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.

A 26-year-old man was killed in a mob beating early Sunday, March 8, 2026, in the Jalakuri Koraitola area of Siddhirganj, Narayanganj. According to local reports, three men arrived on a motorcycle and attempted to rob a pedestrian at knifepoint. When residents intervened, two of the suspects fled, leaving one behind who was caught and beaten to death by the crowd. The motorcycle used in the attempted robbery was later set on fire by the angry mob. Siddhirganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Abdul Barik confirmed that the suspect died before police arrived at the scene. Authorities have not yet identified the deceased but are working to determine his identity. Police investigations are ongoing to identify the victim and locate the two other suspects who escaped.

A report published on March 8, 2026, outlines the long history of United States involvement in regime change operations across multiple countries, from the Cold War to recent years. According to a 2019 study cited in the report, the US attempted 72 foreign interventions between 1947 and 1989, 64 of which were covert operations with a success rate of about 40 percent. Examples include the 1953 CIA-backed overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and the 2011 NATO-led intervention in Libya that resulted in the death of Muammar Gaddafi. The report also recounts US actions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Panama, Grenada, and the Dominican Republic, describing how each intervention aimed to reshape political systems in line with Washington’s interests. It notes that many of these countries remain unstable or divided long after the interventions. Most recently, in January 2026, US President Donald Trump reportedly ordered the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, marking the latest in a series of American-led regime change efforts. The long-term consequences of this action remain undetermined.

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.

Maize cultivation in Sherpur’s Sreebordi upazila has reached record levels this season, with 1,315 hectares brought under cultivation across ten unions—an increase of about 600 hectares from last year. Favorable weather conditions have raised expectations of a bumper harvest, according to local agricultural officials. Farmers in key unions such as Kakilakura, Velua, Sreebordi Sadar, and Tatihati have led the expansion. Officials noted that rising demand for maize as food, livestock, and poultry feed, along with its relatively low susceptibility to pests, has encouraged farmers to shift from rice to maize. Farmers reported average yields of 30 to 35 maunds per bigha, with production costs around 25,000 taka per bigha. They also use maize stalks as fuel and leaves as cattle feed, making the crop more profitable than rice. However, some farmers complained that fertilizer shortages and high DAP prices could reduce profits. The upazila agriculture officer described maize as a highly profitable crop with low maintenance needs and said its cultivation is likely to continue increasing if its diverse uses expand further.

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.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a drone and missile attack targeting Kuwait’s Al-Adiri air base. According to a report by Fars News Agency, the IRGC stated that the strike destroyed a U.S. helicopter maintenance center, fuel tanks, and a command center located at the base. Kuwait’s armed forces earlier reported that the country’s air defense systems had responded to incoming missile and drone attacks. Fars News further reported that a large fire broke out at the base following the assault, producing thick black smoke visible from a distance. The incident marks a significant escalation in regional tensions, though no independent confirmation of the reported damage or casualties was provided in the source.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said that India is not a major power in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and lacks sufficient production capacity in the tech sector. Speaking at a college in Kerala on Thursday, he claimed that India cannot manufacture much and that the recent India–US trade deal has handed over crucial national data to the United States. Gandhi criticized India’s higher education system, alleging that many vice-chancellors are appointed based on political affiliations and that the influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is growing in education. He argued that a specific ideology is being imposed, which he described as harmful to the country. He also said that the global AI race is dominated by the United States and China, while India remains a minor player. He warned that without control over its own data and stronger industrial production, India could face serious challenges. Gandhi also criticized major business groups like Reliance Industries and Adani Group for focusing mainly on selling foreign products and expressed concern over job losses linked to global AI expansion.

US and Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes in Iran’s Isfahan province, targeting several factories and a horse-riding club, resulting in at least 11 deaths. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that several others were injured in the attacks, which struck at least eight cities including Isfahan, Najafabad, Aran, Bidgol, Barkhar, Khomeini Shahr, Shahreza, Falavarjan, and Mobarakeh. According to the Iranian Red Crescent, the strikes are part of an eight-day conflict during which nearly 7,000 facilities across Iran have been attacked, including schools and hospitals, leaving around 1,500 people dead. In response, Tehran has continued retaliatory strikes on Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv, reportedly using advanced hypersonic missiles and drones, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The escalation marks a severe intensification of hostilities between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, with widespread civilian and infrastructural damage reported across multiple provinces.

A construction worker named Nairul Islam, aged 26, was killed when a wall collapsed on him during drain construction work in the Courtpara neighborhood near the Dhaka bus stand area of Chapainawabganj municipality on Sunday, March 8, 2026, around 11 a.m. The deceased was the son of the late Saiful Islam from Begula village in Gobratala Union of Sadar upazila. According to local sources, Nairul had been working on a municipal drainage project since morning when a nearby residential wall suddenly collapsed, burying him underneath. He died on the spot as a result of the incident. Police from Chapainawabganj Sadar Model Police Station later visited the site. Officer-in-Charge Nure Alam confirmed that legal procedures are underway following the fatal accident, which occurred during the ongoing drain construction work.

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.

The United States and Israel are reportedly discussing the possibility of deploying special forces to seize Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, according to a report by Axios citing four sources familiar with the matter. The report states that former President Donald Trump’s war objective includes preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and capturing approximately 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. Axios further reported that the operation would likely take place in a later phase of the conflict, once Iran’s military loses its ability to maintain strong defensive positions. The report also recalled that in June, the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and infrastructure. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said that Iran did not grant inspectors access to the bombed sites and that the agency found no evidence of a coordinated program to produce nuclear weapons.