Youth key to nation’s future, BMCP to be strengthened for skilled workforce: MilonEducation Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon today spoke at a view-exchange meeting with officials of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) at the ministry. “Work in a coordinated manner to transform youth into skilled human resources and strengthen national development,” he said. The meeting titled “Youth Workforce Development: National Transformation through BNCC,” focused on expanding BNCC activities, improving training frameworks, and increasing youth participation in national development. To address these, he stressed the need to expand and strengthen BNCC activities in coordination with the Ministry of Education. They emphasized that existing educational institutions could be utilized to expand BNCC operations across the country at a low cost.

LONDON, March 30, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Here are the latest key facts and figures about the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route virtually paralysed by the Middle East war. Of these, 121 were by oil tankers and gas carriers and most were travelling east out of the strait. Four vessels were liquified petroleum gas tankers and the rest were liquid tankers. Of those, 298 were tankers, including 10 very large gas carriers and 55 very large crude carriers. Of the crossings by oil and gas tankers, 61 percent were by vessels under sanctions.

DHAKA, Mar 30, 2026 (BSS)- Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman demonstrated his bowling skill in Pakistan Super League (PSL) once again but batter Parvez Hossain continued to struggle. However, Lahore Qalandars which included both Bangladesh players in their squad in the match against Karachi Kings failed to get over the line. Karachi Kings eventually won the low-scoring game by four wickets at Lahore’s home venue in Gaddafi Stadium. Karachi Kings overhauled the target with three balls to spare, reaching 131-6 for their second straight victory in the tournament. He was ably supported by Mustafizur Rahman who showed the death over skill once again, grabbing one for 20 runs in four overs.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressing the inaugural ceremony of the sports card and allowance distribution programme at his office. Tarique Rahman said physically challenged individuals who are capable of contributing to sports will also receive sports cards. Tarique Rahman also mentioned that Bangladesh recently became champions in SAFF women's futsal for the first time. On the occasion, Tarique Rahman handed over sports cards to 129 athletes and honoured athletes who achieved success at the international level. After the inaugural ceremony, the prime minister took part in a photo session with the athletes outside the Shapla Hall.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir, met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. Photo: MoFADHAKA, March 30, 2026 (BSS) – Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir today handed over a letter of solidarity from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to Qatar’s Amir and held talks with top Qatari leaders to strengthen bilateral ties. The adviser, who arrived in Doha as the Prime Minister’s special envoy, met Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi and delivered the Prime Minister’s letter addressed to Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said a foreign ministry’s press release here. He also expressed Bangladesh’s readiness to extend any necessary assistance if required and recalled with gratitude the Amir’s support in arranging special air ambulances in 2025 for the medical treatment of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Later, he visited the Bangladesh Embassy in Doha and reviewed issues related to the welfare of Bangladeshi nationals.

File PhotoDHAKA, March 30, 2026 (BSS) - The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has successfully recovered approximately Tk 44.14 crore (around US$ 3.6 million) in cryptocurrency that was smuggled abroad through the fraudulent online investment platform MTFE (Metaverse Foreign Exchange). The recovery follows an extensive investigation into the MTFE Ponzi scheme, which lured investors with promises of high returns through cryptocurrency and forex trading, said a press release of the CID. The CID investigations revealed that MTFE began operations in Bangladesh in June 2022, aggressively promoting its platform via Facebook and YouTube. Using blockchain analysis tools, CID traced approximately 3.6 million USDT (Tether) to accounts on the international cryptocurrency exchange OKX. The authorities have assured that necessary steps will be taken to return the recovered money to affected investors following court directives.

HAIFA, Israel, March 30, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Israeli media reported that an oil refinery in the northern city of Haifa had been hit on Monday, shortly after the military said it had detected new incoming missiles from Iran. It was not immediately clear whether the refinery had been directly hit by a missile from Iran or Lebanon, or by debris from an interception. Footage acquired by AFP, filmed shortly after media reported the impact, showed a plume of dark smoke rising above cylindrical tanks. The refinery in Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, is located in a large industrial zone. Israeli media said the site was also hit on March 19 when Iran fired missiles towards Israel.

