Andreas Krieg, an Associate Professor at King’s College London, stated that attempts to open the Strait of Hormuz by force would be 'almost suicidal.' He commented on US plans to deploy 2,500 marines to the Gulf, saying the move would make no difference in reopening the strategic waterway.

Krieg’s remarks highlight skepticism about the effectiveness of military measures in addressing tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy shipments. His assessment suggests that a forceful approach could carry severe risks without achieving the intended outcome.

The statement underscores concerns about escalating military involvement in the Gulf region and the potential consequences of using force to secure maritime access.

Pro-Israel groups are pouring millions of dollars into Illinois primary elections, marking an early test of their influence as US and Israeli forces wage war on Iran. In the Chicago-area Democratic contests, organizations linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) have become major spenders, despite Israel’s declining popularity among US voters. According to Chicago’s WBEZ, AIPAC and its donors have spent $13.7 million, often through shadow political action committees that conceal their funders until after the vote.

Progressive groups accuse AIPAC of using covert tactics to disguise its involvement, citing the lobby’s rebranding under generic names like the United Democracy Project. Justice Democrats spokesperson Usamah Andrabi described AIPAC as a “toxic” force within the Democratic Party, arguing that voters increasingly reject candidates tied to the lobby. Several key races, including those involving Kat Abughazaleh, Daniel Biss, and Laura Fine, have become flashpoints for the debate over Israel and US foreign policy.

Polls suggest AIPAC’s influence is waning, with only 17 percent of Democratic voters expressing more sympathy for Israelis than Palestinians. Tuesday’s primaries are also seen as a measure of Democratic opposition to the ongoing war on Iran and its domestic repercussions.

A devastating fire broke out at Patul Bazaar in Naldanga upazila of Natore on Tuesday night, destroying at least six shops. The blaze started around 8:30 p.m. at a clothing store owned by Mohammad Fuad and quickly spread to nearby grocery, library, and cosmetics shops. Local traders tried to save their goods as panic spread through the market.

Firefighters from the Naldanga Fire Service arrived promptly and, with help from locals, brought the fire under control. However, six shops were completely burned down before the flames were extinguished. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Al Imran Khan visited the site, spoke with affected traders, and reviewed the situation.

Initial reports suggest the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit in the clothing store. The affected traders estimated losses of around 1.5 million taka. Local authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

The government has withdrawn its 2007 decision that canceled the recruitment of police sergeants and sub-inspectors on political grounds. As a result, 123 police sergeants and 207 unarmed sub-inspectors selected in the 2006 recruitment process will now be allowed to join their positions. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Police Branch-2 issued the order on Monday, confirming the reinstatement.

According to the order, the selected candidates’ seniority will be determined from the date they would have joined had the recruitment not been canceled in 2007. However, they will not receive any financial benefits for the intervening period. The newly appointed officers will undergo six months of basic training and a probationary period of up to two years.

The order further states that the grading list for the batch will be prepared based on written and oral exam results and the regulations issued by the Ministry of Public Administration. The Inspector General of Police has been instructed to take necessary measures to implement the decision.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested Tahera Begum Akhi, a 32-year-old TikTok user and the prime accused in the murder of her husband Belal Uddin Jihad, from Kotbazar in Ukhia upazila near Cox’s Bazar. The arrest took place on Monday, March 16, following a special operation based on secret intelligence. RAB-15 Assistant Director (Law and Media) and Assistant Superintendent of Police A. M. Faruk confirmed the arrest.

According to RAB, Belal Uddin Jihad, a 22-year-old tomtom driver from Ramu upazila, was found dead with his throat slit in a rented house in Fatekharkul union on March 4. Following the discovery, his wife Akhi went into hiding, and his family filed a murder case with Ramu Police Station. RAB-15 launched a shadow investigation and increased surveillance to locate the suspect.

During initial questioning, Akhi reportedly admitted that the killing stemmed from a family dispute. She has been handed over to Ramu Police Station for further legal proceedings. RAB stated that similar operations will continue to ensure public safety.

The business and trade sector now holds the highest share of defaulted loans in Bangladesh’s banking system, with 42.5 percent of loans in the sector classified as non-performing, according to the December-based “Banking Sector Update” report. The industrial sector follows with a 30.8 percent default rate, while the overall banking sector average stands at 31.2 percent. As of December, total outstanding loans amounted to Tk 18.21 trillion, of which Tk 5.57 trillion were defaults.

Sector insiders attribute the rise in defaults to economic pressures and a deteriorating business environment. Increased living costs have reduced consumer purchasing power, leading to lower demand and sales. Rising costs of raw materials, fuel, transport, and imports, along with dollar shortages and import restrictions, have further strained businesses. Higher interest rates have also increased debt burdens, particularly for small and medium enterprises with limited capital.

The report shows that large loans remain the most default-prone, though rescheduling policies have slightly reduced the rate since September. Agriculture, construction, and transport sectors also show high default ratios, while consumer loans remain relatively stable at 3 percent.

Ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, allegations have surfaced that low-quality laccha semai are being sold in Taraganj markets of Rangpur. Despite being packaged attractively, questions have arisen about their quality and production process. Investigations revealed that most of these products are made in villages of Syedpur and Kishoreganj upazilas of Nilphamari district, often in unhygienic conditions. Locals claim that although the packets say the semai are fried in ghee or dalda, they are actually prepared using palm oil, raising concerns about consumer health.

Reports also indicate that many packets carry fake Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) seals, and some lack production or expiry dates. Taraganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Hamdullah warned that consuming such low-quality semai could cause serious health problems. He said that palm oil, artificial colors, and even textile dyes are sometimes used in production, which can lead to stomach issues, diarrhea, dysentery, food poisoning, and long-term liver, kidney, or cancer risks.

