The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has announced a series of programs to commemorate the country's Independence and National Day. According to a press release signed by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday, March 22, the programs will begin on March 26 with the hoisting of national and party flags at 6 a.m. at the BNP central office in Naya Paltan and all party offices across the country. Following tributes by the President and Prime Minister at the Savar National Memorial at 5 a.m., BNP leaders will pay their respects there as well.

After the floral tributes at the memorial, party leaders and activists will visit the mausoleums of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in Dhaka to offer prayers and floral wreaths. A special prayer session organized by the BNP’s Ulama team will also be held at the site. On March 25 at 2:30 p.m., a discussion meeting will take place at the Institution of Engineers, Dhaka, featuring national leaders and distinguished guests.

The press release added that posters have already been distributed and a commemorative publication will be released. BNP’s district, metropolitan, and local units, along with affiliated organizations, will hold similar events nationwide to mark the occasion.

Two main accused in the murder of Inquilab Manch spokesperson Hadi, identified as Faisal Karim Masud alias Rahul and Alamgir Hossain, were produced before the Bidhannagar Sub-Divisional Court in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, after completing a 14-day police remand. When questioned by journalists about the killing, Faisal denied any involvement, stating he did not commit the act or participate in such activities. He declined to comment on whether he had been falsely implicated.

Before the court appearance, Faisal underwent a medical examination at Bidhannagar Sub-Divisional Hospital. The two were arrested on March 8 from Bangaon, near the Bangladesh border, by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF). According to STF sources, both men had confessed to the killing and had entered India through the Meghalaya border, staying in various locations for several months. They were charged under specific legal provisions and remanded to police custody.

Hadi was shot on December 12, 2025, in Dhaka’s Paltan area by helmeted assailants on a motorcycle and later died on December 18 while receiving treatment in Singapore.

A special court in Bidhannagar, West Bengal, has ordered the imprisonment of Faisal Karim Masud and his associate Alamgir Hossain, the two main accused in the murder of Inquilab Manch convener Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The order was issued on Sunday afternoon following the completion of their 14-day remand. Both were presented before the court at noon, after which a hearing took place. The court also directed that the two be interrogated at the jail gate.

According to the case details, Faisal and Alamgir were arrested by West Bengal Police on the night of March 7 during an operation in Bangaon, near the Bangladesh border. They were subsequently placed on a 14-day remand by a local court. Additionally, on March 13, the West Bengal Police Special Task Force arrested a man named Philip Sangma for allegedly helping the two accused enter India through the Meghalaya border. He was placed on a seven-day remand and later produced before the court on March 21.

The court’s latest order marks a continuation of the legal process following the cross-border arrests and ongoing investigation into Hadi’s murder.

Authorities have identified twelve people killed in a bus-train collision that occurred late Saturday night, March 21, 2026, at the Paduar Bazar rail crossing in Cumilla. The victims include three members of the same family from Maheshpur in Jhenaidah—Laizu Akter, 26, and her daughters Mariam, 3, and Khadija, 6. The other victims were from various districts including Noakhali, Chuadanga, Jashore, Lakshmipur, Jhenaidah, Magura, and Chandpur.

The accident happened when a passenger bus of Mamun Paribahan, traveling from Chapainawabganj to Noakhali, was struck by a mail train heading from Chattogram to Dhaka. The collision left twelve people dead and at least fifteen others injured. The injured were taken to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for treatment.

The report also noted that the government has instructed the introduction of automated rail gates, as mentioned by the state minister for railways, following recent safety concerns.

The joint US-Israel war against Iran has entered its fourth week, with over 1,400 people reported killed in Iran, including 204 children. Iran has retaliated by launching missiles and drones at US and Israeli bases, warning Western and Gulf nations that global shipping and energy infrastructure are at risk. Millions of Iranians marked Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz under the shadow of war, while explosions were reported in Tehran and nearby areas.

The United States has said it is considering a gradual de-escalation but not a ceasefire, and the United Kingdom has allowed its bases to be used for strikes on Iran. Iran fired two ballistic missiles toward the US-UK base in Diego Garcia and warned that British citizens could be endangered. Gulf states including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, while Israel faced multiple attacks causing damage across central and northern regions.

