An iftar and discussion event organized by the Sylhet Metropolitan Journalists Union (SMJU) was held in Sylhet’s Ambarkhana area on Saturday, attended by government officials, university vice-chancellors, journalists, and civic leaders. Labor, Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury was present as the chief guest. In his pre-iftar remarks, the minister referred to the current instability in the Middle East and urged all concerned to act responsibly. He emphasized that ensuring the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates remains a top priority. He stated that under the Prime Minister’s directive, a monitoring cell has been formed, and three ministries are working jointly to maintain constant communication to safeguard Bangladeshi workers abroad. Chowdhury reaffirmed that the government stands by expatriates during this critical period. The event concluded with a special prayer for peace and welfare of the nation and the Muslim community, followed by iftar with attending guests and journalists.

An investigation committee has confirmed that money was illegally collected in the name of online family card applications in Fulbaria upazila of Mymensingh. The committee, led by Upazila Social Services Officer Mozammel Haque, verified that 100 taka was taken from applicants under the direction of Achim Patuli Union Parishad Chairman Imrul Kayes. The confirmation came on Friday afternoon. The issue surfaced after reports in national newspapers and social media posts alleged that money was being charged for the family card application process. Following public criticism, the upazila administration formed a three-member investigation committee on February 28, appointing Mozammel Haque as its head. The committee was instructed to submit its report within three working days. According to the committee chief, the investigation found the allegations to be true, and the report will be submitted on Sunday. Upazila Executive Officer Ariful Islam stated that a viral video also proved the irregularities.

Police in Rajshahi have arrested two leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) for allegedly assaulting a college teacher after failing to extort money from him. The arrests were made on Friday night by Boalia police following a case filed by the victim, Assistant Professor Asaduzzaman Jewel of Shah Makhdum College. The accused, Abdullah Al Maruf Shihab, general secretary of the college’s JCD unit, and Abu Sufian Chandan, joint convener of Rajshahi Government City College JCD, were sent to jail through court on Saturday. According to the case statement, the two accused had been demanding Tk 100,000 from Jewel for the past three months. When he refused, they allegedly threatened him with a knife on November 26 last year and again assaulted him on March 4 near his residence in Kadirganj, issuing further death threats. Both accused denied the allegations, claiming the teacher was an Awami League supporter who filed a false case in retaliation. Investigating officer SI Mizanur Rahman said the suspects were arrested and sent to jail, and the case is under investigation for further legal action.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) is set to launch its women's organization, 'Nari Shakti', on Sunday in Dhaka. The inauguration event will take place at 10 a.m. at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha. The program will mark the official beginning of the new wing under the NCP’s structure. According to the NCP, the event will also include a discussion on the growing violence against women and the need for justice in rape cases. NCP Convener Nahid Islam will attend the program as the chief guest. The initiative aims to highlight women’s issues and strengthen the party’s engagement with gender-related social concerns. The launch of 'Nari Shakti' signals the NCP’s effort to expand its organizational presence and address pressing issues affecting women in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s women’s affairs secretary, Nurunnisa Siddika, extended greetings and congratulations to all women in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion of International Women’s Day. In a statement issued on Saturday, March 7, she said that true empowerment of women is possible only when their safety and dignity are ensured both at home and in society. Siddika emphasized that March 8 is a day to reaffirm commitments to women’s rights, security, and human dignity. She noted that the theme of this year’s observance, “Today’s steps for tomorrow’s justice—protecting the rights of women and girls,” should be implemented in real life rather than remain symbolic. She expressed concern over recent incidents of violence and insecurity affecting women and girls in Bangladesh. She added that Islam grants women the highest honor and that ensuring their God-given rights can help build a just and humane society. Siddika called on families, communities, and the state to play responsible roles in creating an environment where women can live safely and contribute fully to national development.

Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has intensified her campaign ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Speaking from a protest stage, she warned that if the central government and the BJP continue their actions, she would bring down the Delhi government. Banerjee demanded free and peaceful elections in West Bengal and condemned the alleged large-scale exclusion of names from the voter list. On the second day of her sit-in protest at Dharmatala, which began on Friday, Banerjee declared that the movement would continue until the full bench of the Election Commission visits the state. She reportedly spent the previous night at the protest site. In a separate announcement, Banerjee said that beneficiaries of the state’s 'Yubasathi' (Yubashree) project would start receiving their 1,500-rupee allowance directly in their bank accounts from Saturday, March 7, instead of waiting until April 1. She also called on the public to take to the streets on Sunday with kitchen utensils to protest the recent rise in cooking gas prices.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all women around the world on the occasion of International Women’s Day, observed on Saturday, March 7, 2026. In his message, he emphasized that sustainable national development is only possible when women’s rights, education, health, safety, and participation are ensured. He described this year’s theme, “Today’s steps, tomorrow’s justice—protect the rights of women and girls,” as highly significant, noting that women make up nearly half of the global population. The Prime Minister highlighted the historical contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia to women’s political and economic empowerment, including the establishment of the Women’s Affairs Department in 1976 and the creation of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in 1994. He also mentioned initiatives such as free education for girls up to grade twelve and the current government’s “Family Card” program to strengthen women’s economic empowerment. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring women’s participation in education, economy, health, and politics, and stressed strict measures against cyberbullying and online harassment to guarantee women’s safety.