The report highlights growing public concern over food safety and the need for stricter monitoring of festive food products.

Millions of people have begun leaving Dhaka ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, but concerns are mounting over potential traffic congestion at 30 to 35 points on major highways. The Police Headquarters, based on intelligence reports, has instructed highway and related police units to take measures to reduce passenger suffering. With government and private offices beginning holidays on Tuesday, pressure at major bus terminals such as Gabtoli, Sayedabad, and Mohakhali is expected to intensify.

The report highlights several critical routes facing problems, including the Dhaka-Aricha, Dhaka-Barishal, Dhaka-Khulna, and Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highways. Causes include incomplete road repairs, narrow bridges, illegal roadside markets, and poor traffic management. Specific trouble spots such as Dholeshwari Bridge, Noyadingi, Tekherhat, Kamarkhali toll plaza, and Gachbaria have been identified as high-risk areas for congestion.

Authorities have been advised to deploy additional traffic police at key intersections, complete or suspend ongoing repairs, remove illegal markets, and modernize toll collection systems to prevent severe travel disruptions during the Eid rush.

Bangladesh’s left-wing alliance, the Democratic United Front, suffered a severe defeat in the 13th national election held on February 12, 2026. The coalition, comprising ten leftist parties including the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), the Socialist Party (BASAD), and Bangladesh JASAD, fielded candidates in 147 constituencies but failed to secure significant voter support. Collectively, the alliance received around 117,000 votes nationwide, accounting for only 0.17 percent of total valid votes. Every candidate lost their deposit, as none reached the required one-eighth of votes in their constituencies.

Analysts cited ideological divisions, leadership conflicts, and dependence on major political alliances as key reasons for the left’s decline. Once influential in labor politics, leftist groups now struggle with organizational weakness, outdated political messaging, and limited grassroots connection. The CPB’s vote share fell to 0.08 percent, continuing a long-term downward trend since 1991.

CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince acknowledged the poor results, attributing them partly to an unbalanced electoral system and the dominance of two major parties. He emphasized the need for self-criticism and rebuilding trust among voters through sustained grassroots engagement.

A drone attack targeted the United States Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, on Tuesday morning local time. One drone crashed near the embassy compound, while another was intercepted and destroyed by air defense systems. Smoke was seen rising from the area following the incident, according to media reports.

The US Embassy is located in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, which has experienced multiple attempted attacks in recent days. The Iraqi Interior Ministry previously reported that a drone had also struck the Al-Rashid Hotel within the same zone. The recent incidents highlight ongoing security challenges in the area.

Authorities have not yet provided details on casualties or identified those responsible for the attack, leaving questions about the perpetrators and their motives.

At least 400 people were killed and about 250 others injured in a Pakistani airstrike on a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, according to the Taliban. The attack reportedly took place around 9 p.m. on Monday when Pakistan’s military targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital in the Afghan capital.

A Taliban spokesperson stated on social media that the hospital, which had around 2,000 beds and treated drug addiction patients, was largely destroyed in the strike. Local media also reported extensive damage and warned that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continued.

Pakistan has not yet issued any official comment on the incident. Reports suggest that the number of casualties may increase as more information becomes available.

Thirteen US soldiers have been killed and 200 injured since the war between the United States and Iran began, according to US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins. Among the injured, ten are in critical condition. Hawkins stated that the injuries include burns, traumatic brain injuries, and shrapnel wounds, and that 180 personnel have already returned to duty.

Military officials noted that many of the attacks were caused by Iran’s one-way drone strikes. General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said such drone attacks were responsible for most of the casualties. The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran.

Iran has responded with counterattacks, particularly targeting several Gulf countries known to be allies of the United States and Israel, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

US President Donald Trump said he was very surprised by the United Kingdom’s attitude toward the ongoing war, arguing that the country should have participated with greater enthusiasm. Speaking about his recent discussions, Trump stated that two weeks earlier he had suggested to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to send ships, but Starmer was reluctant to do so. Trump added that he reminded Starmer of the long-standing alliance between the two nations and expressed support for Britain’s assistance to Ukraine.

Trump further alleged that the UK refused to send a mine ship despite having two aircraft carriers available. He said the US had requested the carriers, but Starmer did not agree. According to Trump, the British leader later proposed sending aircraft carriers to the Middle East, but by then the war had already ended.

Concluding his remarks, Trump said he was not satisfied with the UK’s response, emphasizing that Britain should have joined the conflict with more enthusiasm.

Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has instructed officials appointed by his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to remain in their posts. In a message broadcast on March 12 by state television, he stated that no reappointments are necessary and that all current officials should continue their duties according to the directives issued during his father’s lifetime.

Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as his father’s successor on March 8 but has not yet appeared publicly, and no photos or videos of him have been released. The message aired on state TV marked his first public communication since assuming the role. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed on March 13, without evidence, that Khamenei had been injured in an airstrike on Tehran. In contrast, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s son, Yousef Pezeshkian, confirmed on March 11 that the supreme leader was safe and unharmed.

The contrasting statements highlight uncertainty surrounding Khamenei’s condition and visibility as he begins his leadership amid regional tensions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran has not initiated war with the United States or Israel and that defending against aggression is Tehran’s legitimate right. Writing on X, he urged an end to attempts to disrupt Iran’s relations with neighboring countries through the use of American bases. Pezeshkian said he discussed the matter with French President Emmanuel Macron by phone.

He emphasized that ignoring Zionist-American aggression would make regional peace and stability impossible, asserting that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not surrender to oppressors. Pezeshkian expressed hope that the global community would condemn such aggression and compel the attackers to respect international law. He described entering wars based on misinformation as a “medieval act in the 21st century.”

Pezeshkian added that talk of ending the war would only be meaningful once Iran could be assured that no further attacks would occur on its territory.