Iran’s interim president Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday issued an apology to neighboring countries that had been targeted in recent Iranian attacks, an unusual move during an ongoing conflict. He acknowledged responsibility for the strikes and stated that Iran would not attack unless first provoked. His remarks followed a series of regional escalations after U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28 that killed several senior Iranian commanders and disrupted the country’s central command structure.

Pezeshkian’s statement appeared aimed at signaling that Tehran does not seek to expand the war, though it also reflected the fragile state of Iran’s interim leadership following the deaths of top figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Reports indicated that Iran-linked attacks have continued, with Qatar and the UAE intercepting missiles on Saturday. Inside Iran, hardliners criticized Pezeshkian’s comments as a sign of weakness, while abroad, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the apology amounted to surrender.

Analysts suggested the apology could serve multiple purposes: easing regional tensions, buying time for Iran’s interim council before a new leader is chosen, or marking the start of internal political restructuring.

Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli paid a courtesy call on Sheikh Robiul Alam MP, the minister in charge of road transport, bridges, railways, and shipping. The meeting took place in Dhaka, where Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque was also present. During the discussion, the ambassador congratulated the current government of Bangladesh and expressed Switzerland’s interest in deepening bilateral ties based on mutual interests and cooperation.

Renggli highlighted Switzerland’s long-standing friendship with Bangladesh and its willingness to further strengthen relations, particularly in infrastructure development, technology, port management, and various development projects. He assured continued Swiss cooperation and support in these sectors. Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam welcomed the ambassador and emphasized that Bangladesh’s rapid progress in development and infrastructure requires strong international partnerships.

Both sides agreed to maintain regular communication and collaboration to make Bangladesh–Switzerland relations more dynamic and mutually beneficial in the future.

Bangladesh’s Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan announced that no decorative lighting will be allowed across the country on March 26, the Independence and National Day, to conserve energy and prevent potential fuel shortages. He made the statement on March 8, 2026, following a law and order review meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The minister said all necessary preparations have been made to celebrate the day with due respect. Security will be strengthened at the National Memorial to ensure smooth tributes from the President, Prime Minister, cabinet members, and various political and social organizations. He also confirmed that March 25 will be observed as Genocide Day with appropriate solemnity.

In the same briefing, the minister outlined coordinated measures to ensure smooth Eid travel and timely payment of wages and bonuses for garment workers, with the Industrial Police serving as the focal point for coordination among relevant agencies.

The National Nari Shakti, a women's organization under the National Citizen Party (NCP), was officially launched at an event held at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha on Sunday morning. The event, titled “Emergence of Women’s Power and Remedies for Increasing Violence Against Women and Justice for Rape,” marked the formal beginning of the new platform.

NCP convener and opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam, who is also the Member of Parliament for Dhaka-11, attended as the chief guest. In her remarks, she stated that efforts would be made to find the women’s voices that have gone missing across the country since July. The program focused on addressing the growing incidents of violence against women and ensuring justice for victims.

The launch of National Nari Shakti signals the NCP’s intent to strengthen its engagement on women’s rights and social justice issues through organized advocacy and awareness initiatives.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that Sheikh Hasina, despite fleeing abroad over crimes against humanity, has shown no remorse and is attempting to destabilize Bangladesh from outside the country. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while speaking at the inauguration of the documentary film 'Mayer Dak'.

During his speech, the BNP Secretary General said he would write to the Prime Minister urging the government to provide allowances to families who lost members in past struggles. He emphasized that while many have achieved positions of power, the children of those who sacrificed remain in uncertainty, and supporting them would give true meaning to the government’s existence.

Fakhrul also highlighted the importance of accurately portraying history in new film projects and expressed regret that, apart from the language movement, many national struggles have not been adequately represented in literature or poetry. He hoped that the current movement would achieve global recognition through truthful cultural representation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a televised address to the nation amid the ongoing war with the United States and its close ally Israel. In his speech, broadcast by Iran’s state media, Pezeshkian said Iran seeks to maintain good relations with neighboring and friendly countries but accused enemy states of attempting to sow division. He emphasized that Iran is compelled to respond to attacks originating from other countries’ territories, though this does not mean Tehran has disputes with those nations.