Qatar has resumed the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bangladesh after a temporary production halt, according to a report by U.S.-based media outlet Bloomberg. The report stated that a tanker named 'Lebretha' departed from Qatar's Ras Laffan export terminal on Friday, loaded with LNG and heading toward Bangladesh, where it is expected to arrive on March 14. Another vessel, 'Al Ghashamiya,' was also loaded with LNG earlier in the week and is currently waiting in the Persian Gulf. Bloomberg noted that it remains uncertain whether either shipment will reach its destination, as the Strait of Hormuz—controlled by Iran—has been effectively closed to commercial shipping due to ongoing war conditions. The report added that the 'Lebretha' tanker could serve as floating storage until sea routes reopen. Earlier, Qatar had shut down its Ras Laffan terminal, the world’s largest LNG export hub, following an Iranian drone attack. Normally, about 20 percent of global LNG supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

A week after the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran, instability has spread across the Middle East. Despite the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and heavy attacks on Iranian forces, the conflict has escalated into a regional war. President Donald Trump now faces growing challenges in turning military gains into a clear geopolitical victory, with analysts warning of prolonged U.S. involvement. Experts describe the campaign, named Operation Epic Fury, as the largest U.S. military action since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Trump’s administration says its goals are to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and prevent nuclear weapons development, but critics note the lack of a defined endgame. Rising oil prices due to halted tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and growing voter opposition ahead of midterm elections have added pressure. Some Gulf allies and U.S. strategists have also questioned the political wisdom of the war. Analysts warn that the economic shock and regional backlash could undermine U.S. influence and Trump’s domestic standing if the conflict continues without a clear resolution.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman hosted an iftar gathering with orphans and Islamic scholars at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Saturday. During the event, he announced a government plan to make zakat management more effective and targeted to combat poverty. Rahman said that with structured and goal-oriented distribution, zakat could play a decisive role in eradicating poverty within 10 to 15 years. He explained that while many wealthy individuals in Bangladesh already pay zakat privately or through the government’s Zakat Board, the lack of organized distribution limits its impact. Citing research estimates of annual zakat amounts exceeding Tk 20,000–25,000 crore, he emphasized that better planning could transform zakat into a powerful poverty alleviation tool. Rahman proposed identifying poor families and providing targeted zakat support to help them become self-reliant. Rahman also urged Islamic scholars to raise awareness among the wealthy about responsible zakat distribution and suggested reorganizing the national Zakat Board under the Ministry of Religious Affairs. He expressed hope that Bangladesh could become a model for zakat-based poverty reduction in the Islamic world.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for launching both solid and liquid-fueled missiles targeting a US base located in Bahrain’s Juffair area. According to the IRGC, the attack was carried out in retaliation for a US strike on a desalination plant in Qeshm. Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US attack on the desalination facility disrupted water supplies to 30 villages. Following the missile launches, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior announced on social media platform X that air raid sirens were sounding across the country and urged residents to remain calm and seek shelter. The incident marks a new escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States, with Bahrain’s authorities taking precautionary measures amid heightened regional instability.

US President Donald Trump stated that by launching a war against Iran, the United States has benefited the entire world. He described the progress of the US military operation as an extraordinary success, rating it 15 on a scale of 0 to 10. Trump added that the war against Iran is not only for the Middle East but also a service to the whole world. Commenting on the casualties from US and Israeli attacks in Iran, Trump said those killed were 'very sick people.' According to Iranian authorities, more than 1,330 people have been killed so far in the joint strikes by the United States and Israel. The report cited Al Jazeera as the source of these statements. Trump further declared that the war would continue until Iran’s leadership and power are destroyed, signaling an extended military campaign with no immediate end in sight.

Turkey is considering deploying F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, according to a Reuters report citing a source from the Turkish Ministry of Defense. The move is being evaluated as part of a broader plan to ensure the security of Turkish Cyprus, the source said. The consideration is part of an ongoing phased planning process that includes potential military adjustments. The report indicates that the deployment is not yet finalized but is among several measures under review to strengthen defense arrangements in the region. The Turkish Defense Ministry source did not provide further details about the timeline or scale of the possible deployment. If implemented, the decision could mark a significant step in Turkey’s regional defense posture, though no official confirmation or schedule has been announced.

Barcelona returned to winning form in La Liga after their Copa del Rey semifinal disappointment, defeating Athletic Bilbao 1–0 away on March 8, 2026. The only goal of the match came from young forward Lamine Yamal in the 68th minute at San Mamés. Receiving a pass from Pedri, Yamal advanced down the right flank and curled a left-footed shot into the far post, sealing the victory for the Catalan side. The 18-year-old’s strike marked his 19th goal across all competitions this season, following a hat-trick against Villarreal earlier in the league. Despite Bilbao’s attacking efforts, Barcelona’s defense held firm to secure three crucial points. With this win, Hansi Flick’s team leads the La Liga table with 67 points from 27 matches, four points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. Barcelona will next face Newcastle United away in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday, aiming to carry their league momentum into European competition.

A former personal cook has filed a lawsuit against Brazilian football star Neymar Jr., accusing him of forcing her to work under inhumane conditions at his luxury mansion in Mangaratiba. The report, citing court documents published by Brazilian outlet Metropoles, states that the woman was required to cook not only for Neymar but also for around 150 of his friends and companions. According to the case file, the woman often worked up to 16 hours a day, sometimes until 11 p.m. or midnight, and was compelled to work even on weekends. She reportedly had to stand for long periods and carry heavy grocery bags, including 10 kilograms of meat, which led to chronic back pain and hip inflammation. The plaintiff is seeking approximately 262,000 Brazilian reals from Neymar, covering unpaid wages, overtime, medical expenses, and other dues. The report did not mention any response from Neymar or his representatives regarding the allegations.