Iranian media reported that a new Supreme Leader has been selected following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ahmad Alamolhoda, a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, confirmed that the selection process has been completed, though the name of the chosen leader has not yet been officially announced. The formal declaration will depend on Hosseini Bushehri, head of the Assembly’s secretariat, who is responsible for making the announcement. The semi-official Mehr News Agency carried the report.

The development comes after Khamenei was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike last Saturday, according to the report. Prior to the selection, Israel had warned that whoever becomes Iran’s next Supreme Leader would be targeted. The situation has drawn attention across the region, with reports of concern among Gulf countries over Iran’s conflicting messages.

An official announcement from the Assembly of Experts is expected soon, which may clarify the leadership transition and its implications for Iran’s political direction.

NCP convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam has alleged that a culture of harassment through false cases, similar to that of the Awami League, has re-emerged. Speaking at the NCP’s Barishal divisional iftar and prayer gathering on Sunday at Halima Khatun Government Girls’ High School field, he claimed that a false case had been filed against Nasiruddin Patwari and warned that such actions would not silence party members.

Nahid Islam stated that the BNP should not emulate the Awami League, describing the BNP as an anti-fascist party that had stood on the streets during mass uprisings. He cautioned that if the BNP compromised with the Awami League or India and sheltered corrupt individuals, the NCP would resist on the streets. He also urged local leaders to prepare for upcoming local government elections, saying that while the party accepted alleged manipulation in national polls for the sake of stability, it would not tolerate irregularities in local elections.

The event was attended by NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari, senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib, and National Youth Power convener Tarikul Islam.

President Md. Shahabuddin announced that the government has introduced a 'Family Card' program aimed at empowering economically disadvantaged women and promoting family self-reliance. The initiative will officially begin on March 10, 2026. He made the announcement on Sunday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka during the International Women’s Day 2026 event organized by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.

The president emphasized that women contribute about 16 percent to the country’s GDP and play vital roles across sectors including household work, healthcare, education, agriculture, industry, literature, and construction. He stressed that ensuring women’s safety both at home and in public is essential for achieving the benefits of development plans. Shahabuddin also noted that the government is taking strict measures to ensure swift justice and exemplary punishment for violence against women.

He further highlighted emerging challenges such as online harassment, cyberbullying, and child marriage, urging collective efforts through law enforcement and social awareness to address these issues effectively.

Bangladesh’s Minister for Road Transport, Bridges, Railways, and Shipping, Sheikh Robiul Alam, met with Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Secretariat in Dhaka. The meeting was attended by Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations based on mutual interests and cooperation.

During the meeting, Ambassador Renggli congratulated the current government of Bangladesh and expressed Switzerland’s interest in enhancing collaboration in infrastructure development, technology, port management, and other development projects. He reaffirmed Switzerland’s willingness to continue supporting Bangladesh in these areas through partnership and assistance.

Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam welcomed the ambassador’s remarks and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in Bangladesh’s rapid development journey. He expressed hope that both countries would work together to expand foreign investment, technology transfer, and infrastructure growth. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain communication and cooperation to further strengthen Bangladesh–Switzerland relations.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has strongly responded to former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s criticism of Britain’s position on Iran. In an interview with Sky News, Cooper said it was vital to learn from the experience of the Iraq war. She rejected Blair’s view that the UK should have supported the United States’ stance on Iran from the outset.

Cooper stated that some in politics believe Britain should always align with the United States, while others think it should never do so again. She argued that neither extreme serves the UK’s national interest. Cooper emphasized that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s responsibility is to make decisions prioritizing British citizens’ interests.

When asked if she was implying that Blair had been a “poodle” of the United States, Cooper replied that the key issue was learning from the mistakes made during the Iraq war, adding that Starmer was trying to do exactly that.

An iftar gathering in Brahmanpara, Cumilla, has sparked controversy after Assistant Commissioner (Land) Tarek Rahman was seen attending the event alongside a banned Chhatra League leader. The iftar, organized by the Brahmanpara Press Club at the Upazila Model Mosque conference room on Saturday, drew attention when photos circulated on social media, prompting widespread criticism.

