Bangladesh’s opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Dr. Shafiqur Rahman stated that the constitution is meant for the people, not the other way around. Speaking as chief guest at an Eid reunion organized by Sylhet Metropolitan Jamaat on March 22, 2026, he said the July uprising made possible the current political structure where one party governs and another serves as the main opposition. He emphasized that fulfilling the expectations of that uprising requires implementing the July Charter.

Rahman criticized the government for alleged political favoritism in appointments, including the replacement of the Bangladesh Bank governor and university vice-chancellors. He said such actions contradict the spirit of the July uprising. He also expressed disappointment over mismanagement and excessive fares during Eid travel. Addressing the ruling party, he urged avoidance of conspiracies against reform proposals and pledged that the opposition would act responsibly while prioritizing public expectations.

He further asserted that fascist politics would no longer prevail in Bangladesh, citing the people’s verdict in a referendum for change. Rahman vowed to continue Jamaat’s political struggle toward building a humane Bangladesh.

A shortage of octane has been reported at several petrol pumps across Dhaka, causing long queues and frustration among motorists. The crisis emerged even after the lifting of fuel rationing, with drivers moving from one station to another in search of octane. Areas including Mohammadpur, Asad Gate, Bijoy Sarani, Paribagh, Motijheel, Rajarbagh, Moghbazar, New Market, Gabtoli, and Mirpur have been affected. The shortage coincides with the end of the Eid holidays, as office-goers return to the capital ahead of government offices reopening on Tuesday.

Fuel marketing companies have claimed that octane reserves and supplies remain adequate, while pump owners argue that depots are not providing enough fuel to match sales. The Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) stated that there is no national shortage, noting that daily sales since February 28 have been double the usual demand. A 25,000-ton octane shipment is expected to arrive on April 2, and local production continues at normal levels.

The Bangladesh Petrol Pump Owners Association warned that due to supply shortages and security concerns, petrol pumps nationwide could shut down at any time.

A tannery worker named Khorshed Alam Sikder, aged 57, was killed after being beaten by a local BNP leader during an arbitration meeting in Mehendiganj, Barishal. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in the Charhogla area, reportedly in the presence of police officers. Four others were injured in the attack. The dispute arose over unpaid construction dues owed to BNP leader Jahangir Hossain Hawlader, who allegedly led the assault.

Following the incident, the Mehendiganj municipal BNP expelled Jahangir Hossain Hawlader from the party for violating organizational discipline. The expulsion was confirmed in a statement signed by the party’s convenor Syed Riaz Shahin Liton and member secretary Riaz Uddin Chowdhury Dinu Mia. Police Superintendent AZM Mostafizur Rahman stated that legal action would be taken against those involved.

The arbitration meeting was reportedly held to settle a 22-year-old financial dispute. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the investigation or potential arrests.

Israeli settlers carried out a series of violent attacks on Palestinian villages across the occupied West Bank following the death of 18-year-old Israeli Jew Yehuda Sherman. The violence began after Sherman died when his quad bike collided with a Palestinian vehicle. Police are investigating whether the incident was intentional or accidental. In response, settlers used WhatsApp groups to call for revenge, leading to more than 20 reported attacks overnight. Homes, vehicles, and farmland were set on fire in villages including Jalud, Qaryut, Al-Funduqimiyah, and Silat ad-Dahr.

The Israeli Defense Forces deployed troops and border police to several villages after reports of arson and unrest. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported injuries among both Palestinians and attackers. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, saying they caused destruction and fear during Eid al-Fitr. Israeli police arrested five people near Deir al-Hatab and vowed zero tolerance for extremist violence. Human rights group Yesh Din described the events as a “night of pogroms,” accusing authorities of failing to act despite prior warnings.

According to the UN, settler violence has surged since the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, with six Palestinians killed since March 1. Israeli opposition leader Yair Golan blamed the government for encouraging chaos amid ongoing conflict.

Global oil prices rose sharply after U.S. President Donald Trump gave Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, Israel announced that its ongoing military operations would continue for several weeks. These developments triggered immediate reactions in the energy markets, with crude oil prices climbing as trading opened on Sunday night.

