Lebanon has announced the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador, ordering the diplomat to leave the country by next Sunday. The Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the ambassador persona non grata, effectively ending his mission in Beirut. A ministry spokesperson, Denis Rahme, told the Associated Press that although the ambassador will depart, a chargé d’affaires will remain in charge of the Iranian embassy to maintain basic diplomatic functions.

The decision marks a further deterioration in Lebanon-Iran relations, which have been strained since the 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. That war deepened regional divisions and placed Lebanon’s foreign policy under increasing pressure. The expulsion reflects the ongoing fallout from those tensions and Lebanon’s attempt to recalibrate its diplomatic stance.

It remains unclear how Tehran will respond to the move or whether it will affect broader regional alignments involving Iran and its allies.

Journalists at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) have announced a 24-hour strike starting Wednesday, marking the first such action in two decades. The decision follows the rejection of a management proposal to raise wages by 10 percent over three years. Around 60 percent of ABC journalists voted against the offer, citing inflation of 3.8 percent in January and dissatisfaction with the proposal’s omission of key issues such as maternity leave and the use of artificial intelligence.

Union representatives from the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance said the offer would reduce working conditions, fail to keep up with inflation, and allow AI bots to replace journalists. The Community and Public Sector Union also warned that broadcast disruptions were inevitable until a fair proposal was made. ABC’s Managing Director Hugh Marks defended the offer as financially responsible and sustainable under current conditions.

To resolve the dispute, ABC has sought assistance from Australia’s Fair Work Commission. The last strike by ABC employees occurred in 2006 over similar pay and workplace concerns.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly called U.S. President Donald Trump 48 hours before the attack on Iran to discuss launching a complex and distant war. According to sources familiar with the call, Netanyahu persuaded Trump by highlighting an opportunity to kill Iran’s then–Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was expected to meet his top aides in Tehran. The conversation, previously undisclosed, took place as intelligence indicated the meeting had been rescheduled to an earlier time.

Sources said Netanyahu had long pushed for such an operation and argued that eliminating Khamenei would avenge Iran’s earlier assassination plots against Trump. During the call, Trump appeared positive about a military strike but had not yet decided when or under what conditions the U.S. would directly engage. The U.S. military subsequently increased its regional presence, and officials believed a decision was imminent.

The call reportedly influenced Trump’s February 27 decision to authorize “Operation Epic Fury.” The first bombs struck on February 28, and Trump later announced Khamenei’s death. A White House spokesperson said the operation aimed to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

A severe shortage of octane has been reported at four filling stations in Adamdighi upazila of Bogura, leaving motorcyclists and other drivers struggling to refuel. On Tuesday afternoon, long queues were seen at filling stations in Santahar municipality, where octane supply had completely stopped. Although diesel and petrol supplies remained normal, the lack of octane forced many drivers to use petrol instead, raising concerns about potential engine damage.

According to filling station operators, the affected stations include Joy Filling Station in Murail, Asha Filling Station on East Dhaka Road, Anika Filling Station in the municipal area, and Hamim Filling Station at the bypass intersection. They said the demand for octane surged ahead of the upcoming Eid, quickly depleting reserves. The shortage has worsened due to insufficient supply from depots.

To manage the situation, stations have imposed limits on petrol sales, allowing a maximum of Tk 200 for motorcycles and Tk 500 for private cars. Operators warned that if octane supply is not restored soon, the situation could deteriorate further.

Bangladesh has called for stronger global initiatives to eradicate racism, establish equality, and uphold human dignity. Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman made the appeal at a commemorative meeting of the United Nations General Assembly marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The statement was released by Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission in New York on March 24, 2026.

During the meeting, Dr. Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to international conventions against racial and ethnic discrimination. Referring to ongoing persecution in Rakhine and Gaza, he noted that the international community remains far from achieving the goals of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. He also expressed concern over the exploitation and limited access to justice faced by migrant workers worldwide, calling such conditions contrary to the UN’s core principles.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s constitutional pledge to protect human rights, equality, and dignity, the minister said the country is working to build an inclusive society and strengthen human rights institutions. He emphasized the need for greater investment in education, prevention of online hate speech, and promotion of intercultural dialogue to create a world free from racism.

Residents of Jammu and Kashmir in India have launched a humanitarian initiative to support Iran, which they say faces aggression from Israel and the United States. Following Eid-ul-Fitr, relief collection began in Shia-majority areas such as Budgam and Baramulla, where people are donating money, gold and silver jewelry, household items, and even livestock. Women have contributed personal ornaments, and one Kashmiri woman donated a gold memento kept for 28 years in memory of her late husband.

The Iranian Embassy in India shared photos and videos of the donations on social media, praising the compassion of the Kashmiri people. In a message on its X handle, the embassy expressed heartfelt gratitude for the solidarity and humanitarian assistance extended to the Iranian people, saying such kindness will never be forgotten. Videos show community members gathering at local centers to deposit valuables and cash for the relief fund.

The initiative reflects growing grassroots solidarity between Kashmiri communities and Iran during a period of regional tension.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for retired Lieutenant General Masud Uddin Chowdhury in connection with a human trafficking case. The former army officer was shown arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police in a case filed at Paltan Police Station. Following his arrest, DB police sought a five-day remand, which the court approved.

According to DB officials, Masud Uddin faces more than eight cases, including some filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) that are still under investigation. He was arrested late Monday night from his residence in Baridhara DOHS, Dhaka. DB’s Additional Commissioner Md. Shafiqul Islam confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigations during a press briefing at the DMP Media Center on Minto Road.

Masud Uddin previously served as the General Officer Commanding of the Ninth Division during the 2007 “One-Eleven” political crisis and was coordinator of the National Coordination Committee on Serious Crimes and Corruption Suppression during the emergency period.

