YouTube has signed a new global partnership with FIFA that will position the platform as a preferred digital destination for content tied to the upcoming World Cup. The agreement is designed to expand how fans access tournament content across TV, mobile devices and social video formats, bringing official footage, archival material and creator-led coverage together on the platform.

“By spotlighting FIFA’s premium content and unlocking new opportunities for media partners and creators, this agreement will engage global fans in ways never seen before,” said FIFA secretary general, Mattias Grafström.

Under the deal, FIFA will release portions of its digital archive on its official YouTube channel, including full-length matches and historic moments from previous World Cups. The move is intended to build anticipation ahead of the event while giving fans access to decades of tournament footage.

The partnership also introduces new distribution opportunities for official broadcast rights holders. Media partners—including Bell Media in Canada—will be able to publish extended highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, Shorts and on-demand video on their own YouTube channels, with monetization options tied to the platform’s advertising ecosystem.

Live sports has traditionally been a safeguard against the steady flow of advertising dollars from traditional broadcasters to the digital giants, but short-form sports content on channels like YouTube and Tiktok is gaining in popularity, with fans, particularly Gen Z, increasingly consuming highlight clips online rather than watching full matches. FIFA’s official YouTube channel has 24.7 million subscribers and more than 12,000 videos.

For the first time in the competition’s history, participating broadcasters will also have the option to live stream the opening 10 minutes of every match on YouTube, offering fans a preview of the action while directing viewers to full broadcasts on their primary platforms. A limited number of full matches may also be streamed directly on YouTube as part of the agreement.

The initiative also places creators at the centre of tournament coverage. A global group of yet-to-be-announced YouTube creators will receive access to matches, players and other behind-the-scenes moments, producing commentary, tactical analysis and storytelling content designed for digital audiences.

“As the world’s attention turns to the action in Canada, Mexico and the United States, this collaboration with YouTube reinforces our ambition to maximize the tournament’s impact across the ever-evolving media landscape, offering fans everywhere easy access to an immersive view of the biggest single-sport event in history,” Grafström said.

The YouTube partnership follows FIFA’s partnership with TikTok, also as a preferred platform. TikTok will have access to new original content that will bring the World Cup to life beyond90-minute matches, including curated clips, and special World Cup content. A creator program will give “a select group of global TikTok creators” access to behind-the-scenes moments like press conferences and training sessions, while a larger group will be given new access to FIFA archival footage.

The collaboration signals FIFA’s broader strategy to extend the tournament’s footprint beyond traditional broadcast. For YouTube, the deal reinforces the platform’s growing role as a distribution hub for live sports and sports-adjacent content, particularly around major global events.

“Whether you’re a hardcore or a casual fan, this partnership will help usher in the next generation of fans while showcasing that no other platform unites the world around major moments like YouTube,” said Justin Connolly, vice-president and global head of media and sports at YouTube.

New York: The Bengali New Year celebration will be held for the fourth time at Times Square on April 11. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has confirmed his participation in the Mangal Shobhajatra (festive procession).

The information was confirmed by Bishwajit Saha, founder and president of NRB Worldwide, the organizing body. According to organizers, the Mangal Shobhajatra will be one of the main attractions of the Bengali New Year 1433 celebrations in New York and is expected to draw attention from Bengalis around the world.

As part of the preparations, the third round of rehearsals was held on Sunday at Nabanna Auditorium. The session, hosted by the organization’s General Secretary Tofazzal Hossain, was attended by over a hundred artists and performers, including director Mohitosh Talukdar Tapas.

Under the direction of Mohitosh Talukdar, rehearsals for five new songs took place over the weekend. Sunday’s sessions included children and teenagers in the first segment, followed by a combined group of young and adult performers, with nearly a hundred participants in total.

Earlier, a special rehearsal of traditional Jari, Sari, and Marfati songs was conducted under the supervision of folk artist Shaheen Hossain, featuring 15 selected performers. Another rehearsal, led by Rabindra Sangeet artist Kartik Chandra Das, included 12 participants. Additionally, more than 50 dancers have been regularly practicing under the choreography and direction of Chandra Banerjee for the Times Square event.

Celebrations for the Bengali New Year will take place on April 11 at Times Square and continue on April 12 at Diversity Plaza, creating a festive atmosphere across New York City’s boroughs. Professor Hossain Kabir of University of Chittagong noted that despite various challenges, the festival has brought cultural vibrancy to the expatriate community over the past four years, a spirit clearly reflected in the recent rehearsals.

