Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury announced that the government will assist expatriates whose visas are expiring because of flight cancellations. He said the ministry has launched a hotline to provide support and urged affected expatriates to contact the ministry for help. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving any problems faced by expatriates. He made these remarks on Saturday morning in Sylhet after attending a Holi festival organized by the Academy for Manipuri Culture and Arts.

Responding to questions about Bangladeshis in Middle Eastern war zones, the minister said his ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Civil Aviation are working jointly. He added that the government informs the respective foreign authorities about any casualties and follows due procedures. The ministry and embassies are monitoring the situation regularly, and the Prime Minister is also overseeing developments. The government is providing full cooperation in this regard.

Addressing local law and order issues in Sylhet, the minister stated that those responsible for rising crime will not be spared and that the administration has been directed to take strict action.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman spent his holiday working at his office in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on March 7, 2026. According to Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony, this marked the third consecutive Saturday the prime minister has worked since taking office. Senior advisers and officials, including Public Administration Adviser Ismail Jobiullah, Economic Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, and Education and Expatriate Welfare Adviser Mahdi Amin, were also present.

During the day, Rahman met with Dr. Nargis Akhter, Director General of the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, to discuss expanding the use and market of jute-based products. Later, he held a meeting with Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on reducing costs and improving efficiency in the energy sector.

The deputy press secretary added that the prime minister planned to attend an iftar event at the state guesthouse Jamuna, organized in honor of religious scholars and orphans.

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh is set to resume hearing on March 8 on appeals challenging the 15th amendment to the Constitution. The case will be heard by an Appellate Division bench led by the Chief Justice. The appeal follows the High Court’s December 17 verdict, which had ruled on several provisions of the amendment. The Appellate Division had earlier, on November 13, granted permission to appeal against that verdict.

The 15th amendment, passed by Parliament on June 30, 2011, and approved by the President on July 3, 2011, abolished the caretaker government system and introduced several constitutional changes. These included recognizing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation, increasing reserved seats for women in Parliament from 45 to 50, restoring secularism and religious freedom, and adding nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism as state principles. It also criminalized unconstitutional seizure of state power as treason and revised election timing provisions.

The writ petition challenging the amendment was filed by Badiul Alam Majumdar and others, later joined by political leaders and organizations. The petitioners’ lawyers argue that the entire amendment should be annulled.

U.S. President Donald Trump posted a message on his Truth Social platform on March 7, 2026, warning that Iran would be hit very hard. Referring to comments by Iran’s president, Trump claimed that Iran had apologized to its Middle Eastern neighbors, surrendered, and promised not to fire at them again. He said this pledge came as a result of continuous attacks by the United States and Israel.

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had expressed regret to neighboring countries that were targeted by Iranian strikes and assured that Iran would not attack unless provoked. However, reports indicated that Iran had not completely halted its assaults, as a suspected drone strike occurred near Dubai International Airport, and Qatar reported intercepting a missile.

In the latter part of his post, Trump stated that Iran would be struck very hard and that areas and groups not previously targeted were under serious consideration for total destruction and certain death.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that President Md. Shahabuddin will deliver a speech at the first session of the new parliament, in line with parliamentary tradition. He confirmed that all necessary preparations for the event have been completed. The minister made the statement on Saturday while speaking to journalists after the second day of a workshop held at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan.

During the discussion, the minister mentioned that the workshop would conclude with its fourth session later in the afternoon. He added that the government is working to ensure effective use of the legislative branch, particularly the national parliament, and to keep it active under the leadership of the head of the ruling party.

The announcement underscores the government’s readiness for the upcoming parliamentary session and its focus on strengthening parliamentary functions and governance.

Vote counting continues in Nepal following Thursday’s general election, with former rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah emerging as the early frontrunner. Shah, who served as Kathmandu’s mayor until January, is leading by a wide margin, positioning him as a potential next prime minister. His centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is ahead in more than two-thirds of the 165 directly elected seats, according to BBC Nepali. The Nepali Congress trails in second place, while the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) stands third. Final results may take several days due to Nepal’s slow counting process and the logistical challenges of collecting ballots from remote areas.

