Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Advocate Md. Asaduzzaman stated that the government is determined to bring fascists to justice through lawful means. He made the remarks on Saturday at a meeting with heads of government offices at the Jhenaidah Deputy Commissioner’s conference room, followed by a briefing with journalists. The minister emphasized that all government allocations must be spent properly for public benefit and warned that any official involved in corruption would face both job termination and legal action. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on drugs, terrorism, political violence, and social unrest, instructing the administration to act impartially. Asaduzzaman said the government remains committed to the rule of law, justice, and human rights, noting that Bangladesh has progressed on a democratic path after the fall of fascist forces. He also announced that strict measures would be taken against perpetrators of rape and violence against women and children across the country, including Narayanganj, and warned that anyone providing shelter to such offenders would face severe consequences.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian is completely unharmed and safe following joint attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran. Explosions were heard in several cities, including Tehran, where the highly secured Pasteur district—home to the presidential office and the supreme leader’s residence—experienced multiple blasts. Authorities quickly confirmed the president’s safety after the incidents. US President Donald Trump stated that the United States had launched a “major military operation” in Iran. In a video message on his social media platform Truth Social, he said the US had repeatedly sought an agreement but was now moving to destroy Iran’s missiles and missile factories, describing the campaign as a total destruction effort. The report also noted that Iran was nearing an internet blackout and vowed an “uncontrollable response” to the US-Israel assault, signaling a potential escalation in regional tensions.

US President Donald Trump has called on Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to surrender their weapons, warning of severe consequences if they refuse. According to a BBC Persian report cited by the source, Trump stated that those who comply would be treated fairly and guaranteed safety, while those who resist would face certain death. He said the United States aims to eliminate what he described as an imminent threat from Iran. The statement came as Israel and the United States launched attacks in Iran on Saturday morning. The development marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Tehran and Washington, following a series of confrontations in the region. The situation remains volatile, with Iran reportedly vowing an “unrelenting response” to the joint strikes, according to related reports referenced in the source.

The United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) has formally accepted Bangladesh’s request to delay its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category by three years and has begun reviewing the proposal. The matter was discussed during the CDP’s five-day meeting in New York, and officials indicated that a final decision could take several weeks. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, head of the Enhanced Monitoring Mechanism subcommittee, confirmed receipt of the government’s letter but clarified that acceptance of the request does not mean approval, as the committee will first assess the justifications provided. The Economic Relations Division sent the formal application on February 18, citing global and domestic disruptions that hindered preparation for graduation. The letter referenced the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East instability, global financial tightening, and slow trade recovery. Domestically, it mentioned financial irregularities, political changes in July 2024, and pressure from hosting displaced Myanmar nationals, all contributing to economic instability. According to CDP sources, a preliminary assessment report may be ready within two weeks, with a final recommendation expected by September following approval from the UN General Assembly.

US President Donald Trump stated that the joint military strike by the United States and Israel on Iran was carried out to protect the American people. The attack began on Saturday morning, targeting what Trump described as an imminent threat from the Iranian regime. Following the assault, both Israel and Iran closed their airspace to civilian flights. Trump explained that the operation was a major military campaign intended to eliminate Iran’s looming threat. He emphasized that the goal was to safeguard US citizens by neutralizing dangers posed by Tehran. The president’s comments came amid frustration over the slow pace of negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran’s nuclear program. A day earlier, Trump told reporters at the White House that he was dissatisfied with the progress of talks but remained open to further discussions. He added that while he did not prefer the use of military force, it was sometimes necessary to achieve national objectives.

Israel and Iran have both closed their airspace to civilian flights following attacks in Iran. According to the report, Israel carried out strikes on Tehran and several other locations in Iran on Saturday morning. Smoke was seen rising from central Tehran, and the Associated Press reported that one of the strikes occurred near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It remains unclear whether he was present at the time of the attack. In response to the developments, Iraq’s Ministry of Transport announced the closure of its airspace after the attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran. Air traffic at Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq has also been suspended. The situation has led to widespread disruption of civilian aviation across the region. The closure of multiple airspaces in the Middle East signals heightened regional tension and potential escalation following the strikes, though further details about the extent of the attacks and casualties were not immediately available.

Employees of the US Embassy in Qatar have taken shelter following Israeli attacks on Iran. The embassy advised all citizens to remain in safe locations until further notice. According to Al Jazeera, Israel and the United States jointly carried out strikes on Saturday morning targeting several areas in Tehran and other parts of Iran. Reports from Iranian and international agencies described explosions across Tehran, with smoke visible in multiple districts. The Fars news agency said several missiles struck University Street and Jomhouri areas, while the Associated Press reported that one of the attacks occurred near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It remains unclear whether he was present at the time. Iran’s Security Council has vowed an “unrelenting response” to the attacks, while regional tensions have escalated following threats from Tehran to retaliate against US installations in the area.

Israel carried out joint strikes in Tehran, the capital of Iran, with smoke seen rising from the city center. According to the Associated Press, one of the attacks occurred near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It remains unclear whether Khamenei, aged 86, was present at the office during the assault. The attack took place after days of heightened tension between Iran and the United States, during which Khamenei had not been seen in public. The incident also coincides with ongoing discussions between Iran and the United States regarding Tehran’s nuclear program. Following the strikes, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a state of emergency across Israel, citing fears of retaliatory attacks from Iran. Warning sirens were reportedly sounded nationwide as precautionary measures were implemented.