Dubai: It’s official. Saudi Arabia announced today (March 18, 2026) that the first day of Eid al Fitr will fall on March 20, after the Shawwal crescent moon was not sighted. The moon-sighting committee convened and verified the sighting of the new moon, marking the end of Ramadan after 30 days of fasting. This aligns with the Islamic tradition of determining the start of a new month through lunar observation.

Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development announced that holidays for Eid for employees in the private and non-profit sectors will begin tonight, Wednesday, Mar 18, and last for four days, in accordance with the provisions of the Saudi Labour Law.

Mohammed Al Ruzaiqi, the ministry’s spokesperson, said at the time that the announcement aimed to provide clarity for employers and employees ahead of the holiday period, allowing organisations to organise work schedules and ensure operational continuity in essential sectors while safeguarding workers’ rights to the festive break.

Today, March 17, 2026, marks the 106th birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh. He was born on March 17, 1920, in Tungipara, in the Gopalganj District, to Sheikh Lutfur Rahman and Sayera Khatun.

From an early age, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was actively involved in politics. During his youth, he developed strong political awareness and participated in various movements for the country’s independence. He was imprisoned early in his political career and, despite numerous challenges, eventually emerged as a prominent political leader.

He played a pivotal role in leading the nation toward independence in 1971. His historic March 7 speech at the Racecourse Ground inspired the Bengali people to join the struggle for freedom. On the night of March 25, Pakistani forces arrested him. After a nine-month-long war, Bangladesh achieved independence on December 16, 1971.

Following independence, Bangabandhu became the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh and later served as President. However, on August 15, 1975, he and most of his family members were assassinated in a military coup. His death remains one of the most tragic chapters in the country’s political history.

Over the years, his birthday has been observed in various ways. The observance became more prominent during the tenure of the Awami League government, when the day was marked with official, political, and social programs. However, the past two years passing without major formal ceremonies.

Educational institutions, political parties, social organizations, and both government and private entities continue to mark the occasion with tributes and discussions. These events often focus on his political life, his sacrifices for independence, and his role as the founding leader of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu’s birth anniversary is not just a commemoration of a leader’s life—it stands as a symbol of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence, national heritage, and enduring spirit. It also serves as an opportunity for younger generations to learn about his vision, leadership, and ideals.

TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Tehran had shown it was ready to take the war with Israel and the United States as far as necessary. “I think by now they have learned a good lesson and understood what kind of nation they are dealing with, one that does not hesitate to defend itself and is ready to continue the war wherever it may lead, and take it as far as necessary,” said Araghchi during a weekly foreign ministry briefing.

DINAJPUR – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government will take initiatives to establish agro-processing industries in the Dinajpur region to utilize its agricultural potential, strengthen the local economy and create employment opportunities.

“If agricultural products can be preserved and processed properly, the local economy will become stronger and employment opportunities will also increase,” he said. The premier made the remarks while addressing a civic gathering and iftar mahfil at Dinajpur Circuit House ground this evening as the chief guest. Tarique Rahman said Dinajpur holds special emotional value for him, recalling memories linked to his maternal grandparents’ home in the district.

“People usually ask where someone’s maternal home is. But whenever I think of Dinajpur, the first thing that comes to my mind is my grandmother’s house,” he said. The premier mentioned that he has many childhood memories connected with his grandparents’ home in Balubari and Ghasipara areas of the town. Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, said this personal connection has inspired him to work for the development of the region.

Referring to speeches delivered by the Deputy Commissioner, Chamber of Commerce president and local political leaders, he said they had highlighted various problems and potentials of the district, and the government would take those issues into serious consideration.

Reiterating that the government has begun implementing the commitments made to the people before the election, the premier said, “Alhamdulillah, within about one month of forming the government, we have already started implementing many of the promises we made to the people”.

As part of the implementation of the BNP government’s election pledges, Tarique Rahman said, the canal excavation programme was formally launched across the country today from Sahapara in Kaharole upazila in the district.

“For many years, our rivers, canals and waterways have been filled up. As a result, there is a water crisis during the dry season, and when water suddenly comes during the monsoon season, it damages nearby crops and homes,” the premier said.

