Global oil prices increased on Thursday after Iran’s foreign minister declared that Tehran currently has no intention of holding talks with the United States. Following his statement, Brent crude rose by 1.6 percent to 103.85 dollars per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed 1.4 percent to 91.61 dollars.

Iranian official Abbas Araghchi told state media on Wednesday that there had been no direct discussions with Washington, though messages were exchanged through intermediaries. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iranian leaders were afraid to admit that talks were taking place.

The development comes amid heightened geopolitical tension, with analysts warning that prolonged conflict could intensify energy instability in Asia if the situation continues.

Iran has announced that ships from Bangladesh and several other friendly nations will be allowed to navigate safely through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing regional conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on state television that the strait has not been completely closed, countering claims by Western media. He said Iran’s armed forces are ensuring secure passage for vessels from countries it considers friendly or has granted special permission.

According to Araghchi, the countries benefiting from this arrangement include China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, India, and Bangladesh. He mentioned that two Indian ships recently crossed the strait safely and that coordination with Bangladesh and others will continue even after the war. However, he clarified that ships from nations Iran views as adversaries or involved in the conflict will not be allowed to pass.

The decision comes as global energy supply disruptions intensify around the Hormuz Strait, a key maritime route. Iran’s selective approach aims to maintain limited trade flow while restricting access to its perceived opponents.

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary and Rangpur-4 MP Akhtar Hossain has accused the BNP government of deliberately delaying the implementation of the July Charter and the referendum verdict. He made the remarks on Thursday, March 26, 2026, while paying tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar.

Akhtar Hossain said that after the July uprising, a referendum was held to approve national reforms, and most voters supported the changes. He criticized the government for not acting on the people’s mandate, calling it a betrayal of the July movement’s spirit. He also linked the struggle for democracy to the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War, emphasizing that the current constitutional framework cannot ensure full democracy.

The NCP has been advocating for a new constitution through a reform council formed by consensus among political parties. Akhtar warned that the government’s delay in implementing the July Charter and referendum decision amounts to deceiving the people and violating their democratic aspirations.

Iran has outlined several conditions for ending the ongoing war, rejecting a ceasefire proposal from the United States. According to Iran’s state-run Press TV, Tehran stated that the conflict will only cease once its specified conditions are fulfilled. The report did not detail the conditions but confirmed that Iran’s stance was firm on this requirement.

The United States had earlier proposed a ceasefire, with Pakistan acting as an intermediary to deliver Washington’s offer to Tehran. Senior Pakistani sources confirmed to Al Jazeera that the document from the Trump administration was presented to Iranian officials, and they are now awaiting a response. The development underscores the complex diplomatic exchanges involving multiple regional and global actors.

The situation remains tense, with related reports noting that Iran’s actions, including closing the Strait of Hormuz, have drawn criticism from the Gulf Cooperation Council, while concerns grow over potential energy instability in Asia if the war continues.

Pakistan has conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. The message was sent on Thursday by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking the celebration of the historic day.

In its statement, the ministry said that the government and people of Pakistan extended their heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of Bangladesh. The message also expressed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. Additionally, Pakistan wished Bangladesh continued peace, progress, and prosperity.

The greeting reflects a diplomatic gesture aimed at maintaining cordial ties between the two South Asian nations as Bangladesh commemorates its national day.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence and National Day. The tribute took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Zia Udyan in Dhaka, where Tarique Rahman led senior BNP leaders in offering floral respects. Prayers and special supplications were also held for the two leaders.

Earlier that morning, at 6 a.m., the Prime Minister visited the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to honor the nation’s war heroes. After completing the ceremony there, he returned to Dhaka and by 7 a.m. paid homage at the graves of Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, and Khaleda Zia. The events were part of the day’s official observances marking the country’s independence.

The commemorations underscored the symbolic importance of the Independence Day in Bangladesh’s political and historical landscape, reflecting respect for national leaders associated with the country’s founding and governance.

Bangladesh confirmed that England-based footballer Hamza Chowdhury will start in the match against Vietnam, ending earlier uncertainty about his inclusion. The team’s starting lineup also features goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Shrabon, who has not been a regular for Bashundhara Kings but was chosen by the coach for this match. Defenders include Shakil Ahad Topu, Tariq Kazi, and Sad Uddin.

Captain Jamal Bhuiyan has been left out of the starting eleven, with Sohel Rana taking over the captain’s armband. Fahmidul Islam returns to the lineup after missing the previous match due to card suspension. The attacking line includes Samit Som and Zayan Ahmed, alongside other regulars.

The match marks a notable change in Bangladesh’s formation and leadership, with new inclusions and tactical adjustments aimed at strengthening the team’s performance against Vietnam.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for Lieutenant General (Retd.) Sheikh Mamun Khaled, former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), in connection with the murder of Delwar Hossain during the July uprising in Mirpur. The order was issued on Thursday, March 26, 2026, by Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Siddiq Azad after a hearing.

According to the case details, on July 19, 2024, a group of 500 to 700 armed individuals, including the accused, attacked protesting students and citizens at Mirpur-10’s fruit market area. Delwar Hossain was shot and critically injured during the assault. He was first taken to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and later to a private hospital in Shyamoli, where he died on the morning of July 21.

Police arrested Sheikh Mamun Khaled from his residence in Mirpur DOHS on Wednesday night. The investigating officer had sought a seven-day remand, while the defense requested its cancellation. After hearing both sides, the court approved a five-day remand for interrogation.

