German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany will not take any direct role in the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters in Brussels, Merz stated that Berlin would not act during the conflict and would only consider involvement after a ceasefire is achieved. He emphasized that Germany could contribute later to maintaining safe maritime routes once hostilities end.

Merz clarified that Germany will refrain from any operational participation while the fighting continues. However, he noted that the country is prepared to play an active role in post-war stabilization efforts. His remarks came amid heightened tensions as the conflict continues to affect regional and global stability.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized European nations for not providing sufficient support to Washington in addressing the war’s impact. Several European Union countries reportedly consider the war illegal, reflecting divisions within the Western alliance over the Middle East conflict.

Masud Saeedi, Member of Parliament for Pirojpur-1 and son of Sayeedi, stated that his constituency had long suffered from discrimination but that time had come to claim their fair share. He made the remarks on Thursday, March 19, during an Eid gift distribution event for the poor and underprivileged, held at the Upazila Parishad hall under the chairmanship of Upazila Nirbahi Officer Hasan Md. Hafizur Rahman. The gifts were distributed from the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund.

Saeedi criticized the previous government, describing it as fascist and accusing it of denying the people of Zianagar peace, development, and even their upazila’s name. He said residents had faced imprisonment, attacks, and deprivation over the past 17 years. Saeedi called for unity among BNP and Jamaat leaders and activists, urging them to work together for the area’s development regardless of political differences.

Local BNP and Jamaat leaders, including the upazila BNP president and Jamaat amir, were present at the event, along with administrative officials and community representatives.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Washington’s objectives in its ongoing attacks on Iran remain unchanged. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, he said the United States continues to monitor various aspects of the war closely and is briefing the President and the national security team. Hegseth emphasized that the US mission is on the right track and proceeding according to plan.

He reiterated that the United States is preparing to launch its largest-ever strike on Iran, claiming that Iran’s ballistic missile production capabilities have been severely damaged. Several world leaders and observers criticized Washington’s actions, arguing that the United States was not under any direct threat from Iran.

The situation has heightened concerns about regional stability, with reports suggesting that the conflict has already affected energy markets and could further escalate tensions in the Middle East.

Wholesale gas prices in the United Kingdom have risen by nearly 140 percent to 171.34 pence per therm (about 2.29 dollars), marking the highest level since January 2023. The sharp increase follows escalating conflict in the Middle East, where Israel launched an airstrike on a petrochemical facility at Iran’s South Pars gas field early Wednesday. The site, one of the world’s largest gas fields, is jointly operated with Qatar.

In retaliation, Iran struck energy infrastructure in several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Iran’s missile attacks also caused fires at parts of Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG complex, one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas centers. Analysts say the UK remains heavily dependent on imported energy, particularly from Gulf nations such as Qatar, making it vulnerable to regional instability.

According to Al Jazeera, if the situation continues, global energy prices could rise further, potentially affecting the broader world economy.

Nearly three weeks after the start of the conflict, Iran still retains some ability to strike energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf region, according to U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Kane. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Kane said Iran entered the conflict with a large arsenal, prompting the United States to maintain an 'offensive and tough' stance in response.

Kane added that U.S. forces are continuously working to identify and destroy Iranian weapons, though he acknowledged that Iran still possesses 'some military capability.' The remarks came amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf, where energy infrastructure has been a key target in the fighting.

The situation underscores the continuing volatility in the region, with U.S. officials emphasizing sustained military vigilance as Iran’s remaining capabilities pose potential risks to regional energy assets.

The United States may ease restrictions on Iranian oil to stabilize global energy supply following a joint US-Israel attack on Iran. The attack, which targeted Iran’s gas fields and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, has significantly affected global oil prices. US Treasury Secretary Scott Basent told Fox Business that the move aims to restore balance in the energy market, according to Al Jazeera.

Basent also said the US could unilaterally release oil from its own reserves to support market stability. Earlier this week, he noted that Iranian oil tankers had already begun leaving the Strait of Hormuz with US awareness, helping to normalize global supply. Further details on Basent’s comments are expected soon.

The developments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and concerns that oil prices could rise sharply if disruptions continue.

A United States District Court has ruled that the Trump administration’s decision to effectively shut down Voice of America (VOA) was illegal. Judge Royce Lamberth issued the order on Tuesday, directing authorities to restart the international broadcaster within one week. The court also ordered the reinstatement of journalists who had been dismissed as part of the shutdown.

Voice of America was originally established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda. After returning to the presidency, Donald Trump issued an executive order to close the broadcaster, accusing it of left-leaning bias. His administration also sought to dismantle other U.S.-funded media outlets such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia “as far as legally possible.”

The ruling marks a judicial pushback against the administration’s attempt to curtail government-funded international media operations, requiring the immediate restoration of VOA’s services and staff.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported conducting more than 7,800 strikes on targets in Iran since the start of the conflict. The announcement came on Wednesday, marking the 20th day of US and Israeli attacks on Iranian territory. CENTCOM stated that the operations aim to dismantle Iran’s current security structure, prioritizing locations posing immediate threats. During the same period, over 120 Iranian ships have been damaged or destroyed.

The report also noted that Iran continues to launch counterattacks targeting US installations in the Gulf region. The conflict has escalated tensions across the Middle East, with both sides sustaining significant losses. CENTCOM’s update underscores the intensity of the ongoing military campaign and the scale of US involvement.

