At least five Middle Eastern countries have faced major attacks on critical infrastructure over the past 24 hours, with Iran being blamed for the assaults. The United Arab Emirates was hit hardest, as Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), one of the world’s largest aluminum producers based in Abu Dhabi, reported a severe strike on its main facility that caused extensive damage and left several workers injured.

Around the same time, Aluminium Bahrain, another leading global aluminum producer, also suffered significant damage in a separate attack. Kuwait was additionally targeted, with its international airport’s radar system heavily damaged, raising concerns about potential disruptions to air traffic.

The series of coordinated attacks has heightened fears of economic and security instability across the region, as vital industrial and transport infrastructure faces mounting risks.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport, Railways, and Shipping, Sheikh Robiul Alam, has issued strict instructions to enhance safety in ferry operations. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, March 29, 2026, after a high-level meeting at the Secretariat, he announced that from now on, all passengers must disembark from buses before they are loaded onto ferries. No bus carrying passengers will be allowed to board under any circumstances.

The minister also stated that installing railings on ferries will be made mandatory to ensure adequate safety. He explained that accidents often occur when vehicles board or leave ferries or when ferries are hit by waves, and such risks can be reduced through railing installations. Sheikh Robiul Alam emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect lives and said the new rule would be strictly enforced.

Senior officials from relevant ministries and law enforcement agencies attended the meeting. According to ministry sources, the directive is expected to strengthen public safety at ferry terminals across the country.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf has accused foreign adversaries of secretly planning a ground assault while publicly signaling interest in dialogue. His remarks came in a message marking one month since the start of the ongoing war, as reported by Iran’s state news agency IRNA and other local media outlets.

Ghalibaf stated that the United States is presenting a 15-point list outlining its demands, attempting to achieve through negotiation what it failed to secure in battle. He added that Iranian forces are prepared for any U.S. ground operation and ready to respond with artillery fire. Addressing the issue of surrender, Ghalibaf emphasized in Arabic that Iran’s stance is clear and that humiliation will not be accepted.

The comments come amid continuing regional tensions, with reports of heavy casualties in Iran from U.S.-Israeli attacks and diplomatic efforts by Pakistan to mediate between Washington and Tehran.

Iran’s Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), one of the country’s leading academic institutions located in Tehran, was heavily damaged in airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel. The incident occurred amid ongoing regional tensions, with reports confirming extensive destruction across the university campus.

Following the attack, several videos circulated on social media showing widespread devastation. The footage depicted collapsed structures, flames, and thick smoke rising from multiple university buildings, indicating severe structural damage. The reports were sourced from Al Jazeera and Reuters, which confirmed the scale of the destruction.

The extent of casualties or further details about the attack’s timing and immediate response were not specified in the available reports.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar on Sunday issued a statement expressing deep concern and strong condemnation over remarks made by West Bengal BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya. The BJP leader reportedly suggested integrating Bangladesh’s Khulna and Jessore regions with India’s West Bengal, which Porwar described as a provocative and unacceptable statement against Bangladesh’s territorial integrity.

In his statement, Porwar said such comments undermine international norms and friendly neighborly relations, calling them a blatant display of extremist mentality and a serious threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty. He also alleged that India’s ongoing military activities near the border, satellite surveillance, and religious provocations pose grave challenges to Bangladesh’s sovereignty and regional security, creating fear and unrest among border residents.

Porwar urged Indian leaders to respect international law and Bangladesh’s sovereignty, demanded an apology and withdrawal of the remarks, and called on the Bangladesh government to respond firmly through diplomatic and legal means to safeguard national independence and regional stability.

An Israeli airstrike on Sunday caused extensive damage to the Tehran office of Qatar-based news network Al Arabi TV, according to authorities cited by Middle East Eye. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that at least ten people were injured in the attack.

Al Arabi TV stated on social media platform X that an Israeli missile struck its office building in the Iranian capital, forcing the channel to halt live broadcasts. Footage from the scene showed shattered glass, debris inside the building, and damaged broadcasting equipment. Streets outside were littered with rubble, and nearby buildings also bore signs of damage.

The incident adds to the ongoing regional tensions, though the report did not specify further details about the broader military context or official responses from either side.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman expressed optimism that if the National Parliament operates on the basis of justice, justice will also be established throughout the country. He made this remark on Sunday afternoon while delivering a goodwill speech in the National Parliament, following a statement by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal.

During his address, Dr. Rahman thanked the Deputy Speaker for citing verses from the Holy Quran and references to Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) in his speech. The opposition leader also assured the Deputy Speaker of his full cooperation in parliamentary activities.

The statement reflects a call for fairness and moral governance within the legislative process, emphasizing the link between just parliamentary conduct and broader national justice.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Porwar expressed deep sorrow and concern over the deaths of at least 18 Bangladeshis in a boat accident off the coast of Greece. The incident occurred on March 27 when a rubber boat carrying migrants from North Africa to Europe capsized, killing 22 people in total, including the 18 Bangladeshis. Porwar issued a condolence statement on March 29, mourning the loss and praying for the victims.

In his statement, Porwar urged the governments and international organizations to take swift and effective measures to ensure the safety of migrants who risk their lives on illegal sea routes. He emphasized the need for a humane and lasting solution to the migration crisis to prevent such tragedies in the future.

He also called on the governments of the concerned countries and international human rights organizations to provide appropriate financial compensation to the affected families and to take coordinated action to protect migrants’ lives.