Shah, 35, trained as a civil engineer and was active in Nepal’s hip-hop scene before entering politics. His popularity surged during last year’s protests over social media restrictions, corruption, and unemployment, which led to the resignation of then-leader KP Sharma Oli. Shah’s tough stance as mayor drew both support and criticism, particularly from human rights groups. He is contesting from Jhapa-5, Oli’s traditional stronghold, and is currently leading there as well.

Analysts view this election as a generational shift, with many young voters seeking new leadership after decades of unstable coalition governments.

At a discussion organized by the July Charter Implementation Movement Committee at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday, speakers alleged that BNP’s central leadership is denying the July Revolution to conceal its own failures. Mamunul Haque said grassroots BNP activists played a vital role in the revolution, but their sacrifices are being undermined by party leaders. He added that BNP leaders initially accepted part of the July Revolution but later opposed it, failing to recognize the role of students in the movement.

Haque further stated that thousands of BNP activists have endured imprisonment, disappearances, and killings over the past 16 years, and their sacrifices should inspire the party to implement the July Charter. He warned against disregarding the charter, which he claimed had won about 60 percent support in a public referendum. DUJ President Shahidul Islam and former Assistant Attorney General Golam Rahman Bhuiyan also criticized the government for allegedly betraying the July Charter, arguing that any administration formed without honoring it lacks legitimacy.

The meeting was chaired by retired Lieutenant General Chowdhury Hasan Sarwardy, with several senior journalists and political figures also addressing the event.

Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed said the BNP wants to move away from the poor culture of parliament. He stated that new members of parliament will work to meet public expectations and are being trained for that purpose. He made these remarks on Saturday morning while speaking to journalists.

The second day of a training workshop for BNP lawmakers was held at the party chairperson’s office in Gulshan, Dhaka, ahead of the first session of the 13th National Parliament. Members from Dhaka, Mymensingh, Faridpur, and Dhaka divisions attended the morning session, while MPs from Sylhet, Comilla, and Chittagong divisions joined in the afternoon. Experienced MPs shared their insights with the newly elected members.

The workshop covered parliamentary procedures, codes of conduct, bill drafting and review, budget document analysis, and the functions of parliamentary committees. The initiative aims to prepare BNP lawmakers for a more welfare-oriented and widely accepted parliament.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s bilateral and multilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation. Speaking at an iftar reception for diplomats at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka on Friday, he said prosperity is built through collaboration, not isolation. Ambassadors, foreign mission representatives, cabinet members, and lawmakers attended the event.

Rahman outlined his administration’s priorities, including easing business regulations, attracting responsible investment, and promoting public-private partnerships to drive growth. He emphasized transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures as foundations of democratic governance. The government plans to expand vocational education, introduce a third language in curricula, and extend preventive healthcare to rural areas to ensure equitable development.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s position at a critical juncture, the prime minister said the goal is to build a diversified, technology-driven, and sustainable economy that empowers women, creates jobs, and fosters entrepreneurship. He also urged support for Bangladesh’s candidate, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman, for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly session for 2026–27.

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance has announced preparations to play a constructive and responsible opposition role in Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament. Following the February 17 oath-taking of its 77 members, Jamaat Amir and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared the party’s intention to support government initiatives that serve national interests while opposing actions deemed harmful to the people. The alliance aims to replace confrontational politics with a positive, issue-based approach both inside and outside parliament.

Jamaat has already organized training sessions for its newly elected MPs to familiarize them with parliamentary procedures, committee functions, and legislative responsibilities. The sessions, held on February 18–19 in Dhaka, were designed to prepare members for effective participation in debates, bill reviews, and oversight activities. Party leaders, including Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan and MPs Mufti Amir Hamza and Kamal Hossain, emphasized their commitment to constructive politics and public service.

