US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that Iran still possesses the ability to launch missile strikes despite a month of joint US-Israeli attacks. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing on Tuesday, he said the decision on when the war will end ultimately rests with President Trump. Hegseth stated that Iran retains retaliatory capacity but claimed its military strength has been significantly weakened.

This was the first official Pentagon briefing on the war situation in about two weeks, following the last one on March 19. Hegseth also revealed that he made an unannounced visit to US troops stationed in the Middle East, where he observed their morale and urgency to conclude operations quickly. He asserted that the United States is now closer to victory than ever before.

The ongoing conflict has already placed heavy pressure on the global economy, with energy markets becoming unstable and fuel prices rising in the United States. Analysts believe Iran’s limited yet effective missile capability and strategic position are prolonging the war, making a swift resolution uncertain without diplomatic efforts from the White House.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan announced that individuals falsely listed as freedom fighters during the previous fascist government’s 17-year rule will be removed from the official register. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, he said that hundreds of thousands of non-freedom fighters were added to the list and received allowances and benefits illegally. The ministry aims to restore recognition to genuine freedom fighters who were deprived of their rights.

In response to questions from lawmakers, the minister said the government is committed to ensuring that only true freedom fighters remain on the list. He noted that many legitimate fighters were harassed and stripped of their certificates during the fascist period, while non-freedom fighters gained benefits. The ministry has begun reviewing documents and will take corrective measures after verification.

The minister added that the process of identifying and removing false entries is underway and results will be presented soon. The initiative seeks to honor genuine freedom fighters and correct past injustices.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the joint United States–Israel war with Iran is “more than halfway” toward achieving its objectives, clarifying that his remark referred to progress toward goals rather than time elapsed. He said thousands of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have been killed and that both nations are close to destroying Iran’s weapons stockpiles and nuclear infrastructure.

The Israel Defense Forces reported launching new strikes on Tehran hours after Iran fired missiles toward Israel. Attacks have spread across the Gulf region, including Dubai, where authorities confirmed a drone strike set a tanker ablaze but caused no reported environmental damage. Meanwhile, an Iranian parliamentary committee approved a plan to impose tolls on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially restricting U.S., Israeli, and allied ships.

According to the Wall Street Journal, former U.S. President Donald Trump told aides he was willing to end military operations against Iran despite the strait’s closure. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened “one way or another.”

Rajshahi University (RU) has initiated a plan to launch free and high-speed internet service across its campus within the next two months. The announcement was made by newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Faridul Islam after visiting the university’s ICT Center on Tuesday afternoon. He stated that the University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed universities nationwide to introduce such services within two months, but RU aims to complete the project earlier, ensuring connectivity in academic buildings and key areas.

The Vice-Chancellor added that since assuming office, he has been visiting various service departments to ensure that students, teachers, and staff receive expected services. He acknowledged student dissatisfaction with internet quality in residential halls and said discussions with the ICT Center administration are underway to resolve the issue quickly.

During the visit, the Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Administration and Education, as well as the ICT Center Director and other officials. He also inspected earthquake-prone residential halls and the university’s medical center to review safety and healthcare services.

Leaders of Patriots of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Forum USA stated that the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War and the July 2024 Revolution represent the path to national liberation. They made the remarks during a joint roundtable meeting held at a New York hotel on Monday night, Bangladesh time. The speakers emphasized that Bangladesh’s future must be built on the ideals of independence, human rights, and democratic values.

S.M. Rahmat Ullah Bhuiyan, vice president of the National Democratic Party–JAGPA and president of its U.S. branch, warned that expatriates might halt remittance transfers if the July Charter is not implemented. He criticized the ruling party for abandoning the ideals of the July martyrs and accused it of fostering fascism and foreign dependency. Forum member secretary Emdad Chowdhury Dipu said independence is an ongoing responsibility requiring the restoration of human rights, rule of law, and democracy.

Other community and political leaders also spoke at the event, reaffirming their commitment to democratic reform and national unity based on the July Revolution’s principles.

