against him under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman confirmed the arrest, saying it was made in connection with the ongoing investigation of the case. Police sources said security forces were on alert around the rally site and detained him based on the situation at the scene.

Earlier, on February 15, Jamal Uddin had faced public assault near Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s residence in Dhanmondi while attempting to join another announced program. Police rescued him at that time. Authorities have stated that further legal steps will follow depending on the progress of the investigation.

Israel’s Justice Ministry’s Pardon Department has reportedly declined to recommend granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his ongoing corruption case. The ministry confirmed on Wednesday that the department had prepared its legal opinion and sent it to Heritage Minister Eliyahu, who was assigned by Justice Minister Yariv Levin to oversee the administrative process. The report will next be forwarded to President Isaac Herzog, who will make the final decision on whether to grant the pardon.

According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu’s application did not meet the legal requirements for a pardon because his trial is still ongoing and no conviction has been reached. He also did not admit guilt or express remorse in his application. Israel’s Supreme Court had previously ruled that pardons could be granted before conviction only if the accused admitted to the charges.

The report also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump was pressuring President Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, but Herzog stated he would decide independently. Netanyahu’s trial, involving charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, has been underway since 2020.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it has launched the 38th phase of its ongoing attacks, targeting multiple US-linked military installations in the Gulf region. According to an official statement, two powerful and simultaneous missile strikes hit Kuwait’s Adiri helicopter base, injuring about one hundred people who were taken to Al Jaber and Al Mubarak hospitals. The IRGC also said it carried out missile and drone attacks on the American base located at Bahrain’s Mina Salman port.

The statement further claimed that additional strikes were conducted on two Kuwaiti naval bases, Mohammad Al Ahmad and Ali Al Salem, specifically targeting Camp Patriot and facilities housing US troops and equipment. The IRGC concluded its message by declaring that it seeks only the enemy’s complete defeat and will continue fighting until the shadow of war is removed from the country.

The announcement marks an escalation in regional tensions, though the statement did not specify the timing or independent verification of the attacks.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has approved the release of 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to address supply shortages caused by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol announced that all 32 member countries unanimously voted to release what he described as the largest amount of emergency oil ever authorized by the agency.

Birol stated that the oil market is facing unprecedented challenges, and he welcomed the collective emergency action taken by member nations. According to the IEA, each member country will release its share of reserves within an appropriate timeframe based on national circumstances.

The agency noted that this marks the sixth coordinated release in its history, following similar actions in 1991, 2005, 2011, and twice in 2022. IEA members currently hold over 1.02 billion barrels of emergency reserves, with an additional 600 million barrels held by industry under government obligations.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast that rain or thunderstorms may continue across various parts of the country for the next five days. In its Wednesday evening bulletin, the agency reported that an extension of a low-pressure area lies over West Bengal and adjoining regions, while the seasonal low remains over the South Bay of Bengal. As a result, temporary gusty or stormy winds with rain or thundershowers are likely in several divisions including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet.

Meteorologists noted that this period marks the seasonal onset of nor'wester storms, and while brief rain and gusty winds are expected, continuous rainfall is unlikely. Day temperatures may drop by one to two degrees Celsius, while night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged. The forecast indicates that the trend of rain or thunderstorms may persist through the extended five-day outlook.

The department also mentioned that some regions may experience temporary heat and humidity between spells of rain, but severe heat conditions are not anticipated.