A total of 54 flights from Dhaka to various Middle Eastern destinations were canceled between Saturday and Sunday noon, according to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Executive Director Group Captain S M Raqib Samad. The cancellations were prompted by temporary airspace closures and heightened security risks following U.S.-Israel attacks in Iran, leaving many passengers stranded and uncertain about their travel plans.

Airport officials said that several Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, had temporarily closed their airspace in response to the situation in Iran. As a result, flights from Dhaka to these destinations were suspended. However, Biman Bangladesh Airlines announced that two previously canceled flights to Madinah and Jeddah would now depart on Sunday afternoon and evening, respectively.

US-Bangla Airlines stated that its flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Muscat would operate as scheduled, while services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Doha remain suspended until conditions improve. The airline advised passengers to arrive at the airport four hours before departure.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reviewed the situation of Bangladeshis stranded in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries amid the ongoing regional conflict. On Sunday morning at the Secretariat, he met with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and his foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir, according to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman. The meeting discussed the impact of flight cancellations affecting Middle East routes and the Prime Minister issued necessary directives to ensure the safety of citizens abroad.

Rumman said the Prime Minister is closely monitoring the situation of passengers stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The state minister for civil aviation has been stationed at the airport since morning, while the expatriates’ welfare minister is also actively engaged in the effort. Later in the day, the Prime Minister met with Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and directed the creation of a work plan for post-earthquake disaster management, including training 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka.

The Additional Press Secretary added that the Power and Energy Minister also met the Prime Minister later to discuss related matters.

Authorities at Chattogram Shah Amanat International Airport have canceled a total of ten flights to and from the Middle East. The decision was announced on Sunday morning, March 1, 2026, in response to the ongoing war situation in the region. Airport public relations officer Engineer Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil confirmed that seven arrival and three departure flights were suspended.

The cancellations follow an earlier decision on Saturday to suspend six Middle East flights after the outbreak of war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The affected flights included services operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines, Air Arabia, and Salam Air, connecting Chattogram with Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, and Muscat. Departure times for these flights had been scheduled between the afternoon and evening.

Officials stated that the cancellations were made considering passenger safety and the uncertain security situation in the Middle East. No information was provided on when regular flight operations might resume.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh has opened a 24-hour hotline for Bangladeshi citizens living in the Middle East amid the ongoing war situation in the region. The announcement was made on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Expatriates facing any difficulties can contact the ministry’s call center at +880 96 10 10 20 30 for assistance. The ministry stated that the hotline will remain open day and night to provide all possible support to affected Bangladeshis.

The initiative aims to ensure that Bangladeshi nationals residing in conflict-affected areas can quickly reach government support services. The ministry emphasized its readiness to assist expatriates in any emergency related to the current instability in the Middle East.

The move reflects Bangladesh’s effort to maintain communication and safety measures for its citizens abroad during regional crises, particularly in areas experiencing armed conflict.

Prime Minister has directed the preparation of 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka to manage post-earthquake situations. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu shared this information with reporters on Sunday after a courtesy meeting with the Prime Minister. The initiative aims to strengthen the city’s readiness for potential seismic emergencies.

According to the minister, the Prime Minister also instructed that playgrounds and schools be identified as temporary shelters in case of emergencies. Additionally, Tarique Rahman called on the ministry to take initiatives to raise public awareness about earthquake safety. These steps are part of a broader effort to enhance disaster preparedness in the capital.

The Disaster Management and Relief Minister stated that a preliminary plan will be prepared and presented at another meeting with the Prime Minister on March 11, where further decisions are expected to be made regarding implementation.

Large numbers of dead fish have been floating in the Shitalakkhya River in Narsingdi for several days, alarming local residents and fishermen. Although some initially collected the dead fish, many now fear the river could soon become devoid of aquatic life. The deaths have been recurring annually around this time, coinciding with reduced water levels and increased pollution.

