At the Chandra Trimor bus stand on the Dhaka-Tangail Highway in Kaliakoir, Gazipur, rows of vehicles were seen waiting for passengers heading home for Eid. The scene was observed around noon on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Drivers and passengers reported that buses were waiting to fill up before departure, with some operators citing fuel shortages as a reason for higher fares. Supervisors of several transport companies noted that passenger pressure was expected to increase from Tuesday evening through the following night.

A passenger from Thakurgaon said she was traveling early to avoid the last-minute rush, while a supervisor from Birganj Road in Dinajpur mentioned that tickets from Dhaka counters were already sold out, and roadside passengers might face double fares. Police officials, however, stated that staggered holidays at local factories would help reduce congestion and assured that security measures had been strengthened to ensure passenger safety.

Authorities expect manageable traffic flow despite the seasonal rush, with police maintaining vigilance to prevent any travel-related issues.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman attended office at the Secretariat on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, despite the official public holiday for the holy Shab-e-Qadr. According to his additional press secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister arrived at his office at 11 a.m. and continued his regular duties, including presiding over a cabinet meeting.

Upon his arrival at Building No. 1 of the Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani and Principal Secretary A.B.M. Abdus Sattar welcomed him. The Ministry of Public Administration had earlier set a five-day holiday from March 19 to 23, with March 21 designated as Eid-ul-Fitr day. The days before and after Eid were declared holidays by executive order.

The Prime Minister’s decision to work during the holiday underscores his continued engagement in official duties even as the Eid vacation period begins for most government offices.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomical Society, has announced the likely date for Eid al-Fitr in Arab countries this year. According to his statement, the holy month of Ramadan in the Arab world is expected to complete 30 days, making the first day of Shawwal likely to fall on March 20. This means that most countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, are expected to celebrate Eid on Friday, March 20.

Al Jarwan also noted that on the 29th day of Ramadan, which falls on the preceding Wednesday, there will be no crescent moon visible in the skies over Arab nations. His assessment was reported by The National, indicating that astronomical conditions support the likelihood of Eid being observed a day later.

The announcement provides early guidance for communities and authorities in the Middle East to prepare for the festival, though the final confirmation will depend on the official moon sighting closer to the date.

At least 3,530 people have been injured in Israel since the outbreak of war with Iran, according to the Israeli Health Ministry. The ministry reported that the injured include both civilians and members of the Israeli military. Many of the wounded have been hospitalized for treatment.

As of Tuesday, 86 Israelis remain hospitalized, with eight of them in critical condition. The information was reported by Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera, citing official data from Israel’s Health Ministry. The report did not specify the timeline or nature of the incidents that caused the injuries.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has led to a significant number of casualties and hospitalizations, highlighting the escalating humanitarian impact within Israel.

Iran has launched nearly 2,000 missiles and drones toward the United Arab Emirates since the start of the ongoing conflict, focusing its attacks on the country’s transport and energy infrastructure. On Monday, a drone strike near Dubai International Airport caused a fire and temporarily halted flight operations. Another attack ignited a blaze at the major oil storage facility in Fujairah port.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, a Palestinian citizen was killed in a rocket strike on a car in the outskirts of the UAE capital. Dubai International Airport has been hit multiple times since Iran began its retaliatory strikes, leading to significant disruptions. In late February, a luxury hotel in Dubai was also targeted in a separate attack.

The continued strikes have raised concerns over the safety of key infrastructure and civilian areas in the UAE as the conflict persists.

BNP Standing Committee member and Narsingdi-2 MP Dr. Abdul Moin Khan inaugurated a canal excavation program at Mirzapur village in Kachikata Union, Monohardi upazila, on Monday, March 16. He said that late President Ziaur Rahman had personally initiated canal digging to advance Bangladesh’s agriculture, and current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also believes in action over words. Moin Khan emphasized that maintaining natural water flow is vital for human civilization and that the Prime Minister launched the program within a month of his promise.

