Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed gratitude to Pakistan for showing solidarity with Iran as the country faces attacks from the United States and Israel, according to Al Jazeera. In a post on social media platform X, written in Urdu, Araghchi thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their firm support toward the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan has increased its diplomatic engagement with regional countries. Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke by phone with Iranian leaders ahead of his visit to Saudi Arabia. On March 12, Sharif and Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, made a quick trip to Riyadh to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar held discussions with counterparts from China, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman about the region’s serious and evolving situation.

A Bloomberg report cited ship-tracking data showing a Pakistani vessel crossing the Strait of Hormuz toward Pakistan. Al Jazeera said it sought confirmation from Pakistan’s information ministry and military but received no response.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam said a delegation will travel to Kolkata to question two suspects in the murder case of Osman Hadi, once consular access is granted. She made the statement on Monday while speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.

Earlier, Bangladesh had requested consular access after India’s West Bengal Police Special Task Force arrested the main suspect and his associate in the case. On March 9, the minister stated that communication had already been established with the Kolkata Deputy Commissioner and that Bangladesh would proceed once access was approved. She also mentioned that the two countries have a prisoner exchange agreement that could be used if the suspects are confirmed.

The arrests took place on the night of March 7, when Indian police detained Faisal Karim Masud and his associate Alomgir Hossain in Bongaon, a border area of West Bengal, following an operation linked to the murder of Inquilab Manch convener Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for an airstrike that destroyed a facility linked to Iran’s military space program in Tehran. According to a statement cited by Al Jazeera, the strike targeted a compound in the center of the Iranian capital where satellite attack capabilities were reportedly being developed. The Israeli Air Force said the operation was based on precise intelligence and that the site posed a threat to Israeli and global space assets.

The statement added that the compound housed several projects under Iran’s military space program, including work on the Chamran-1 satellite. That satellite was built by the Iranian Defense Ministry’s Electronics Industries and launched into orbit by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in September 2024. The Israeli military also reported that another space-related research facility of the Iran Space Organization in Tehran was attacked last week.

The report did not include any immediate response from Iranian authorities or independent verification of the Israeli claims.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan from the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology has been appointed as the 21st Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chittagong. The announcement was made by Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan at a press conference held at the Secretariat on Monday afternoon. Dr. Al-Forkan will replace outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yahya Akhtar. He currently serves as the Senior Vice-President of the university’s Nationalist Teachers’ Forum.

Dr. Al-Forkan stated that he learned about the appointment through media reports and has not yet received an official notification. He is the founding chairman of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and began his teaching career in 1993 as a lecturer, becoming a professor in 2006. He earned his PhD from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom and completed postdoctoral research in Canada and the United States.

In addition to his academic career, Dr. Al-Forkan is involved in local BNP politics in Hathazari, Chittagong, and previously served as the convener of the election management committee for the BNP candidate in Chittagong-5 during the 13th national parliamentary election.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that a graduate degree will be the minimum qualification for appointment as president or chairman of managing committees and governing bodies of educational institutions. The decision, revealed at a press briefing at the Ministry of Education on March 16, 2026, applies to all schools, colleges, and madrasas across the country.

The minister explained that the new rule aims to ensure qualified and competent individuals lead educational institutions. He noted that previous regulations under earlier governments required candidates to be senior teachers or headmasters, which limited opportunities and led to allegations of favoritism and nepotism. The new policy seeks to create a fairer and more transparent system by emphasizing merit and capability.

According to the minister, the government intends to move away from restrictive practices and build an inclusive framework that promotes fairness and efficiency in educational governance.

Akij Bicycle, a subsidiary of Akij Venture Group, has launched its first export consignment to the Netherlands on March 12, 2026. The company described the shipment as a historic step for Bangladesh’s growing bicycle industry, which has been expanding rapidly in recent years. The export marks the brand’s entry into the global market while maintaining international production standards.

According to the company, this export initiative will help earn foreign currency for Bangladesh and create 1,000 new jobs. Akij Bicycle stated that sending locally manufactured, high-quality bicycles abroad will strengthen the country’s industrial base and enhance its global reputation. The company began operations in May 2023 and has quickly established itself as a trusted brand in the domestic market.

Akij Bicycle also plans to expand its exports to other developed countries, including markets across Europe, as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the United States and Israel have learned a significant lesson from their involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Speaking at the Foreign Ministry’s weekly press briefing on Monday, he said Tehran is prepared to continue the war as far as necessary, according to Al Jazeera.

Araghchi emphasized that Iran has demonstrated its readiness to sustain the confrontation with both Israel and the United States. He added that the two countries now understand the nature of the Iranian nation, which, he said, does not hesitate to defend itself and is willing to fight wherever required.

The minister’s remarks underline Tehran’s firm stance amid heightened tensions, signaling that Iran intends to maintain its defensive posture for as long as it deems necessary.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintu MP said the government is working to connect all canals with rivers to increase production. He emphasized that there is no alternative to canal renovation and re-excavation for resolving waterlogging, reducing pollution, improving irrigation, and boosting production. The government has taken an initiative to re-excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals. He made these remarks on Monday while inaugurating the excavation of Dadana Canal in Mirerpol area of Daganbhuiyan upazila in Feni.

The minister added that all canals across the country will be identified and their boundaries demarcated, with five government departments jointly working in the field. Party leaders and activists have been urged to cooperate with the officials. The event was presided over by Feni Deputy Commissioner Monira Haque, with several local officials and political representatives attending as special guests.