According to AFP, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery rose about 1.8 percent, surpassing 100 dollars per barrel before easing slightly. Brent crude for May delivery also increased, reaching 113.44 dollars per barrel before stabilizing near 111 dollars. Before the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 27, WTI and Brent were priced at 67.02 and 72.48 dollars respectively.

Analysts cited ongoing Middle East tensions and uncertainty surrounding the Hormuz Strait as key factors pressuring global energy markets. They warned that further escalation could lead to significant volatility in oil prices.

International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that the ongoing Middle East war could unleash an energy crisis more severe than the oil shocks of the 1970s and comparable to the early effects of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, Birol said the world is currently losing about 11 million barrels of oil per day, exceeding the combined losses of the two major oil crises of the 1970s.

He cautioned that no country would be spared from the energy fallout, as oil and liquefied natural gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been blocked due to Iran’s obstruction. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on his social media platform that the United States is considering winding down its military operations while aiming to neutralize Iran’s missile capabilities and destroy its defense industry base.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that since the first strike on Iran on February 28, Washington’s objectives remain to dismantle Iran’s missile launchers, naval forces, and defense infrastructure, and to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Cumilla Metropolitan branch has transported the bodies of victims from a train-bus collision at Padua Bazar Bishwaroad in Cumilla Sadar Dakshin upazila to their respective homes. The party also announced that it would bear the medical expenses of those injured in the accident. Senior leaders, including Central Assistant Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum, visited the site soon after the incident.

During the visit, Maulana ATM Masum stated that standing beside people in distress is a true humanitarian duty and expressed hope that the initiative would ease the suffering of bereaved families. Cumilla Metropolitan Ameer Kazi Din Mohammad emphasized the need to strengthen safety measures at rail crossings to prevent such tragedies.

Party leaders coordinated with hospital administrations to ensure proper treatment for the injured. A team from the National Doctors Forum (NDF) is reportedly overseeing the medical response to ensure continuous support for victims’ recovery.

US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for an immediate halt to the ongoing US military campaign against Iran. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Schumer wrote that the war must stop, emphasizing that even Republican senators have admitted uncertainty about the administration’s objectives in the Middle East.

Earlier, Schumer had criticized the war’s financial burden, saying billions of dollars were being wasted and that fuel prices had risen to an average of $3.94 per gallon. The conflict, initiated under the Republican president with US and Israeli leadership, has become a major test for Congress, which remains under Republican control. While most Republicans continue to back the president, they are expected to face further critical decisions regarding the war soon.

The situation has also contributed to growing concerns about a global energy crisis, as reports indicate rising fuel prices and escalating regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

At least one person was killed in an attack on a state broadcasting center in southern Iran, according to the country’s official television channel on Monday, March 23, 2026. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) stated that the assault targeted a 100-kilowatt AM transmitter at the Persian Gulf Radio and Television Center.

Citing AFP, the IRIB described the attackers as an “American-Zionist terrorist force.” The British newspaper The Guardian reported that the strike violated international law and resulted in the death of a security guard and injuries to another staff member at the facility.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, with recent reports of missile attacks and international appeals to halt hostilities involving Iran. However, no further details about the perpetrators or the broader context of the attack were provided in the official statements.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an emergency COBRA meeting on Monday to address potential economic risks to the United Kingdom stemming from the ongoing Iran war. According to The Guardian, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey are among the key participants. The meeting will assess the possible effects on households, businesses, energy security, and supply chains, as well as international responses.

The heightened tension follows Iran’s warning that it would target Gulf neighbors’ energy and water systems if U.S. President Donald Trump carries out threats against Iranian power plants. Reuters reported that the UK is closely monitoring the situation amid concerns over its heavy reliance on imported gas, persistent inflation, and fiscal strain, which have accelerated the fall in government bond prices.

Reeves noted that it remains difficult to predict the war’s full impact on the British economy. While rejecting broad cost-cutting measures for now, she said targeted assistance options are under consideration.

