Hasanat Abdullah, the chief organizer (southern region) of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a member of parliament, has issued an apology after a video of him making objectionable comments about a senior BNP leader spread on social media. In a post on his verified Facebook account on Thursday night, he acknowledged the incident and expressed regret, noting that a child’s voice was also heard in the video, making the matter more sensitive.

Abdullah explained that the video had been recorded during the election period and was originally intended for a closed group, but it was later circulated widely online. He offered an unconditional apology, stating that such behavior was inappropriate and pledging to prevent similar incidents in the future. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decency and harmony in political discourse.

The NCP leader further stated that in post-fascist politics, personal attacks and the spread of hatred or hostility should not be tolerated, reaffirming his commitment to healthy, tolerant, and responsible political practices.

Road Transport, Bridges, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that garment factories will grant holidays in phases ahead of Eid to prevent excessive travel pressure. He made the statement at a press conference following a meeting on Eid travel held at the Secretariat on Thursday afternoon. The minister emphasized that no unethical advantage or extortion will be tolerated during the holiday period, and any unregistered group collecting money from owners or workers will face immediate action.

The minister said that around 15 million people are expected to leave Dhaka within two to three days before Eid, posing a major challenge. To ensure smooth travel, all relevant agencies, transport owners, workers’ associations, and law enforcement bodies have been instructed to remain vigilant. He warned that any transport charging fares above the fixed rate would face penalties, including possible route permit cancellation.

Authorities will also control illegal parking, roadside stalls, and unfit vehicles on highways. The minister added that additional BRTC buses will be kept ready if needed to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapon announced that the President’s upcoming address to the first session of the National Parliament, scheduled to begin on March 12, will reflect the government’s welfare-oriented initiatives. He said the speech will particularly emphasize key programs such as the Family Card, Farmer Card, and agricultural loan waivers.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday, March 5, after a Cabinet meeting, the minister explained that the Cabinet has prepared to ensure the government’s initiatives are properly represented in the President’s address. Discussions also covered the implementation of various promises and programs already undertaken by the government.

Swapon added that the Prime Minister will soon convene a meeting with relevant ministries to discuss the global war situation, with the finance, power, and energy ministers expected to attend. Regarding public uncertainty over Eid holidays, he said the Cabinet Secretary will provide official information on the matter.

Former administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Mohammad Ejaz, has clarified reports about the city’s treasury being empty. In a Facebook post on Thursday, March 5, 2026, he stated that upon handing over his responsibilities on February 10, 2026, he left more than Tk 1,260 crore in the DNCC fund. He said the amount was distributed across 26 accounts of the corporation.

Ejaz explained that he had served as administrator for a one-year contractual term and completed his tenure by leaving what he described as a financially strong DNCC. He emphasized that the city corporation was in a sound financial position when he departed.

In his post, Ejaz also expressed optimism that the current DNCC team would continue to perform well and contribute to building a better Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued an urgent directive for candidates whose nominations were suspended in the 48th BCS (Special) Examination 2025. According to a notice released on Thursday, March 5, 2026, these candidates must submit their BMDC certificates by filling out a mandatory Google form between March 5 and March 31.

The PSC stated that even those who have already submitted hard copies of their certificates must also complete the online form. Applications from suspended nominees will not be accepted after March 31. The 48th BCS (Special) written examination was held on July 18 of the previous year, and the final results were published on September 11. A total of 2,820 candidates were nominated for the post of Assistant Surgeon and 300 for Assistant Dental Surgeon.

The directive aims to finalize pending nominations and ensure all required documentation is properly submitted within the specified timeframe.

Road Transport, Bridges, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that collecting money for welfare funds by registered and legal owners’ or workers’ associations cannot be considered extortion. He made the remarks at a press conference following a meeting on Eid travel preparations at the Secretariat on Thursday afternoon. The minister emphasized that no unethical benefits will be allowed during the Eid travel period.

Responding to questions about whether the government is legitimizing extortion in the transport sector, the minister clarified that if any unregistered or unauthorized group collects money arbitrarily, it will be treated as extortion and immediate action will be taken. He added that all relevant agencies, transport associations, and law enforcement bodies have been holding meetings to ensure safe and comfortable Eid travel. The minister warned that no extra fares or roadside extortion will be tolerated.

Sheikh Robiul Alam also said that about 15 million people are expected to leave Dhaka within two to three days before Eid, posing a major challenge. Authorities will remain more active than ever, with coordinated preparations, additional BRTC buses, and staggered factory holidays to ease travel pressure.

The Government of Bangladesh has introduced changes to the official protocol followed during the Prime Minister’s foreign departures and returns. According to a regulation signed by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani under the Ministry of Public Administration on Thursday, March 5, 2026, only four officials will now be present at the airport during these occasions. They include the senior-most minister of the cabinet, the Chief Whip of the National Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Previously, the protocol required attendance from cabinet members, chiefs of the armed forces, and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new directive marks a significant reduction in the number of officials involved in these ceremonial proceedings.

The change reflects a formal decision by the government to streamline state protocol during the Prime Minister’s official and state visits abroad and upon return to the country.

The government of Bangladesh has announced that bus operators charging fares above the approved rate will have their route permits canceled. The decision was made at an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, when around 15 million people are expected to travel from Dhaka to rural areas. The measures aim to ensure smooth and safe travel during the holiday period.

