Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a protest rally in Dhaka on Friday after the Juma prayers, demanding the arrest and interrogation of former advisers Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Dr. Khalilur Rahman. The party accuses them of manipulating the people's mandate through alleged election engineering. The demonstration will take place at the north gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka Metropolitan South.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar will attend the rally as the chief guest, alongside other central and metropolitan leaders. The information was confirmed by Ashraful Alam Imon, Assistant Media Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat-e-Islami.

The protest is part of Jamaat’s ongoing political activities in the capital, reflecting its continued opposition stance and calls for accountability regarding alleged election irregularities.

The United States Senate on Wednesday rejected a proposal to halt President Donald Trump’s military offensive in Iran. The motion, introduced by Democratic Senators Tim Kaine, Adam Schiff, and Chuck Schumer, received 47 votes in favor and 52 against, effectively allowing the ongoing military campaign to continue. The proposal also sought to reaffirm Congress’s constitutional authority to approve any act of war by the United States.

During the debate, Democrats accused Trump of bypassing Congress and offering inconsistent justifications for the conflict, while most Republican senators defended the president’s actions. Supporters of the motion argued that Trump exceeded his constitutional powers by joining Israel in the war against Iran, noting that only Congress can declare war except in cases of imminent threat. Republican Senator Rand Paul broke ranks with his party to support the proposal, emphasizing that no war should proceed without debate and a formal vote.

A similar vote was scheduled in the House of Representatives the following day. The Senate decision came days after the United States and Israel launched a joint assault on Iran, citing Tehran’s renewed nuclear and missile activities.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that addressing the situation in Cuba is only a matter of time, following the completion of current operations related to Iran. He made the remarks while discussing future U.S. policy directions, indicating that the administration’s immediate focus remains on Iran before turning attention to Cuba.

Trump also commented on the possibility of exiled Cubans returning to their homeland, saying that some may wish to stay because of their affection for Cuba. However, he added that the United States does not intend to make the situation so favorable that everyone would remain there permanently. His comments were reported by Al Jazeera.

The statement comes amid ongoing U.S. involvement in Iran, where recent attacks have caused significant damage and casualties, suggesting that Washington’s foreign policy priorities remain centered on the Middle East before shifting toward the Caribbean.

Germany’s Defense Ministry announced that it has no plans to send additional troops to the Middle East despite escalating tensions in the region. In a statement issued on March 6, 2026, the ministry said Berlin’s current level of military participation in international missions will remain unchanged. The German Navy continues to take part in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), but no further deployments are planned.

The ministry emphasized that Germany’s primary military focus is on NATO’s defense operations in Eastern Europe. The statement reflected Defense Minister Boris Pistorius’s earlier remarks in parliament, where he clarified that Germany is not a party to the ongoing conflict. The announcement comes amid reports of intensified hostilities in the Middle East, including attacks in Iran and rising regional instability.

The decision signals Berlin’s intent to maintain its existing international commitments while prioritizing European security concerns under NATO frameworks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi directly addressed U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring that his Plan A had failed and that Plan B would face an even greater failure. Posting on the social media platform X, Araghchi wrote that the attempt for a quick military victory under Plan A did not succeed and warned that any follow-up strategy would meet a worse outcome. He added that the opportunity for a unique agreement had ended with the last round of negotiations.

Araghchi further stated that the approach of prioritizing Israel, which he described as “Israel First,” always results in “America Last.” His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The statement underscores Iran’s firm stance against U.S. policy directions and signals that diplomatic openings for compromise have closed, according to the Iranian minister’s comments.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he believes he must personally be involved in the selection of Iran’s next supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In an interview with Axios, Trump said Iran would be “wasting time” if it attempted to appoint a successor without U.S. participation.

Trump acknowledged that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is being viewed as a possible successor but declared that he would not accept him. He described Mojtaba as weak and said he was unacceptable to him, emphasizing that the United States wants someone who can bring harmony and peace to Iran.

The president further warned that he would reject any new Iranian leader who continues the policies of the previous leadership, cautioning that such continuity could lead to renewed conflict with the United States within five years.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam has called for the immediate formation of a constitutional reform council, warning that key state institutions are being systematically politicized. He made the remarks on Thursday evening at an iftar event in a Gulshan hotel, organized in honor of foreign diplomats to mark the NCP’s founding anniversary.

Nahid Islam alleged that the reform process promised under the July Charter has been disrupted, accusing the government of politicizing major state bodies such as Bangladesh Bank and the Anti-Corruption Commission. He emphasized that the establishment of the reform council is clearly stated in the July Charter and urged the international community to take note of the situation. According to him, depoliticizing state institutions is essential to ensure they serve public welfare.

His statement reflects growing opposition concern over institutional neutrality and the pace of promised political reforms under the July Charter framework.

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis central Naib-e-Ameer Maulana Rezaul Karim Jalali has called on the government to immediately implement the recently concluded referendum verdict and the July Charter. He made the remarks on Thursday, March 5, during a discussion, prayer, and iftar gathering organized by the party’s Sylhet district branch at Talotola in Sylhet city.

During the event, Jalali emphasized that the people of the country are eagerly waiting to see the implementation of the referendum verdict and the July Charter, warning that the public will not tolerate any delay. He also highlighted the spiritual significance of the holy month of Ramadan, describing it as the month of the Quran’s revelation and urging everyone to stay connected with the Quran for success in this world and the hereafter.

The meeting was presided over by Sylhet district president Maulana Muhammad Iqbal Hossain and attended by several senior leaders of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis and allied parties, including former MP Maulana Advocate Shahinur Pasha Chowdhury and other local political and religious figures.

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.