Therefore, he said, the government has taken a plan to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years and expressed hope that this initiative would facilitate irrigation for agriculture and reduce dependence on groundwater.

Expressing concern over the excessive use of groundwater, the Prime Minister said, “Previously water could be found at a depth of around 100 to 150 feet, but now in many cases it requires going down 600 to 700 feet”.

“If water can be retained through excavation of canals and rivers, groundwater will gradually recharge and the arsenic problem will also begin to decline,” he added.

Highlighting the government’s initiative to empower women economically, Tarique Rahman said the government has undertaken a programme to provide ‘Family Card’ to four crore families led by women across Bangladesh.

“Half of Bangladesh’s population is women. We cannot move this country forward by leaving women behind,” he said.

Noting that the pilot project for the ‘Family Card’ programme has already begun and is being implemented experimentally in 15 areas across the country, including Dinajpur-6 constituency, the premier said that after the completion of the pilot scheme, the programme will gradually be expanded nationwide.

Tarique Rahman said that his government also introduced an honorarium for religious leaders as per his party’s election pledge.

“We said before the election that we would arrange an honorarium for those who serve as imams, muezzins and khatibs in mosques, as well as religious leaders of other faiths,” he said, “Alhamdulillah, a few days ago we started that programme as well”.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to national development, the Prime Minister said the administration would work with full dedication to build the country people aspire to. People from various professions and social groups of Dinajpur district attended the civic gathering and iftar event.

LGRD and Cooperative Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, local lawmaker Syed Jahangir Alam, District Bar Association President Abdul Halim, Dinajpur Chamber and Commerce President Abu Bakar Siddiq, district Jamiat-e-Islami President Matiur Rahman Kashemi and Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam spoke at the event.

Dinajpur district BNP President Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal presided over the function while General Secretary Bakhtiar Ahmed Kachi conducted it. Earlier, Prime Minister opened the excavation of 53 canals across the country by initiating the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara Canal in the Balrampur area of Kaharole upazila in the district. He formally launched the initiative by cutting soil with a spade at 12:27 pm. Later, he planted a sapling of a tree on the bank of the Sahapara Canal.

KAHAROLE, Dinajpur – Highlighting various government initiatives involving the country’s commoners, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his party’s political vision is to change the people’s fortune.

“If someone earns Taka 5,000 today, we want their income to elevate to Taka 10,000 within the next few years. If someone earns Taka 2,000, we want to take such policies that will help double their income,” he said.

The premier added: “This is our political goal. This is the politics of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, this is the politics of Khaleda Zia, and this is the politics of the BNP government elected by you.”

Tarique Rahman, also BNP chairman, made the remarks while addressing a public rally on the bank of Sahapara Canal in the Balrampur area here this afternoon after inaugurating the nationwide programme to excavate and re-excavate rivers, canals and water bodies. The premier opened the excavation of 53 canals across the country by initiating the excavation of the 12-kilometer Sahapara Canal here.

Tarique Rahman formally launched the initiative by cutting soil with a spade at 12:27pm. Later, the Prime minister planted a sapling of a tree on the bank of the Sahapara Canal. Referring to his election pledges to build a beautiful country like developed nations and highlighting the role of the country’s people during the Liberation War, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s tenure and anti-fascist movement, Tarique Rahman stressed that development programmes cannot succeed without public support.

Reflecting on the present government’s development plans and steps to improve the living standard of the country’s people, he said, “I cannot do this work alone. We need you with us . . . without your support, it is impossible to carry out this work.”

Describing the people as the true owners of the country, the premier said, “The people are the source of all power, and the people are the real owners of this country”.

He urged the countrymen to remain vigilant against attempts to create division or unrest in the country. “Some people try to create confusion with sweet words. We must remain alert against those who want to create instability in the country,” the Prime Minister said. About the newly launched canal excavation programme, Tarique Rahman said that the programme marked the beginning of a broader effort to build a stronger Bangladesh where citizens could establish their rights.

“Through this canal excavation programme, we want to build a Bangladesh where people can establish their rights and stand strong both economically and politically,” the premier said.

Noting that he will closely monitor the implementation of the canal excavation programme, Tarique Rahman said, “When I hear that the excavation of the 12-kilometre Sahapara Canal has been completed, InshaAllah I will come again to see it”.