Transport Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam said that heavy vehicles will be banned on highways from three days before Eid until three days after. Mobile courts will monitor fare compliance, prevent extortion, and enforce road discipline. Repairs on national highways and key city roads must be completed ten days before Eid, and 207 traffic congestion points identified by highway police will be addressed in advance.

The government will also install CCTV and searchlights at five major Dhaka terminals and link them to control rooms. Additional steps include banning unfit vehicles, preventing overloading, keeping toll plazas operational, and ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply during the holiday period.

Following recent attacks by the United States and Israel, pro-government rallies have emerged across several Iranian cities. According to analysts, many Iranian citizens are gathering around the national flag as a symbol of patriotism and expressing support for the country’s political system in response to the external assaults.

Abbas Aslani, a senior research fellow at the Tehran-based Center for Middle East Strategic Studies, told Al Jazeera that instead of protesting against Iran’s leaders, many people are now taking to the streets to denounce the US and Israeli attacks and to show solidarity with the government. He noted that some Iranians who were previously dissatisfied with the economic and political situation had once hoped for US assistance, but now realize that such support is not forthcoming.

Analysts suggest that external military pressure often temporarily suppresses internal political divisions, prompting segments of the population to rally around the government as a symbol of national unity.

The government of Bangladesh has decided to confer the 2026 Independence Award on former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and 19 other individuals and institutions for their contributions to nation-building. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani announced the decision on Thursday, March 5, following a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat. The award, the country’s highest civilian honor, recognizes outstanding contributions in various fields of national life.

According to the announcement, Khaleda Zia, a three-time former prime minister and BNP chairperson, has been selected posthumously for her contributions to independence, democracy, and women’s education. In total, 15 individuals and 5 organizations will receive the award this year. The Independence Award, also known as the Independence Day Award, has been presented annually since 1977 to honor exceptional service to the nation.

The award commemorates the martyrs of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and is traditionally presented on March 26, the country’s Independence Day.

Freedom fighter Iqbal Chowdhury has testified as the fourth witness in a case involving abduction and torture at the Joint Interrogation Cell, known as Ayenaghar, during the Awami League’s fifteen-year rule. He gave his statement before the three-member panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, describing severe torture after being abducted for his writings critical of India and the Awami League.

In his testimony, Iqbal said he was subjected to electric shocks and beaten with sticks on his legs and ankles. He recounted being interrogated about his war role and his Facebook posts criticizing the government and Indian influence. He described being detained for a year, held in a high-walled room with blood-like stains and writings, and hearing sounds suggesting proximity to the Dhaka Cantonment area. He later recognized Lt. Col. Hasinur Rahman during detention.

Iqbal stated he was released on April 25, 2019, and later learned the facility was under DGFI control. He held then–Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several military officials responsible for his torture and demanded justice.

Former three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, along with 14 other individuals and five institutions, will receive the Independence Award 2026, Bangladesh’s highest civilian honor. Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Nasimul Gani announced the decision on Thursday, March 5, 2026, following a Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat. Khaleda Zia has been selected posthumously for her contributions to independence, democracy, and women’s education.

The list of honorees includes figures from diverse fields such as science, literature, culture, sports, rural development, social service, public administration, research, and environmental conservation. Institutions like Faujdarhat Cadet College, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, PKSF, Gonoshasthaya Kendra, and SOS Children’s Village International in Bangladesh are among the awardees.

The Independence Award, introduced in 1977, is presented annually on March 26 to honor individuals and organizations for their distinguished contributions to national life and the memory of the 1971 Liberation War.

Following recent attacks by the United States and Israel, a large segment of Iran’s population is showing solidarity with the government, according to a Tehran-based analyst cited by Al Jazeera. The report notes that despite US President Donald Trump’s call for Iranians to ‘take back their country,’ many citizens have instead rallied in support of the state.

Abbas Aslani, a senior researcher at the Middle East Strategic Studies Center, stated that instead of protesting against national leaders, people in Tehran and other cities are holding gatherings condemning the attacks and expressing loyalty to Iran’s political system. He added that some Iranians who once hoped for US assistance due to dissatisfaction with economic or political conditions now realize that Washington is not coming to their aid.

The report also mentions that Iran has accused the attackers of targeting civilian areas to cause maximum casualties and claimed that an international football stadium was destroyed in the strikes.

Iraq has stated that it will not tolerate any form of threat against Iran from within its territory. The assurance came from Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani, according to a written statement released by Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. The statement followed a telephone conversation between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and the Iraqi leader amid Iran’s ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s post on social media platform X, the Iraqi prime minister expressed respect for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the call. He also reaffirmed that his government would not permit any hostile activities against Iran to be launched from Iraqi soil or along its borders.

The statement underscores Iraq’s attempt to balance its regional relations while maintaining stability amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Exiled Iranian royal Reza Pahlavi has called for the immediate transfer of power following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Al Jazeera, Pahlavi made the appeal in a post on social media platform X on March 5, 2026, urging officials of the Islamic Republic to hand over authority without delay.

In his statement, Pahlavi warned that any attempt to appoint a successor to Khamenei would fail, arguing that no new leader could gain legitimacy in the eyes of the Iranian people. His remarks come amid heightened political uncertainty in Iran after the reported assassination of its top leader.

The call reflects continuing opposition sentiment among exiled figures and adds to questions about Iran’s political transition following Khamenei’s death.