Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to Iran’s enemies as the conflict with Israel and the United States enters its sixteenth day, according to Al Jazeera. Araghchi stated that after fifteen days of war, opposing nations are now seeking help from other countries to ensure the security of the strategic waterway.

He emphasized that while Iran considers the strait open, it is closed to those who have carried out what he described as cowardly aggression against Iran and to their allies. Araghchi also claimed that the war began with attacks by the United States and Israel, who had demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender.

The statement underscores heightened regional tensions and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments, as the conflict continues without signs of de-escalation.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has warned that no influential person will be spared if found occupying government-owned canals. Speaking on Monday in Mirsharai, Chattogram, he said the government is ensuring transparency in project implementation and will not tolerate corruption. His remarks came after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Bamansundar canal under a nationwide initiative launched by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman to restore canals, rivers, and water bodies across 54 districts.

The minister said the program aims to strengthen environmental protection and climate resilience, continuing the canal excavation initiative started by late President Ziaur Rahman. The government plans to excavate about 20,000 kilometers of canals, with 1,200 kilometers targeted for completion within six months. In Mirsharai, a three-kilometer section of the Bamansundar canal is being re-excavated.

He added that the project will bring 15,000 hectares of land under cultivation, increasing annual crop output by 5,000 metric tons and reducing waterlogging. Trees will be planted along canal banks to boost the local economy and help Bangladesh benefit from global carbon credit mechanisms.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the United Kingdom will not become involved in any wider war in the Middle East. His comments came amid ongoing regional tensions, according to Al Jazeera. Starmer emphasized that the government’s top priority is ensuring the safety of British citizens while continuing to take necessary measures to protect the UK and its allies.

The statement followed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that NATO’s future could be at risk if allied nations, including the UK, failed to provide military support in the region. In response, Starmer reiterated that Britain does not wish to be drawn into a broader conflict and will work toward restoring security and stability in the area through swift resolution.

Starmer also affirmed that the UK will not allow itself to be dragged into a larger confrontation and will continue diplomatic efforts to maintain regional peace.

The government has appointed new vice-chancellors at seven universities across Bangladesh. Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced the appointments on Monday, March 16, 2026, during a press conference at the Ministry of Education. Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam, previously the vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Open University, has been named the new vice-chancellor of Dhaka University.

Professor Siddiqur Rahman Khan has been appointed as the new vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Open University. Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, currently the pro-vice-chancellor of the National University, has been appointed as the vice-chancellor of Dhaka Central University. Professor Dr. Md. Masud will serve as the vice-chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), while Professor Dr. Forkan will lead the University of Chittagong. Professor Dr. Md. Faridul Islam has been named vice-chancellor of Rajshahi University, and Professor Rais Uddin will take charge as vice-chancellor of Jagannath University.

Additionally, Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed has been appointed as the new chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The government has finalized its decision on the educational qualifications required for managing committees of educational institutions. At a press conference in the Secretariat on Monday, Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon announced that except for degree colleges, presidents of managing committees must hold at least a graduate degree. The rule will apply to schools, colleges, and madrasas across the country.

The minister explained that the baseline qualification for membership in managing committees and governing bodies will be a graduate degree, emphasizing that competence and merit will also be considered. He noted that previous regulations limited eligibility to senior teachers or headmasters, which often led to allegations of favoritism. The new policy aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and broader opportunities for qualified individuals.

Earlier reports suggested that the government might relax the minimum qualification requirement, sparking widespread criticism. The minister’s announcement clarifies that the graduate degree condition will remain in place, reaffirming the government’s commitment to merit-based leadership in educational governance.

Germany and Greece have announced they will not participate in a US-led military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, despite a call from President Donald Trump. According to Al Jazeera, a German government spokesperson stated that the ongoing war involving Iran has no connection to NATO, and Germany will not take part in it or in any military effort to keep the strait open. The spokesperson emphasized that there will be no involvement of any kind as long as the conflict continues.

Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis also confirmed that Greece will not join any military mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The US had urged allied nations to help secure the strategic waterway amid rising tensions in the Middle East, but several European countries have shown reluctance to participate.

The refusal by Germany and Greece highlights divisions among Western allies over military engagement in the region and signals a cautious approach by European governments toward escalating conflict near Iran.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that more than 92,000 British citizens have returned home on commercial and government charter flights amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. From Downing Street, he provided the latest update on the United Kingdom’s operations in the region and confirmed that efforts are underway to assist British nationals currently in Lebanon.

Starmer said that thousands of UK military personnel, three squadrons of fighter jets, and anti-drone units have been deployed to Cyprus to counter attacks originating from Iran. He added that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has been in the region in recent days as part of the UK’s diplomatic efforts. Starmer also met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier in the day and is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky soon.

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on supporting Ukraine, Starmer warned that the Middle East war must not become an advantage or blessing for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Israeli military announced that it has launched a large-scale offensive on three major Iranian cities—Tehran, Shiraz, and Tabriz. According to a statement cited by Al Jazeera, the operation marks a new phase of attacks aimed at what Israel described as critical infrastructure targets across Iran.

Tehran, Iran’s capital, lies in the northern part of the country, while Tabriz, the fourth-largest city, is located in the northwest near the borders with Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Shiraz, another major city, is situated in the southwest. The Israeli statement did not specify the exact nature or extent of the damage caused by the strikes.

