The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast prolonged drizzle across Dhaka and several other regions on Saturday, coinciding with the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. Meteorologist A K M Nazmul Haque said a broad rain belt stretching from Barguna to Naogaon has formed, likely causing light rain from around 7:30 a.m. for four to five hours. However, Cox’s Bazar and Panchagarh districts may remain outside the rain zone.

According to the department, the rain belt’s effect may continue until Sunday, though rainfall is expected to decrease by then. Compared to Friday, a higher amount of rainfall is likely on Saturday. On Friday, Madaripur recorded the highest rainfall at 33 millimeters, while Dhaka saw 17 millimeters, with rain reported in almost all divisions.

The meteorologist added that despite the extended drizzle, there is no possibility of a nor’wester storm. Winds are expected to flow from the southwest, resulting in light rain with low wind speed for several hours.

Iran has threatened to expand its attacks to entertainment and tourism centers worldwide as its conflict with the United States and Israel enters the third week. The warning came from General Abolfazl Shekarchi, Iran’s top military spokesperson, who stated that parks, leisure areas, and tourist destinations across the world would no longer be safe for Iran’s enemies. The announcement has sparked renewed concern in international circles.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Iran may employ asymmetric tactics beyond the Middle East to increase pressure on its adversaries. The situation intensified after Israel reportedly struck Iran’s large South Pars gas field on Wednesday, prompting Tehran to escalate attacks on energy facilities in the Gulf region.

In a related development, two drone strikes hit Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery early Friday, causing a fire at one of the region’s largest refineries, which has a daily capacity of about 730,000 barrels. The incidents underscore rising regional tensions and fears of broader instability.

The United States has decided to ease sanctions on Iran’s crude oil and petroleum products for 30 days, according to a statement from the US Treasury Department. The move comes in response to global oil price and supply instability caused by the ongoing Iran-Israel war, Al Jazeera reported. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the temporary authorization applies only to oil shipments already in transit, not to new orders.

Iran, meanwhile, stated that it has been targeting ships linked to the United States and Israel, disrupting oil and gas transport through the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption has contributed to volatility in global energy prices and raised concerns about broader economic impacts. Earlier, Bessent had told Fox Business that the relaxation could allow about 140 million barrels of Iranian oil currently at sea to reach the market.

Following Bessent’s remarks, Iran’s Oil Ministry spokesperson Saman Goddosi said the country has no additional crude oil available for export, either at sea or in storage, suggesting the US statement was intended to encourage potential buyers.

At least 20 people were killed and 57 others injured in the latest Israeli airstrike in Lebanon, according to the country's Disaster Risk Management Unit. The attack took place on Friday, marking another escalation in the ongoing Israeli military operations in the region.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that with these new casualties, the total number of people killed in Israeli attacks since March 2 has risen to 1,021. The total number of injured has reached 2,641, while 134,616 people have been registered as displaced in various shelters across the country.

The figures highlight the growing humanitarian toll of the continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, as reported by Al Jazeera and local authorities.

The Israeli military reported detecting another wave of Iranian missiles heading toward its territory, stating that air defense systems were actively working to intercept them. According to The Times of Israel, sirens could be sounded in central Israel amid fears of further attacks.

Throughout Friday, Israeli authorities were forced to activate warning sirens at least ten times across the country due to repeated Iranian missile strikes. In northern Israel, sirens also sounded frequently following continuous rocket fire from Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Although civilian casualties were limited, the attacks caused significant damage in several areas.

In occupied East Jerusalem, debris from an intercepted missile reportedly fell dangerously close to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, damaging nearby vehicles. The mosque remains closed under Israeli control, and officials described the incident as a serious safety concern.

NATO has withdrawn almost all of its personnel from Iraq amid regional instability triggered by the ongoing Iran war, according to Iraqi National Security Advisor’s office officials cited by AFP and Al Jazeera. The withdrawal, described as temporary, follows repeated attacks on the NATO mission in Baghdad after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Only a small team remains in Iraq, while the rest have been relocated to NATO’s command center in Naples, Italy.

NATO expressed gratitude to Iraq and allied nations for ensuring the safe transfer of its staff. In a statement, General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, praised the professionalism of the mission’s members. The alliance confirmed that the last personnel left Iraq and will continue operations from Naples.

The NATO Mission Iraq is a non-combat advisory and capacity-building mission aimed at helping Iraq strengthen its security institutions, stabilize the country, combat terrorism, and prevent the resurgence of ISIL.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed held a phone conversation to discuss the latest developments following Iran’s attacks. According to a statement from the Qatari Emir’s office, the two Gulf leaders examined the serious impact of these attacks on regional security and stability.

Both leaders described the attacks as a grave violation of state sovereignty and the principles of international law. They emphasized the urgent need to end all forms of conflict, reduce tensions, and strengthen regional and international diplomatic efforts to restore calm.

Their discussion reflects growing concern among Gulf states about the potential escalation of violence in the region and highlights a shared call for diplomatic engagement to prevent further instability.

The United Kingdom has granted the United States permission to use British military bases for operations targeting Iranian facilities or positions involved in attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Friday, according to the UK government. Previously, Downing Street had allowed the US to use British bases only to intercept Iranian missile attacks that could endanger British interests or lives.

The new authorization expands that permission, enabling US forces to use British bases to protect shipping in the Hormuz Strait. Downing Street clarified that the UK will not directly participate in any such attacks and that its policy toward the conflict remains unchanged. A government spokesperson said ministers agreed that US forces could use British bases for defensive operations aimed at capabilities used in attacks on ships in the region.

