Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar has protested the government’s decision to appoint party-affiliated individuals as administrators in 42 district councils. In a statement issued on Sunday, March 15, he said the Ministry of Local Government had issued a notification making these appointments, which he described as contrary to public expectations.

Porwar argued that in a democratic system, local government bodies should be run by representatives elected through public votes. He claimed that appointing administrators undermines this process and shifts control toward partisan and bureaucratic management. He warned that replacing elections with appointment-based governance poses a serious threat to democracy and directly harms citizens’ voting rights and representative governance.

He further stated that although the government speaks of strengthening local governance, such actions could weaken democracy and damage the country’s political culture. Porwar urged the government to cancel the decision and hold free, fair, and impartial elections for district councils, calling on citizens to stand up for their democratic rights.

Police recovered the bloodied body of Sharmin Jahan, a student of Jahangirnagar University’s Public Administration Department, from a rented apartment in Savar’s Islamnagar area on Sunday afternoon. She was found critically injured inside the residence she shared with her husband and was later declared dead at Enam Medical College Hospital. Her husband has been taken into police custody for questioning.

Investigators suspect the incident to be a homicide, as injuries were found on the victim’s head. Representatives from the university administration visited the hospital after learning of the incident. The body has been sent to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

Ashulia Police Station’s officer-in-charge said the scene has been inspected and an investigation is underway. Dhaka District Police Superintendent Mizanur Rahman stated that the cause of death is being investigated and further details will be provided later.

Police in Dhunat upazila of Bogura have arrested Imruz Raihan Tanzim, a 26-year-old leader of the Swechchhasebak League, in connection with an explosives case filed over a torch procession incident. He was sent to Bogura District Jail through the court on Sunday afternoon after being detained from his home on Saturday night.

According to the case details, on November 30, 2025, around 2 a.m., leaders and activists of the upazila Awami League organized a torch procession in the Bhubangati Uttarpara area of Chowkibari Union. It is alleged that participants detonated crude bombs, causing panic in the locality. On December 10, former president of the Gopalnagar Union Chhatra Dal, Raju Ahmed, filed a case naming 35 individuals and accusing 60 to 70 unidentified persons.

Imruz Raihan Tanzim was arrested as one of the unidentified accused in that case. Dhunat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Atikul Islam stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that reforming the Information Ministry is essential to effectively work for journalists’ welfare. Speaking on Sunday at an iftar and prayer event organized by the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) at the Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium, he emphasized the need for modernization and digital empowerment to provide secure and efficient public services while addressing cyber and technological risks.

The minister noted that frequent changes in ministerial leadership hinder the development of specialized knowledge required for effective administration. He added that the government is considering restructuring the ministry to ensure citizens’ right to free access to information, as directed by the Prime Minister. Swapan also mentioned that journalists’ problems are being documented and that discussions with journalist leaders will be held soon. He highlighted complications regarding the wage board issue due to unclear jurisdiction between the Information and Labour Ministries.

Senior officials from the police, journalist associations, and foreign missions attended the event, which focused on strengthening collaboration between the government and the media community.

Police in Narayanganj have arrested two individuals following an attack on a police officer and his informant. The incident occurred on Sunday around 5:30 p.m. near the Thanakapra Market area between Golachipa and Alamkhan Lane, adjacent to the railway line. The arrested men were identified as Anik, 28, son of Delwar Hossain, and Mr., 26, son of Harun Sheikh, both from the Golachipa area.

According to police, Sub-Inspector Mizanur and Ariful Salam detained several people after witnessing drug use and sales in the area. A group of seven to eight suspects fled but later returned with others and attacked the officers. The police members retreated to safety, and a subsequent operation led to the arrest of two suspects.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Operations and Crime) Tarek Al Mehdi stated that they were aware of the assault on SI Mizan and had dispatched officers to investigate. He confirmed that two individuals were detained and that the true cause of the incident would be determined after investigation.

A shooting incident occurred at the Central Shaheed Minar area in Dhaka on Sunday night, leaving one person injured. According to the report, a young man suddenly fired four rounds around 9:30 p.m. The injured individual was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Local residents managed to detain one person in connection with the incident.

The report did not provide further details about the identity of the shooter or the motive behind the attack. The Central Shaheed Minar, a symbolic site in Dhaka, was the location of the unexpected gunfire that caused panic in the area. Authorities have not yet released any official statement regarding the incident or the condition of the injured person.

Further investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of those involved.

A case has been filed in Lakshmipur’s Kamalnagar upazila accusing BNP leader Monirul Haque Monir and 29 others of vandalizing and demolishing a farmer’s home. The complaint was lodged by Shahida Akter, wife of the affected farmer, who alleged that the accused destroyed their tin house and leveled the land. The case, naming five individuals and 25 unidentified persons, was accepted by the Senior Judicial Magistrate’s Court, which directed the district detective police to investigate.

According to the case details, the disputed land belongs to Shahida Akter’s husband, Rezaul Haque, through inheritance and purchase. The family had been living there for three years. The plaintiff alleged that Monirul Haque Monir had been trying to seize the land and, following local mediation attempts, led an armed attack on March 11, demolishing the house and threatening the family. The victims claimed losses of about 1.2 million taka.

Monirul Haque Monir denied the allegations, asserting that the land belongs to his family and accusing the plaintiffs of filing a false case. The local BNP president said he was unaware of the incident but would look into it.

The Italian military has reported that one of its bases in Kuwait, which it jointly operates with the United States, came under a drone attack. The incident was disclosed on March 15, 2026, according to the report. Italian military officials stated that no casualties occurred as a result of the attack.

The report, citing Al Jazeera as its source, did not specify who was responsible for the drone strike or the extent of any material damage. The base is known to be used collaboratively by Italian and US forces, highlighting the international military presence in Kuwait.