Preparations for celebrating Pahela Baishakh and Bengali New Year 1433 began on Monday at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University. The event was inaugurated by Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the university, who attended as the chief guest. The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty, with Ekushey Padak-winning artist Professor Dr. Abdus Sattar speaking as the special guest. Faculty members, students, cultural figures, and artists were also present.

Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha thanked the teachers, students, and alumni for their efforts in organizing the celebration. She stated that several committees have already started preliminary activities to ensure a peaceful, disciplined, and festive environment for the New Year celebration. The Dhaka University administration is working to make the event successful and has called for full cooperation from all involved.

The preparations mark the beginning of the university’s traditional cultural festivities ahead of Pahela Baishakh, reflecting its commitment to maintaining a vibrant and inclusive celebration.

US President Donald Trump has again criticized the United Kingdom and other allied nations for not joining the United States in the ongoing war with Iran. In a social media post, Trump said countries like the UK, which are struggling to obtain jet fuel due to the Strait of Hormuz situation, should either buy fuel from the US or show courage by taking control of the strait themselves. He also singled out France, calling it 'very uncooperative' for not allowing supply aircraft to fly over its territory.

According to the report, Trump has been repeatedly criticizing European nations for their lack of military support since the start of the Iran offensive. His latest remarks continue that pattern, highlighting tensions between Washington and its traditional allies over the conflict.

The comments come amid rising fuel prices worldwide and growing casualties reported by Iran’s Red Crescent, underscoring the broader regional and economic impact of the war.

A Dhaka court has sentenced a man named Kajol to death for killing another person over a dispute involving five taka. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, by Judge Md. Nurul Islam of the 11th Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge’s Court in Dhaka. Along with the death sentence, the court also imposed a fine of 10,000 taka. Kajol, a resident of Jaria village in Purbadhala, Netrakona, was brought to court from prison for the verdict and later sent back to jail with the sentencing order.

According to the case details, the incident occurred in 2018 when Kajol demanded five taka from the victim. After a delay in payment, he stabbed the victim above the navel with a sharp knife, causing fatal injuries. Locals took the victim to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The victim’s son, Saiful, filed a murder case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. The court framed charges against Kajol on September 30, 2018, and heard testimony from 11 of 15 witnesses during the trial.

The ruling concludes a lengthy legal process that began nearly eight years ago, bringing closure to the case initiated by the victim’s family.

The war that began on February 28 between the United States-Israel alliance and Iran has led to a growing number of casualties across the region. According to Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAANA), 3,492 people have been killed in Iran so far, including 1,574 civilians and 236 children. In Israel, emergency service Magen David Adom reported 19 deaths from missile attacks, while the Israeli army confirmed nine soldiers killed in Lebanon. Lebanon’s health ministry stated that 1,247 people have died there, including 124 children. In the Gulf region, at least 24 people have been killed, most of them security personnel or foreign workers, with 11 in the UAE, seven in Kuwait, and two each in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.

The figures, sourced from the BBC and local authorities, highlight the widespread human cost of the ongoing conflict. The fighting has affected multiple countries and civilian populations, with reports of significant child casualties and cross-border military losses.

The continued escalation suggests further humanitarian strain across the Middle East if hostilities persist.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump alleged in a Truth Social post that France denied airspace access to planes carrying military equipment bound for Israel. He claimed that France refused to allow the aircraft to use its airspace, describing the move as unhelpful.

Trump further stated that France acted 'very unhelpfully' regarding a person he described as an Iranian 'butcher' who had been 'successfully eliminated.' His post concluded with a warning that the United States would remember France’s actions.

The post reflects Trump’s criticism of France’s stance amid ongoing tensions involving Israel and Iran, though no official French response was mentioned in the source.

On March 31, 2026, the SME Foundation signed an agreement with Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Limited (BIFFL) to expand its credit wholesaling program. Under this deal, the foundation will provide Tk 125 crore in loans at 9% interest to cottage, micro, small, and medium (CMSME) entrepreneurs in the agro-based and food processing sectors. The financing will be channeled through banks and financial institutions with support from JICA.