The conflict has driven Brent crude prices to $112.19 per barrel, raising fears of a global economic slowdown. The US has partially eased sanctions on Iranian oil to stabilize supply, though Tehran denied having extra oil to sell. Maritime authorities warned that threats in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz remain extremely severe.

Rwanda’s Fanny Utugushimaninde has set a new world record as the youngest player to score a century in international cricket, achieving the feat at just 15 years and 223 days old. She reached the milestone during her debut match at the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20 Tournament, where she scored a commanding 111 runs against Ghana. Her innings, featuring 17 boundaries off 65 balls, helped Rwanda post a total of 210 for 3 and secure a 122-run victory after Ghana managed only 88 for 8 in 20 overs.

Before Utugushimaninde’s achievement, no woman had ever scored a century on debut in international cricket. The previous best debut score in women’s T20s was 96 not out by Australia’s Karen Rolton. Her record also surpasses Ireland’s Amy Hunter, who previously held the overall youngest international centurion title after scoring 121 on her 16th birthday in 2021. In men’s cricket, Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi had held the youngest centurion record at 16 years and 217 days.

Utugushimaninde’s record-breaking performance marks a historic moment for Rwanda’s women’s cricket and sets a new benchmark for youth achievement in the sport.

Two main suspects in the murder of Inquilab Mancha convener Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, identified as Faisal Karim Masud and his associate Alamgir Hossain, were presented before a special court in Bidhannagar, Kolkata, on Sunday afternoon after completing a 14-day remand. The court hearing is scheduled to follow their appearance.

According to the report, both suspects were arrested by West Bengal Police on the night of March 7 during an operation in Bongaon, near the Bangladesh border. Following their arrest, they were placed on a 14-day remand by a local court. Additionally, on March 13, the West Bengal Police Special Task Force detained a man named Philip Sangma for allegedly helping the two suspects enter India through the Meghalaya border. He was placed on a seven-day remand and produced before the court on March 21.

The case continues to draw attention as Indian authorities proceed with legal actions against the accused individuals linked to the cross-border murder investigation.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has introduced an online system allowing individual taxpayers to apply for an extension if they cannot submit their income tax returns by March 31. According to NBR sources, 4.1 million taxpayers have already filed returns, while about 5 million are registered in the e-return system. Currently, there are around 12 million Tax Identification Number (TIN) holders in the country.

This year, except for a few exceptions, all taxpayers are required to submit their returns online. The new system enables taxpayers to log in to the NBR website and use the 'Time Extension' menu to apply for additional time. Applications must be submitted before March 31, and the respective tax commissioner will approve or reject them online. Approved applicants can file their returns within the extended period without any penalty or extra tax.

Taxpayers not required to file online returns may apply for an extension either online or in writing to their tax circle. Commissioners can grant up to 90 additional days for submission if the application is made before the deadline.

A scenic spot known as ‘Mini Switzerland’, located about 13 kilometers east of Kuakata Zero Point in Patuakhali, has become a growing attraction for tourists during the Eid holidays. Visitors enjoy the area’s tranquil environment, lush greenery, and the rare opportunity to witness both sunrise and sunset from the same location. Nearby, the ‘Red Crab Island’ adds to the appeal with its distinctive coastal wildlife and serene surroundings.

Local guides and tourism stakeholders explained that the site gained nationwide attention after a travel blogger named Mr. Laxchu shared videos of the area on social media, showcasing its natural beauty. The place, once known only to locals, is now recognized as a potential eco-tourism destination combining nature, peace, and adventure.

Tourism officials and local leaders believe that with proper planning and environmental management, ‘Mini Switzerland’ and its adjacent areas could become one of Bangladesh’s leading eco-tourism hubs, boosting the local economy and creating new employment opportunities.

A 13-member Bangladesh archery team has traveled to Thailand to participate in the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament, Stage-1, and the World Archery Para Series. The World Ranking Tournament began on March 21 and will continue until March 28, while the World Archery Para Series will be held in Bangkok from March 31 to April 5.

Bangladesh will compete in both recurve and compound events for men and women. The recurve men’s team includes Ramkrishna Saha, Rakib Mia, and Abdur Rahman Alif, while Sonali Roy will represent in the recurve women’s category. In the compound division, Aishwarya Rahman, Newaz Ahmed Rakib, and Himu Bachar will compete in the men’s section, and Kulsum Akter Moni, Joma Akter (para archer), and Bannya Akter will take part in the women’s section. Coaches and managers Nure Alam, Imdadul Haque Milon, and Martin Fredrik are accompanying the team.

