-File photoDHAKA, March 24, 2026 (BSS) – A six-member delegation, led by Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, left here for Cameroon today to attend the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The conference is scheduled to be held from March 26 to 29, 2026, in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with trade ministers from different countries to discuss expanding Bangladesh’s exports, increasing foreign investment, and strengthening overall trade relations. The Ministerial Conference is the WTO’s highest decision-making body, where member nations take critical steps in shaping global trade policy. This year’s conference will be chaired by Cameroon’s Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana.

WASHINGTON, United States, March 24, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Police in the US capital are searching for two suspects after gunmen ambushed an unmarked police car and shot a veteran officer, authorities said Monday. The officer managed to continue driving and pull over, where he received first aid and was airlifted to a hospital, Brecht said. He described the officer as a veteran of the force but provided no additional details. Metropolitan Police Department Interim Chief Jeff Carroll said the officer was believed to have been shot in the upper body and noted there was "no indication" police returned fire. Police are seeking two suspects and have urged members of the public who may have recorded video of the shooting to come forward.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid-File PhotoDHAKA, March 24, 2026 (BSS) – Food, Fisheries and Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today said that agriculture will serve as the primary driving force of the national economy. In his speech, the Minister underscored the sector's pivotal role in national development and outlined the government's transformative vision for economic growth. During the event, Agriculture Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan addressed the gathering, emphasizing that advancing the sector requires a combination of technical skill, integrity, and dedication. He announced a forthcoming nationwide tree-planting initiative, stating that the government aims to transform tree planting into a widespread social movement. This national greening effort is essential to building climate resilience and combating the adverse impacts of climate change across the country, he added.

According to the directive from the Technical and Madrasa Education Division under the Ministry of Education, effective initiatives must be taken at all levels, both government and non-government, to save electricity and fuel. Furthermore, to raise public awareness about saving electricity and fuel, the concerned departments and organizations have been asked to provide necessary instructions to educational institutions under their jurisdiction. In this context, raising public awareness has been identified as an effective means to reduce casualties and risks caused by lightning. The Directorate of Madrasa Education has requested principals, superintendents, and heads of primary (Ebtedayee) sections of all government madrasas, Bangladesh Madrasa Teachers' Training Institute (BMTTI), and non-government madrasas to implement the directive. At the same time, Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), and district and upazila education officers have been asked to ensure compliance with the directive in madrasas under their respective jurisdictions.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke met Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita) today, with State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat also present. Photo: MinistryDHAKA, March 24, 2026 (BSS) – The United Kingdom (UK) has expressed interest in participating in ground handling operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s (HSIA) third terminal, signalling potential collaboration in Bangladesh’s expanding aviation sector. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat was also present at the meeting. During the talks, both sides emphasized strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom, particularly in the civil aviation sector. The Bangladesh side sought the UK’s cooperation in developing the country’s aviation industry, while the High Commissioner assured continued support to the current government.

Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury spoke to journalists today during a visit to the historic Kalurghat Swadhin Bangla Radio Station in Chattogram this afternoon. Photo: BSSCHATTOGRAM, March 24, 2026 (BSS) - Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Nitai Roy Chowdhury emphasized the importance of remembering history for a nation’s survival and said cultural ministry has a plan to preserve the Kalurghat Radio Station and the memory of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. The possibility of integrating the management of the Kalurghat Radio Station and the Zia Memorial Museum is being considered, said Nitai Roy during his visit to the historic Kalurghat Swadhin Bangla Radio Station in Chattogram this afternoon. Emphasizing the importance of preserving the history of the Liberation War, the Cultural Affairs Minister announced plans to strengthen initiatives that highlight the heroic stories and memories of the war for future generations. A comprehensive plan is in place for visitors to first visit the Kalurghat Radio Center and then the related museum.

DHAKA, March 24, 2026 (BSS) – The government has readjusted jet fuel prices for March, citing the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, with new rates set by the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). According to the commission’s order, the price of jet fuel for domestic flights has been fixed at Taka 202.29 per litre, including duty and VAT. For international flights operated by both local and foreign airlines, the price has been set at US$1.32 per litre, excluding duty and VAT. Earlier, on March 8, BERC had set the jet fuel price for domestic flights at Taka 112.41 per litre, including duty and VAT. For international flights, the price was fixed at US$0.7384 per litre, excluding duty and VAT.