Mohammad Baqer Zolghadr has been appointed as the new secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 24, by the Iranian president’s communications adviser through a post on social media platform X. Zolghadr replaces Ali Larijani, who was killed in an Israeli attack last week.

Zolghadr is described as a key figure in Iran’s security and political structure. He previously served as a senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and held the position of secretary of the Expediency Council. His appointment comes at a time of heightened regional tension following Larijani’s death.

The leadership change signals continuity within Iran’s security establishment, as Zolghadr’s background aligns closely with the country’s defense and strategic institutions.

According to AFP citing a security official, Iran carried out a missile strike in northern Iraq on Monday night, killing six Kurdish security personnel in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. The official, who requested anonymity, said two people remained missing and 22 others were injured following the attack. Kurdish media outlet Rudaw, quoting regional forces, reported a slightly lower death toll of five.

AFP further reported that six ballistic missiles were launched by Iran targeting Peshmerga forces in Iraqi Kurdistan. Iranian media stated that the operation was conducted by the drone unit of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ground forces in the Erbil area.

The differing casualty figures and limited official statements indicate uncertainty about the full scale of the attack and its aftermath.

Food, Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid announced that the government will duly recognize and honor officials and employees who contribute to nation building. He made the statement on Tuesday at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock’s conference room in the Secretariat during a post-Eid greetings exchange with ministry officials.

The minister emphasized the need for modern perspectives and the application of innovation and technology to ensure progress. He noted that such changes, driven by officials, would benefit the country. Rashid also expressed hope that the joy of Eid would continue throughout the year and highlighted the cultural importance of traditional Eid celebrations, including dishes like semai, shinni, and polao. He urged everyone to preserve these traditions while fostering better values and culture for future generations.

He called for unity in fulfilling national development and humanitarian responsibilities and sought prayers for the peace and prosperity of the nation. Senior officials, including Acting Secretary Md. Imam Uddin Kabir, were present at the event.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid stated that every agreement signed between Bangladesh and the United States will be implemented while safeguarding Bangladesh’s national interests. She assured that these agreements will be discussed in detail both in the National Parliament and outside it. She made the remarks on Tuesday, March 24, during a briefing with journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Responding to a question about whether the trade agreement signed during the interim government’s tenure would be discussed in Parliament, the minister noted that the United States is a major party in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and that multiple agreements with the US have economic implications for Bangladesh. She emphasized that all such agreements would be executed in a way that protects the country’s interests.

When asked about government action regarding international recognition of March 25 as Genocide Day, Shama Obaid said that the government has already taken initiatives for the observance and will remain engaged on the issue.

Iran launched seven rounds of missile attacks on Israel within less than ten hours, beginning at midnight on Monday, according to the report. The final round targeted the city of Dimona, while additional strikes hit Tel Aviv. Following the attacks in central Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deployed rescue teams to the affected areas. Footage from Tel Aviv showed damaged buildings, fires, and black smoke.

In response, Israel continued its own air operations against Iran. On Monday night, the Israeli Air Force struck more than 50 targets inside Iran, which Israel said included missile launch sites and other military facilities. The IDF stated that since the start of the war, it has hit over 3,000 targets in Iran.

The report highlights the intensifying exchange of attacks between the two countries, with both sides claiming to target military infrastructure. The situation underscores a rapidly escalating regional conflict with no immediate sign of de-escalation.

The Israeli military has issued a warning urging residents of several areas in southern Lebanon to move to safer locations. The alert came after reports that multiple neighborhoods in southern Beirut were targeted by Israeli airstrikes overnight. Lebanon’s national news agency confirmed that Israeli warplanes were seen conducting attacks in the area.

According to earlier statements, the Israeli forces had claimed responsibility for strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut. The latest warning to civilians follows those operations, signaling an escalation in military activity along the Lebanon-Israel frontier.

The situation remains tense as residents in affected regions face uncertainty about further military actions and potential displacement.

Iran’s use of cluster warheads has challenged Israel’s advanced missile defense network, including the Iron Dome, according to reports published on March 24, 2026. The Guardian’s analysis cited that at least 19 Iranian ballistic missiles carrying cluster warheads have struck Israel since the conflict began, killing nine and injuring dozens. The latest attack on Sunday hit central Israel, injuring 15 people, while Israeli forces said nearly half of the missiles launched by Iran carried cluster warheads.

Experts noted that intercepting cluster munitions is technically difficult because the interceptor must destroy the missile before it disperses its sub-munitions. Israel’s multi-tier defense system, designed to neutralize threats at various altitudes, is being tested by these weapons that scatter dozens of smaller bombs midair. Amnesty International previously condemned Iran’s use of cluster bombs as a severe violation of international law, though neither Iran nor Israel is a signatory to the 2008 Cluster Munitions Convention.

Analysts suggest Iran’s strategy may aim to deplete Israel’s interceptor missile reserves, forcing the country to expend costly defense resources against multiple small targets.

Former army officer and ex-MP for Feni-3 constituency Masud Uddin Chowdhury was arrested late Monday night from Baridhara, Dhaka, and presented before court on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in connection with a human trafficking case filed at Paltan Police Station. The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police confirmed that he was shown arrested in the case and five days’ remand was sought.

DB Chief Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam stated at a press briefing that a total of 11 cases have been identified against Chowdhury. Three cases in Feni are under trial with arrest warrants issued due to his absconding, while another three in Feni and five under DMP are under investigation. The allegations include murder, attempted murder, human trafficking, and money laundering. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are also investigating related complaints.

Police said Chowdhury had been evading arrest within the country, not abroad. Investigations will determine his involvement in each case, and authorities assured that justice will be ensured under due process.