The inauguration was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister and local MP Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul, along with five other MPs from Narsingdi. District Commissioner Mohammad Anwar Hossain presided over the event, which was also attended by MPs Khairul Kabir Khokon, Monjur Elahi, and Ashraf Uddin, as well as local officials and community representatives. Bakul stated that the canal excavation, following the legacy of President Ziaur Rahman, aims to benefit farmers by improving irrigation and productivity.

According to the organizers, farmers are expected to gain full benefits from the canal before the upcoming monsoon season.

Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman praised China for maintaining a policy of non-interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs and for its continued friendship. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a food distribution event held at Adarsha School field in Mirpur, Dhaka, organized with Chinese assistance. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen attended as special guest, and over a thousand low-income residents of Dhaka-15 constituency received food packs.

Dr. Rahman thanked the Chinese envoy for supporting underprivileged communities and highlighted China’s long-standing partnership with Bangladesh, noting major development projects such as the China-funded Bangabandhu International Conference Center, hospital construction, and a new dormitory at Dhaka University. He also expressed hope for progress on the Teesta project and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s independent foreign policy.

Ambassador Yao Wen extended Eid greetings and said the initiative aimed to share joy with Mirpur residents. He congratulated Dr. Rahman on his election as a member of parliament and opposition leader, emphasizing China’s ongoing humanitarian cooperation with Bangladesh.

A leaked audio recording obtained by The Telegraph reveals that Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, narrowly survived a missile attack by Israel and the United States that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strike occurred on February 28 at 9:32 a.m. when an Israeli Blue Sparrow ballistic missile hit the Khamenei residence. Mojtaba survived because he had stepped into the garden moments before the impact.

The recording, attributed to Mazaher Hosseini, head of protocol in Ali Khamenei’s office, was delivered on March 12 before senior clerics and IRGC commanders in Tehran’s Kolhak area. Hosseini said Mojtaba sustained minor leg injuries, while his wife Haddad and their son were killed instantly. The missile also struck the home of Khamenei’s brother-in-law, Misbah al-Huda Bagheri Kani, killing him, and caused damage near the residence of Mojtaba’s brother Mostafa, who escaped unharmed.

The leak comes amid uncertainty about Mojtaba’s health and leadership capacity. An Iranian official said even military commanders lack information on his current condition, while former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly questioned whether he is still alive.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has strengthened security measures across the capital ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Acting DMP Commissioner Md. Sarwar urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement of unfamiliar individuals, repeated motorcycle patrols, or unusual gatherings in their neighborhoods. He made the remarks to the media on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Sarwar stated that despite limited manpower, the police and related forces are working in coordination to maintain law and order. He emphasized that public awareness and community involvement are crucial to ensuring safety and preventing crime. The commissioner highlighted that the number of police officers is relatively small compared to the city’s population, yet efforts continue to safeguard citizens and uphold peace.

Residents have been advised to verify the identity and purpose of unknown individuals if suspicious behavior is observed and to immediately contact the nearest police station or call the national emergency number 999 to inform law enforcement authorities.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced that metro rail services will remain closed only on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The decision was made public through a notice issued on Monday, ahead of the seven-day government holiday that began on Tuesday. According to the notice, metro operations will resume as per the regular schedule from the day after Eid, allowing passengers to plan their travel in advance.

Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival for Muslims in Bangladesh, is expected to be celebrated on March 21, depending on the sighting of the moon. Including the holiday for Shab-e-Qadr on March 17, government employees are enjoying a continuous seven-day break this year. The Ministry of Public Administration has clarified that essential services such as electricity, water, gas, fire service, ports, sanitation, telecommunications, postal services, and healthcare will remain operational during the holiday period.

Hospitals, emergency medical services, and those involved in the transport of medicines and medical supplies will continue their duties to ensure uninterrupted public service.

Aliyabad Canal in Nabinagar municipality of Brahmanbaria has nearly disappeared due to years of unregulated waste dumping and unplanned road construction. Once a flowing waterway connecting the Burir and Bhata rivers, the canal has become clogged with household garbage, blocking water flow and causing severe environmental degradation. The stagnant, blackened water now emits foul odors and poses serious health risks, including waterborne diseases. Agricultural lands nearby are being damaged by polluted water, and the area suffers from mosquito infestations and seasonal flooding.