The situation has raised concerns about broader regional instability, with related reports warning of potential economic impacts, including rising oil prices and disruptions to energy infrastructure in neighboring countries.

Iranian lawmaker Somayeh Rafiei has said that the country's parliament is working on a proposal requiring ships to pay tolls and taxes for sailing through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a public gathering in Tehran’s Vali Asr Square, Rafiei emphasized Iran’s authority over the waterway, describing it as essential for ensuring security and protecting national interests.

According to the ISNA news agency report cited by BBC Bangla, Rafiei stated that Iran has deprived its enemies of their previous comfort and that they are struggling to accept this new reality. She expressed confidence that the ongoing conflict would end with a decisive Iranian victory, after which passage through the Strait of Hormuz would remain challenging for Iran’s adversaries.

The proposal reflects Iran’s intent to assert greater control over one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes, though no details were provided on when or how such tolls might be implemented.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman conveying Eid-ul-Fitr greetings. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka confirmed the message on Thursday, March 19, 2026. In the letter, Modi extended Eid greetings not only to Rahman but also to the people of Bangladesh, expressing warm wishes on behalf of the government and people of India.

Modi noted that Muslims across India and the world had observed the holy month of Ramadan through fasting and prayer. He emphasized that Eid-ul-Fitr reminds people of eternal values such as compassion, brotherhood, and unity. The Indian leader also wished peace, harmony, good health, and happiness for people around the world.

Concluding his letter, Modi expressed hope that the friendship and goodwill between Bangladesh and India would continue to strengthen in the future.

Shell reported that its natural gas facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City was damaged following an Iranian attack. According to a Reuters report cited by the company, a fire broke out at the site after the strike but was quickly extinguished. Shell confirmed that no casualties occurred and that the facility is now in a safe condition.

The company stated that when fully operational, the Ras Laffan center can process 1.6 billion cubic feet of gas per day, producing up to 140,000 barrels of gas-to-liquid fuel daily. The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions involving Iran and neighboring states.

Global energy markets have reacted to the broader conflict, with oil prices surpassing 115 dollars per barrel and gas prices in the United Kingdom rising by 140 percent, reflecting the war’s economic impact.

In Hajiganj upazila of Chandpur, Maulana Abu Bakkar Siddiq led an Eid-ul-Fitr congregation with six worshippers at his home in Sadra. Siddiq, the middle son of the late Pir Maulana Ishaq Sadrabi of Sadra Darbar Sharif, performed the prayer two days before the national celebration, continuing a practice he began last year.

For decades, followers of the Sadra Darbar Sharif Pir in 40 villages of Hajiganj’s Barakul Paschim Union have celebrated Eid one day earlier than the rest of Bangladesh, aligning with Saudi Arabia. After the death of the previous Pir, disagreements emerged among his descendants. The current Pir, Mufti Arif Billah Sadrabi, and his uncle Zakaria Al Madani now hold separate Eid congregations one day early, while Abu Bakkar Siddiq observes it two days early.

Siddiq stated that Eid can be celebrated whenever the moon is sighted anywhere in the world. He said the moon was seen in Afghanistan the previous day, and Eid was observed there, prompting his group to celebrate accordingly.

A missile attack by Iran on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City has caused extensive damage to gas facilities, raising concerns of major power outages and industrial disruptions in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. These countries rely heavily on liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Qatar, which processes and exports nearly all of its natural gas through Ras Laffan.

According to data cited by CNN, energy analytics firm Kpler reported that Pakistan and Bangladesh obtain 99 percent and 70 percent of their LNG imports from Qatar, respectively. Market research group S&P Global noted that India sources over 40 percent of its LNG demand from the same country. Qatar Energy, the state-owned operator of Ras Laffan, had already suspended LNG and related product output earlier this month.

Following the recent missile strike and resulting damage, the company may face a prolonged delay in restoring normal production, potentially affecting energy supply chains across South Asia.

A passenger launch named MV Rejwan collided with an oil tanker on the Daulatdia-Paturia river route on Thursday morning, leaving at least ten passengers injured. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. after the launch departed from Paturia Ghat toward Daulatdia Ghat. Two passengers fell into the river during the collision but managed to swim back to the vessel safely.

According to Rajbari Fire Service and Civil Defense officials at Daulatdia Ghat, the injured passengers were assisted upon arrival and handed over to their relatives. Daulatdia River Police Station Officer-in-Charge Trinath Saha stated that the oil tanker was en route from Nagarbari to Dhaka when the collision nearly occurred. The launch master reversed the vessel sharply to avoid a major crash, causing a jolt that led to minor injuries among several passengers.

All injured passengers later continued to their destinations, and no fatalities were reported in the incident.

Iran launched attacks on energy facilities in four Gulf countries in response to an Israeli strike on its South Pars gas field, one of the world’s largest. On the 20th day of the conflict, key oil and gas installations in Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia were targeted, according to Al Jazeera.

Qatar reported that its main gas production hub at Ras Laffan Industrial City was hit by Iranian missiles early Thursday, causing significant damage. In Kuwait, drone attacks ignited fires at the Mina al-Ahmadi and Mina Abdullah refineries, though no casualties were reported. In the UAE, debris from intercepted missiles caused explosions at the Habshan gas facility and Bab oil field, also without casualties. In Saudi Arabia, a drone crashed into the Samref refinery near Yanbu port, with damage assessments ongoing.

The series of attacks has heightened concerns over Middle East energy security and further escalated regional tensions.