A Dhaka court has sentenced a man named Kajol to death for killing another person over a dispute involving five taka. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, by Judge Md. Nurul Islam of the 11th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court in Dhaka. Along with the death sentence, the court also imposed a fine of 10,000 taka. Kajol, a resident of Jaria village in Purbadhala, Netrakona, was brought to court from prison for the verdict and later sent back to jail with the sentencing order.

According to the case details, the incident occurred in 2018 when Kajol demanded five taka from the victim. After a delay in payment, he stabbed the victim above the navel with a sharp knife, causing fatal injuries. Locals took the victim to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The victim’s son, Saiful, filed a murder case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. The court framed charges against Kajol on September 30, 2018, and heard testimony from 11 of 15 witnesses during the trial.

The ruling concludes a lengthy legal process that began nearly eight years ago, bringing closure to the case initiated by the victim’s family.

The war that began on February 28 between the United States-Israel alliance and Iran has led to a growing number of casualties across the region. According to Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAANA), 3,492 people have been killed in Iran so far, including 1,574 civilians and 236 children. In Israel, emergency service Magen David Adom reported 19 deaths from missile attacks, while the Israeli army confirmed nine soldiers killed in Lebanon. Lebanon’s health ministry stated that 1,247 people have died there, including 124 children. In the Gulf region, at least 24 people have been killed, most of them security personnel or foreign workers, with 11 in the UAE, seven in Kuwait, and two each in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

The figures, sourced from the BBC and local authorities, highlight the widespread human cost of the ongoing conflict. The fighting has affected multiple countries and civilian populations, with reports of significant child casualties and cross-border military losses.

The continued escalation suggests further humanitarian strain across the Middle East if hostilities persist.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump alleged in a Truth Social post that France denied airspace access to planes carrying military equipment bound for Israel. He claimed that France refused to allow the aircraft to use its airspace, describing the move as unhelpful.

Trump further stated that France acted 'very unhelpfully' regarding a person he described as an Iranian 'butcher' who had been 'successfully eliminated.' His post concluded with a warning that the United States would remember France’s actions.

The post reflects Trump’s criticism of France’s stance amid ongoing tensions involving Israel and Iran, though no official French response was mentioned in the source.

On March 31, 2026, the SME Foundation signed an agreement with Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Limited (BIFFL) to expand its credit wholesaling program. Under this deal, the foundation will provide Tk 125 crore in loans at 9% interest to cottage, micro, small, and medium (CMSME) entrepreneurs in the agro-based and food processing sectors. The financing will be channeled through banks and financial institutions with support from JICA.

The initiative is part of BIFFL’s Food Value Chain Improvement Project, financially and technically assisted by JICA. It aims to strengthen the food value chain, enhance food security, and build entrepreneurial capacity, with special priority for women entrepreneurs. Funding will cover processing of fruits, vegetables, spices, rice, pulses, edible oil, seeds, organic fertilizers, and biopesticides, as well as wholesale, logistics, and retail sectors. It will also support capital investments such as machinery, factory infrastructure, and warehouses.

The project is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s food value chain, reduce import dependence, boost export potential, and create rural employment opportunities.

Questions are rising over why the United States, despite being a global military and economic superpower, has been unable to swiftly end its ongoing war with Iran. Analysts suggest that while the balance of visible power appears one-sided, the reality is far more complex. Iran, though militarily weaker, is exploiting strategic advantages that have turned the conflict into a major challenge for Washington.

One key factor is Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route through which massive volumes of oil are transported daily. By threatening to restrict or close this passage, Tehran has demonstrated its ability to disrupt global markets. Analysts note that any U.S. military attempt to reopen the strait could trigger Iranian retaliation and escalate the conflict, posing political risks for President Donald Trump. Deploying ground troops would also increase U.S. casualties and domestic political pressure.

Experts warn that without an effective diplomatic resolution, the conflict could become prolonged and further destabilize the global economy, as both sides engage in a test of strategic endurance rather than direct military confrontation.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secretary General and Local Government and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club on March 31, 2026. His visit created a festive atmosphere at the historic club, attended by several cabinet members, sports officials, and former athletes. During the visit, Fakhrul expressed his desire to see the return of the intense football rivalry between Mohammedan and Abahani that once captivated fans across the country.

Fakhrul described Mohammedan as an integral part of Bangladesh’s sports history, recalling the club’s contributions to football, cricket, and hockey. He said sports have entered a new era in the country, highlighting the government’s recent initiative to introduce monthly allowances for athletes. Fakhrul thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for launching the program, saying it would inspire both current and future players.

Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque also emphasized the importance of supporting all major clubs, including Abahani, to strengthen Bangladesh’s overall sporting landscape.

A group of BCS (Health) cadre officers who have long been deprived of promotions met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Secretariat. They had initially gone there to request a formal meeting but unexpectedly received an informal audience with the Prime Minister. During the meeting, they handed over a written petition detailing their grievances, including administrative complications and demands for fair promotion opportunities. The Prime Minister personally accepted their petition and listened attentively to their concerns.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister assured the officers that their issues would be considered seriously. The petition stated that 1,821 BCS (Health) cadre officers have been denied promotions for a long time despite fulfilling all required qualifications and seniority. They alleged that during the previous interim government, promotions were withheld without valid reasons, creating an abnormal situation where junior officers now hold senior positions.

The Prime Minister’s assurance has raised expectations among the affected officers that their long-standing administrative grievances may soon be addressed.

The central committee of the Chhatra Dal has issued a show-cause notice to Sajjad Hossain Hridoy, organizational secretary of the Chittagong University unit, for alleged breach of organizational discipline. The action follows accusations that he was involved in a commotion and printer vandalism at the Fatikchhari Upazila Engineer’s Office in Chittagong. A notice signed by the organization’s central office secretary, Md. Jahangir Alam, instructed Hridoy to appear at the central office within 48 hours and submit a written explanation in the presence of the central president and general secretary.