Iran has rejected a United States proposal to end the ongoing war, according to Iranian state television Press TV, citing a senior political and security official. The official stated that Iran would decide when to end the war based on its own conditions, emphasizing that the decision would only come once those conditions are met.

Among Iran’s stated conditions are a complete halt to what it calls enemy aggression and assassinations, the establishment of concrete measures to prevent the war from being reimposed on Iran, and guarantees for compensation and reparations for wartime damages. Iran also demands clear financial arrangements for all resistance groups involved across the region and the conclusion of hostilities on all fronts. Additionally, Tehran seeks international recognition and assurance of its sovereign rights over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials have repeatedly said they are seeking not just a ceasefire but a full end to the war, underscoring their insistence on sovereignty and security guarantees before any settlement.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has issued new claims about Iran’s military losses in the ongoing Middle East war. In a video message on Wednesday, CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper said that over three weeks of fighting, US forces carried out strikes on more than 10,000 Iranian military targets and conducted over 10,000 aerial operations. He asserted that Iran’s air defense systems have been severely weakened.

According to Cooper, 92 percent of Iran’s largest naval vessels have been destroyed, and the country’s missile and drone launch rates have dropped by more than 90 percent. He added that over two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and shipbuilding facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Cooper stated that the US is on track to achieve its military objectives, including reducing Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders.

Despite these claims, Tehran continues to launch drone and missile attacks on US and Israeli positions in the Gulf region, as well as on energy facilities, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and flight disruptions.

On March 26, 2026, Jamaat-e-Islami organized a rally and assembly in Chattogram city and Chandgaon Thana on the occasion of Bangladesh’s Independence Day. The procession moved through various city roads and concluded at Bahaddarhat intersection, where a brief assembly took place.

During the event, Jamaat leader and parliamentary candidate Dr. Abu Naser stated that the Election Commission had delivered a referendum verdict through two ballots, and it was now the elected government’s duty to implement it. He emphasized that the people were united in implementing the July Charter and that full independence would remain incomplete without its realization. Assistant city Jamaat leader Mohammad Ullah urged the government to take immediate steps to enforce the referendum’s outcome, warning that failure to do so would prompt public action.

Speakers at the assembly cautioned that if the issue was not resolved within parliament, they would mobilize people to the streets to ensure the referendum’s implementation.

Culture Minister Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury emphasized national unity beyond religion, ethnicity, and political differences during a religious discussion and cultural program held on Wednesday night, March 25, in Langalband, Bandar, Narayanganj. Speaking as the chief guest at the Mahashtami holy bath celebration, he said the government, under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, is working collectively to rebuild the country through teamwork since taking office.

The minister highlighted Bangladesh’s diverse cultural heritage, describing it as a source of unity and democratic beauty where differences in opinion and belief coexist. Referring to global unrest, he said Bangladesh aims to remain peaceful, tolerant, and culturally rich. He recalled Bengal’s historical prominence in knowledge and prosperity, mentioning that travelers once came here for its wealth and learning.

Chowdhury added that with proper leadership, Bangladesh can regain its lost glory and build a nation of new possibilities where all religious communities stand together. He also announced plans to further develop Langalband as part of the country’s ancient heritage.

Volunteers from Hafezzi Charitable Society Bangladesh (HCSB) took part in rescue operations following a bus accident at the Daulatdia ferry terminal in Rajbari’s Goalanda upazila. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when a passenger bus of Souhardya Paribahan lost control and plunged into the Padma River. Under the leadership of the organization’s general secretary, Maulana Ibrahim Khalil, the team coordinated with the Fire Service and Civil Defence to conduct rescue efforts, send the injured to hospitals, transfer bodies, and support affected families.

HCSB Director General Muhammad Raj stated that the organization has consistently responded to both domestic disasters and international humanitarian crises. He emphasized that their principle and duty are to stand beside people during emergencies, demonstrating that true service to humanity means immediate action rather than later financial pledges.

The rescue operation highlighted the organization’s commitment to rapid humanitarian response and coordination with official emergency services during national crises.

FIFA has announced the schedule for the final phase of ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup, set to begin on April 1 and continue until the end of the tournament. According to FIFA, over one million tickets were sold in earlier phases between December and February. Additional tickets will be released gradually, meaning seat availability will vary over time. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, featuring 104 matches in total.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously said ticket demand is unprecedented, with expectations that all matches will be sold out. However, criticism over ticket prices continues. The supporters’ group Football Supporters Europe has filed a complaint with the European Commission, alleging that FIFA’s dynamic pricing model has unfairly inflated prices. Earlier, group-stage tickets started at $140, while final match tickets reached up to $8,680, and semifinal tickets ranged from $920 to $1,125.

In this final phase, tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and fans can choose their preferred seats. Those who already purchased tickets can view their seat allocations from April 1.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the ongoing war against Iran has gone beyond all limits and is now out of control. Speaking at a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, he said the conflict, which has lasted for more than three weeks, has reached a level that even leaders could not have imagined. Guterres cautioned that the world is facing the threat of a wider war, growing humanitarian suffering, and deeper global economic shocks.

Calling for an immediate halt to military escalation, Guterres urged all parties to replace confrontation with diplomacy and to restore full respect for international law. Addressing the main parties involved, he said that the United States and Israel should end the war now, as civilian casualties and humanitarian suffering continue to rise and the global economic impact becomes increasingly devastating.

He also called on Iran to stop attacks on Gulf countries, arguing that those nations are not parties to the conflict.