The California chapter of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized an iftar and prayer gathering in Los Angeles on Sunday to seek forgiveness for the soul of the party’s late chairperson, Begum Khaleda Zia. The event, held in a local auditorium, was presided over by California BNP president Badrul Alam Chowdhury Shiplu and conducted by general secretary M Wahid Rahman. Political, social, and cultural figures from the expatriate Bangladeshi community attended the program. Speakers highlighted the spiritual significance of Ramadan and emphasized unity, compassion, and national solidarity. Special prayers were offered for the well-being of Bangladesh, global peace, and the souls of late leaders Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia. Participants also prayed for victims of political repression and for the recovery of injured grassroots activists. The gathering included prayers for the success of BNP’s renewed political journey under Tarique Rahman’s leadership and for his wisdom, health, and longevity. Badrul Alam Chowdhury noted that such events strengthen fraternity among expatriate Bangladeshis and pledged to continue similar social and religious programs in the future.

Vasani Jono Shokti Party chairman and freedom fighter Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu has denounced the joint military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling it a grave violation of human rights. Speaking at a protest rally in front of the National Press Club on Monday, he demanded an immediate end to the attacks and urged that those responsible be brought under international law. The protest, organized by the Vasani Jono Shokti Party, was held to condemn the reported killings of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous civilians, including women and children, during the aggression. The rally began from Purana Paltan and concluded at the National Press Club, where several political leaders expressed solidarity. Party General Secretary Abu Yusuf Selim stated that military aggression against a sovereign state is unacceptable and called for dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable path to peace. Leaders from other political parties, including Bangladesh JASAD and Bangladesh Independence Party, also voiced support for the protest.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a missile and drone attack targeting the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, also known as Bir as-Sab, according to Al Jazeera. The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that this was the eleventh round of Iranian strikes, asserting that the attack hit an Israeli military communications industry complex located in the city. Tasnim later released a photograph it said showed a building in Beersheba that had been targeted. The report noted that the building housed offices of several international companies, including Microsoft. No further details about damage, casualties, or Israeli responses were provided in the available reports. The incident marks another escalation in the ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel, though immediate consequences or official confirmations from Israeli authorities were not included in the source.

A loud explosion was reported near a nuclear facility and an airbase in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, according to reports from Reuters and Al Jazeera. The blast was heard shortly before the reports were published on March 2, 2026, though no immediate details about damage or casualties were provided. Earlier, Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility had been attacked. Reza Najafi, Iran’s envoy to the United Nations atomic watchdog, stated that the Natanz site was damaged in a joint strike by the United States and Israel. The incident near Isfahan follows that earlier attack, raising concerns about the security of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The reports did not specify the cause of the latest explosion or whether it was linked to the previous assault on Natanz.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to increase the number of nuclear warheads in France’s arsenal, citing global security uncertainty. Speaking on Monday at the Île Longue military base in northwestern France, where the country’s ballistic missile submarines are stationed, Macron said the current stock of fewer than 300 warheads will be expanded. He did not specify how many new warheads will be added. This marks the first planned increase in France’s nuclear stockpile since 1992. Macron stated that the move aims to clarify France’s role in Europe’s security framework through its nuclear deterrent. He also referred to growing global threats and uncertainty surrounding U.S. security guarantees to European allies. In addition, France will allow the temporary deployment of nuclear-armed aircraft to allied countries and will collaborate with Germany and the United Kingdom on a long-range missile project to enhance strike capabilities. Analysts cited in the report said the announcement signals a significant shift in Europe’s security policy direction.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that military strikes on Iran will continue until President Donald Trump is satisfied. According to Hegseth, only Trump can decide how long the operation will last, which could extend for two, four, or even six weeks, depending on circumstances. The statement was reported by CNN on March 2, 2026. Hegseth and General Dan Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the joint US-Israel operation will persist until Trump believes all its objectives have been achieved. The officials did not specify the exact goals or timeline of the campaign. The report also noted related developments, including Iran’s leadership maintaining a firm stance following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei, a Kuwaiti naval officer’s death, NATO’s declaration that it will not engage in the Iran conflict, and Spain’s refusal to allow its bases to be used for the attacks.

Iran has announced its readiness to continue fighting at any cost as the conflict with the United States and Israel entered its third day. Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council, stated that Tehran is prepared for a long-term war. His remarks were reported by TRT World and shared through a post on social media platform X, where he emphasized Iran’s determination to defend its civilization and make its enemies regret their miscalculations. Larijani asserted that unlike the United States, Iran has advanced with preparation for a long war. His statement signals that Tehran is not seeking to de-escalate but rather to sustain its defensive stance. Analysts cited in the report suggested that such rhetoric indicates a further rise in regional tensions across the Middle East. The statement comes as the conflict continues to intensify, with Iran reaffirming its commitment to self-defense and signaling that it will not back down easily.