Under the B-Strong project, seven kilometers of the Dadana Canal will be re-excavated, bringing 320 hectares of land under cultivation. According to the administration, this will increase crop production worth around Tk 100 crore.

Rokonuazzaman Rokon, member secretary of the South District BNP, formally took charge as the new administrator of Mymensingh City Corporation on Monday. The handover ceremony took place at the Shaheed Shahabuddin Auditorium of the city building, where outgoing administrator and Divisional Commissioner Farah Shammi officially transferred responsibilities to him. The event was attended by local Members of Parliament Abu Wahab Akand and Zakir Hossain Bablu, along with city officials and BNP leaders.

After assuming office, Rokon announced that city residents should no longer address any city officials as “Sir,” emphasizing that all employees are public servants dedicated to serving the people. He pledged to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Prime Minister with sincerity and sought cooperation from residents and stakeholders.

Rokon outlined his priorities, including easing traffic congestion ahead of the upcoming Eid, forming a volunteer team for traffic management, and improving waste management. He also vowed to eliminate waterlogging and ensure a cleaner city, noting that 687 sanitation workers are currently employed. The ceremony created a festive atmosphere as attendees wished him success in urban development.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to Iran’s enemies as the conflict with Israel and the United States enters its sixteenth day, according to Al Jazeera. Araghchi stated that after fifteen days of war, opposing nations are now seeking help from other countries to ensure the security of the strategic waterway.

He emphasized that while Iran considers the strait open, it is closed to those who have carried out what he described as cowardly aggression against Iran and to their allies. Araghchi also claimed that the war began with attacks by the United States and Israel, who had demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender.

The statement underscores heightened regional tensions and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments, as the conflict continues without signs of de-escalation.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has warned that no influential person will be spared if found occupying government-owned canals. Speaking on Monday in Mirsharai, Chattogram, he said the government is ensuring transparency in project implementation and will not tolerate corruption. His remarks came after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Bamansundar canal under a nationwide initiative launched by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman to restore canals, rivers, and water bodies across 54 districts.

The minister said the program aims to strengthen environmental protection and climate resilience, continuing the canal excavation initiative started by late President Ziaur Rahman. The government plans to excavate about 20,000 kilometers of canals, with 1,200 kilometers targeted for completion within six months. In Mirsharai, a three-kilometer section of the Bamansundar canal is being re-excavated.

He added that the project will bring 15,000 hectares of land under cultivation, increasing annual crop output by 5,000 metric tons and reducing waterlogging. Trees will be planted along canal banks to boost the local economy and help Bangladesh benefit from global carbon credit mechanisms.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the United Kingdom will not become involved in any wider war in the Middle East. His comments came amid ongoing regional tensions, according to Al Jazeera. Starmer emphasized that the government’s top priority is ensuring the safety of British citizens while continuing to take necessary measures to protect the UK and its allies.

The statement followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that NATO’s future could be at risk if allied nations, including the UK, failed to provide military support in the region. In response, Starmer reiterated that Britain does not wish to be drawn into a broader conflict and will work toward restoring security and stability in the area through swift resolution.

Starmer also affirmed that the UK will not allow itself to be dragged into a larger confrontation and will continue diplomatic efforts to maintain regional peace.

The government has appointed new vice-chancellors at seven universities across Bangladesh. Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced the appointments on Monday, March 16, 2026, during a press conference at the Ministry of Education. Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam, previously the vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Open University, has been named the new vice-chancellor of Dhaka University.

Professor Siddiqur Rahman Khan has been appointed as the new vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Open University. Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, currently the pro-vice-chancellor of the National University, has been appointed as the vice-chancellor of Dhaka Central University. Professor Dr. Md. Masud will serve as the vice-chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), while Professor Dr. Forkan will lead the University of Chittagong. Professor Dr. Md. Faridul Islam has been named vice-chancellor of Rajshahi University, and Professor Rais Uddin will take charge as vice-chancellor of Jagannath University.

Additionally, Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed has been appointed as the new chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The government has finalized its decision on the educational qualifications required for managing committees of educational institutions. At a press conference in the Secretariat on Monday, Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that except for degree colleges, presidents of managing committees must hold at least a graduate degree. The rule will apply to schools, colleges, and madrasas across the country.

The minister explained that the baseline qualification for membership in managing committees and governing bodies will be a graduate degree, emphasizing that competence and merit will also be considered. He noted that previous regulations limited eligibility to senior teachers or headmasters, which often led to allegations of favoritism. The new policy aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and broader opportunities for qualified individuals.

Earlier reports suggested that the government might relax the minimum qualification requirement, sparking widespread criticism. The minister’s announcement clarifies that the graduate degree condition will remain in place, reaffirming the government’s commitment to merit-based leadership in educational governance.

Germany and Greece have announced they will not participate in a US-led military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, despite a call from President Donald Trump. According to Al Jazeera, a German government spokesperson stated that the ongoing war involving Iran has no connection to NATO, and Germany will not take part in it or in any military effort to keep the strait open. The spokesperson emphasized that there will be no involvement of any kind as long as the conflict continues.

Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis also confirmed that Greece will not join any military mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The US had urged allied nations to help secure the strategic waterway amid rising tensions in the Middle East, but several European countries have shown reluctance to participate.

The refusal by Germany and Greece highlights divisions among Western allies over military engagement in the region and signals a cautious approach by European governments toward escalating conflict near Iran.