Bangladesh’s Jamuna River in the Bogura region is facing severe navigability problems due to reduced water flow from India. Local sources report that eight river routes have already been closed this dry season, disrupting transport and increasing hardship for residents. Sandbars have emerged across the river, making navigation nearly impossible and isolating communities dependent on river transport.

Officials from the Water Development Board said the Jamuna’s average depth has dropped from about 9.5 meters to around 2 meters, largely due to dam construction in upstream countries including India and China. The river’s Bangladesh section spans 220 kilometers of its total 4,000-kilometer length. Local boatmen and leaseholders said even small boats now struggle to move, affecting livelihoods in 141 riverine villages with over 200,000 people.

Authorities acknowledged the crisis, noting that while the Bangali River is under a dredging program, no such project exists for the Jamuna. Engineers warned that continued upstream water control could turn the region into a desert-like area unless natural water flow is restored.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) staged a protest on Saturday, February 28, in front of the university proctor’s office after posters of the banned Chhatra League appeared across the campus overnight. DUCSU leaders demanded that the administration identify those responsible through CCTV footage within 24 hours and bring them under legal action, warning of tougher programs if their demand is not met.

The protest, led by DUCSU Social Service Secretary A.B. Zubair, accused the administration of negligence and alleged that the banned group had previously carried out provocative activities on campus. The posters, calling for the release of all Chhatra League political prisoners, were seen at several key university locations, including Madhur Canteen, the central library, and Curzon Hall. A video showing the poster activity was reportedly shared on social media by the banned group’s DU branch president.

Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed said security officers had been instructed to verify the identities of on-duty guards and investigate how the posters were placed despite their presence. DUCSU leaders also expressed concern over recent incidents of violence against women and children in different districts and demanded swift justice.

Bangladesh embassies in six Middle Eastern countries have issued urgent advisories urging expatriates to remain cautious and avoid military installations amid escalating conflict between Iran and the United States-Israel alliance. The advisories, released on Saturday, also provided hotline numbers for emergency contact. The alerts follow reports of a Bangladeshi worker injured in a drone attack at Kuwait airport after Iran began retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases across the region.

The embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain advised Bangladeshi nationals to stay indoors or in safe locations, respect local laws, and follow official instructions. They also warned against sharing unverified information or uploading related images or videos on social media, citing local legal restrictions. The UAE embassy specifically urged residents to keep essential items such as passports, cash, medicines, and power banks ready.

Hotlines and email contacts were activated in all six countries to assist citizens in emergencies, as the Bangladesh foreign ministry continues monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that a reform council will be established swiftly in the upcoming parliament. He stated that all laws and ordinances passed by the interim government would be granted indemnity and expected parliamentary approval. He made these remarks on Saturday at the party’s first founding anniversary iftar gathering held at Abahani Field in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

Nahid emphasized that the NCP continues its struggle to abolish fascism and fully establish democracy, including implementing the July Charter and the results of the public referendum. He said justice for fascists, perpetrators of mass killings, and enforced disappearances is essential. The party’s slogan, he noted, is “revolution, alternative, and reconstruction,” reflecting its vision to rebuild Bangladesh through alternative political strength.

Addressing party members, Nahid expressed hope that local government elections would be held soon and urged NCP activists nationwide to prepare. He added that although the party won six seats in the recent election, it aims to expand its achievements in the coming days.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may no longer be alive. In a brief message reported by Reuters and AFP, Netanyahu said that available information increasingly suggests the Iranian “dictator” is gone, though he could not confirm Khamenei’s death. He also appeared to signal Iranians to begin protests following this claim.

Earlier the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that, to his knowledge, Khamenei is alive. Araghchi made the comment during a live appearance on NBC News after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran. The conflicting statements have added uncertainty to the situation surrounding Iran’s leadership.

The reports come amid heightened regional tension following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that reportedly killed 201 people in Iran, according to the source.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has demanded justice for what it described as a nationwide massacre following the February 28, 2013 verdict against Allama Delawar Hossain Sayeedi. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the organization’s central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah Sibga called for recognition of those killed, rehabilitation of affected families, and prosecution of those responsible.

The statement said the 2013 verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal sparked widespread protests across Bangladesh, which were met with violent attacks by law enforcement and ruling party supporters. Shibir alleged that at least 70 people, including women and children, were killed on that day, and the death toll rose to over 150 in the following days. The group cited former opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia and international organizations such as Human Rights Watch as having condemned the violence at the time.

Shibir leaders urged the current government to ensure justice, provide state recognition to the victims, and rehabilitate affected families to end what they termed a legacy of impunity.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the Islamic world to take urgent measures to prevent escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to Al Jazeera, Erdogan stated that he would accelerate diplomatic efforts to restore peace and bring parties back to the negotiation table.

Erdogan described recent U.S. and Israeli attacks as deeply concerning, saying the situation began with provocative actions by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also condemned Iran’s missile and drone strikes against Gulf nations, calling them unacceptable regardless of the reasons.

The remarks come amid reports of intensified conflict in the region, including claims of high casualties in Iran following joint Israeli-American attacks. Erdogan’s appeal highlights Turkey’s call for collective diplomatic engagement among Muslim-majority nations to stabilize the situation.

Kuwait has ordered the suspension of Taraweeh prayers in all mosques until further notice due to fears of Iranian retaliation following recent regional attacks. The decision was reported by Al Jazeera and announced on March 1, 2026. Taraweeh prayers are traditionally performed by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan.

