Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a nearly one-hour telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. The call was part of Pakistan’s broader consultations with regional leaders. In a post on social media platform X, Sharif expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran and condemned Israeli attacks. He also thanked Pezeshkian for appreciating Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and dialogue in the region.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will meet his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt in Islamabad. The two-day meeting is scheduled to begin on Sunday. Officials confirmed that earlier in the week, Pakistan conveyed Washington’s 15-point ceasefire proposal to Tehran.

The discussions reflect Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagement amid heightened regional tensions and efforts to facilitate dialogue among key Middle Eastern states.

Kuwait International Airport sustained extensive damage to its radar system following multiple drone attacks, according to the state news agency KUNA. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that no casualties occurred in the incident, which took place amid heightened security concerns in the region.

The report stated that the airport had been targeted several times since the outbreak of the Iran war. The most recent attack before this incident occurred on Wednesday, when a drone strike on a fuel depot caused a major fire. Kuwaiti authorities have blamed Iran for these repeated assaults, reflecting ongoing regional instability and escalating hostilities.

The repeated targeting of key infrastructure such as airports and fuel depots underscores the vulnerability of Gulf states to drone warfare and may prompt further security measures at critical facilities.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the Bangladesh Police are not satisfied with their current uniform and that discussions are underway at the highest level of government to decide on restoring one of the force’s traditional attires. He made the remarks on Saturday, March 28, during the passing-out parade of the 43rd BCS Police batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi.

The minister emphasized that the police are not a partisan force but should serve as friends of the people. He said the government aims to make the police a modern, service-oriented, and humane institution free from political influence. As part of broader democratic reforms, a Police Reform Commission has been established to ensure the force remains independent of political interference.

A total of 72 assistant superintendents of police from the 43rd BCS batch completed their training and will now join service, according to the minister’s remarks at the event.

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has launched its first-ever MD program in Emergency Medicine. The program was formally inaugurated on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the university’s Shaheed Dr. Milton Hall. The keynote paper was presented by Dr. Reza Ali, Associate Professor and Senior Staff Specialist in Emergency Medicine at the University of Western Sydney’s Local Health District in Australia. The event was attended by BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, senior officials from the Directorate General of Health Services and the Directorate of Medical Education, as well as other university leaders and faculty members.

Speakers at the event emphasized that the new program marks a milestone for Bangladesh in developing specialized expertise in emergency healthcare. They noted that newly enrolled doctors will receive training under the guidance of renowned local and international faculty, enabling them to deliver high-quality emergency medical services. The number of students admitted to this program is expected to increase annually.

According to the speakers, the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to ensuring modern, life-saving emergency medical care through coordinated efforts among the Ministry of Health, the Directorate General of Health Services, and BMU.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa celebrated the 2026 Independence and National Day of Bangladesh on March 26 with due dignity and festivity. The event, held on Saturday, featured a diplomatic reception attended by Canadian parliamentarians, senior officials, diplomats from various countries, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora. Parliamentary Secretary to the Canadian Foreign Minister Robert Oliphant attended as the chief guest.

High Commissioner Md. Jashim Uddin paid tribute to the martyrs, freedom fighters, and victims of the 1971 Liberation War, emphasizing that independence is a continuous responsibility. He noted Bangladesh’s efforts over the past 55 years to strengthen democratic institutions and achieve sustainable economic growth. Chief guest Robert Oliphant praised Bangladesh’s growing economic stability, contributions to global peacekeeping, and progress in social and economic indicators.

The celebration included a ceremonial cake-cutting and a cultural performance titled “Bangladesh: Baro Mashe Tero Parbon,” showcasing the country’s seasonal and cultural heritage. Earlier in the day, the national flag was hoisted at the Bangladesh House, followed by a special prayer for the martyrs of the Liberation War.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched a special mosquito eradication and cleanliness campaign titled “Clean School, No Mosquito” across 536 educational institutions under its jurisdiction. The initiative began on Saturday morning at Dhaka Residential Model School and College, inaugurated by DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan. The campaign aims to prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue, particularly after the long Eid holidays when schools and offices reopen.

