Islami Andolan Bangladesh Secretary General Maulana Yunus Ahmad has called on the government to take effective measures instead of making rhetorical statements about Eid travel management. In a statement issued to the media on Friday, he expressed concern over deaths and public suffering during the holiday journeys, noting that people’s eagerness to return to their villages often leads to exploitation by dishonest groups who raise fares and create artificial crises.

He criticized the new road transport minister for failing to reduce public suffering during Eid travel, citing fatal accidents and the return of excessive fare collection. The Islami Andolan leader urged the government to identify the real problems and take practical steps to address them.

Yunus Ahmad also warned that while outbound travel from Dhaka occurred gradually due to school holidays, the return journey after Eid would see heavier pressure. He urged authorities to act sincerely and take effective initiatives to manage the expected rush.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Railways, Habibur Rashid, has acknowledged flaws and weaknesses in the railway’s online ticketing system that have allowed a group to sell tickets at inflated prices. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Chattogram Railway Station on Friday morning, he said software limitations were causing tickets to sell out quickly, after which they were being resold at higher prices. The ministry has already held several meetings to address the issue and is working to make the system more transparent and efficient.

The minister stated that instructions have been given to improve the software and strengthen monitoring to prevent black marketing and irregularities, ensuring passengers can easily obtain tickets. He also mentioned that preparations are underway to introduce Wi-Fi service on three trains on a trial basis, with plans to expand it gradually if successful.

According to the minister, these initiatives are part of the government’s broader effort to modernize railway services, making them more accessible, affordable, and passenger-friendly for the general public.

An Iranian missile struck Israel’s Haifa oil refinery, causing partial disruption to its operations, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The attack occurred on Thursday, and the Oil Refineries Company confirmed in a Friday statement that critical power supply infrastructure was damaged.

The company specified that the missile hit a power system serving a third-party facility essential to refinery operations. Despite the damage, most production units remain operational, and some of the affected units are being gradually restarted. Authorities expect full operations to resume within a few days.

The incident adds to ongoing regional instability, though the report did not mention any casualties or broader military responses. The company’s focus remains on restoring full functionality as soon as possible.

A three-day Eid festival organized by a citizens’ initiative in Dhaka begins today at the Rabindra Sarobar premises. The opening day features a daylong mehendi celebration followed by an evening cultural program where NCP spokesperson Asif Mahmud will perform songs. The event marks the start of a series of festivities planned across the capital.

According to the organizing committee, the festival aims to revive Dhaka’s traditional urban heritage and festive culture. On Eid day, a colorful procession will start from the High Court premises, recalling the city’s historic communal celebrations. The final day will feature a kite festival at Suhrawardy Udyan, where participants of all ages will join in flying colorful kites to celebrate the joy of Eid.

Organizers said the initiative continues Dhaka’s long-standing tradition of Eid as a time for civic unity, cultural expression, and shared happiness.

London-based magazine The Economist has described US President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel in a military campaign against Iran as a mistake and an act of poor judgment. In a post on social media platform X, the magazine warned that the reckless operation would weaken the American president and provoke an angry response, noting that Trump does not accept defeat easily.

According to the report, the war began on February 28, and the Trump administration’s stance has been unclear and inconsistent from the start. Citing earlier reporting by Middle East Eye, it said US lawmakers who were briefed on the situation expressed frustration over the lack of a clear plan to end the conflict or address control over the Strait of Hormuz. So far, 13 American soldiers have been killed, and global fuel prices have risen.

The report also mentioned the resignation of a senior national intelligence official who alleged that Trump was influenced by Israel and a pro-war “echo chamber.” The Economist warned that Trump’s political strategy depends on appearing victorious, and any perception of defeat could trigger retaliatory actions.

Six major countries—Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands—announced their readiness to cooperate in ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Italy, Germany and France clarified that any initiative would only take effect after a ceasefire. The joint statement condemned Iran’s recent attacks on civilian commercial vessels in the Gulf region and welcomed early planning efforts by other nations to address the crisis.

