Israel has claimed responsibility for a new round of large-scale airstrikes targeting several military bases and weapons facilities inside Iran. According to a statement posted by the Israeli military on Telegram, the attacks struck the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) air defense and ground force headquarters, a Quds Force base and intelligence center, a missile production site under Iran’s defense ministry, and other production and research facilities.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, noted that the network could not independently verify Israel’s claims. The statement did not include details about casualties, damage assessments, or Iran’s response to the alleged attacks.

The situation remains unclear as independent confirmation of the strikes and their impact has not yet been established.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a ban on the use of high-octane fuel in all government vehicles as part of stricter austerity measures. The decision follows a recent increase in the high-octane surcharge by 200 rupees per liter. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that officials using high-octane fuel in violation of the order will face action and may have to bear the cost personally. The government expects the move to save about 90 billion rupees monthly, which will be redirected to public welfare.

The decision comes amid a global fuel shortage and price surge triggered by attacks in Iran involving Israel and the United States. Pakistan’s government said the measure aims to conserve energy and ease pressure on the national economy. The surcharge hike applies only to luxury vehicles, while prices for public transport and aviation fuel remain unchanged.

This step continues a series of energy-saving measures introduced two weeks earlier, including fuel price adjustments, a 50 percent cut in fuel allowances for government vehicles, a four-day workweek, and partial remote work for civil servants, excluding essential services.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating terrorism as the temporary ceasefire with Afghanistan neared its end on Monday midnight. The truce, announced last Wednesday for Eid-ul-Fitr, was intended to halt border clashes between the two countries. According to AFP, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Pakistan Day that Islamabad’s stance on the ongoing conflict with Afghanistan remains unchanged.

Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s recent actions inside Afghanistan were aimed at eradicating terrorist threats. Meanwhile, Afghan Taliban authorities and a medical source reported that a mortar shell fired from Pakistan killed one person in Kunar province on Sunday. Tensions between the two neighbors have escalated in recent months, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, a claim the Taliban denies.

The current round of conflict began in February after earlier mediation efforts by Gulf states and China failed. The ceasefire followed a deadly Pakistani strike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, which Afghan officials said killed more than 400 people.

Bangladesh Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bokul has ordered the closure of Doctors Care Hospital and Diagnostic in Shyamoli, Dhaka, following allegations of serious irregularities. The directive came after his visit to the hospital on Monday afternoon, two days after Eid. The minister announced that from Tuesday, inspection drives will begin across private clinics, hospitals, and diagnostic centers, starting from Shyamoli to Asadgate and later expanding nationwide.

The action follows a television report revealing that unqualified individuals, including brokers and clinic staff, were performing surgeries at the hospital. During his visit, the minister spoke with patients, relatives, and alleged victims who gathered to share complaints. He instructed that patients under treatment be transferred to other hospitals, including Pangu, Shishu, and Shaheed Suhrawardy hospitals.

Health officials said the upcoming inspection campaign aims not to shut down institutions but to ensure proper healthcare services. Facilities found with irregularities will be given 72 hours to one week to improve; otherwise, they will face closure.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that global oil prices would fall sharply if a peace agreement is reached to end the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Since the conflict began, oil prices have risen significantly due to heightened tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy transport. Trump said there is a good chance of reaching a deal but emphasized that nothing is guaranteed.

According to Trump, the two countries are discussing 15 points aimed at ending the war, with Iran’s abandonment of nuclear weapons listed as the top three priorities. He also expressed his desire to see major changes in Iran’s governing system. The remarks come amid stalled maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz caused by Iranian threats, which have contributed to the surge in oil prices.

The report, citing BBC Bangla, did not specify when or where the negotiations are taking place or how close the parties are to an agreement.

The United Kingdom has welcomed what it called productive talks between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that the dialogue could ease tensions in the Middle East and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the position on Monday, emphasizing London’s interest in regional stability.

Earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media that he had ordered a halt to planned strikes on Iranian power plants following what he described as highly productive discussions with Tehran. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied that any such talks had taken place, suggesting that Trump’s announcement was aimed at influencing global oil prices and delaying military action.

The British government reiterated that a swift resolution to the conflict was in the global interest, particularly to restore normal maritime operations through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan have taken on a mediating role to ease ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. According to a U.S. source, the three countries have been exchanging messages between the two sides over the past two days. Their foreign ministers have held separate meetings with White House representative Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, signaling intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

The source added that the mediation process is progressing with signs of positive development. The discussions aim to end the conflict and address long-standing unresolved issues. Further progress is expected soon, according to the same source.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry stated that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized during the meetings the importance of limiting the scope of the ongoing conflict and preventing its further escalation.

Following the fall of the previously banned Awami League government, Bangladesh’s local government administration has faced stagnation due to the prolonged absence of elected representatives. With a newly elected national government now in place, public and political attention has turned toward the long-awaited local government elections.

Opposition parties have questioned the government’s sincerity about holding these elections, citing recent administrative appointments as cause for concern. The appointment of party-affiliated leaders as administrators in city corporations and district councils has fueled suspicion that the ruling party may be consolidating control over local administrations before the polls. Critics argue that such actions undermine the fairness of the upcoming elections.

