Rangpur celebrates Independence and National Day 2026 with enthusiasm, honoring martyrs promoting self-reliant Bangladesh vision. The district administration, Rangpur City Corporation (RpCC), BNP, its affiliates and different political parties, educational institutions, sociocultural and professional organisations organized colorful programmes to celebrate the national occasion. With the sunrise, the national flag was hoisted atop all government, semi-government, private and public buildings, educational institutions and other establishments. The speakers said that the heroic people of Bangladesh achieved this national independence in exchange for the blood of three million martyrs in the War of Liberation in 1971. The district and metropolitan units of BNP and its affiliates, heroic freedom fighters, different political parties and organisations, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur Medical College and other educational institutions celebrated the day with colorful programmes.

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Dr Zubaida Rahman attended the summit in Washington DC at the invitation of US First Lady Melania Trump. At the event, Dr Zubaida Rahman delivered speech emphasising the importance of caring for children and ensuring they grow up in a safe environment. He said Dr Zubaida Rahman met Melania Trump on March 25 and exchanged greetings with her. Rumon said Dr Zubaida Rahman specially thanked Melania Trump for organising such an important conference and she also met and exchanged greetings with the First Ladies of other countries. Dr Zubaida Rahman and her delegation also visited the exhibition, Rumon said.

Abdullah Raju, an architect, has come to the National Parade Ground with his child from Dhaka’s Uttara. There they enjoyed the colourful combined forces parade on Independence Day, which has been held after an 18-year gap. He said instead of blaming new generations, it is the responsibility of elders to teach them, as children learn by observing adults. Thousands of people gathered at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on Thursday to enjoy the Independence Day parade. As various forces displayed tanks, artillery and other heavy weapons and technology, children were seen volleying questions to their elders.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman exchanged pleasantries with the members of the armed forces while departing from the parade ground. Photo: Video ScreenshotDHAKA, Mar 26, 2026 (BSS)- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today greeted members of the armed forces after the colorful Independence and National Day parade at the National Parade Square in the capital. The parade, held after a gap of 18 years, turned into a remarkable display of patriotism, discipline, and military capability. The Prime Minister expressed admiration for the wonderful arrangement, sources at PMO said. While departing from the parade ground, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, exchanged pleasantries with the members of the armed forces.

Photo : BSSDHAKA, Mar 26, 2026 (BSS): The nation is celebrating the 56th Independence and National Day today in a befitting manner. Thus, March 26 is observed as the Independence and National Day. After a nine-month War of Liberation and the supreme sacrifices of three million people, Bangladesh achieved its cherished independence on December 16, 1971. The President will host a reception this afternoon at Bangabhaban for the families of Bir Shrestha recipients and living freedom fighters who received gallantry awards. Special munazat is being offered in mosques, while prayers are also being held in temples, churches, pagodas, and other places of worship seeking forgiveness for the souls of the martyred freedom fighters, good health for living freedom fighters, and peace, prosperity, and progress of the nation.

WASHINGTON, United States, March 26, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The US Postal Service announced Wednesday an eight-percent rate increase for some retail and commercial products, with the "transportation-related" move coming as global oil prices spiral due to the war on Iran. The price increase will affect Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select services, the government-run agency said. The rate increase, which must be approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, would be implemented April 26 and remain in place until January 17, 2027. "Transportation costs have been increasing, and our competitors have reacted with a number of surcharges," USPS said in a statement. Delivery giant UPS imposed a fuel surcharge in the United States on March 2, and Fedex also frequently updates its fuel surcharge based on US gasoline prices.

While global shares rose modestly, oil prices dipped as the Brent crude benchmark was down 2.2 percent at $102.22 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was also off 2.2 percent at $90.32 a barrel. The equities push was "really related to oil prices going down and that anticipated end of the hostilities, or at least a settling down of hostilities." "The head of the International Energy Agency has warned that the world is facing an energy crisis more severe than the oil shocks of the 1970s," said John Denton. Offering respite to some countries, Tehran announced it would let oil vessels from "non-hostile" nations pass through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, said he was "ready to move forward" with an additional release of oil reserves "if and when necessary."

Photo: BSSRAJSHAHI, March 26, 2026 (BSS) - The Great Independence and National Day was celebrated at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET). On the occasion, the national flag was hoisted in the morning . Abdur Razzak, along with teachers, students, officers, and staff, laid wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar located on the RUET campus. Afterward, they visited the graves of three martyrs situated to the west of the Central Shaheed Minar and offered prayers seeking eternal peace for the departed souls. Meanwhile, on the occasion, the RUET administration distributed food among orphans in Rajshahi.

Administrator of Rajshahi CityCorporation Mahfuzur Rahman, Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid, Deputy Inspector General of Police Dr Muhammad Shahjahan, Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Dr Zillur Rahman and Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Afia Akhter, among others, accompanied him. Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid hoisted the national flag and witnessed the march-past. Rajshahi City Corporation celebrated the Great Independence and National Day with due dignity and enthusiasm. Various educational institutions, including Rajshahi University, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Rajshahi Medical University, Rajshahi Education Board, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, Barind Multipurpose Development Authority and Bangladesh Silk Board also celebrated the day through separate programmes. Besides, the city's important tourist spots and places like Rajshahi University Smrity Sangrahashala, Varendra Research Museum, Central Zoo and Shishu Park remained open for the visitors throughout the day.

Photo: Bangladesh High Commission in IslamabadDHAKA, Mar 26, 2026 (BSS)-The Bangladesh High Commission in Pakistani capital Islamabad today celebrated the 56th Great Independence and National Day of Bangladesh with due dignity, enthusiasm, and festivity. On the occasion, the High Commission premises were decorated with colorful banners, festoons, and posters. In the morning, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, Md. Messages from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out on the occasion. Iqbal Hossain Khan paid deep respect to the Birangonas and valiant freedom fighters and the martyrs who contributed for the nation.

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Financial Aid ConcernsStudents also raised concerns about financial aid, particularly regarding the remaining cost of attendance not covered by financial aid, including tuition, housing and other expenses. This is because funds procured outside of University aid are subtracted from the amount of financial assistance the University provides. The University operates under a need-based financial aid model, in which aid is calculated based on a student’s demonstrated financial need. Administrators pointed to the financial aid appeals process, which allows students to request adjustments based on changes in financial circumstances or additional obligations. “They’ll be a positive change for everyone.”Jallow said BSU plans to follow up with administrators on key issues, including housing, financial aid and campus resources.

Photo : CollectedDHAKA, March 26, 2026 (BSS) - The death toll has risen to 26 as rescue operations continue following a passenger bus plunged into the Padma river from the Goalanda Ferry Terminal on Wednesday evening. Among them, 23 bodies were recovered by Fire Service personnel, two by local residents, and one by a Navy diver. The submerged bus was later lifted using the rescue vessel “Hamza”, operated by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority. However, the total number of passengers on board remains unconfirmed, raising fears that the death toll could rise further. Rescue operations are still ongoing, and officials say final casualty figures and the exact cause of the accident will be determined after completion of the recovery mission.

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