The viral image showed several local political figures, including Awami League and Jubo League leaders, as well as a former Chhatra League president and a former joint secretary of the Cumilla South District Chhatra League, sitting beside the government official. Press Club General Secretary Ismail Nayon stated that all were invited, including Sharif Khan Akash, who is involved in journalism despite his links to the banned organization.

Local residents and opposition representatives condemned the official’s participation, calling it inappropriate for a government officer to associate with banned political figures. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Cumilla, Md. Saiful Islam, said he would discuss the matter with the Assistant Commissioner and noted that those who invited the political leaders also bear responsibility.

Bangladesh Police has transferred 53 officers holding the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police. The transfers were made through two separate circulars signed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir on Sunday, March 8, 2026. One circular covered the transfer of 40 officers, while another reassigned 13 officers to different district circles.

According to the official notifications, the officers, ranging from Assistant Superintendent to Additional Superintendent ranks, have been transferred to the positions mentioned beside their names in the orders. The circulars stated that these transfers are made in the public interest and will remain effective until further instructions are issued.

The announcement reflects an administrative reshuffle within the Bangladesh Police aimed at organizational adjustments across various districts and operational units.

Israel has issued a threat to pursue every successor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The warning was directed at the Iranian body responsible for selecting the next Supreme Leader. Khamenei was reportedly killed on February 28 in a joint U.S.-Israeli attack. The statement appeared in a Farsi-language post on social media, declaring that Israeli forces would also go after those involved in appointing his successor.

According to Iranian law, an 88-member panel of religious scholars known as the Assembly of Experts is tasked with choosing the new Supreme Leader as soon as possible. The panel is composed entirely of Shia clerics who are elected by public vote every eight years. The process of selecting a new leader is now underway amid heightened regional tensions.

The situation has drawn attention across the Gulf region, where concerns have been raised over Iran’s conflicting messages and the potential for further instability following Khamenei’s death.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government and Rural Development Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that he will write to the Prime Minister proposing government allowances for families of disappeared persons. He made the statement on Sunday at the Bangladesh Film Archive auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, during the inauguration of the documentary film 'Mayer Dak' marking International Women’s Day.

Fakhrul said families of disappeared individuals have long been living in hardship, citing the example of Munna’s mother who struggles to support her children. He noted that while various government allowances exist, no initiative has yet been taken for these families. He emphasized that helping them would give meaning to the government’s achievements and ensure a better future for the children of those who disappeared.

He also mentioned a new film project aimed at portraying the nation’s history accurately and expressed hope that current struggles would inspire high-quality creative works representing Bangladesh globally.

President Md. Sahabuddin stated that the late President Ziaur Rahman, who declared Bangladesh’s independence, laid the foundation for women’s political and economic empowerment. He said this on Sunday, March 8, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka during the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs’ International Women’s Day 2026 program. The president added that Begum Khaleda Zia strengthened and modernized this foundation through her leadership.

He highlighted Khaleda Zia’s initiatives to expand women’s education, which earned national and international recognition. The president also mentioned various programs of the BNP government, including the Family Card initiative, aimed at protecting women’s rights and promoting empowerment. He urged all to work together to continue these efforts.

President Sahabuddin announced that the government’s Family Card program, designed to empower economically disadvantaged women and promote household self-reliance, will begin on March 10. He emphasized that women contribute about 16 percent to the country’s GDP and play vital roles across all sectors. Ensuring women’s safety at home and in public, he said, is essential for sustainable development.

The High Court has granted bail to former Chief Justice A B M Khairul Haque in four cases involving verdict forgery, murder, and other charges. The order was issued on Sunday by a bench comprising Justice Md Khairul Alam and Justice Md Saghir Hossain. Earlier, on October 26 of the previous year, another High Court bench had issued a rule asking why Haque should not be granted bail in five cases, including those filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Haque was arrested from his Dhanmondi residence on July 24 of the previous year by the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police and was later sent to jail in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal activist Abdul Kaiyum Ahad during the July movement. Haque served as Chief Justice from October 1, 2010, to May 17, 2011, and led the Appellate Division bench that declared the 13th Amendment unconstitutional, abolishing the caretaker government system.

After retiring, he was appointed Chairman of the Law Commission in 2013 and reappointed several times. Following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024, he resigned and subsequently faced multiple cases alleging corruption and verdict forgery.

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.