The alliance’s leadership stated that their goal is to establish a culture of responsible opposition similar to that seen in developed democracies, ensuring that parliament becomes a meaningful center for national dialogue and accountability.

A new CNN-commissioned SSRS poll shows that a majority of Americans are dissatisfied with the United States’ recent military strike on Iran. About 59 percent of respondents opposed the decision, while 41 percent supported it. The survey, conducted shortly after US and Israeli attacks in Iran, also revealed widespread doubts about President Donald Trump’s ability to handle the situation effectively.

According to the poll, 60 percent of Americans believe Trump lacks a clear plan for dealing with Iran, and 62 percent think he should seek congressional approval before taking further military action. Only 27 percent said the US made sufficient diplomatic efforts before the strike, while 39 percent felt more diplomacy was needed. The survey also found that 56 percent foresee a long-term military conflict between the two nations, and 54 percent believe the strike could increase the threat from Iran rather than reduce it.

Political divisions were evident: 77 percent of Republicans supported the strike compared with 32 percent of independents and 18 percent of Democrats. Despite these differences, opposition was strong across age, gender, and racial groups.

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Iran must surrender unconditionally, stating that no agreement will be made with Tehran unless it complies. In a post on his own social media platform, Trump emphasized that only after Iran’s unconditional surrender would discussions about the future be possible.

Trump further said that following Iran’s surrender, the United States and its allies would assist in forming a new, “acceptable” Iranian leadership. He added that Washington and its partners would also help in rebuilding Iran under that new leadership.

The statement, reported by Al Jazeera, underscores a hardline stance toward Tehran, signaling that Washington’s engagement will depend entirely on Iran’s capitulation.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam stated that although political leadership has changed in Bangladesh, the lives of ordinary people have not improved. Speaking at an iftar event organized by Khelafat Majlis at Fars Hotel and Resorts in Dhaka’s Paltan area on Friday evening, he remarked that the country’s leadership now ends speeches with 'Bangladesh Zindabad' instead of 'Joy Bangla', symbolizing only a shift in party dominance rather than real progress.

Nahid Islam alleged that incidents of violence against women and rape have increased across the country since the BNP formed the government. He cited a case in Noakhali’s Hatiya, where a woman was allegedly assaulted for voting for the Shapla symbol. He criticized civil society and women’s rights activists for remaining silent on these issues.

He emphasized that despite others’ silence, the National Citizen Party will continue to speak out for people’s rights. Senior NCP leaders, including chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, attended the event.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that the July uprising would be defended even at the cost of life. Speaking as chief guest at an iftar event organized by Khelafat Majlis at Fars Hotel and Resorts in Dhaka, he said the survival of the interim government, national election, and newly formed administration depended on preserving the July spirit. He pledged unity to protect the July ideals and prevent any return to fascism or impunity.

Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Abdul Basit Azad, presiding over the event, accused the new government of engaging in divisive politics over the July Charter and referendum. He warned that attempts to politicize the referendum through the courts would have serious consequences. Azad urged the government to honor its commitments as a signatory to the July Charter and to introduce a bill in the first parliamentary session to form a constitutional reform council.

Azad also condemned attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran, calling for global solidarity with Iran and unity among Muslim nations against aggression.

A video circulating on social media claimed that the army conducted a raid at the residence of Hasnat Abdullah, the chief coordinator of NCP’s southern region and Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4, seizing a large cache of weapons and arresting three people. However, fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner has confirmed that the claim is false.

According to Rumor Scanner’s investigation, the video being shared does not depict any raid at Hasnat Abdullah’s home. Instead, it shows footage from a joint forces operation in Savar, where a former leader of Jahangirnagar University’s student wing and three associates were arrested with weapons. The same footage was originally published on February 9 by Ekattor Television’s YouTube channel and reported by The Daily Campus.

Rumor Scanner found no evidence from mainstream or credible news sources supporting the claim of an army raid at Hasnat Abdullah’s residence, confirming that the viral allegation is baseless.