According to the report, Israel and the United States launched large-scale attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. In response, Iran began striking U.S. bases across the Middle East, including in Kuwait. The Iranian Red Crescent stated that 201 people were killed and 747 injured in the attacks on 24 of Iran’s 32 provinces. Over 220 Red Crescent teams were engaged in rescue operations at the affected sites.

The situation has heightened regional tensions, prompting emergency appeals from leaders across the Islamic world for coordinated action. Kuwait’s precautionary move reflects growing security concerns amid escalating hostilities.

A journalist was assaulted during an iftar event organized by the Gana Odhikar Parishad in Dashmina, Patuakhali, on Saturday evening. The incident occurred at the Dashmina Government Model Secondary School field shortly after the iftar, in the presence of the party’s president and State Minister Nurul Haque Nur. According to reports, members of the party’s student and youth wings attacked Safayet Hossain, the local correspondent of the Daily Manabzamin, after he filmed a commotion over the distribution of iftar items.

The event was held to welcome Nurul Haque Nur on his first visit to Dashmina after assuming his ministerial role in the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Following the assault, local BNP activists rescued the injured journalist and took him to the Dashmina Upazila Health Complex, where doctors admitted him for treatment.

Nurul Haque Nur said he heard about the disorder during food distribution but was unaware of any attack on a journalist. Dashmina Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hasnain Parvez stated that police were sent to the hospital and an investigation would be conducted.

Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) president Md Rakibul Islam Rakib announced that the organization will work to realize its July-August aspirations and demands under the leadership of the newly formed government. He made the remarks on Saturday, February 28, during an iftar and prayer gathering organized by the Kabi Nazrul Government College unit of JCD.

Rakib stated that the pledge taken during the July movement and the mass uprising remains alive among them, emphasizing that they will not retreat from that commitment. He called for unity across all groups to fulfill the aspirations of the mass uprising and to contribute to building a new Bangladesh.

The event was attended by Kabi Nazrul Government College Principal Professor Mohammad Habibur Rahman, Teachers’ Council Secretary Abdullah Al-Mahmud, Dhaka South BNP Joint Convener (Office Secretary) Saidur Rahman Mintu, and several former and current leaders of the college unit.

An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused the United States of betraying diplomacy after Washington launched another attack against Iran while the two countries were engaged in negotiations. The spokesperson said this was the second time in less than a year that the U.S. had acted against Iran during diplomatic talks.

The statement reflects Tehran’s frustration with what it views as contradictory U.S. behavior—pursuing dialogue while simultaneously taking hostile actions. The spokesperson’s remarks underscore ongoing tensions between the two nations and highlight the fragile state of their diplomatic engagement.

The accusation suggests that Iran sees the latest U.S. move as undermining trust in the negotiation process, though no further details about the attack or the talks were provided in the statement.

Israeli air strikes targeted Blat and Wadi Barghouti in southern Lebanon’s Iqlim al-Tuffah region, marking another breach of the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, according to Al Jazeera. The Israeli military said it was attacking Hezbollah infrastructure, while local reports indicated that most raids struck open areas in forests and hills, with no casualties reported so far. Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV said Israeli drones dropped explosives in Markaba for the third time, and Al-Mayadeen confirmed multiple raids on the al-Tuffah heights.

The strikes follow a deadly attack on Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley that killed one person and wounded 29 others, including a 16-year-old Syrian boy, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health. The United Nations reports that more than 300 people, including 127 civilians, have been killed since the ceasefire began. Israel’s war on Lebanon, which started in October 2023, has left over 4,000 dead and 17,000 injured.

Lebanon’s government says it is close to completing its ceasefire pledge to disarm Hezbollah south of the Litani River, but Hezbollah rejects full disarmament while Israeli attacks and occupation continue.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment announced that it will arrange overnight accommodation for passengers affected by the cancellation of flights to the Middle East. The cancellations occurred due to a state of war in the region, causing unexpected difficulties for travelers. The announcement was made through an official information release on Saturday night.

According to the ministry, passengers whose flights have been canceled are requested to contact the Expatriate Welfare Desk or lounge for assistance with lodging arrangements. The initiative aims to ease the inconvenience faced by travelers stranded in Bangladesh as a result of the disrupted flight schedules.

The ministry’s statement reflects the government’s effort to provide immediate support to affected passengers while the situation in the Middle East remains unstable.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has decided to close the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the IRGC. The report stated that the move was made due to the strait’s strategic importance. The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman in southern Iran, serves as a vital maritime route for global shipping.

Tasnim reported that the IRGC has sent messages to vessels, informing them that no ships will be permitted to pass through the strait until further notice. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed receiving multiple reports about this warning. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical trade routes, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.

The closure could have significant implications for international energy transport and maritime trade, given the strait’s central role in global oil and gas distribution.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that at least 200 US soldiers were killed in its latest counterattack amid the ongoing direct conflict between Iran and the United States. According to Tasnim News, the strikes targeted American military bases in the Middle East and allegedly caused severe damage to a US Central Command (CENTCOM) warship. Tehran described the operation, named “Truthful Promise 4,” as a major success.

In response, a CENTCOM spokesperson told Al Jazeera that the Iranian claims were entirely false, rejecting reports of casualties or damage to any US vessel. CENTCOM stated that its defense systems intercepted most of the Iranian attacks and that there were no significant losses among US forces so far.

The conflicting statements highlight an escalating information war between Tehran and Washington, with both sides seeking to control the narrative of the confrontation.