Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the United States is responsible for the recent attacks in several cities across neighboring Gulf countries. Speaking to Al Jazeera on Wednesday, he claimed that Iran should not be blamed for the strikes, arguing that the U.S. moved its troops from military bases to hotels in those cities, effectively making them targets.

Araghchi explained that Iran’s operations did not only target official enemy bases but also locations where U.S. forces had gathered and established facilities. His remarks came amid heightened regional tensions following multiple incidents involving Iranian and U.S. interests in the Gulf region.

The statement reflects Iran’s attempt to shift responsibility for the attacks onto Washington, emphasizing that the presence and movement of U.S. forces in civilian areas contributed to the escalation.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, distribution of health cards and agricultural cards will begin in the last week of June 2026 as part of a pilot project. He made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon while addressing a humanitarian aid distribution event organized by the Belabo Upazila administration in Narsingdi, marking Eid-ul-Fitr 2026. The minister also stated that the government has started providing honorariums to imams, muezzins, temple priests, and other religious service holders.

During his speech, the minister said that farmers’ agricultural loans up to 10,000 taka have been waived with interest by the prime minister. He urged citizens not to pay any bribes for government services and to report any such demands directly to him. He further pledged to make his constituency Belabo-Monohardi free from drugs and corruption and to gradually eliminate these issues nationwide.

At the event, 193 underprivileged people from eight unions of Belabo Upazila received 2,000 taka each, totaling 386,000 taka, from the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund.

The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh has expressed concern over misleading social media posts regarding a food aid program held in Dhaka in the presence of the Chinese ambassador. In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page on March 18, the embassy said some online content about the charity event did not reflect the facts. It reaffirmed China’s friendly policy toward Bangladesh and its support for the country’s elected government, pledging continued cooperation to strengthen bilateral ties for mutual benefit.

The clarification followed social media claims that Jamaat-e-Islami had distributed large quantities of food after the event. The embassy’s statement came in response to these claims. The distribution took place at Mirpur Adarsha High School field, where over a thousand local residents received food packages. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman jointly handed over the aid packages.

During the event, Yao Wen said China would continue implementing projects to improve the well-being and living standards of both nations’ people, while Rahman thanked the embassy, calling the initiative a reflection of China’s friendship with Bangladesh.

The results of the 49th central examination of Befaq-ul-Madarisil Arabia Bangladesh (Befaq) have been released, showing an overall pass rate of 80.95 percent. The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon at the Befaq auditorium in Kajla, Dhaka, by the organization’s secretary general, Maulana Mahfuzul Haque. The exams were held from January 17 to 24 across the country in seven levels, with 354,036 students participating. Of them, 286,591 passed.

According to the results, 53,500 students achieved Mumtaz (star marks), 55,747 obtained Jayyid Jiddan (first division), 65,673 received Jayyid (second division), and 111,671 earned Maqbul (third division). Detailed results have been published on Befaq’s official website.

Among the institutions, Jamia Islamia Darul Ulum Dilu Road Madrasa in Dhaka achieved notable success, securing 191 positions in the combined merit list, ranking second nationwide and first in Dhaka. Teachers, students, and parents expressed satisfaction and attributed the success to hard work, dedication, and cooperation.

China has pledged to continue its mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire and end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The statement came as the joint attacks by Israel and the United States in Iran entered their nineteenth day. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with the United Arab Emirates’ special envoy to the president, according to a statement from China’s foreign ministry.

During the meeting, Wang Yi said the war should never have happened and that there is no justification for its continuation. He also expressed China’s support for the UAE’s sovereignty and security. The Chinese foreign ministry emphasized that Beijing remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region.

The situation follows a series of regional developments, including arrests in Iran and condemnations from Russia and Qatar over recent attacks, underscoring the growing international concern over the conflict’s escalation.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that global hunger could reach record levels in 2026 if the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues. The agency estimates that more than 45 million additional people could face severe food insecurity, adding to the current 318 million already struggling worldwide. Rising oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel and disruptions to shipping routes have intensified the crisis.

According to the WFP, the situation mirrors the global food shock seen during the 2022 Ukraine war. Even though the conflict is not directly affecting major food-producing regions, higher fuel costs are driving up transportation, fertilizer, and agricultural expenses, pushing food prices higher. A WFP official warned that those already vulnerable will suffer the most if humanitarian aid remains insufficient.

The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz and increased risks in the Red Sea have disrupted maritime trade, further raising the prices of oil, fertilizer, and food. Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia are identified as the most at risk, with food insecurity projected to rise by up to 24 percent in some regions.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has instructed residents near five major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to evacuate immediately. Iranian state media broadcast the warning, urging people to move to a safe distance without delay. The directive came shortly after an Israeli airstrike targeted a petrochemical complex at Iran’s South Pars gas field early Wednesday, according to Israeli outlets and Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

Qatar condemned the Israeli attack, calling it a dangerous and irresponsible act amid heightened regional military tensions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said the strike on infrastructure linked to the South Pars field, which extends into Qatar’s North Field, poses a serious threat to global energy security, local populations, and the environment.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that the fire at the site has been brought under control, with no casualties confirmed so far.

A fishing boat belonging to fisherman Bali Jolodas was stolen late Tuesday night from Bottoli Fish Wharf in Santoshpur Union of Sandwip upazila, Chattogram. The boat, worth about 360,000 taka, was his only means of livelihood. The theft has left him distraught as he struggles with loan repayments and family expenses. Local fishermen have expressed growing fear following the incident.