The initiative is part of BIFFL’s Food Value Chain Improvement Project, financially and technically assisted by JICA. It aims to strengthen the food value chain, enhance food security, and build entrepreneurial capacity, with special priority for women entrepreneurs. Funding will cover processing of fruits, vegetables, spices, rice, pulses, edible oil, seeds, organic fertilizers, and biopesticides, as well as wholesale, logistics, and retail sectors. It will also support capital investments such as machinery, factory infrastructure, and warehouses.

The project is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s food value chain, reduce import dependence, boost export potential, and create rural employment opportunities.

Questions are rising over why the United States, despite being a global military and economic superpower, has been unable to swiftly end its ongoing war with Iran. Analysts suggest that while the balance of visible power appears one-sided, the reality is far more complex. Iran, though militarily weaker, is exploiting strategic advantages that have turned the conflict into a major challenge for Washington.

One key factor is Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route through which massive volumes of oil are transported daily. By threatening to restrict or close this passage, Tehran has demonstrated its ability to disrupt global markets. Analysts note that any U.S. military attempt to reopen the strait could trigger Iranian retaliation and escalate the conflict, posing political risks for President Donald Trump. Deploying ground troops would also increase U.S. casualties and domestic political pressure.

Experts warn that without an effective diplomatic resolution, the conflict could become prolonged and further destabilize the global economy, as both sides engage in a test of strategic endurance rather than direct military confrontation.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Secretary General and Local Government and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Dhaka Mohammedan Sporting Club on March 31, 2026. His visit created a festive atmosphere at the historic club, attended by several cabinet members, sports officials, and former athletes. During the visit, Fakhrul expressed his desire to see the return of the intense football rivalry between Mohammedan and Abahani that once captivated fans across the country.

Fakhrul described Mohammedan as an integral part of Bangladesh’s sports history, recalling the club’s contributions to football, cricket, and hockey. He said sports have entered a new era in the country, highlighting the government’s recent initiative to introduce monthly allowances for athletes. Fakhrul thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for launching the program, saying it would inspire both current and future players.

Youth and Sports Minister Aminul Haque also emphasized the importance of supporting all major clubs, including Abahani, to strengthen Bangladesh’s overall sporting landscape.

A group of BCS (Health) cadre officers who have long been deprived of promotions met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Secretariat. They had initially gone there to request a formal meeting but unexpectedly received an informal audience with the Prime Minister. During the meeting, they handed over a written petition detailing their grievances, including administrative complications and demands for fair promotion opportunities. The Prime Minister personally accepted their petition and listened attentively to their concerns.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister assured the officers that their issues would be considered seriously. The petition stated that 1,821 BCS (Health) cadre officers have been denied promotions for a long time despite fulfilling all required qualifications and seniority. They alleged that during the previous interim government, promotions were withheld without valid reasons, creating an abnormal situation where junior officers now hold senior positions.

The Prime Minister’s assurance has raised expectations among the affected officers that their long-standing administrative grievances may soon be addressed.

The central committee of the Chhatra Dal has issued a show-cause notice to Sajjad Hossain Hridoy, organizational secretary of the Chittagong University unit, for alleged breach of organizational discipline. The action follows accusations that he was involved in a commotion and printer vandalism at the Fatikchhari Upazila Engineer’s Office in Chittagong. A notice signed by the organization’s central office secretary, Md. Jahangir Alam, instructed Hridoy to appear at the central office within 48 hours and submit a written explanation in the presence of the central president and general secretary.

Hridoy denied the allegations, stating that he had visited the engineer’s office to collect a phone number from an acquaintance but left after a brief argument with an official who behaved discourteously. He questioned the plausibility of vandalizing anything inside a government office. The complaint against him was filed by the chief engineer of Fatikchhari Upazila, Junayed Absar Chowdhury.

Hridoy previously contested the vice-president position in the last Chittagong University Central Students’ Union election and owns a contracting firm named Hridoy Enterprise.