The White House indicated that President Donald Trump may request financial assistance from Gulf countries to help cover the costs of the ongoing Iran-US-Israel war. Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt, when asked whether Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates would contribute a major share of the war expenses as they did during the 1990–91 Gulf War, said the president might be interested in making such an appeal and that further details could come soon.

The first Gulf War began after Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait, when regional states along with Japan, Germany, and South Korea bore significant portions of the war costs. In the current conflict, which the United States initiated, Gulf nations have shown reluctance to get involved, fearing economic repercussions from potential Iranian retaliation. Analysts cited in the report said these countries are already facing major revenue and infrastructure losses.

Levitt also stated that the United States has carried out more than 11,000 strikes on Iranian targets in the past four weeks, while Trump has warned that Iran’s power plants, oil fields, and Kharg Island could be destroyed if it fails to meet US conditions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Bangladesh Islami Mohila Majlis has strongly condemned the recent life imprisonment verdict by a Delhi court against Kashmiri pro-independence leader Syeda Asiya Andrabi, head of the women’s rights group Dukhtaran-e-Millat, and her two associates. In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the organization’s president Nasrin Kader and general secretary Raihana Lopa demanded their immediate and unconditional release, describing the verdict as unjust and oppressive.

The statement accused the Indian government of long-standing oppression in Kashmir, alleging that the region’s people, including women and children, have faced continuous persecution. It noted that Andrabi, a prominent voice against violence toward Kashmiri women, has been imprisoned in Delhi’s Tihar Jail since 2008 and has now been sentenced to life imprisonment again. Her husband, Dr. Muhammad Qasim, has reportedly been detained for 29 years.

The Mohila Majlis leaders urged global freedom and women’s organizations to raise their voices against what they described as India’s injustice and to pressure the Indian government to end repression in Kashmir.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to purchase 260,000 metric tons of fuel oil to strengthen the country’s energy security. The decision was approved on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase.

According to meeting sources, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division proposed the purchase in response to the unstable geopolitical situation following the Iran–United States–Israel conflict. The committee approved the direct international purchase of 100,000 metric tons of crude oil from Abir Trade and Global Markets, 100,000 metric tons of EN590-10 PPM sulfur standard diesel from Exxon Mobil Kazakhstan Inc. (EMKI), and 60,000 metric tons of gas oil (0.5% sulfur diesel) from Indonesia’s PT Bumi Siak Pusako Japin (BSP Japin) under a government-to-government arrangement.

The approved purchases aim to meet emergency fuel demand and maintain stability in the domestic energy supply amid global market volatility.

Dhaka University has confirmed that the Bangla New Year 1433 celebrations will again be held under the name 'Ananda Shobhajatra', maintaining the change introduced last year from the traditional 'Mangal Shobhajatra'. The decision was reaffirmed at a preparatory meeting held on March 31, 2026, at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam. The procession will begin at 9 a.m. from the Faculty of Fine Arts and follow its usual route through Raju Sculpture, Doel Chattar, and Bangla Academy before returning to the faculty.

The theme for this year’s celebration is 'Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy'. To ensure safety and order, the university has issued several guidelines, including bans on wearing masks and carrying bags on campus, restrictions on vuvuzela use, and a requirement to conclude all events by 5 p.m. Vehicle access will be limited, with motorcycles completely prohibited.

A central coordination committee has been formed to oversee the arrangements, and the police have been requested to install CCTV cameras and archways for security. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury described the debate over the procession’s name as unnecessary, noting that the government has no objection to the current title.

The prosecution has filed formal charges against Abul Hasanat Abdullah, a former Member of Parliament and cousin of Sheikh Hasina, along with three others, in connection with the killing of two men in a staged crossfire in Agailjhara, Barishal, on February 2, 2015. The charges were submitted to International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Tuesday, accusing the defendants of crimes against humanity.

According to the formal complaint, the victims, Tipu Hawlader and Kabir Molla, were political rivals of Abul Hasanat Abdullah. The prosecution alleged that Abdullah, unable to defeat them politically, abused state power to eliminate them. He allegedly instructed the then Barishal Superintendent of Police, AKM Ehsan Ullah, to fabricate a case against the two men, leading to their extrajudicial killing by ASI Mahbul Islam and ASI Jasim Uddin near the Agailjhara bypass road.

The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for April 15. Both ASI Mahbul Islam and ASI Jasim Uddin are currently in custody.

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.