Political analysts suggest that local government elections will dominate the national political scene after the Eid holidays. Some analysts also note that appointing administrators was a temporary necessity to keep local governance functional until elections are held.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a five-day suspension of all planned military strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure. The declaration came Monday via his social media platform Truth Social, where he said recent discussions between the United States and Iran had been positive and productive. Trump stated that he instructed the Defense Department to halt operations temporarily, adding that the decision would depend on the progress of ongoing talks.

Tehran disputed Trump’s claim of any direct or indirect communication. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, an unnamed source said no such talks occurred and that Trump’s decision followed Iran’s warning against targeting its power facilities. Independent verification of these claims was not possible, and U.S. officials did not immediately comment.

Earlier, Trump had threatened to destroy Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened within 48 hours. Iran responded with a counter-threat to strike regional energy installations and close the strait entirely, a key route for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

After the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, thousands of people from the southwestern region began returning to Dhaka, creating heavy pressure at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari. By Monday evening, large crowds had formed, particularly among motorcyclists waiting in long lines at ticket counters. Many travelers faced hours of delay to cross the river.

To manage the surge, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) deployed 17 ferries on the Daulatdia-Paturia route, while the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) ensured the operation of 16 launches. Law enforcement agencies increased their presence at the terminal to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents. Administrative authorities also heightened monitoring to ensure passenger safety.

According to BIWTC officials, ferry operations remain normal, and all efforts are being made to ensure smooth travel. Authorities expect the post-holiday rush to continue for several more days, relying on coordinated measures to keep the situation under control.

Iran has instructed that countries considered 'non-hostile' must coordinate with Tehran when navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The directive was issued on Monday by Iran’s Supreme Defense Council, a high-level national security body, which described coordination as the 'only way' for such nations to ensure safe passage through the strategic waterway.

According to a statement published by Iranian media, the council warned that if any hostile force attempts to attack Iran’s coasts or islands, mines would be placed at all coastal entry points. The statement further cautioned that any aggression would effectively block not only the Strait of Hormuz but the entire Persian Gulf, with responsibility falling on the aggressors.

The announcement underscores Tehran’s continued emphasis on controlling access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route, as part of its broader defense posture in response to perceived threats.

The United States has temporarily suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for Bangladeshi citizens. The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka announced the decision on Monday, March 23, stating that the move aims to protect the interests of American taxpayers and ensure that immigrants do not unlawfully access public welfare benefits or impose additional financial burdens on the country.

According to the embassy’s statement, the suspension will allow U.S. authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of screening policies and procedures to ensure they prioritize the interests of U.S. citizens. The decision was made in light of data showing higher rates of welfare benefit usage among nationals of certain countries, including Bangladesh.

The embassy clarified that the suspension applies only to immigrant visas. Non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourism and study, remain unaffected by this measure.

US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had held productive discussions with Iran over the past two days to stop all hostilities. He also said he had suspended plans to attack Iranian power plants for the next five days. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Mehr News Agency that no talks had taken place between the two countries. He accused Trump of making the statement to buy time and influence energy prices, adding that the US would eventually carry out its military plans.

Araghchi further stated that regional countries were taking initiatives to reduce tensions but should engage directly with the United States, as Washington had started the conflict. Iranian media outlets reported that Trump’s decision came after Iran’s threats of retaliation forced him to back down. Earlier, Trump had given Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power facilities, but he later withdrew the threat while claiming ongoing talks.

The report cited Al Jazeera as its source and noted that Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan were attempting mediation in the Iran-US crisis.

The Bangladesh government has confirmed that the country currently holds sufficient fuel reserves to meet national demand for the next 20 to 22 days without new imports. Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku stated that there is no shortage of diesel, petrol, or octane, and that additional shipments are arriving regularly. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation reported 136,000 metric tons of refined fuel and about 100,000 tons of crude oil in storage, ensuring uninterrupted supply.

Authorities have identified attempts by certain groups to create an artificial fuel crisis for personal gain. Intelligence agencies, including the DGFI and NSI, have reported that some petrol pump owners and transport operators are diverting fuel to the black market. The government has warned that any manipulation or rumor-spreading about fuel shortages will face strict action.

Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to remain on high alert and prepare for coordinated operations against those responsible. Citizens have been urged not to believe or spread misinformation on social media and to rely only on official government updates.

A motion congratulating Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was introduced in the New South Wales Parliament of Australia. The motion, raised by Member of Parliament Abigail Boyd, highlighted Bangladesh’s recent 13th general election held on 12 February 2026, describing it as one of the most peaceful, democratic, and credible elections in decades. The motion was confirmed by BNP’s International Affairs Secretary Md. Rashedul Haque.

Abigail Boyd’s proposal noted that the election followed the July 2024 student-led uprising that ended Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year authoritarian rule. Under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won a historic two-thirds majority. Citing the Election Commission, Boyd mentioned a record 59 percent voter turnout, calling it evidence of the nation’s democratic resurgence. The motion also referenced the success of the constitutional referendum on the July National Charter, which received 60 percent approval and includes over 80 reform proposals.

The motion concluded by congratulating the BNP and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and commending the people of Bangladesh for their courage and activism in advancing freedom and justice.