According to locals, Bali Jolodas had purchased the boat with his savings and borrowed funds, paying monthly installments of around 50,000 taka. He discovered the theft after returning from fishing during the night tide. Local fisherman Batul Jolodas said such thefts had never happened before, and now they must guard their boats at night. Union Parishad member Ashraf described Bali as a hardworking man who has been left destitute and said efforts are underway to assist him and recover the boat.

Sandwip Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zayed Noor stated that no written complaint had yet been received but assured that legal action and recovery efforts would begin once a complaint is filed.

ATM Azharul Islam, Member of Parliament for Rangpur-2 (Badarganj-Taraganj) and central Naib-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that not a single taka of government grants would go into his pocket. He made the remarks on March 18, 2026, while distributing cash assistance from the Prime Minister’s fund among poor and distressed residents at a school ground in Badarganj municipality. A total of 10 lakh taka was allocated for his constituency, distributed among 500 beneficiaries—325 in Badarganj and 175 in Taraganj—each receiving 2,000 taka.

Azharul Islam said this was the first time Members of Parliament were distributing cash and Eid gifts directly to the poor. He emphasized that all allocations and grants would be used solely for the welfare of underprivileged people. He also mentioned plans to seek additional allocations to expand aid and development in the area.

The MP added that his personal and organizational funds were also used to support poor families and that initiatives were underway to create employment opportunities for educated unemployed youth in both upazilas.

Five additional fuel-laden ships anchored at Chattogram Port between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, despite the closure of the Hormuz Strait due to conflict in the Middle East. Three of the ships began unloading oil at the Dolphin Jetty, while two remained at the outer anchorage. Since the strait’s closure on March 3, a total of 23 fuel and gas vessels have arrived in 14 days, with 18 already unloaded and departed. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) confirmed more shipments are scheduled this month.

Naval and Coast Guard forces have increased security around tankers and depots, deploying patrols in the Karnaphuli River and nearby areas. The latest arrivals include one LNG carrier from Australia and two high-sulfur fuel oil tankers from Singapore. BPC officials said the government is securing new supply sources and has signed deals with Saudi Arabia for diesel and gasoline shipments expected by March 27.

According to BPC, current supply levels remain stable, and earlier fuel rationing at pumps has ended as demand and distribution normalized.

Russia has condemned the killing of Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani, according to a report citing Al Jazeera. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said during a briefing that Moscow strongly denounces actions aimed at harming the leadership of sovereign Iran, particularly assassinations targeting its officials.

The report states that on Tuesday, Israel killed Iran’s security chief Larijani and Basij paramilitary commander Soleimani. The following day, Israel’s defense minister claimed responsibility for the killing of Iran’s intelligence minister Esmail Khatib. The incidents mark a sharp escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran.

The developments have drawn international attention as regional powers respond to the rising violence. Russia’s condemnation underscores its opposition to attacks on Iranian leadership, while tensions continue to mount across the Middle East.

Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya has shared a message of interfaith harmony during the holy month of Ramadan. The former national team star joined his Muslim friends in fasting and shared a photo on social media showing him at an iftar table with Farveez Maharoof and others, waiting for the Maghrib call to prayer. The post, made on Tuesday evening, highlighted his long-standing tradition of fasting with friends since his playing days.

Jayasuriya’s gesture received widespread praise on social media, where many described it as a symbol of brotherhood, empathy, and mutual respect. The act was seen as a reflection of how the spirit of Ramadan extends beyond religious rituals to embrace shared humanity and compassion.

Currently involved in coaching, Jayasuriya is awaiting new professional opportunities after leaving his role with the Sri Lankan national team. Reports suggest he may join Bangladesh’s coaching panel, though no official confirmation has been made.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP, will attend separate Eid reunion events in Sylhet city and district as the chief guest on the day after Eid-ul-Fitr. During the gatherings, he will exchange Eid greetings and pleasantries with people from all walks of life, according to a party press release issued on Wednesday.

The statement added that on the third day of Eid-ul-Fitr, Dr. Rahman will also attend another reunion event in Bhatera Union of Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar district as the chief guest. There, he will meet and greet local residents from various professions and social backgrounds.

The events are expected to be attended by political figures from different parties, journalists, intellectuals, doctors, engineers, social workers, and administrative officials from the area, reflecting a broad community participation.

Qatar has strongly condemned Israel’s attack on facilities linked to Iran’s South Pars gas field, calling it a dangerous and irresponsible act amid ongoing military tensions. The strike occurred on the 19th day of joint Israeli and U.S. operations in Iran, while Tehran continues retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases in Gulf countries. Iran has repeatedly accused its adversaries of targeting civilian infrastructure since the conflict began.

Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the assault on energy infrastructure poses a threat to global energy security and endangers regional populations and the environment. He noted that the South Pars field is connected to Qatar’s North Field expansion project.

Al-Ansari urged all parties to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, and work to de-escalate tensions to preserve regional security and stability.

A global energy crisis has erupted as the war in the Middle East disrupts oil supplies, prompting Asian nations to rush for Russian crude. On March 13, the United States temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil and petroleum products for 30 days, allowing trade of previously stranded shipments. This move has triggered intense competition among countries such as India and China to secure Russian oil reserves.

India has doubled its Russian oil imports to 1.8 million barrels per day to safeguard energy security, though experts warn it cannot fully replace the 2.6 million barrels previously sourced from the Middle East. China’s state-owned firms, including Sinopec and PetroChina, have resumed talks with suppliers to restart purchases halted since November. Southeast Asian nations like the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia are also showing new interest in Russian oil despite earlier caution over U.S. sanctions.

Analysts caution that the U.S. waiver is temporary, leaving uncertainty about long-term supply stability. Experts note that while Russian oil may ease short-term shortages, it cannot fully offset the Middle Eastern deficit, suggesting continued competition in Asia’s energy markets.