The European Union’s Gas Coordination Group will meet on Wednesday to assess the impact of the spreading conflict in the Middle East on gas supplies. An EU spokesperson confirmed the meeting on Monday, noting that the group will review the situation following recent disruptions in energy production. The meeting follows QatarEnergy’s announcement to halt liquefied natural gas (LNG) production at its Ras Laffan and Mesaieed industrial facilities after Iranian drone attacks on those sites. The production halt has led to a sharp rise in European gas prices, reportedly increasing by about 50 percent. The Gas Coordination Group includes representatives from EU member state governments and is responsible for monitoring gas storage and supply security across the bloc. The group also coordinates emergency measures during supply crises, and the upcoming meeting is expected to focus on evaluating potential risks to Europe’s energy stability and possible response strategies.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has clarified two recent statements issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the situation in the Middle East. Speaking to journalists at the ministry on Monday, he said the statements were made to protect the interests of Bangladeshi citizens living in the region. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s position is straightforward: safeguarding its citizens abroad and promoting peace through dialogue and diplomacy rather than conflict. Rahman reiterated that the welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates in the Middle East remains the government’s top priority. He noted that the March 1 statement also reflected this commitment. The minister added that if any Bangladeshi citizens are harmed, the government will stand by them regardless of location. He expressed hope that no further casualties or injuries would occur among Bangladeshis. He also mentioned that some workers preparing to travel abroad have been stranded due to the situation. The government plans to facilitate their return once air travel resumes normal operations.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that there are currently no American ground troops deployed in Iran. Speaking on March 2, 2026, he stated that Washington remains prepared to take necessary measures to protect US interests if required, though such actions would not be taken recklessly. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera. Hegseth questioned the logic of publicly outlining potential military options, saying it would not be wise to reveal in advance what steps the United States might take to achieve its objectives. The statement underscored a cautious but firm stance from Washington amid ongoing regional tensions. According to the report, Iran has not issued any immediate response to Hegseth’s comments.

Oman’s Maritime Security Center reported that an oil tanker was attacked by an explosive-laden boat about 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat. According to a statement shared on the center’s X account and cited by Al Jazeera, the explosion caused a fire in the engine room, resulting in the death of one crew member. The remaining 21 crew members were evacuated safely from the vessel. The Royal Navy of Oman has deployed a ship to monitor the condition of the damaged tanker. Authorities have also issued warnings to other vessels operating in the same waters to exercise caution following the incident. The report did not specify who carried out the attack or the extent of the damage to the tanker, leaving key details about the motive and perpetrators unclear.

KM Nazmul Haque has been appointed as the Assistant Press Secretary to the Prime Minister under a contractual arrangement. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Monday confirming the appointment. According to the notice, he will serve in the position under the Grade-9 pay scale at its final stage, effective from the date he assumes office. The appointment terms specify that KM Nazmul Haque must relinquish any professional, business, or employment ties with government, semi-government, private, or other organizations before taking up the role. His tenure will continue either for the duration of the Prime Minister’s term or until the Prime Minister’s satisfaction, whichever occurs first. Additional conditions of the appointment will be determined through a formal contract, as stated in the government notification.

European gas prices surged by nearly 50 percent after QatarEnergy announced a suspension of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production following an attack in the Middle East, according to Al Jazeera. Data from the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) showed that the front-month contract at the Netherlands’ Title Transfer Facility (TTF) hub rose by 14.56 euros to 46.52 euros per megawatt hour, equivalent to about 15.92 dollars per MMBtu. Earlier in the day, prices had already climbed about 25 percent before the production halt announcement pushed them higher. Massimo Di Odoardo, vice president of gas and LNG research at Wood Mackenzie, said that any disruption in LNG supply could intensify competition between Asia and Europe for available cargoes. Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING, warned that if the market begins to price in a prolonged disruption of Qatari LNG supply, TTF prices could rise to between 80 and 100 euros per MWh. The British April contract also increased by 40.83 pence per therm to 119.40 pence, while Asia’s Japan-Korea Marker (JKM) index jumped nearly 39 percent to 15.068 dollars per MMBtu.

Investigating officers have submitted a report to the court recommending exemption for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, and 492 others from three separate murder cases filed at Dhaka’s Vatara Police Station during the July movement. The officers stated that all three cases contained factual errors. The cases involved the deaths of truck driver Md Jahangir, water line mechanic Zakir Hossain, and shoe factory worker Ramzan Mia Jibon. Investigations revealed inconsistencies between the cases filed by the victims’ families and those filed by three other individuals. The family-filed cases indicated different locations and circumstances of death, including hospitals and other police jurisdictions, while the additional cases placed all incidents in Vatara. The court had initially set January 25 as the deadline for the report submission, later extending it to March 2 when investigators failed to meet the earlier date.

Qatar has temporarily suspended production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) following an attack linked to Iran. Authorities confirmed that the decision was made after the country’s main LNG facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City was targeted. The extent of the damage in the area remains unclear, but officials from QatarEnergy and the state news agency confirmed the production halt on Monday. As the world’s largest LNG producer, Qatar’s suspension has raised concerns about potential disruptions in global gas supply. The Ras Laffan complex operates 14 LNG trains with a combined annual production capacity of about 77 million tons, making it a critical hub for international energy markets. The temporary shutdown underscores the vulnerability of global energy infrastructure to regional conflicts and may influence short-term energy prices depending on how quickly Qatar can resume operations.