Multiple Gulf countries experienced a series of attacks over the past 24 hours, targeting critical infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates faced its heaviest missile strikes in recent weeks, with Emirates Global Aluminium reporting severe damage to its main plant in Abu Dhabi and several workers injured. Aluminium Bahrain, one of the world’s largest aluminium producers, was also hit, while Kuwait International Airport’s radar system suffered serious damage.

The attacks have raised concerns about economic stability and daily life across the Gulf region. In response, Gulf states have emphasized the importance of ensuring their participation in any future peace negotiations to safeguard regional interests.

However, the source notes that differences remain among these countries regarding their next steps and how to manage relations with Iran and the United States amid the escalating tensions.

The Bangladesh Government Officers and Employees Welfare Association has requested a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to discuss the publication and implementation of the ninth pay scale gazette. The organization submitted a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office on March 29, 2026, outlining ten specific demands related to pay scale implementation and employee welfare.

According to the letter, government officers and employees play a vital role in state administration and public service but have long been deprived of fair benefits. Rising commodity prices, increased living costs, promotion delays, and unresolved block post issues have caused frustration and uncertainty among employees. The association noted that despite expectations of two pay scales over the past eleven years, none have been implemented, leaving lower-paid workers struggling.

The association believes that ensuring fair rights and welfare for government employees would enhance administrative efficiency and morale. It has proposed a 13-member delegation to meet the Prime Minister and present their demands directly.

The Thirteenth National Parliament of Bangladesh resumed its adjourned session on Sunday at 3 p.m. The first session, which began on March 12, had been adjourned until March 29. This resumed sitting is expected to be heated due to discussions surrounding the implementation of the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) and the Referendum Ordinance 2025. Opposition parties, including Jamaat and its allies, have demanded debates on these issues and submitted multiple notices, according to the Parliament Secretariat.

The day’s agenda includes question-and-answer sessions for the Local Government Division, the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Election Commission, and the President’s Office. Notices submitted under Rule 71 on urgent public matters have been resolved. The current session is scheduled to continue until April 30.

A special committee was earlier formed to review 133 ordinances issued during the outgoing interim government. Of these, 113 have already gained consensus between the government and opposition, while the remaining 20 will be discussed in the committee’s third meeting tonight. According to the constitution, ordinances must be passed within 30 days or they will be void, requiring completion by April 12.

The trial of the 2019 FR Tower fire case in Dhaka, which killed 26 people and injured 71, has encountered delays as several accused have approached the High Court seeking to halt proceedings. One accused, BNP leader Tajvirul Islam, has already obtained a stay order on the trial. The case, currently under the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court, began in August last year after charges were framed against seven defendants. The next hearing for witness testimony is scheduled for April 5.

The case was filed following the March 28, 2019 fire at the FR Tower on Banani’s Kamal Ataturk Avenue. After investigation, police charged eight individuals in December 2022, excluding Rupayan Group chairman Liakat Ali Khan Mukul. The court later ordered further investigation by the Police Bureau of Investigation. Two of the accused have since died.

Defense lawyers argue that the accused were flat owners, not involved in the building’s construction, and that the real culprits were excluded from the charge sheet. The prosecution maintains readiness to proceed with witness testimony unless the High Court’s stay order prevents it.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that a final decision on 133 ordinances issued during the interim government period may be made tonight. He made the statement on Sunday, March 29, after a parliamentary meeting of the ruling party. The parliamentary special committee responsible for reviewing the ordinances is scheduled to meet tonight to finalize its decisions.

Committee chairman Zainul Abedin stated that consensus has not yet been reached on 24 of the ordinances, and these will be discussed further in the special committee meeting. The thirteenth national parliament session resumed after about 13 days and officially began at 3 p.m. The special committee meeting is set to take place after the parliamentary session concludes.

The parliamentary session began under the chairmanship of the Speaker in his absence, with Prime Minister Tareq Rahman and Opposition Leader Shafiqul Rahman present. The session opened with a recitation from the Quran following Eid and other holidays.

A major fire broke out on Sunday afternoon at the BD Food BD Sea Foods cold storage in Chattogram’s Sagorika area. The blaze spread rapidly throughout the facility after it started suddenly, fueled by a large stock of fish stored inside. Fire Service and Civil Defense units from Agrabad and Bandar stations initially responded, but as the situation worsened, the number of deployed units increased to eight. After nearly two hours of continuous effort, firefighters managed to bring the fire under control.

According to Fire Service Deputy Director Md. Jasim Uddin, more than two thousand tons of fish and cartons were stored in the cold storage, intensifying the flames. Firefighters faced difficulties due to narrow passages inside the facility while removing cartons, clearing smoke, and reducing internal heat. Preliminary reports indicated that no one was trapped inside during the incident, though rescue teams continued to search the area to confirm. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are assessing the extent of the damage.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh arrived at the National Parliament in Dhaka five minutes before the start of the third day of the first session of the 13th National Parliament. The session began at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with the Prime Minister taking his designated seat ahead of proceedings.

At the beginning of the session, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, who represents the Netrokona-1 constituency, delivered a welcome address. In the absence of the Speaker, Barrister Kamal presided over the parliamentary sitting.

The session marks the continuation of the 13th Parliament’s inaugural proceedings, with the Deputy Speaker temporarily overseeing responsibilities during the Speaker’s absence.