The announcement came amid a near-halt of commercial shipping through the strait due to Iran’s blockade, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28 that triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran. According to the International Maritime Organization, about 20,000 sailors on 3,200 ships remain stranded west of the strait. The six nations expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict and urged Iran to stop all threats, mining, drone and missile attacks, and interference with maritime traffic.

Italy’s defense minister emphasized that no entry into the strait would occur without a ceasefire and a multilateral framework under UN authority. Germany and France echoed this stance, linking any military role to post-ceasefire conditions and international mandates.

Israeli military officials have reported that nearly 20 Israeli drones were shot down within Iranian airspace amid the continuing conflict between the two countries. According to the officials, the Israeli military described the losses as 'acceptable,' as reported by the Times of Israel. No Israeli fighter jets have been downed so far, though pilots have repeatedly encountered Iranian air defense missiles. In one instance, a fighter jet narrowly avoided being hit, according to military sources.

The report indicates that both sides continue their military operations, with aerial tensions escalating steadily. The situation underscores the intensifying hostilities in the region as air defense systems on both sides remain on high alert.

The source of the report is Al Jazeera, as cited by the publication.

A 21-year-old woman named Mukta Akter died after falling from a moving battery-run autorickshaw during a bag-snatching incident in Dhaka’s Uttara Turag area on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Police confirmed that her husband, Limon Hossain, filed a case against unidentified suspects. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md. Sarwar said the case is being investigated with utmost importance, and the culprits will not escape justice. CCTV footage from the area has been collected, and efforts are underway to identify the private car used in the crime.

According to police and family accounts, Mukta was traveling to Uttara House Building Market when snatchers in a private car pulled her handbag, causing her to fall and sustain severe injuries. She was taken to several hospitals and later declared dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Mukta, originally from Rajshahi’s Godagari upazila, lived with her husband in Uttara’s Fayadabad area.

Local sources said snatching incidents tend to rise before Eid, though such crimes are rare in that specific area. Mukta’s husband alleged that it was not just a robbery but a deliberate killing and demanded justice.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmad has conveyed heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Bangladesh, including residents of his Cox’s Bazar-1 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. In a message issued on Friday, he said that after a month of fasting, the holy festival has returned with a message of joy and celebration. He emphasized that Eid teaches peace, compassion, and brotherhood, expressing hope that the festival will bring happiness and tranquility to all, regardless of social or economic status.

Ahmad further stated that the spirit of equality and harmony should inspire everyone to work together for a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. He urged citizens to unite for the welfare of the nation, guided by the values of sacrifice and solidarity. The minister also wished the people good health, long life, and a safe, joyous celebration of Eid.

The message reflects the government’s call for unity and social harmony during one of the country’s most significant religious festivals.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized a large consignment of illegal Indian goods worth approximately Tk 9.38 crore from a jungle area near the Kalamora border in Bijoynagar upazila of Brahmanbaria. The operation was conducted on Thursday night by the 25 BGB Battalion from Sarail, following secret intelligence. The seized items were found buried about 250 yards inside Bangladesh territory from border pillar 2007/9-S. The recovery included 9,600 mobile phone displays, 13,628 sunglasses, and 343 Indian sarees. The goods are being processed for handover to the Akhaura Customs Office.

At a press briefing on Friday, Lieutenant Colonel Jabbar Ahmed, commander of the 25 BGB Battalion, confirmed the seizure and said surveillance along the border had been intensified. He added that the battalion continues operations to curb smuggling and ensure border security in Bijoynagar, Akhaura, and Madhabpur areas.

According to BGB, the Sarail Battalion seized smuggled goods worth about Tk 143 crore over the past year during similar operations in its assigned border areas.

Eid al-Fitr celebrations across the Middle East have been subdued this year as war and economic hardship overshadow the festive spirit. From Beirut to Dubai and Jerusalem, millions of Muslims are marking the end of Ramadan under the shadow of conflict and rising prices. In Lebanon, residents like Aziza Ahmed say there is little to celebrate, with families struggling to afford basic necessities and many displaced people unable to return home.