At a press briefing at the National Press Club on Saturday, Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) Executive Director and former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K. Chowdhury said that an integrated education law is essential to implement the new government’s 12-point education reform agenda. She criticized the hurriedly enacted education law of the previous interim government as unacceptable and stated that CAMPE has submitted its own proposals aligned with the government’s plan to the Ministry of Education and is preparing for discussions with the minister. Speakers at the event, including BRAC University’s Emeritus Professor Dr. Manzoor Ahmed, emphasized that the 12-point plan is not a complete reform blueprint and called for a comprehensive strategy, task force formation, and political commitment. CAMPE’s proposals addressed issues such as increasing education budget allocation, ensuring transparency in development spending, improving school sanitation and nutrition programs, and introducing digital tools for teachers. Rasheda K. Chowdhury also urged the formation of an expert committee to establish a National Education Reform Commission and suggested using corporate social responsibility funds and an education surcharge to strengthen the education budget.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman worked at his Tejgaon office on Saturday, a government holiday. He arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office around 10:15 a.m. after leaving his residence in Gulshan. According to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, the Prime Minister’s schedule included a meeting with officials and employees of his office. During the meeting, Tarique Rahman sought cooperation from officials and staff to implement his election manifesto. Several advisers, including Mirza Abbas, Ismail Zabihullah, Rashed Humayun Kabir, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, retired Brigadier General A.T.M. Shamsul Islam, Zaher Ur Rahman, and Chief Secretary A.B.M. Abdus Sattar, attended the discussion. The Additional Press Secretary also said that the Prime Minister would attend an iftar hosted by Jamaat-e-Islami at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the afternoon. Tarique Rahman assumed office as Prime Minister on February 17 and has worked on every Saturday since then, including the previous week at the Secretariat.

Israel has declared a state of emergency following airstrikes it carried out on multiple locations in Iran, according to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. The announcement came on February 28, 2026, as warning sirens sounded across Israel amid fears of possible retaliatory attacks from Iran. Security forces have advised civilians to remain close to bomb shelters and avoid unnecessary travel. The defense minister stated that the strikes were conducted to eliminate threats directed at Tel Aviv. In response to the heightened security situation, authorities issued messages urging citizens to locate the nearest protected shelters and stay alert. The Times of Israel reported that the emergency measures were implemented immediately after the attacks. The situation remains tense as Israel braces for potential counterstrikes from Iran, with nationwide alerts continuing to sound and emergency protocols in effect.

Israel launched attacks across several locations in Iran while discussions with the United States were still underway. Explosions were reported early Saturday morning in various parts of Tehran, with smoke visible over the city. A U.S. official confirmed that the strikes were carried out jointly by Israel and the United States. According to the Fars news agency, several missiles hit Tehran’s University Street and Jomhouri areas. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the purpose of the operation was to eliminate threats against Tel Aviv. In anticipation of possible retaliation, Israel imposed nationwide restrictions, suspending educational activities, gatherings, and other public events except for essential needs. The report also mentioned related regional developments, including a fatal incident in Abu Dhabi caused by rocket debris and a statement from the United Arab Emirates asserting its right to retaliate for Iranian attacks. The situation indicates heightened regional tension following the strikes.

Pakistan has claimed that 331 Afghan Taliban soldiers have been killed so far in the ongoing conflict between the two countries. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar shared the figures on social media platform X on Saturday, according to a report by Dawn. He added that more than 500 Taliban fighters were injured, while Pakistani forces destroyed 104 Taliban checkpoints, 163 tanks and armored vehicles, and captured 22 additional posts. In response, the Taliban government has called on Pakistan to engage in dialogue to resolve the escalating situation. The appeal came after Pakistan publicly declared war against Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan has always sought to resolve issues through discussion and remains committed to a peaceful solution. The exchange of claims and calls for negotiation highlights the growing tension between the neighboring countries as both sides assert their positions in the conflict.

More than 15 countries have instructed their citizens to leave Iran as tensions escalate between Tehran and Washington. The move follows warnings of possible US military action against Iran, raising fears of a wider conflict. On Friday, US President Donald Trump said he was dissatisfied with the outcome of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, according to Gulf News. The indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran ended without significant progress. Following this, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Italy, Australia, India, China, and several other European and Asian nations issued travel advisories. These advisories urged citizens to avoid traveling to Iran and for those currently there to depart as soon as possible. Diplomats cited ongoing disagreements over uranium enrichment, inspection procedures, and the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft carriers, warships, and strike aircraft to the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered all federal agencies to stop working with artificial intelligence company Anthropic, labeling it a 'supply chain risk,' according to the Pentagon. The directive requires the Defense Department and related agencies to cease using Anthropic’s technology within six months. Trump warned that full presidential authority would be used if the company failed to cooperate during the transition. Analysts described the move as an unprecedented setback for the U.S. AI sector. Anthropic had previously contributed to national security–related AI capabilities and counts Google and Amazon among its investors. The company announced plans to challenge the Pentagon’s risk designation in court. CEO Dario Amodei recently met with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to express concerns about limits on AI use in weapons systems and mass surveillance. The Pentagon responded that national defense policy is determined by law, not by private firms. The decision follows earlier U.S. actions excluding Chinese tech firm Huawei from defense supply chains. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated that human accountability and surveillance limits are included in its Pentagon contract, though differences from Anthropic’s proposals remain unclear.