Pezeshkian declared that Iran would take a firm stance against any aggressor and resist strongly against those who attack the country. Calling for national unity, he urged citizens to come forward to defend Iran’s land and water. He asserted that with the people’s spontaneous participation, Iran would not allow its enemies to occupy even an inch of its territory.

The address, reported by Al Jazeera and Iranian state media, underscored Tehran’s message of resistance and national solidarity during the conflict.

US President Donald Trump stated that the United Kingdom does not need aircraft carriers for the ongoing war with Iran. He made the comment on Saturday in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. His remarks came shortly after a statement from the UK Ministry of Defence announced that one of the country’s two main aircraft carriers, HMS Prince of Wales, had been placed on full readiness.

In his post, Trump wrote that the UK, once America’s greatest ally, was now seriously considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. He added that the United States no longer needed such allies who joined wars only after victory was achieved. The comments reflect Trump’s critical stance toward the UK’s military decisions during the conflict.

The exchange highlights differing approaches between Washington and London regarding military involvement in the Iran war, though no official response from the UK government was mentioned in the report.

A case has been filed against Nasiruddin Patwari, chief coordinator of the NCP, for allegedly making defamatory and threatening remarks against Mirza Abbas Uddin Ahmed, the Prime Minister’s political adviser and a BNP Standing Committee member. The case was lodged on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Hasan Shahadat by Md Ashraful Islam, president of the Ramna unit of the Nationalist Party. The plaintiff’s lawyer, Md Amirul Islam Amir, confirmed that the application had been submitted and that a hearing on its admissibility would take place later in the day.

According to the complaint, Patwari had made false and defamatory statements during and after the 13th parliamentary election, in which he lost to Mirza Abbas. The plaintiff alleged that Patwari continued spreading such remarks through social media and online news outlets, including a Facebook post on March 5 that went viral. The statements reportedly damaged Mirza Abbas’s reputation and were described as offensive and uncivil. The complaint also requested the issuance of an arrest warrant against Patwari.

Bangladesh observed International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026, emphasizing women’s empowerment, rights, and social roles. The article outlines that despite notable progress in education, health, and political participation, women in Bangladesh continue to face structural and cultural challenges. The country has achieved significant milestones since independence, including legal reforms such as the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and the Acid Crime Prevention Act, aimed at protecting women’s rights.

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report, Bangladesh ranks highest in South Asia for women’s empowerment, though gender gaps persist in education, health, and employment. Women’s labor force participation reached 42.7% in 2020, but most remain in informal sectors without adequate protection. Political participation has improved, with 85 women contesting the 13th national election and seven elected to parliament. However, patriarchal norms still limit women’s authority in reserved seats.

The article stresses that women’s empowerment is essential for national development. It calls for stronger measures to ensure equal pay, safe workplaces, expanded education in science and technology, and improved maternal health services, particularly in rural areas.

Several political groups formed after the July 2024 uprising, including the National Citizens Party (NCP), have begun renewed discussions on building a broader alliance. Following the end of the interim government and the formation of a new administration, these groups are reassessing their strategies to strengthen organizational capacity, reactivate inactive leaders, and unify fragmented July-aligned platforms. Some factions that split from the NCP, such as those led by former adviser Mahfuz Alam, have launched new political platforms but are expected to maintain implicit support for the July movement’s goals.

The discussions are driven by concerns over the ruling party’s stance on the July National Charter for constitutional reform, the High Court’s rule on its implementation, and fears of authoritarian resurgence. NCP leaders have criticized the government’s approach to justice and reform, pledging to uphold the July Charter and resist any rollback. The party has formed two new committees to monitor reform implementation and justice for July-related killings.