The decision reflects continued coordination between the UK and the US over maritime security in the Persian Gulf amid heightened tensions involving Iran.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told French presidential adviser Emmanuel Bonne that China and France should work together to resolve the ongoing Middle East crisis. During a telephone conversation, Wang emphasized that despite difficulties, dialogue and negotiation remain the correct path to overcome the crisis. He stated that both countries should cooperate toward this goal.

According to the report, China has adopted a pragmatic approach that prioritizes regional stability and its economic interests over direct intervention. While Beijing has said that U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran violate international law, it has refrained from providing direct military support to its ally Iran. Instead, China has focused on diplomatic mediation and calls for a ceasefire.

The discussion reflects Beijing’s preference for diplomatic engagement in regional conflicts and its interest in working with European partners like France to promote stability in the Middle East.

Iran’s Supreme Religious Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has proposed Iran’s mediation to improve relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In a national address on March 20, 2026, he emphasized that national unity would force adversaries to retreat and highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance from a regional perspective. Khamenei said Iran was ready to facilitate dialogue between the two neighboring countries to promote stability and cooperation in the region.

He accused Iran’s opponents of trying to damage its relations with neighboring states, particularly Pakistan, and described Pakistan as a vital partner for Iran. Khamenei also identified the United States and Israel as Iran’s external enemies, asserting that the unity of the Iranian people would defeat their ambitions. He praised the Iranian public’s resilience during fasting and struggle, claiming it had already weakened adversaries.

Khamenei concluded that internal unity within Iranian society plays a decisive role in resisting external pressure and will continue to guide Iran’s response to regional and international challenges.

A police constable who went missing during a fisheries protection operation in Lalmohan, Bhola, was found dead two days later. His body was recovered from the Meghna River near Bottola in Daulatkhan Bhabanipur Union after locals spotted it. The deceased was identified as Md. Fakhrul, a constable from Bakerganj, Barishal, who had been living with his wife at the Mongolsikdar police outpost.

According to the report, Fakhrul went missing after a speedboat carrying police personnel overturned when it was hit by a launch during the operation. His wife alleged that her ailing husband had been forced to join the mission during Ramadan and blamed the fisheries office for the incident, seeking justice from the Prime Minister. Lalmohan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Oliul Islam confirmed the recovery of the body.

The report did not mention further details about the investigation or any official response from the fisheries department regarding the allegations.

An Israeli reserve soldier working on the Iron Dome air defense system has been arrested for allegedly leaking classified information to Iran. The 26-year-old, identified as Raj Cohen, is accused of providing sensitive security data in exchange for money. According to the newspaper Haaretz, Israel’s Shin Bet security agency and the Lahav-433 special police unit carried out the arrest. Investigators found that Cohen had been in contact with Iranian agents for several months and acted under their direction.

Authorities claim Cohen knowingly communicated with Iranian operatives and accepted payment for the information. Formal charges have already been filed against him. Officials fear that critical details about the Iron Dome system, which intercepts short-range rockets, may have been compromised. The soldier reportedly lived in Jerusalem.

Israeli officials said enemy groups have intensified efforts to recruit spies through social media amid the ongoing conflict, while Israel has also increased intelligence operations in Iran and Lebanon. The report added that Iran recently detained several suspected spies accused of working for the United States and Israel, signaling heightened regional espionage activity.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the Zia Memorial Museum in Chattogram will soon be declared a heritage site and undergo necessary renovation work. He made the statement on Friday, March 20, after visiting the museum, emphasizing the importance of preserving the site linked to the country’s liberation history.

The minister noted that the museum, associated with the memory of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, is a significant national heritage asset that has not received due attention. He expressed concern that many valuable historical artifacts have deteriorated due to prolonged neglect. The government aims to improve the museum’s infrastructure so that future generations can gain an accurate understanding of the nation’s history.

Amir Khasru urged collective efforts to protect the country’s liberation war memories and related sites, describing their preservation as a shared national responsibility.

Bangladesh’s foreign currency reserves have strengthened ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr as remittance inflows increased notably over the past two weeks. According to Bangladesh Bank data, as of March 16, 2026, the country’s total reserves stood at 34.22 billion US dollars. Under the IMF’s BPM6 calculation method, the figure amounts to 29.52 billion dollars.

Earlier, on March 3, total reserves were recorded at 35.32 billion dollars, or 30.58 billion dollars under the IMF method. The rise in reserves has been supported by a significant inflow of remittances from expatriates, who sent over 2 billion dollars during the first 14 days of March. Total remittance inflows during this period reached 2.2044 billion dollars, equivalent to about 270 billion taka at an exchange rate of 122 taka per dollar.

The report notes that the increase in remittances has provided a timely boost to the country’s foreign exchange position before the Eid festival, though future flows could be affected if global conflicts persist.

Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has called for replacing Bangladesh’s current constitution, describing it as an Indian and Mujibist constitution that he labeled fascist. Speaking at an iftar gathering organized by the NCP’s Sadar upazila branch at Chandpur Press Club Community Center on March 18, he claimed that many people were martyred in July because of this constitution and argued that it has failed to protect citizens.

Patwari said that real change in Bangladesh must begin with constitutional reform, asserting that the existing framework enables authoritarianism. He warned that if the constitution is not changed, the party might launch a movement to reject it. He also criticized the Awami League, accusing it of attempting to rehabilitate itself politically, and urged people who support the party to go to India.

The event was attended by NCP joint coordinator Md. Mahbub Alam, Chandpur district Jamaat secretary Shahjahan Mia, Chandpur Press Club president Sohel Rushdi, general secretary M.A. Latif, and NCP Chandpur Sadar coordinator Tamim Khan.