Iran has carried out extensive missile strikes across Israel, with explosions reported in Jerusalem, central, and southern regions. Authorities have issued emergency alerts and instructed civilians to move to safe shelters as Iranian missiles reportedly hit several areas. According to Al Jazeera, cluster munitions may have been used, dispersing smaller bombs that caused damage in at least eight locations. Videos of the destruction have circulated on social media.

The Qatar-based outlet reported that earlier alerts in northern Israel were later lifted, allowing residents to leave shelters. However, since Sunday, missile attacks have continued, particularly in the north, where frequent sirens have been sounding. The region has become a regular target not only of Iranian missile strikes but also of attacks from Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah.

The ongoing assaults have heightened security concerns across Israel, with authorities maintaining high alert as the situation develops.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sent a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying Eid greetings and expressing a message of strengthening bilateral relations. According to the Times of India, the letter was sent last Friday and emphasized the hope that the festival would reinforce the long-standing friendship between the two nations and deepen people-to-people connections.

In the letter, Rahman described Eid-ul-Fitr as a cherished festival that reminds people of eternal values such as compassion, solidarity, and harmony. He added that the occasion brings together diverse communities through sharing and generosity, wishing peace, prosperity, and happiness for all people in Bangladesh and around the world.

The report noted that Modi had earlier extended Eid greetings to Rahman and the people of Bangladesh. Following that message, Rahman sent his letter, which also reflected optimism about moving beyond past issues to advance Bangladesh-India relations.

An armed attack took place at the home of Engineer Osman Gani, general secretary of the Sarafbhata Union unit of the BNP in Rangunia upazila of Chattogram, on Sunday night, March 22, 2026. Osman Gani sustained gunshot wounds to his hand and abdomen, while his 70-year-old mother, Asiya Begum, was shot in the leg. His father, Rashid Ahmad, was also injured in the head. Relatives said Osman was additionally hacked on the hand and back, leaving him critically wounded.

According to reports, a group of three to four armed assailants carried out the attack around 8:10 p.m. at Ganjam Ali Sarkar’s house in Ward No. 2 of the union. Locals rescued the victims and took them to Rangunia Upazila Health Complex, from where Osman was later transferred to Evercare Hospital in Chattogram city due to his critical condition. His parents are receiving treatment and are out of danger, doctors confirmed.

Local BNP leaders strongly condemned the attack and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible. Police from South Rangunia station visited the scene and confirmed that operations are underway to apprehend the attackers and maintain law and order in the area.

During the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, Kuakata, known as the 'Daughter of the Sea,' has seen a massive influx of tourists. On Sunday, the second day of Eid, the 18-kilometer-long beach turned into a festive city as thousands of visitors from across Bangladesh arrived to enjoy the sea and nature. Although light rain reduced attendance earlier in the day, the beach became crowded by evening, with visitors engaging in sea bathing, horse riding, and photography at major spots including Zero Point, Lebur Bon, and Gangamati.

After a quiet Ramadan period, Kuakata’s tourism sector has revived with nearly 90 percent hotel and resort bookings. Local business owners expressed optimism that the surge in visitors would help recover previous losses. The natural beauty of the beach, enhanced by red crabs, migratory birds, and fresh vegetation, added to the attraction.

Tourist Police have implemented multi-layered security measures to ensure visitor safety, deploying officers at key points and maintaining plainclothes surveillance to allow tourists to enjoy their holidays peacefully.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque has clarified confusion surrounding Jaima Rahman’s football background and reports linking her to Chelsea’s youth team. In a Facebook post on Monday, March 23, he explained that Jaima, daughter of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, regularly played football while studying in London and once had an opportunity to play as a goalkeeper for Chelsea’s youth side. Aminul said he learned this from Tarique Rahman himself.

He added that Jaima did not pursue professional football because her parents, Tarique Rahman and Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wanted her to focus on academics. Aminul recalled a conversation with Jaima at a cricket match in Mirpur, where she told him she had been a goalkeeper like him during her school days. He noted that her height gave her an advantage in goalkeeping.

Citing European education systems, Aminul emphasized that sports are an integral part of children’s development and said Jaima had a strong passion for football but ultimately prioritized her studies. He said he issued the clarification because social media had exaggerated or misrepresented his earlier remarks.