The premier said that once the Sahapara canal excavation is completed, it will bring major benefits to agriculture in the area.

“This canal is about 12 kilometres long. When the work will be fully completed, around 31,000 farmers will receive irrigation water from it,” he said, adding, irrigation facilities from the canal will cover about 1,200 hectares of land, while nearly 350,000 people will benefit from the water in various ways.

Noting that the improved irrigation system is expected to increase crop production significantly, Tarique Rahman said, “The farmers of this area will be able to produce about 60,000 metric tons more crops than the current production, InshaAllah”.

Recalling the pledges made before the national election, the Prime Minister said the BNP government has already begun implementing several pledges aimed at supporting farmers and rural communities.

He noted that Bangladesh is home to nearly 20 crore people, most of whom live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, it is important to put agriculture on a strong foundation, because if agriculture survives and farmers remain well, the people of Bangladesh will remain well, the premier said, adding, thus, the government has been implementing different farmer-friendly programmes.

Tarique Rahman reminded the audience that his government had promised before the election to waive agricultural loans of up to Taka 10,000 including interest, and that the decision was taken during the first cabinet meeting after forming the government.

Pointing out the importance of canal excavation, the Prime Minister said many canals across the country have been filled up over time, causing water shortages during the dry season and floods during the monsoon.

“Across Bangladesh many canals that existed before have been filled up. In some places even rivers have been filled,” he said, adding, by digging canals, it will be possible to store excess rainwater during the monsoon and use it for agricultural purposes.

The premier said the government planned to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years to improve water management and support agriculture. Alongside canal excavation, he said, the government will also undertake a tree plantation programme.

“We will plant around 7,000 trees along the banks of this Sahapara canal. People will be able to move along the canal road and benefit from it,” the Prime Minister said. Tarique Rahman warned that excessive extraction of underground water through deep tube wells has caused groundwater levels to fall significantly.

“Ten years ago water could be found at a depth of about 50 feet, but now in many places people have to go as deep as 300 feet,” he said. Therefore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of conserving surface water through canal and river excavation so that underground water reserves can be preserved for future generations.

Highlighting several other programmes introduced by the present government, he said the government has already launched the ‘Family Card’ programme, which aims to reach four crore families led by women across Bangladesh. Although some areas have not yet received the cards, the premier assured that the programme would gradually expand.

“We have already started the pilot project and distributed Family Cards among 37,000 women. Gradually the programme will reach all areas, including Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh,” he said.

About the ‘Farmer Card’, Tarique Rahman said that a plan has been taken to launch the ‘Farmar Card’. Through this, small, marginal and medium farmers will be able to get various government benefits, he said, adding that the pilot project is going to be launched soon.

The Prime Minister announced that the government is also planning to promote agriculture-based industries in the northern region. He said discussions have already been held with major companies involved in agricultural processing and manufacturing. After the Eid-ul-Fitr, he said would sit with those industrial institutions so that more agro-based mills and industries can be established in this region, including Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh, to create employment opportunities for local youth.

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Disaster Management, Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad and Jatiya Sangsad Whip Md Akhtaruzzaman Mia spoke at the rally.

Local lawmakers Syed Jahangir Alam, Md Sadique Reaz and Md Monjurul Islam also spoke, among others.Dina jpur district BNP President Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal presided over the rally while General Secretary Bakhtiar Ahmed Kachi conducted it.

DHAKA – First session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad will continue till April 30, 2026 while every day session will begin at 3:00 pm, except on government holidays. The decision was taken at the first meeting of the Business Advisory Committee of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad held today at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, a JS press release said.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, who is also the chairman of the committee, presided over the meeting. Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, MP, attended the meeting.

Other members attended the meeting included Leader of the Opposition Md. Shafiqur Rahman, Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam, Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman, opposition member ATM Azharul Islam, Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, and treasury bench member Muhammad Nawshad Zamir.

At the special invitation of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal also attended the meeting, the release said. The meeting discussed the issue of time allocation and duration of the first session of the 13th Parliament. It was decided that a total of 50 hours will be allocated for discussion on the President’s speech.

The Speaker was also empowered to make any necessary changes in the schedule of the House and working days of the session if required. A total of 468 questions have been received for this session, including 8 questions for the Prime Minister and 460 questions for other ministers.

In addition, 27 notices under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure and 97 notices under Rule 131 have been submitted. Secretary of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Kaniz Moula and senior officials were present.

