Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Sunday that although he initially supported talks with the United States, he has now withdrawn from that stance in accordance with the decision of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian emphasized that government policies must align with the Supreme Leader’s position. In the impeachment speech of Finance Minister Abdolnasser Hemmati, Pezeshkian highlighted the imbalances in water, gas, electricity, and financial sectors when the government took office. Critics have blamed Hemmati’s economic policies for the rise in the exchange rate of the dollar, soaring food prices, and severe inflation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to strengthen efforts to form a coalition involving the UK, France, and other countries, with an aim to include the United States in supporting Ukraine. During this period, Starmer also revealed a four-step action plan to end the war and protect Ukraine from Russian forces. After a conference with 18 leaders in London, Starmer said, “We are at a crossroads in history.” Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed feeling “strong support” and noted that the conference showcased the “highest level of European unity seen in years.”

On Sunday, France and the United Kingdom proposed a one-month partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. French President Macron announced that the ceasefire would exclude land combat but apply to attacks on air, sea, and energy infrastructure. Following British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call, a conference of European leaders was held in London to advance Ukraine’s peace plans. Macron attended the conference, and world leaders reaffirmed their strong support for the Ukrainian leadership. Macron further stated that the second phase of the ceasefire would involve the deployment of European ground troops to Ukraine.

Regarding the heated dispute between U.S. and Ukrainian Presidents at the White House, Finland’s President, Alex Stubb, stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is the true winner of the conflict. Stubb believes that international leaders are now ready to move forward on a more constructive path after the tensions. He observed some changes in NATO under Donald Trump’s administration, describing it as “more transactional,” but also noted that NATO remains strong and alive. Additionally, Stubb praised the leadership of French President Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet with King Charles of the United Kingdom on Monday. Trudeau has confirmed that the preservation of Canada’s sovereignty will be a primary focus of their discussion. Earlier last week, King Charles invited Donald Trump to the UK for his second official state visit. During a public meeting at the Oval Office, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer handed over the invitation to Trump. Since his second term as President of the United States, Trump has repeatedly stated that Canada would be better off if it became the 51st state of the U.S.

On Monday afternoon, the Chairman of Sadik Agro, Imran Hossain, was arrested by the CID in connection with a money laundering case. CID spokesperson Jasim Uddin Khan confirmed the arrest. The CID revealed that there is an ongoing case involving the laundering of 133 crore BDT. Imran, along with Touhidul Alam Zenith and the company Sadik Agro, is facing charges under the Money Laundering Prevention Act for laundering the said amount. Additionally, he is accused of fraud.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has sent a letter to India requesting the extradition of Sheikh Hasina to face trial after she fled to India. Relations between Dhaka and Delhi have been strained over several issues, including the construction of a barbed wire fence along the border and the suspension of Indian visas. In an interview with BBC, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus commented that the situation has improved, stating, “The clouds have cleared, and relations with India are now good. Communication is ongoing.” He further emphasized that the negative propaganda was a factor, but both nations are interdependent, and there is no room for deteriorating relations.

Garments workers in Gazipur blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in protest after a female worker, Afsana Akter Laboni, committed suicide by jumping from the roof of a factory. The workers set a vehicle on fire, disrupting traffic. The protestors claimed the factory’s negligence led to her death. Police and military forces intervened, clearing the area by 10 AM. More than fifty nearby factories declared a holiday due to the unrest.

Nabil Hossain, a 22-year-old Chhatra League member from Birampur, Dinajpur, was arrested after posting a photo with a weapon on Facebook, captioned “Sweetheart.” The post included a message threatening suicide if his ex-girlfriend did not contact him. Police apprehended him on Sunday evening from Boro Maath in Birampur. Nabil, a member of the banned Chhatra League branch in Birampur Municipality, was arrested in connection with a murder case and will be sent to Dinajpur court for further proceedings.

The Appellate Division has stayed the High Court’s ruling that canceled the recruitment of 6,531 assistant teachers for government primary schools in Dhaka and Chattogram divisions. The decision was made on March 3, with a hearing set for March 2. The High Court had earlier instructed the government to make appointments based on merit after canceling the previous recruitment. The results for the recruitment were initially announced on October 31, with 6,531 candidates qualifying.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelattati has announced that a reconstruction plan for war-torn Gaza is ready. The plan ensures that Palestinians can remain on their homeland. It will be presented at an urgent Arab Summit in Cairo on March 4. He stated that Egypt seeks international support and funding for this plan, particularly emphasizing Europe’s critical role in financing Gaza’s reconstruction. Abdelattati affirmed that Egypt would ensure the Arab Summit's outcome is presented to the world in the best possible way.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated in an interview with the BBC that Ukraine is still prepared to sign an agreement with the United States concerning mineral resources. He expressed his desire for the world to hear Ukraine’s position and for international partners to remember who the aggressor is in the ongoing war. He also mentioned his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the United States. Meanwhile, EU leaders have gathered for a European summit, where Ukraine's security and support for President Zelensky have been given top priority.

In protest against inter-cadre discrimination and biased temporary suspensions by the administration cadre, 25 cadre officials staged a strike and human chain demonstration on Sunday. Protesters gathered in Rajshahi with banners, expressing their concern over the recent suspension of 12 officials from 25 cadres for trivial reasons, while no action was taken against administration cadre members for similar offenses. Cadre members from Chuadanga, Brahmanbaria, and Moulvibazar, among other areas, joined the protest.

To support low-income families, the sale of TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh) products will begin in 64 districts via truck sales starting March 5. Sheikh Bashiruddin, Trade Advisor, confirmed that this initiative is already active in six districts and will now extend to 56 more. He emphasized the role of district administrators in ensuring that TCB products reach one million marginalized people. He urged administrators to distribute smart cards to all beneficiaries by March 17 and to monitor the market closely to prevent hoarding, especially during Ramadan.

An explosion caused by a gas leak in Dhakeshwari, Narayanganj, has left eight people, including women and children, severely burned. The victims were rescued early on Monday and rushed to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute’s emergency department. The injured are Sohag (23), Rupali (20), Samiya (10), Jannat (4), Hannan (50), Sabbir (12), Somaiya (1.5 years), and Nurjahan (35). The extent of their injuries will be disclosed later.