According to local sources, toxic liquid waste and chemicals from nearby factories in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka and Gazipur districts are contaminating the river through connecting waterways. The pollution has turned the water black and foul-smelling, severely threatening biodiversity and destroying native fish species. Environmental activists have tried to raise awareness, but authorities have yet to take strong enforcement measures to stop factories from dumping untreated waste.

Officials from the Department of Environment in Narsingdi said they will send letters to inspect factories in Kaliganj and Kapasia upazilas of Gazipur after reports linked their chemical discharge to the fish deaths. Environmental groups warn that without urgent action, aquatic life in the Shitalakkhya may not survive future pollution cycles.

Bangladesh’s Jamuna River in Bogura is facing a severe navigability crisis during the dry season, reportedly due to India’s upstream water control. Local sources said eight river routes have already closed, disrupting transport and causing major hardship for residents. Sandbars have emerged across the river, and ferry operators report that even small boats are struggling to move. Around 200,000 people in 141 riverine villages are suffering from the loss of waterway connectivity.

Officials from the Water Development Board said the Jamuna’s average depth has dropped from about 9.5 meters to around 2 meters, mainly because of dam construction in India and China. The river’s Bangladesh section covers 220 kilometers of its 4,000-kilometer length. Local residents described losing homes and farmland to erosion and facing unemployment during the dry months.

Authorities acknowledged that while dredging has been planned for the Bangali River, no government project currently exists for the Jamuna. Engineers warned that continued upstream damming could turn the region into a desert unless natural water flow is restored.

All flights from Bangladesh to the Middle East have been suspended due to escalating conflict and tension in the region, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Many of the affected travelers are expatriate workers and passengers with connecting flights to Europe and America. On Saturday night, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury visited the airport to assess the situation and oversee assistance measures.

During a press briefing, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called the minister to inquire about the condition of stranded passengers and the government’s response. The minister assured him that the ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority were jointly arranging food and accommodation for the affected travelers. According to Ariful Haque, 50 passengers were housed under the ministry’s management, while Civil Aviation arranged lodging for 800 more.

Flights remain suspended following the closure of Middle Eastern airspace, including Iran’s, and the government has organized hotel stays and transport for passengers whose flights were canceled. The resumption of flights remains uncertain until the regional situation improves.

Inquilab Manch organized a protest march in Uttara, Dhaka, on Saturday evening to denounce attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. The demonstration, led by the group’s member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, began after iftar and moved through several streets in the area. Participants included members of the organization as well as people from various professions.

Protesters chanted slogans condemning the assaults on Iran and demanding an end to aggression in the Middle East. They also called for justice in the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and demanded punishment for perpetrators of a rape incident in Narsingdi. The streets of Uttara echoed with chants expressing anger over foreign intervention and domestic injustices.

The event reflected growing public sentiment against international military actions and local crimes, as expressed through coordinated street demonstrations in the capital.

Bangladesh’s Jamuna River in the Bogura region is facing severe navigability problems due to reduced water flow from India. Local sources report that eight river routes have already been closed this dry season, disrupting transport and increasing hardship for residents. Sandbars have emerged across the river, making navigation nearly impossible and isolating communities dependent on river transport.

Officials from the Water Development Board said the Jamuna’s average depth has dropped from about 9.5 meters to around 2 meters, largely due to dam construction in upstream countries including India and China. The river’s Bangladesh section spans 220 kilometers of its total 4,000-kilometer length. Local boatmen and leaseholders said even small boats now struggle to move, affecting livelihoods in 141 riverine villages with over 200,000 people.

Authorities acknowledged the crisis, noting that while the Bangali River is under a dredging program, no such project exists for the Jamuna. Engineers warned that continued upstream water control could turn the region into a desert-like area unless natural water flow is restored.

The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) staged a protest on Saturday, February 28, in front of the university proctor’s office after posters of the banned Chhatra League appeared across the campus overnight. DUCSU leaders demanded that the administration identify those responsible through CCTV footage within 24 hours and bring them under legal action, warning of tougher programs if their demand is not met.