Hamza Choudhury-File photoDHAKA, March 24, 2026 (BSS) - Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury reached in Vietnam today (Tuesday) to join the team before Bangladesh's final AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore scheduled to be held on March 31. He missed the Bangladesh national football team's initial training camp that started at the Kings Arena in the city on March 16. Earlier, Javier Cabrera's charges departed for Hanoi on March 20 last to participate a FIFA Int'l friendly against Vietnam to be held on Thursday (March 26). Bangladesh are already out of the qualification race with just five points from five matches in Group C fixtures.

Photo: BSSDHAKA, March 24, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh U-20 women's national football team continued their preparation in full swing as they successfully completed their third training session at Boonyachinda Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand today (Tuesday). The session comprised structured warm-up routines, technical passing drills and a thirty-minute high-intensity intra-squad match, according to message received here from Bangladesh Football Federation. The coaching staff placed particular emphasis on refining tactical discipline and finalizing the team's game plan ahead of the closed-door friendly fixture against their Indian counterpart scheduled for tomorrow Wednesday). Players were closely observed to ensure optimal physical condition and readiness for match competition. All squad members are currently in good health, with no serious injuries reported to date.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. File PhotoDHAKA, Mar 24, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said March 25, 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days in the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh. “March 25, 1971 is observed as Genocide Day. In the history of freedom-loving Bangladesh, March 25, 1971 remains one of the most disgraceful and brutal days," he said in a message issued today on the occasion of Genocide Day. Tarique Rahman prayed to the Almighty Allah to grant forgiveness and eternal peace to the departed souls of all the martyrs.

Mega corruption in mega projects will not be tolerated anymore: AnneShahid Uddin Chowdhury Anne addressed a programme today marking the assumption of office by the newly appointed Lakshmipur Zila Parishad Administrator, Sahabuddin Sabu, at the district council ground. Photo: BSSLAKSHMIPUR, Mar 24, 2026 (BSS) – Water Resources Minister and BNP Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anne today alleged that massive corruption had taken place in the past in the name of mega projects, warning that corruption would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He made the remarks while addressing a programme marking the assumption of office by newly appointed Lakshmipur Zila Parishad Administrator Sahabuddin Sabu at the district council ground this afternoon. Referring to 17 years of corruption, misrule and incidents of enforced disappearances and killings, the minister said mega projects had been undertaken even when they were not necessary, and thousands of crores of taka were misappropriated in the name of such projects during the previous Awami League government. The programme was chaired by newly appointed Zila Parishad Administrator and Lakshmipur district BNP Member Secretary Sahabuddin Sabu.

MOSCOW, March 24, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will travel to North Korea this week, state media said Tuesday, as the two Russian allies deepen ties. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un invited Lukashenko for a two-day official visit on Wednesday and Thursday "to strengthen bilateral cooperation," media outlets close to Lukashenko's office reported. Both countries have provided support for Russia in its war on Ukraine and are adversaries of the West. Russian troops used Belarusian territory to launch their offensive on Ukraine in February 2022, while North Korea dispatched troops to fight alongside Russia's army.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan delivered the chief guest speech at a function at the CIRDAP Conference Center in the capital on Tuesday. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Mar 24, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said good governance depends on learning from the history and maintaining the continuous practice of those lessons. The information minister further said a state can move forward on the right path only by learning from past experiences. He said major opposition parties did not participate in the 12th parliamentary election either. According to the minister, such elections are not sustainable in the long run, and people eventually take a stand against them.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed- File PhotoDHAKA, Mar 24, 2026 (BSS)- Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government will accept the ordinance providing indemnity to those involved in the July Mass Uprising. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists before attending a meeting of a parliamentary special committee at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban this morning. Salahuddin said the parliamentary special committee would discuss the ordinances, including those related to the caretaker government. The committee is headed by Zainul Abedin and includes members Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, Salahuddin Ahmed, Md. Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed did not attend the meeting as he is undergoing treatment in Singapore.

The Finance Minister had a meeting with IMF Asia and Pacific Department Director Krishna Srinivasan at the Finance Ministry. Photo: PIDDHAKA, Mar 24, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today said the country's ongoing programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) remains on track. "We already have a programme with the IMF, and it is ongoing," he said. He said the IMF programme has been in place for several years and will continue, with the next review scheduled for July. He said several initiatives have already been launched in the social sector, including family support programmes, farmer assistance schemes, and agricultural credit initiatives.