Further details about the attacks are expected to be released as more information becomes available, according to the report.

Professor Dr. Md. Faridul Islam has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University. The announcement was made by Education Minister Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Haque Milan during a briefing at the Ministry of Education on Monday, March 16, 2026, after 4 p.m. Dr. Faridul Islam currently serves as the General Secretary of the university’s Zia Parishad and is a faculty member in the Department of Marketing.

The appointment marks a new leadership phase for Rajshahi University, one of Bangladesh’s major public universities. The announcement was part of a series of recent vice-chancellor appointments across several universities, including Jagannath University, Dhaka University, and Chittagong University, as mentioned in the same report.

The Education Ministry’s decision reflects ongoing administrative updates within higher education institutions, focusing on leadership renewal and academic governance.

Thirty-five defeated candidates from the 13th National Parliamentary Election have filed separate petitions in the High Court, alleging irregularities in the voting process. The petitions were accepted by the single bench of Justice Md Zakir Hossain, who ordered the Election Commission to preserve ballots, CCTV footage, and other relevant materials. Notices were also issued to the winning candidates.

Among the petitioners are 21 candidates from the BNP, 12 from Jamaat-e-Islami, and one each from Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and the Liberal Democratic Party. Senior Supreme Court lawyer Ruhul Quddus Kajol represented two of the BNP candidates in hearings concerning Dhaka-16 and Dhaka-4 constituencies. The petitions include allegations that law enforcement officials aided winning candidates and that presiding officers themselves stamped ballots, with some polling centers reportedly canceling unusually high numbers of ballots.

Under Section 49 of the Representation of the People Order, the Chief Justice designated Justice Md Zakir Hossain’s bench to hear these election-related petitions.

Bangladesh’s Opposition Leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman MP has extended heartfelt congratulations to the national cricket team for their thrilling One Day International (ODI) series victory against Pakistan. In a message to the media on Monday, he praised the team for securing a 2–1 series win after a tense final match held on March 15 at Mirpur Stadium in Dhaka.

Dr. Rahman commended the players for their courage, skill, and teamwork, noting that the 11-run win in the decisive match was a source of great national pride. He said the team’s outstanding performance had brought joy and honor to the entire nation and would inspire the country’s youth.

He expressed hope that Bangladesh’s cricket team would continue their success in the future, bringing further glory and recognition to the country on the international stage.

Bangladesh Bank has announced that all banks will remain closed for seven consecutive days from Tuesday, March 17 to Monday, March 23, due to the combined government and weekly holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr. However, to facilitate salary and bonus payments for garment workers, selected bank branches in industrial areas will remain open on March 18 and 19. The directive was issued through a recent circular from the central bank.

According to the circular, branches in Dhaka, Ashulia, Tongi, Gazipur, Savar, Valuka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a prayer break between 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Transactions will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The circular also states that bank branches, sub-branches, and booths located in sea, land, and airport port areas must remain open 24 hours a day throughout the week.

To ensure limited import and export activities during the holidays, banks in port and customs areas are instructed to coordinate with local administration and relevant authorities, except on Eid day itself.

Local officials in the United Arab Emirates reported that a drone attack caused a fire at a large oil industrial area in Fujairah, located on the country's eastern coast. The incident occurred near the Gulf of Oman, close to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments. Authorities in Fujairah confirmed that no casualties had been reported following the attack.

Fujairah serves as a critical exit point for the UAE’s oil exports, making it one of the most important energy hubs in the region. The report did not specify who was responsible for the drone strike or the extent of the damage caused by the fire.

Officials have not released further details about the response or potential disruptions to oil operations, leaving the broader impact of the incident unclear.

Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced a major reshuffle in Bangladesh’s higher education leadership on Monday, signaling significant changes across several universities. He said that the chairperson of the University Grants Commission and multiple vice-chancellors are being replaced. Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam, previously vice-chancellor of the Open University, has been appointed as the new vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, while Professor Dr. Md. Mamun Ahmed will serve as Dhaka University’s pro-vice-chancellor.

Professor Siddiqur Rahman Khan has been finalized as the new vice-chancellor of the Open University. Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, currently pro-vice-chancellor of the National University, will become vice-chancellor of Central University. Professor Dr. Masud has been selected as vice-chancellor of KUET, Professor Dr. Md. Foridul Islam for Rajshahi University, and Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan for Chittagong University.

The minister said the reshuffle aims to make the country’s higher education system more effective and dynamic, with an official notification to be issued soon.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that the country never trusted the United States during their discussions, according to a report by Al Jazeera. In a statement released on March 16, 2026, Baghaei said the negotiations were conducted with “complete caution and deep distrust.” He emphasized that Iran approached the talks with open eyes and full awareness of the opposing side’s intentions.

Baghaei further claimed that the actions of the United States would remain “a stain in history.” Despite this, he noted that Iran did not hesitate to participate in the discussions. The remarks reflect Tehran’s continued skepticism toward Washington, even while maintaining diplomatic engagement.

The statement underscores Iran’s cautious diplomatic stance and signals that mutual distrust continues to shape its approach to negotiations with the United States.