Hridoy denied the allegations, stating that he had visited the engineer’s office to collect a phone number from an acquaintance but left after a brief argument with an official who behaved discourteously. He questioned the plausibility of vandalizing anything inside a government office. The complaint against him was filed by the chief engineer of Fatikchhari Upazila, Junayed Absar Chowdhury.

Hridoy previously contested the vice-president position in the last Chittagong University Central Students’ Union election and owns a contracting firm named Hridoy Enterprise.

Meta has introduced its first AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses designed to support nearly all prescription lenses. The new models, Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and Ray-Ban Scriber Optics (Gen 2), come in two frame styles and are built for all-day comfort with adjustable features. Pre-orders start at $499 in the US through Meta.com and Ray-Ban.com, with retail availability beginning April 14 in the US and select international markets. The company also unveiled new color and lens combinations for both Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta frames.

Alongside the hardware launch, Meta announced several software enhancements for its AI glasses. These include hands-free nutrition tracking that logs meals via voice or photo, and WhatsApp message summaries processed privately on-device. Neural Handwriting, which allows users to write messages with their finger on any surface, is expanding to more platforms. Additional updates include display recording, pedestrian navigation across all US cities, and new widgets such as Weather and Calendar.

Meta stated that more AI-driven features will roll out later this spring, further enhancing the functionality of its smart eyewear lineup.

Bangladesh suffered a 1-0 defeat against Singapore in their final AFC Asian Cup qualifying match held in Singapore on March 31, 2026. Despite creating several attacking opportunities, Bangladesh failed to find an equalizer after conceding an early goal. Hariss Stewart scored in the 31st minute, giving Singapore the lead that ultimately secured their victory.

The match saw Bangladesh pushing hard for a comeback, with notable chances in the second half including a free kick by Shamit Som and a close attempt by Mirajul, but none found the net. Singapore’s defense remained firm, ensuring the hosts ended their qualifying campaign with a win.

After six matches, Bangladesh finished third in Group C with five points. Singapore topped the group with 14 points to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, followed by Hong Kong with eight points and India at the bottom with two. The defeat extended Bangladesh’s winless record against Singapore, as they have yet to secure a victory in their encounters.

Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Aminul Islam, announced that all incidents of crimes against humanity committed during the One-Eleven period will be investigated and the perpetrators brought to trial. He made the statement on Tuesday during a press briefing at the tribunal.

In response to questions about crossfire incidents during the Awami League government, Aminul Islam said that hundreds of inhumane acts resembling crossfire killings occurred under a common design. He explained that those who opposed the then government or local leadership were targeted and killed through staged operations. The prosecutor added that investigations have already begun into these systematic, widespread, and targeted killings, and data on the number of crossfire incidents nationwide are being collected.

Aminul Islam further stated that numerous killings occurred during the July movement and that hundreds of related cases have been filed since August 5. Around five to seven hundred case copies have already been submitted to the prosecution office for review to ensure that no criminal escapes justice and no innocent person suffers.

The government has directed all travel agencies with expired licenses to renew their registration certificates within 15 working days. The Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry issued the order on Tuesday, warning that agencies failing to comply will face strict legal measures under existing laws.

According to the ministry, operating a travel agency without a valid registration certificate or with an expired one is completely illegal under the Bangladesh Travel Agency (Registration and Control) Act 2013, its 2021 amendment, and the 2022 regulations. The statement noted that delays in renewal have caused revenue losses for the government.

The ministry urged all individuals and organizations with expired licenses to apply for renewal through the online Travel Agency Management System at www.regtravelagency.gov.bd. It further cautioned that failure to obtain or renew valid registration within the specified period will result in legal action under the 2013 Act.

Thousands of people marched in the Iranian city of Karaj to express support for the government and the military, according to state media outlet Press TV. Video footage showed participants carrying national flags and chanting slogans such as “Courage, courage!” along the streets of the city, located just west of Tehran.

The rally took place a day after an attack targeted a power substation in Karaj and Alborz Province, causing a major electricity outage in the area. The demonstration was organized in response to that incident, reflecting public backing for the authorities amid the disruption.

State media also reported that similar pro-government gatherings were held on Monday night in Tehran and in the northwestern city of Ardabil, indicating a broader wave of coordinated demonstrations across Iran.

The Bangladesh government has announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged in April 2026. The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources confirmed on Tuesday, March 31, that there will be no increase in the prices of diesel, kerosene, octane, or petrol. The decision was formalized through an order signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Enamul Haque from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

According to the order, issued under the revised 'Automatic Fuel Pricing Guideline,' the retail prices will stay fixed at 100 taka per liter for diesel, 120 taka for octane, 116 taka for petrol, and 112 taka for kerosene. These rates will take effect from April 1, 2026. The ministry stated that the decision aligns with the automatic pricing mechanism and has been duly approved by the competent authority.

The announcement provides clarity for consumers and businesses ahead of the new month, ensuring price stability in the domestic fuel market for at least the immediate term.

Italy has refused a US request to use a key military base in Sicily for operations in the Middle East. According to a Reuters report published on Tuesday, the Italian government declined to allow US military aircraft to operate from the Sigonella airbase in eastern Sicily. The report noted that several US bombers had planned to land there before heading to the Middle East, though the exact timing of the plan was not specified.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that the denial came because the United States had not formally sought permission or informed Italy’s military leadership. Under existing agreements, such authorization is mandatory for the use of US military installations in Italy. The right-wing government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that any similar requests in the future would require parliamentary approval before being granted.

The decision underscores Italy’s insistence on procedural compliance and parliamentary oversight in foreign military cooperation involving its territory.