The opposition in Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad on Sunday submitted a motion to suspend regular proceedings and demanded discussion on a notice regarding the convening of the Constitution Reform Council session. Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman raised the issue after the question-answer session, citing the July National Charter and the Constitution Reform Implementation Order 2025 as the basis for his notice. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, presiding over the session, decided to continue with the day’s agenda while assuring that the matter would be considered later.

The debate intensified as ruling party Chief Whip Nurul Islam and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed argued that, by parliamentary convention, such motions should be raised only after the completion of Rule 71 discussions. Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam countered that the issue was of national importance and should be discussed promptly, referencing the recent referendum and the July Charter. The Deputy Speaker reiterated that the notice would be reviewed and a decision announced after Rule 71 proceedings.

The Speaker later assured that the issue would be discussed in the next or a scheduled session, calming tensions in the chamber.

Prime Minister’s Economic Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said the government’s goal is to free the country from concerns about excessive domestic or foreign borrowing. He emphasized that the administration is prioritizing revenue collection more than ever before, with a National Board of Revenue (NBR) task force already working toward this objective. He made the remarks at a press briefing following a meeting with NBR officials at the Revenue Building in Agargaon, Dhaka, where NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan was also present.

Titumir noted that Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains below 7 percent, which he described as insufficient for sustainable economic growth. The government aims to raise this ratio to 10 percent within five years and eventually to 15 percent if it continues in office. He stated that the current administration is using the iBAS+++ system to ensure accurate revenue accounting and will focus on performance-based tax benefits while curbing tax evasion and fraud.

The adviser also criticized the previous Awami League government for mismanaging the economy and providing misleading revenue figures, which the current government seeks to correct through transparency and reform.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that it intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 42 drones launched from Iran, according to a statement reported by Al Jazeera on March 29, 2026. The UAE Ministry of Defense said on social media platform X that its air defense systems are actively countering Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones.

The ministry further stated that since the beginning of the Iranian attacks, UAE forces have intercepted a total of 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,914 drones. The ongoing assaults have resulted in the deaths of two UAE armed forces members and one Moroccan contractor working with the military. Additionally, eight foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, and India have also been killed.

The report highlights the continuing escalation between Iran and regional actors, with the UAE facing repeated aerial threats and maintaining active defense operations.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal expressed hope that practicing Westminster-style democracy would help build a strong democratic nation. He made the remarks on Sunday while presiding over a session of the National Parliament in the absence of the Speaker. Kamal described the current parliament as a rare one in world history, noting that many members had endured imprisonment, exile, or persecution before joining. He offered gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House, and his constituency’s people for their support.

In his address, Kamal paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, late President Ziaur Rahman, and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, whom he called the “Mother of Democracy.” Recalling the 2024 student and public uprising that ended fascism, he honored those who sacrificed their lives. He pledged neutrality in conducting parliamentary duties and said he had resigned from his party post to ensure impartiality.

Drawing from his experience studying in the United Kingdom, Kamal said that adopting Westminster-style parliamentary practices could lead Bangladesh toward democratic success, emphasizing cooperation between the government and opposition as essential to effective democracy.

According to a report by The Telegraph cited by Amar Desh Online on March 29, 2026, Iran is seen to be on the path to victory in its ongoing confrontation with the Trump administration. Western intelligence agencies have long sought to weaken the Islamic Republic, but Iran’s leadership is reportedly maintaining control. The Revolutionary Guard Corps has become the dominant force in the country, and without a direct U.S. ground invasion, the regime’s collapse appears unlikely. Even leaders like Netanyahu and Trump are said to be exploring behind-the-scenes agreements rather than pursuing regime change.

The report identifies four main reasons for Iran’s perceived advantage. First, the regime’s survival itself is considered a victory. Second, Iran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global oil supplies, forcing the Trump administration to negotiate. Third, Iran has turned the strait into a new source of revenue by charging fees to countries such as China and India for oil shipments. Finally, if Iran endures the conflict, it could use this income to rebuild its missile and nuclear capabilities, potentially emerging stronger in the coming years.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the start of a new phase of its military operation, involving 86 missiles and drones. According to a statement from the IRGC’s public relations department, the operation, named “Sunday Dawn,” targeted US bases located in Iraq’s Victoria, Kuwait’s Arifjan, and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj.

The statement said the objective of the strikes was to damage US aerial and drone operation infrastructure and weapons stockpiles. It also claimed that the attacks extended to secret US and Israeli facilities in multiple locations, including Arad, Negev, Tel Aviv, Erbil, Bahrain—where the US Fifth Fleet is based—and Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra area.

The announcement follows earlier tensions involving Iran and US-linked military sites in the region, though the statement did not specify the scale of damage or casualties resulting from the attacks.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal said the National Parliament should serve as the mirror of the nation, reflecting the people's democratic hopes and aspirations. Speaking on Sunday, March 29, 2026, during the first session of the 13th National Parliament after a 13-day recess, he noted that some members came to Parliament from death row, some from abduction, and others after long imprisonment, making this Parliament rare in the world. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, all members, and the people of Netrakona-1 for their trust and support.

Kamal emphasized that Bangladesh’s national history is rooted in sacrifice and struggle, with the Liberation War forming the foundation of independence. He paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters and remembered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for restoring parliamentary democracy in 1991 and for her lifelong leadership against autocracy. He also recalled the 2024 student uprising that he said ended fascism and reopened the path to democracy.

The Deputy Speaker honored the martyrs of the July movement and expressed sympathy for those left disabled or suffering as a result of the struggle.