DHAKA – Newly appointed administrators of five city corporations paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today. The administrators met the Prime Minister at his office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban here.

The administrators are: Advocate Bilkis Akhtar Jahan Shirin of Barishal City Corporation, Mahfuzur Rahman Riton of Rajshahi City Corporation, Md Rukonuzzaman Rokon of Mymensingh City Corporation, Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury of Rangpur City Corporation and Md Yusuf Molla of Cumilla City Corporation.

State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam was present at the meeting. Earlier today, the government issued a gazette notification appointing them as administrators to the five city corporations.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said his government has already started implementing the promises his party BNP made to the people before the national election in a gradual manner. “After the formation of the BNP government with the people’s mandate, we have started implementing all the promises made to the people before the election in a gradual manner, Alhamdulillah,” he said.

Tarique Rahman, also the ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the monthly honorariums scheme for imams, muazzins and khadems of mosques, and heads and assistant heads of other religious institutions across the country.

At the event, he opened the programme by pressing the button of IBAS system to send the honorariums to the bank accounts of respective beneficiaries through EFT system under a pilot scheme at a function at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to eliminating economic disparity by creating employment, the premier said, “We promised the people before the national elections that we all will live well together by eliminating financial inequality by providing financial assistance or creating jobs for people from different classes and professions of society, who are economically disadvantaged. Now we have started implementing them”.

Highlighting several initiatives already undertaken by the government, he said the government has already introduced the ‘Family Card’ programme for economically disadvantaged women, adding that the scheme will gradually cover women across the country.

Tarique Rahman also announced that the ‘Farmer Card’ or ‘Krishok Card’ programme will be launched from April 14, the first day of the Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh).

In addition, he said, the government’s canal excavation programme will begin in Dinajpur on March 16.

About the honorarium scheme for religious leaders, the premier said, “From today, the honorarium programme for khatibs, imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths has started. Gradually, everyone who needs this support across the country will be brought under the programme”.

He said that the government will make its utmost efforts, within the capacity of the state, to ensure economic and social security for all citizens regardless of religion, caste or profession.

Highlighting the responsibilities of the citizens, Tarique Rahman said, “If we, as citizens, properly fulfill our responsibilities towards the state and society from our respective positions, I hope that in the next 10 years, we will be able to see a politically and economically self-reliant Bangladesh, In-Sha-Allah”.

Noting that the government wants to build the country on a strong foundation by ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen, he said, “If citizens are kept weak, the state can never be strong”.

“Therefore, we want to establish our country on such a strong foundation by ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen so that no more fascism or the evil forces of subjugation can take away the freedom of the people,” the premier added.

Tarique Rahman called for being imbued with religious, social and moral values, saying, “An economically prosperous state may ensure financial comfort in people’s lives, but without acquiring patience, honesty, gratitude, respect, loyalty, solidarity, tolerance, generosity, friendship, humility, responsibility or kindness, a person cannot become a complete human being”.

“To achieve such human qualities, it is important to be inspired by religious, social and moral values,” he added.
Stating that liberal educational statements of religion are unparalleled in building a safe society free from revenge and violence, the premier said, “I believe that every religion has such positive messages for building a morally rich human society”.

“Therefore, the role of people with religious knowledge like you is very important in creating a mentality rich with religious, social and moral values,” Tarique Rahman added.

After concluding his speech, Tarique Rahman took part in a photo session with beneficiaries on the stage.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the function as the guest of honor and Prime Minister’s Adviser for Public Administration and President of the cell formed to implement the honorarium providing programme Md Ismail Zabiullah attended the function as the special guest with Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) in the chair.

Secretary of the Religious Affairs Ministry Munshi Alauddin Al Azad delivered the welcome address at the function.

Shaykh-e-Charmonai Mufti Syed Fayzul Karim, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Mufti Muhibbullahil Baki, Pesh Imam, Baitul Mukarram National Mosque; Mufti Saiful Islam, Khatib, Dhanmondi Taqwa Mosjid; valiant freedom fighter Uday Sankar Chakraborty, general secretary of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram Kurigram; Dharma Mitra Mahathero, head of the International Buddhist Monastery, Dhaka; and Archbihop Bejoy N D’Cruze, OMI, Archbishop of Dhaka; also spoke at the event.