The team will compete in nine events, including individual, team, and mixed team categories across both recurve and compound disciplines.

The Hafezzi Charitable Society of Bangladesh has once again celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with war-affected children and youth in Gaza. According to videos released on the organization’s official page and verified sources, the humanitarian initiative was implemented directly on the ground in Gaza, not just on paper. One video showed an elderly Gazan kissing the organization’s logo in gratitude, symbolizing deep trust and appreciation for Bangladesh’s humanitarian presence.

The charity currently operates 80 tent camps in Gaza’s Rimal and northern regions, sheltering around 500 people, including many orphans. On Eid day, children in these camps were seen clapping, dancing, and celebrating amid the devastation of war. The organization has also implemented over 60 humanitarian projects during Ramadan across Gaza, Sudan, and border areas like Rafah and Aswan.

Director General Muhammad Raj stated that financial details of the Ramadan programs, worth about 2.5 million taka, have been published online, with further updates to follow, reflecting transparent and responsible use of donor funds.

Rail Minister Habibur Rashid announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the introduction of automatic rail gates across the country. The decision aims to ensure that gates close automatically when trains approach, with guards remaining on duty. The minister made the statement on Sunday afternoon while visiting the site of a train-bus collision at Padua Bazar rail crossing in Comilla.

He added that underpasses or flyovers will be constructed where rail gates exist. Responding to questions about the investigation, the state minister said the station master and gateman had already been suspended for negligence and would face disciplinary action. Two railway investigation committees and one by the local administration have been formed to probe the incident. The district administration announced Tk 25,000 in aid per victim’s family, while the railway will provide Tk 100,000 to each bereaved family. The health minister has been contacted to ensure treatment for the injured.

The accident occurred on Saturday night when a mail train from Chattogram to Dhaka hit a passenger bus at the crossing, killing 12 people and injuring at least 24.

Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the sooner the government understands the need for constitutional reform, the sooner the ongoing crisis will be resolved. He made the remarks on Sunday, March 22, during a post-Eid visit to Sylhet, speaking with journalists at the VIP Circuit House. Dr. Rahman received a guard of honor upon arrival, accompanied by District Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam.

He emphasized that the opposition remains committed to the people, recalling that they sought two votes—one for a referendum and another for the parliamentary election—and that both were granted. He argued that both votes should be equally legitimate and urged respect for the people’s mandate. Dr. Rahman also criticized the poor condition of the Sylhet-Dhaka highway and the lack of development in various sectors, calling for fair allocation of resources and concrete government planning.

He further stressed the need for prompt local government elections to strengthen grassroots democracy and ensure accountability through elected representatives.

A severe fuel shortage has gripped Dhaka and surrounding areas as petrol pumps remain closed during the Eid holidays. Due to the lack of fuel supply from depots, almost all stations have displayed notices reading 'closed' or 'no fuel'. Only the army-owned Trust Fuel Station near Bijoy Sarani was operational, leading to long queues stretching from the Cantonment Third Gate to the Mohakhali Flyover.

Across key city areas including Tejgaon, Mohakhali, and Khilkhet, petrol pumps were closed, with only CNG refueling available at some locations. Many residents who ventured out for Eid travel or essential work returned home frustrated after failing to find fuel. Some vehicles ran out of fuel entirely, forcing passengers to push them to their destinations.

The ongoing shortage has disrupted Eid travel plans and raised concerns about post-holiday transportation. With diesel supply uncertain, authorities fear a potential halt in bus operations, leaving millions who traveled to villages for Eid unsure if they will find transport back to the city.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 12 people in a train-bus collision in Cumilla and three others in a separate road accident in Feni. He conveyed his condolences through a Facebook post on Sunday, March 22, 2026, praying for the departed souls and wishing quick recovery for the injured.

In his message, Dr. Rahman said the incidents highlight serious shortcomings in the country’s transport system, road and rail safety, and the accountability of relevant authorities. He emphasized that such tragedies demonstrate the urgent need for effective and long-term measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Calling on the authorities, he urged a thorough investigation into the causes of the accidents, swift legal action against those responsible, and visible, strict steps to ensure such fatal incidents do not recur.