DNCC officials stated that the three-day program will cover schools, colleges, and madrasas, focusing on removing and destroying potential mosquito breeding sites. The effort includes larviciding and adulticiding activities in classrooms and surrounding areas. DNCC’s Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury said the program was designed to ensure student health and address cleanliness gaps created during prolonged school closures.

The campaign also includes awareness activities to educate students about Aedes mosquitoes and dengue prevention, aligning with DNCC’s goal of building a livable, mosquito-free, and odor-free city.

A farmer was killed and two others were seriously injured when lightning struck a wheat field in the Shihara Union border area of Patnitala upazila in Naogaon on Saturday morning, March 28, 2026. The deceased was identified as Ashraf Hossain, 38, son of Ainal Haque of Shitalmat village. The injured, Tarek Hossain, 35, and Sharif Hossain, 36, were taken to Sapahar Upazila Health Complex in critical condition.

Local residents said the three farmers were harvesting wheat when the lightning struck suddenly. The incident caused panic in the area as all three victims were from the same village. Shihara Union Parishad Chairman Tofazzal Hossain confirmed that one person died on the spot due to the natural disaster, while the other two were hospitalized.

Patnitala Police Station Officer-in-Charge Asaduzzaman Asad also confirmed the death and injuries resulting from the lightning strike.

Hezbollah has intensified attacks on northern Israel, destroying several settlements including Misgav Am, Teshuba, and Gad. The mayor of Margaliot broke down in tears while describing the devastation. On Wednesday, local council heads met government officials via Zoom to discuss the worsening situation, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging them to prevent residents from leaving their areas.

During the meeting, Mayor Avichai Stern accused the government of failing to support border communities, saying Israeli homes and infrastructure had turned into ruins. He criticized Netanyahu’s government as a major failure, urging immediate action or acknowledgment of its inability to manage the crisis.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed to have carried out 82 operations against Israeli forces in the past 24 hours, destroying two Israeli tanks. Fierce ground battles continue in southern Lebanon, particularly around Qantara and Miniara, where both sides are engaged in intense fighting.

Thirteen Bangladeshi fishermen were abducted by Myanmar’s armed rebel group Arakan Army from the Naf River near Shahparir Island in Teknaf on Saturday morning, March 27, 2026. The fishermen, all residents of Shahparir Island’s Majher Para and Dangorpara areas, were taken along with three fishing boats while catching fish near the Naikhyangdia area of the river.

Local union council member Abdul Mannan confirmed that the Arakan Army frequently detains fishermen, making fishing in the Naf River and nearby sea areas nearly impossible. Abdul Gafur, president of the Shahparir Island Fishermen’s Association, said the incident occurred around 7 a.m. after several engine boats had gone out to fish earlier that morning. The matter has been reported to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local authorities, and fear now grips the fishing community.

Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer Mohammad Inamul Hafiz Nadim stated that although no written complaint has yet been received, steps will be taken in coordination with the BGB and Coast Guard to bring the fishermen back. According to BGB and local sources, over the past 18 months, more than 400 fishermen have been detained by the Arakan Army, with about 250 later released.

In Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj, local authorities have begun enforcing a new directive that prohibits the sale of fuel to motorcyclists lacking valid documents or helmets. The operation took place on Saturday afternoon at Messrs. Suman Filling Station in Kansat, led by Executive Magistrate Toufiq Aziz. With police assistance, officials verified each motorcycle’s registration, driving license, and helmet before allowing fuel distribution. Riders without proper documentation were turned away.

Several customers welcomed the initiative, saying it would help restore discipline on roads and reduce the movement of illegal vehicles. They also noted that maintaining the rule permanently could prevent fuel wastage and positively impact national revenue.