No further details were provided about the nature of the attack or any subsequent response from the involved parties.

In Charbhadrasan upazila of Faridpur, expatriate BNP leader Yunus Ali Pramanik from Spain has constructed an earthen road over a canal in Bhati Shalepur village under Charharirampur Union, enabling smoother transportation across the Padma River’s char region. The initiative has eased movement for locals who previously relied on a bamboo bridge that restricted heavy vehicles.

According to residents, the new road allows horse carts, motorcycles, bicycles, and tractors to pass easily while maintaining the canal’s water flow. Pramanik also built a passenger shed and installed a tube well at the Shalepur trawler ghat to improve comfort and safety for travelers. Locals expressed gratitude, noting that the facilities have reduced long-standing travel hardships.

Pramanik said he could not remain indifferent to people’s suffering and has long been involved in social welfare activities, including supporting mosques, madrasas, clubs, and healthcare for the needy.

Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 11 runs in a thrilling final One Day International on March 15, 2026, securing a 2-1 series victory. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim led Bangladesh’s innings with his maiden ODI century, scoring 107 runs off 98 balls with six fours and seven sixes. Bangladesh posted a total of 290 for five in 50 overs, supported by Towhid Hridoy’s 48 not out. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 279 runs, falling short despite a fighting century from Salman Agha, who made 106 off 98 balls.

Pakistan’s chase began poorly at 17 for three but recovered through partnerships involving Salman Agha, Saad Masood, and Abdul Samad. The match reached a tense finish as Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late hitting brought Pakistan close, but Rishad Hossain’s final over sealed Bangladesh’s win. Taskin Ahmed took four wickets for Bangladesh.

Tanzid Hasan Tamim was named both Player of the Match and joint Player of the Series alongside Nahid Rana, marking a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s ODI campaign.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran has not requested a ceasefire nor sought any compromise. Speaking to CBS News, he said Tehran sees no reason to engage in talks with the United States under the current circumstances and remains prepared to defend itself for as long as necessary.

Araghchi explained that Iran does not understand why it should negotiate with Washington, noting that while discussions were ongoing, the US decided to launch attacks against Iran. He described the conflict as a war chosen by President Donald Trump and the United States, emphasizing that Iran will continue its self-defense efforts.

Earlier, US President Trump claimed that Iran wanted to make a deal but said he was not interested because the proposed terms were unsatisfactory, according to Al Jazeera.

At least two people were injured in a recent Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel, according to Israeli media reports citing the country’s emergency service organization Magen David Adom. The incident occurred as the Iran–US–Israel conflict entered its 16th day, with Iran continuing to launch retaliatory strikes. The report, carried by Al Jazeera, said both injured individuals were in their 50s and their injuries were not severe.

The missiles reportedly carried cluster bomb warheads, releasing multiple sub-munitions that scattered across Israel’s southern city of Eilat and parts of the central region. Local authorities in Eilat earlier stated that they had successfully intercepted one such missile through the air defense system, but fragments of the sub-munitions still fell in various parts of the city.

The continued exchange of missile and drone attacks underscores the intensifying hostilities between Iran and Israel, with no indication of a ceasefire or negotiation effort mentioned in the report.

A legal notice has been issued to lifestyle brand Aarong, urging it to stop charging customers extra for shopping bags after purchases. The notice was sent on Sunday by Supreme Court lawyer Saddam Hossain Abhi through registered mail to the Commerce Secretary, the Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, and Aarong’s Managing Director. It warns that if no action is taken within 15 days, a public interest writ petition will be filed in the High Court Division of the Supreme Court.

According to the notice, Aarong has been collecting additional money for shopping bags since September 1, 2025, which the lawyer claims violates Bangladeshi law. The notice states that no other business in the country engages in such a practice, and many customers have expressed frustration on social media after being forced to pay extra or carry clothes by hand.

The lawyer argues that Aarong’s actions financially and mentally harm consumers and breach business ethics. The notice calls for an immediate halt to the practice and urges the consumer rights authority to investigate and ensure all customers receive free shopping bags in the future.

A high-level World Bank delegation paid a courtesy visit to Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mostakur Rahman on Sunday at the central bank’s headquarters in Dhaka. The delegation included South Asia Regional Vice President John Jut, Bangladesh and Bhutan Division Director Jean Pesme, IFC Director Imad Najib Ahed Fakhoury, Operations Manager Dr. Gail H. Martin, IFC Manager Wilfred Tamegnon, and Senior External Affairs Officer Meherin A. Mahbub. From Bangladesh Bank, Deputy Governors Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman and Dr. Md. Kabir Ahmed, along with other senior officials, attended the meeting.

Discussions focused on the progress of ongoing development projects between Bangladesh and the World Bank and explored prospects for future collaboration. Governor Rahman assured the delegation of continued support from Bangladesh Bank in implementing current projects and expressed interest in expanding cooperation to strengthen the financial sector and accelerate economic growth. The World Bank representatives conveyed a positive outlook on maintaining close cooperation with Bangladesh.

The meeting also reviewed the country’s recent economic situation and development potential. It concluded in a cordial atmosphere, with the governor thanking the delegation for their visit.

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for peace in the Middle East, urging an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Speaking after the weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican City on Sunday, he appealed to both sides, as well as the United States, to halt hostilities and resume dialogue. The Pope, the first American to hold the position, said people in the region have endured severe violence since the conflict began two weeks ago.

He warned that violence can never bring the justice, stability, and peace that ordinary people have long awaited. His appeal came amid escalating drone and missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, which have caused widespread instability across the Middle East over the past 14 days.

The Pope’s statement coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts by world leaders to prevent the conflict from expanding into a full-scale regional war.