Amid these developments, the NCP is working to reintegrate former members, attract allied groups such as the AB Party and UP Bangladesh, and prepare for coordinated political action to pressure the government into fulfilling reform commitments.

U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed Iran for a deadly bombing at a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, that killed at least 165 people. Speaking to reporters at Dover Air Force Base on Saturday, Trump dismissed suggestions that the United States was involved in the attack, asserting, “It was Iran.” He also said he had no indication of Russian involvement or evidence that Russia was assisting Iran.

Trump further commented on Kurdish forces, stating that he did not want Kurdish fighters to enter Iran. He added that the U.S. goal was to see a president in Iran who would not lead the country into war.

The bombing in Minab has sparked widespread international attention and debate over who was actually responsible. Discussions and disputes continue among various parties regarding the true perpetrators of the attack.

U.S. President Donald Trump has blamed Iran for a deadly bombing at a primary school in Minab, southern Iran, that killed at least 165 people. Speaking to reporters at Dover Air Force Base on Saturday, Trump dismissed suggestions that the United States was involved in the attack, asserting, “It was Iran.” He also said he had no indication of Russian involvement or evidence that Russia was assisting Iran.

Trump further commented on Kurdish forces, stating that he did not want Kurdish fighters to enter Iran. He added that the U.S. goal was to see a president in Iran who would not lead the country into war.

The bombing in Minab has sparked widespread international attention and debate over who was actually responsible. Discussions and disputes continue among various parties regarding the true perpetrators of the attack.

A violent clash erupted between local activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in Sakoa village of Mohanpur upazila, Rajshahi, on Saturday night. The confrontation occurred around 8 p.m. during a discussion over appointing an imam for the upcoming Eid prayer. According to local Jamaat leaders, one Jamaat activist named Alauddin was killed in the incident.

Following the death, Jamaat supporters blocked the Rajshahi-Naogaon highway and set fires on the road. Witnesses reported that the dispute began when both groups insisted on appointing their preferred candidate as imam for the Eid congregation. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, leaving several people injured. Alauddin was taken to a local hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Police have deployed additional forces to control the situation. Mohanpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge S.M. Moinuddin confirmed the death and said the situation is now under control.

A Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) student activist was reportedly attacked and injured by Awami League members in Chatkhil upazila of Noakhali on Saturday evening. The incident occurred at Korihati Bazar, where the victim, identified as Md. Faisal, claimed he was assaulted after returning home from Dhaka. Faisal went live on Facebook while injured, stating that Awami League activists attacked him suddenly after iftar, leaving injuries on his hands, head, and back, and also vandalized his shop.

Faisal alleged that despite the BNP being in power, Awami League supporters carried out the attack. He demanded justice from Mahbub Uddin Khokon, a Member of Parliament. Chatkhil Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Mannan confirmed the incident, saying police visited the scene and advised the parties to come to the station. He added that legal action would follow upon receiving a formal complaint.

The report did not mention any arrests or official statements from Awami League representatives regarding the incident.

A protest rally and meeting were held in Banshkhali, Chattogram, on March 7, 2026, against alleged mob violence led by BNP leader Delwar Azim. The incident reportedly involved preventing High Court–reinstated chairman Rezaul Karim Chowdhury Yunus Munshi from entering the Baharchhara Union Parishad office, vandalizing property, and looting materials. The protest, jointly organized by a faction of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, drew several thousand participants who condemned the attack and demanded accountability.

Speakers at the rally said the chairman had regained his position through a High Court order after a prolonged legal process but faced obstruction from Azim’s supporters. They warned that any future attempt to block the chairman’s duties through violence would be met with strong resistance. Delwar Azim denied involvement, claiming he was in Chattogram city during the incident.

The dispute follows administrative delays in implementing the court’s directive to reinstate the chairman, leading to tensions and administrative paralysis in Baharchhara Union. Local residents and political circles have expressed concern over the ongoing uncertainty.