Executive Magistrate Toufiq Aziz stated that the directive has been implemented across all petrol pumps under district administration orders. He emphasized that such drives will continue regularly to ensure road safety and law enforcement compliance, urging all pump owners to strictly follow the instructions.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Division of Bangladesh announced on Saturday, March 28, 2026, that there is no possibility of a fuel supply shortage in the country. In an official statement, the division said that fuel reserves and distribution remain normal and urged citizens not to panic or buy fuel excessively. It also warned that petrol, octane, and diesel are highly flammable and that illegal storage poses serious safety risks.

The division stated that legal action is being taken against unauthorized fuel hoarding, with mobile courts operating under executive magistrates in every district. The government has not raised fuel prices and continues to import necessary quantities from the international market to ensure uninterrupted supply. To strengthen monitoring, tag officers will be appointed at all petrol pumps, with the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation overseeing those in Dhaka and Chattogram.

Additionally, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed at fuel depots nationwide to prevent illegal storage and maintain orderly distribution. The deployment follows instructions from the Ministry of Home Affairs in response to global fuel market instability caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

In Gaibandha’s Phulchhari upazila, the banned Awami League has reportedly continued organizing political programs despite restrictions on its activities. On March 26, the party observed Independence Day in Erendabari Union under the leadership of mid-level leader Popel Ahmed. The event was attended by Phulchhari Upazila Awami League president and former upazila chairman GM Selim Parvez, along with leaders and activists from various affiliated organizations.

Local police sources said the officer-in-charge of Phulchhari Police Station, Durul Huda, was on leave at the time. Acting officer SI Abdul Kaiyum stated he would investigate the matter and report to his superior. Opposition figures criticized the incident, with BNP’s Phulchhari unit general secretary Abdus Salam asserting that a banned party cannot hold such programs, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s upazila chief Sirajul Islam called it a failure of law enforcement and demanded action.

Reports indicate that the banned Awami League had previously organized events on February 21 and March 25, raising further questions about the implementation of the ban.

The government of Bangladesh will honor 129 national athletes on March 30 as part of a new initiative to provide sports allowances and recognition under a structured salary system. The awards will be presented by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, according to State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque at a press conference organized by the National Sports Council on March 28. The program is being implemented under the slogan “If sports become a profession, families will gain confidence.”

The initiative marks the first step in fulfilling the government’s election pledge to develop sports nationwide. While 129 athletes have been selected for the initial phase, the ministry plans to include 500 national athletes under the salary structure starting April 1. The selected athletes represent a wide range of disciplines, including archery, futsal, boxing, swimming, weightlifting, athletics, and more. Performance evaluations will occur every four months, and underperforming athletes may be removed from the list.

The state minister also announced plans to appoint sports officers in every upazila to promote grassroots sports and to launch the “New Buds Sports” program for children aged 12 to 14 by the end of April.

The price of Kuwaiti crude oil has risen sharply, exceeding $118 per barrel, according to Kuwait’s state news agency KUNA. The report said the price increased by $8.10 to reach $118.93 per barrel. The surge is linked to the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has disrupted global energy markets.

Tensions in the region have severely affected oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian attacks or threats have nearly halted tanker movements. This strait handles about one-fifth of global energy exports, making its disruption a critical factor in the recent price spike.

The conflict has destabilized supply chains and heightened fears of a global energy crisis as the Strait of Hormuz becomes increasingly insecure, raising concerns about further economic strain worldwide.

A new attack struck near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant on Friday night, marking the third such incident in ten days. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that no radioactive material was released and that the reactor sustained no damage. The agency said the facility continues to operate normally and remains structurally intact following the strike, which occurred amid ongoing regional conflict.

According to the IAEA, the attack followed Israeli military operations targeting a heavy water reactor and a uranium processing site in central Iran, though Israel did not mention Bushehr specifically. Iran’s state news agency Fars reported that a projectile hit the plant’s grounds at 11:40 p.m. local time and blamed the United States and Israel for the incident. No casualties or damage were reported.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi urged all parties to exercise maximum military restraint. The Bushehr plant, located in southwestern Iran, is the country’s only operational nuclear power facility and has been connected to the national grid since 2011.