Govt to take steps based on past experiences to repatriate Rohingyas: FMFile photoSANGSAD BHABAN, March 30, 2026 (BSS) - Citing the successes of past BNP governments to repatriate displaced Rohingyas in late 1970s and early 1990s, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman today said the current BNP government will take effective measures based on past experiences in this regard despite internal instability and conflicts in Myanmar. In his absence, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam answered the question on behalf of the minister in the House. Citing the recent various steps taken to resolve the Rohingya crisis, the foreign minister said Bangladesh has taken multifaceted initiatives at diplomatic and international forums for a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis. Reaffirming Bangladesh’s position, he said that only sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis is their safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation to their homeland in Myanmar. The Minister said Bangladesh would continue all sorts of initiatives -- diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian ones - - alongside strengthening international cooperation and support to resolve the crisis.

TEHRAN, March 30, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iranian authorities executed two men on Monday after convicting them of membership in a banned opposition group and attempting to overthrow the Islamic republic, the judiciary said. The executions come as Iran is at war with the United States and Israel following strikes against the Islamic republic on February 28 that triggered a wider regional conflict. The two executed men were affiliated with the People's Mujahedin of Iran, also known as Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), which has been in exile since the 1980s and is designated as a terrorist organisation by Tehran. Mizan said they were charged with participating in "terrorist acts", carrying out actions aimed at overthrowing the Islamic republic, and disrupting national security. Protests in Iran began in late December over rising living costs and later escalated into nationwide anti-government demonstrations, peaking on January 8 and 9.

BEIRUT, Lebanon, March 30, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A strike hit Beirut's southern suburbs on Monday, AFPTV footage showed, after Israel issued a warning for people in the Hezbollah stronghold to leave. The strike is the first since Friday in the area, which is now largely deserted since Israel began frequent attacks against Hezbollah in early March. AFPTV's live broadcast showed plumes of smoke rising from the southern suburbs.

Photo: BSSDHAKA, March 30, 2026 (BSS)- Center back Afeida Khandakar expects a fightingmatch against host Thailand in their opening group match of the AFC U-20Women's Asian Cup. Players recovered well afterthe two practice matches and they are fresh in mind and expecting a fightingmatch against Thailand, said Afeida through a video message here today(Monday). Commenting about their preparation, she said they are taking preparation inthe camp as per the instruction of the coach ahead of their first match. Meanwhile, Bangladesh U-20 Women's National Football team successfullycompleted their second official training session at Alpine training camp(Pitch 2) in Bangkok. Despite the hot and humid conditions in Thailand, the players demonstratedgreat enthusiasm, discipline and commitment throughout the session.

"Release KP Oli," around 300 protesters chanted. Lawyers for Oli have submitted a petition to the Supreme Court for his release. Ex-energy minister Deepak Khadka was also detained on Sunday in a money laundering investigation, police said. It spread nationwide the following day as parliament and government offices were set ablaze, resulting in the collapse of Oli's government. "We will continue our protest, but we will proceed legally," said Baburam Thapa, 63, a protester calling for Oli's release.

LAHORE, Pakistan, March 30, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Lahore Qalandars' Fakhar Zaman could face a ban after being charged with a ball-tampering offence in his side's defeat to Karachi Kings in the T20 Pakistan Super League. Fakhar was charged with violating the playing condition "which makes it an offence to take any action which changes the condition of the ball", said a PSL statement on Monday. "Fakhar denied the charge levelled against him during a disciplinary hearing led by the match referee Roshan Mahanama," the PSL added. "Another hearing is set to take place within the next 48 hours after which the match referee will share his verdict." Fakhar could face a ban of at least one PSL match if found guilty.

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his Jatiya Sangsad office. Photo: PMOSANGSAD BHABAN, Mar 30, 2026 (BSS) – Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his Jatiya Sangsad office here. He said the premier welcomed the opposition leader, who heads the Jamaat-e-Islam, in his office. Ruman said the opposition leader expressed his eagerness to talk to the premier as they walked together towards the Parliament building after attending the janaza prayers. “Today, the Prime Minister displayed his natural courtesy towards the opposition leader as he was exiting from the office of the Leader of the House,” Ruman added.

DHAKA, March 30, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh is rapidly emerging as a ‘high-stakes frontier for growth’ for Japanese companies, with a significant surge in profitability and a strong commitment to local market expansion. Currently, he noted, approximately 350 Japanese companies operate in Bangladesh, with a growing presence in consumer-facing sectors. During this segment, Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan (Jun), President of the Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI), and Shinichi Saida, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, addressed the assembly. The afternoon session transitioned to a detailed examination of the "Investment Environment of Bangladesh based on 2025 JETRO Survey." Kazuiki Kataoka, delivered a presentation titled "2025 JETRO Survey on Business Conditions of Japanese Companies in Asia and Oceania."