The protest, led by DUCSU Social Service Secretary A.B. Zubair, accused the administration of negligence and alleged that the banned group had previously carried out provocative activities on campus. The posters, calling for the release of all Chhatra League political prisoners, were seen at several key university locations, including Madhur Canteen, the central library, and Curzon Hall. A video showing the poster activity was reportedly shared on social media by the banned group’s DU branch president.

Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed said security officers had been instructed to verify the identities of on-duty guards and investigate how the posters were placed despite their presence. DUCSU leaders also expressed concern over recent incidents of violence against women and children in different districts and demanded swift justice.

Bangladesh embassies in six Middle Eastern countries have issued urgent advisories urging expatriates to remain cautious and avoid military installations amid escalating conflict between Iran and the United States-Israel alliance. The advisories, released on Saturday, also provided hotline numbers for emergency contact. The alerts follow reports of a Bangladeshi worker injured in a drone attack at Kuwait airport after Iran began retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases across the region.

The embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain advised Bangladeshi nationals to stay indoors or in safe locations, respect local laws, and follow official instructions. They also warned against sharing unverified information or uploading related images or videos on social media, citing local legal restrictions. The UAE embassy specifically urged residents to keep essential items such as passports, cash, medicines, and power banks ready.

Hotlines and email contacts were activated in all six countries to assist citizens in emergencies, as the Bangladesh foreign ministry continues monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP), announced that a reform council will be established swiftly in the upcoming parliament. He stated that all laws and ordinances passed by the interim government would be granted indemnity and expected parliamentary approval. He made these remarks on Saturday at the party’s first founding anniversary iftar gathering held at Abahani Field in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

Nahid emphasized that the NCP continues its struggle to abolish fascism and fully establish democracy, including implementing the July Charter and the results of the public referendum. He said justice for fascists, perpetrators of mass killings, and enforced disappearances is essential. The party’s slogan, he noted, is “revolution, alternative, and reconstruction,” reflecting its vision to rebuild Bangladesh through alternative political strength.

Addressing party members, Nahid expressed hope that local government elections would be held soon and urged NCP activists nationwide to prepare. He added that although the party won six seats in the recent election, it aims to expand its achievements in the coming days.

Islami Chhatra Shibir has demanded justice for what it described as a nationwide massacre following the February 28, 2013 verdict against Allama Delawar Hossain Sayeedi. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the organization’s central president Nurul Islam and secretary general Sibgatullah Sibga called for recognition of those killed, rehabilitation of affected families, and prosecution of those responsible.

The statement said the 2013 verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal sparked widespread protests across Bangladesh, which were met with violent attacks by law enforcement and ruling party supporters. Shibir alleged that at least 70 people, including women and children, were killed on that day, and the death toll rose to over 150 in the following days. The group cited former opposition leader Begum Khaleda Zia and international organizations such as Human Rights Watch as having condemned the violence at the time.

Shibir leaders urged the current government to ensure justice, provide state recognition to the victims, and rehabilitate affected families to end what they termed a legacy of impunity.

A journalist was assaulted during an iftar event organized by the Gana Odhikar Parishad in Dashmina, Patuakhali, on Saturday evening. The incident occurred at the Dashmina Government Model Secondary School field shortly after the iftar, in the presence of the party’s president and State Minister Nurul Haque Nur. According to reports, members of the party’s student and youth wings attacked Safayet Hossain, the local correspondent of the Daily Manabzamin, after he filmed a commotion over the distribution of iftar items.

The event was held to welcome Nurul Haque Nur on his first visit to Dashmina after assuming his ministerial role in the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Following the assault, local BNP activists rescued the injured journalist and took him to the Dashmina Upazila Health Complex, where doctors admitted him for treatment.

Nurul Haque Nur said he heard about the disorder during food distribution but was unaware of any attack on a journalist. Dashmina Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hasnain Parvez stated that police were sent to the hospital and an investigation would be conducted.