Local residents recall that until 2005, the canal supported boat traffic and provided water for irrigation and household use. They blame the closure of the canal’s mouth under a municipal road for halting water movement. Residents and community leaders have demanded immediate cleaning and restoration to reconnect the canal with the main river system. Nabinagar’s administrative head, Mahmudul Hasan, stated that dredging work is planned and expected to begin after Eid-ul-Fitr.

If completed, the restoration could revive water flow and transform the canal into a scenic feature of the municipality.

Public Administration Ministry adviser Md Ismail Jabiullah said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has already begun implementing the promises made in his election manifesto. He remarked that the prime minister started working on these commitments even before the ink of the ballot had dried. Jabiullah described this as an extraordinary effort by the new leader.

He made these comments on Monday, March 16, during the inauguration of the re-excavation of Petkata Canal at the Noa Technology Housing field near Noakhali Science and Technology University. The event was presided over by Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam, with Noakhali-4 MP Md Shahjahan attending as a special guest. Several local officials and BNP leaders were also present.

Jabiullah added that Tarique Rahman has moved beyond rhetoric to demonstrate that the BNP not only makes plans but also implements them. He said the manifesto has become a national program dedicated to public welfare, inspiring citizens to give the BNP a decisive victory.

A seven-day holiday marking Eid-ul-Fitr began on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, prompting large numbers of people to leave Dhaka for their hometowns. Crowds surged at Kamalapur Railway Station, Gabtoli Bus Terminal, and Sadarghat Launch Terminal as families departed early in the morning. Reports indicated that most northbound trains left on schedule, except for the Nil Sagar Express, with passengers even riding on train roofs due to high demand. Some travelers alleged that transport operators were charging extra fares.

Kamalapur Station Master Anwar Hossain said all train tickets were sold online, and standing tickets were being issued, allowing 25 standing passengers per 100 seats. Bus terminals in Gabtoli and Kalyanpur also saw heavy passenger flow, with concerns over traffic congestion and fare hikes. Meanwhile, river routes to southern districts such as Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, and Barguna operated on schedule, and passengers expressed satisfaction with standard fares.

The first day of the holiday reflected both festive excitement and travel challenges as millions began their journey home for Eid celebrations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released a new video showing him walking in Jerusalem and interacting with locals. In the footage, he is seen greeting people, commenting on the weather, and asking about a dog’s breed, which a woman identifies as a Canaanite-Israeli. Netanyahu also speaks about secure shelters, expressing confidence that the Israel Defense Forces will prevail and protect the nation.

The release follows controversy surrounding an earlier video in which Netanyahu appeared to show five fingers, which the Grok chatbot labeled as AI-generated. That earlier clip had sparked debate after claims that Netanyahu’s hand showed six fingers. On Sunday, he had already posted another video from a Jerusalem café to dismiss rumors about his death, humorously addressing the finger-count issue.

The new video appears to be part of Netanyahu’s ongoing effort to counter online misinformation and reaffirm his public presence amid growing scrutiny of AI-generated political content.

US President Donald Trump has indicated that his planned visit to China may be postponed after Beijing did not respond positively to his request for cooperation in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. The meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for the end of March, is now uncertain. Trump told the Financial Times that China should assist in ensuring safe passage through the strait, given its reliance on Middle Eastern oil, and suggested that the trip could be delayed if Beijing’s stance remains unclear.

China has not issued an official response, but state-run Global Times dismissed Trump’s proposal as an attempt to share the risks of a war initiated by Washington. The editorial argued that deploying multiple warships in the strait would heighten tensions rather than improve security. Meanwhile, trade officials from both countries have gathered in Paris to continue preparatory talks for the summit.

Analysts noted that a delay could benefit Beijing, which had earlier proposed an April visit to allow more time for discussions on security and Taiwan-related issues.