The region’s tensions have intensified since February 28, when conflict erupted involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, leaving at least 30 people dead in Gulf countries. Kuwait has temporarily banned public gatherings such as plays, concerts, and weddings during Eid, while Qatar has suspended all mass events. The United Arab Emirates has instructed worshippers to perform Eid prayers inside mosques for safety reasons.

In occupied East Jerusalem, Israel’s closure of holy sites including Al-Aqsa Mosque has left Palestinians grieving. Despite the fear and restrictions, some families in Bahrain and elsewhere are trying to maintain normalcy, preparing for Eid in hopes that the turmoil will soon pass.

In Iran, preparations for the ancient Nowruz festival continue despite widespread anxiety over possible conflict. Traditionally marking the first day of spring, Nowruz is celebrated with new clothes, sweets, and family gatherings. However, this year the usual festive atmosphere is subdued. Markets remain open, but many residents, especially in Tehran, are hesitant to return to the capital after it suffered heavy damage from recent U.S. and Israeli attacks.

A woman from Damavand, northeast of Tehran, described how the season once meant cleaning homes and buying new clothes and sweets, but now each day feels unusually long and uncertain. The 3,000-year-old festival, meaning “new day,” remains one of the world’s oldest cultural celebrations, symbolizing renewal and hope.

Despite fears of war and instability, many Iranians are maintaining the tradition in limited ways, balancing their cultural heritage with the realities of current tensions.

Eid-ul-Fitr prayers were held in Dhaka and multiple districts of Bangladesh on Friday, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s celebration. In the capital, a group of worshippers performed the prayer at Sheikh Januruddin (R.) Darul Quran Madrasa in Malibagh Chowdhuripara. Similar congregations took place in Chandpur, Bogura, Naogaon, Dinajpur, Jamalpur, Faridpur, Moulvibazar, Jhalakathi, Kishoreganj, Patuakhali, and Madaripur.

In Bogura, prayers were held in several villages across Gabtali, Sonatala, and Dhunat upazilas, while nearly 40 villages in Chandpur observed Eid at the same time. Naogaon’s Patnitala upazila, Dinajpur’s six upazilas, and Faridpur’s nine villages also joined the early celebration. In Patuakhali’s Kalapara upazila, around 10,000 people from seven villages attended the prayer, and in Madaripur, about 30,000 people from 25 villages participated in the largest congregation at Char Kalikapur.

The early observance followed reports of moon sighting in the Middle East, prompting several communities in Bangladesh to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr a day earlier than the national schedule.

Israel has extended Eid al-Fitr greetings to Muslims around the world. On Friday, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a message on Facebook wishing Eid Mubarak to Muslims in Israel and across the globe. The post included a greeting card featuring messages in English and Arabic and expressed hopes for peace, joy, and brighter days ahead.

In addition to the ministry’s message, Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a statement marking the occasion. He noted that this year’s Eid al-Fitr comes at a complex and sensitive time, as Israel continues efforts to build a better and safer future for all people in the region. Herzog reaffirmed the country’s commitment to tolerance and mutual respect.

The president’s message concluded with a wish for peace and prosperity, emphasizing the hope that such days will arrive soon.

Iran carried out drone attacks on Kuwait’s state-owned oil refinery early Friday, according to Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). The refinery, located in Mina Al-Ahmadi, suffered multiple drone strikes that caused a fire in one of its units. Emergency teams were deployed to extinguish the blaze, and authorities temporarily shut down several units as a precaution. No casualties have been reported so far.

State media reported that the assault is part of Iran’s ongoing retaliatory campaign across Gulf countries following an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field. The incident marks a continuation of escalating hostilities in the region, with Iran targeting Gulf states in response to recent attacks.

Despite the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr across the Gulf, the report noted that there are no signs of the conflict easing soon.