US military personnel are abandoning several bases across the Middle East following intensified Iranian missile and drone strikes. According to The Telegraph, American troops have relocated to nearby hotels and office spaces to avoid further attacks, raising safety concerns for both soldiers and civilians. The situation has become increasingly severe as Tehran’s assaults continue to target US and regional installations.

Open-source analyst Fabian Hinz reported that Iran has struck 104 US and allied bases, with satellite imagery delays hindering accurate damage assessments. The New York Times noted that many of the 13 US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have become nearly uninhabitable. Hinz’s analysis identified Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem base as the most heavily hit, suffering 23 attacks, while other facilities in the region sustained significant infrastructure damage.

Iranian sources claimed the use of advanced Khorramshahr-4 missiles in the strikes. A survey by the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated US losses at around $800 million, including damage to radar and missile defense systems in Jordan and other locations.

Multiple explosions and missile alerts were reported across Israel on March 29, 2026, following successive missile attacks launched from Iran and Hezbollah. According to Al Jazeera, debris from intercepted missiles caused damage in the Haifa Bay area. Israeli media reported that Hezbollah’s rockets struck northern Israel and the Galilee region, triggering sirens in more than 100 cities.

The Israeli military confirmed that waves of ballistic missiles from Iran were detected, prompting precautionary sirens in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ashdod, and other locations. Debris from intercepted missiles reportedly fell in Haifa, leading to material damage in the bay area, as reported by Israeli radio.

The situation highlights escalating hostilities involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel, with widespread alerts and localized damage across northern and central Israel.

A tragic gas cylinder explosion in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila has claimed the life of Mrs. Shaheda Ahmed, principal of Dhaka Oxbridge International School. The incident occurred when a gas leak in the kitchen of her family home caused a sudden fire, leaving her severely burned. She had returned to her village home to spend the Eid holidays when the accident took place.

Family members immediately rescued her and took her to Alhera Hospital in Maona. Due to the severity of her injuries, doctors referred her to Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka, where she was placed on life support. With about 55 percent of her body burned, her condition deteriorated, and she passed away on Sunday morning after several days of treatment.

Her death has cast a pall of grief over the local education community, relatives, and well-wishers. The family has requested prayers for the departed soul.

At least 22 migrants died and 26 others were rescued after a boat capsized in the Mediterranean Sea while traveling illegally from Libya to Greece. Among the rescued, 21 are Bangladeshi nationals, and initial reports indicate that at least 10 of the deceased were from Sunamganj. Survivors said the deaths occurred due to a lack of food and water after the boat drifted longer than expected.

During a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam said the Bangladesh Embassy in Greece is in contact with survivors to verify their identities and current conditions. Injured individuals have been hospitalized, while others are being kept in a camp. She emphasized that proper identification is essential to facilitate the repatriation process in coordination with Greek authorities.

The minister stated that an organized international human trafficking network operating in Bangladesh and Libya was behind the incident. She directed law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible under both international and Bangladeshi law, stressing the need for long-term measures to prevent human trafficking.

The conflict in Iran has entered its second month as US-Israeli attacks continue, resulting in a rising death toll. According to Iran’s Ministry of Health, 2,076 people have been killed so far, including 216 children. The ministry’s latest update also reports that 26,500 people have been injured, among them 1,767 children.

The health sector has suffered extensive damage, with 336 health and emergency service centers across the country affected. The ministry had previously released casualty figures in stages, indicating a rapidly deteriorating situation. The report was cited by Al Jazeera.

The continuing escalation underscores the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing strikes, with both civilian casualties and infrastructure losses mounting across Iran.

Authorities in Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur detained a man for illegally storing approximately 3,000 liters of diesel. The operation took place on Saturday night near the Fatema Hotel area adjacent to the Kaliakair Bypass Bus Stand along the Dhaka-Tangail highway. A mobile court led by Assistant Commissioner (Land) Fahim Shahriar imposed a fine of 20,000 taka after recovering the fuel stored in 18 drums.

Police reported that a syndicate had been illegally collecting and hoarding fuel for an extended period. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement and administrative officials conducted the raid that led to the arrest and seizure. The detained individual was identified as Abul Hossain.

Kaliakair Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khondaker Nasir Uddin stated that similar operations against illegal fuel trading would continue and that legal action would be taken against those involved.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Afroza Khanam (Rita), met with Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, in Dhaka on Sunday morning. According to a ministry statement, the meeting took place at the minister’s office and was also attended by State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat. The discussion focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal and enhancing cooperation in aviation and tourism.

During the meeting, the Nepalese ambassador emphasized the importance of upgrading Saidpur Airport to international standards. Both sides also discussed setting reasonable ticket prices for flights on the Dhaka–Kathmandu route. The participants expressed optimism about working jointly to promote tourism development between the two countries.

Minister Afroza Khanam and the state minister assured continued cooperation with Nepal to advance mutual interests in aviation and tourism sectors.

Nepalese police arrested former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday, accused of involvement in the crackdown on Gen-Z protesters last September. The arrests came a day after newly elected Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his cabinet took office. Kathmandu Valley Police spokesperson Om Adhikari confirmed the arrests and said further legal steps would follow.

The Gen-Z protests erupted after a temporary social media ban, fueled by long-standing economic hardship. The demonstrations turned violent on September 8 and 9, leaving at least 76 people dead, including 20 young protesters on the first day. The unrest led to Oli’s resignation at age 74 and the fall of his government. In the subsequent March 5 election, Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party won an absolute majority.

An interim commission investigating the violence recommended legal action against Oli and other officials, citing negligence in controlling the shootings that killed several children.