The United States has instructed all non-emergency officials and family members of its embassy staff in Saudi Arabia to return home due to escalating security risks linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The US State Department issued a notice on March 8, citing a deteriorating security situation following a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Saudi territory over the past week. The advisory also urged American citizens planning to travel to Saudi Arabia to reconsider their decisions. It warned of potential threats including Iranian drone and missile strikes, risks to US installations, armed conflict, terrorism, travel restrictions, and social media limitations. The tensions follow the collapse of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington in late February, after which the US launched “Operation Epic Fury” in Iran and Israel began “Operation Roaring Lion.” In retaliation, Iran has targeted US military bases, embassies, and oil facilities across the Middle East, including multiple attacks in Saudi Arabia over the past week.

Sri Lanka has announced plans to issue free one-month visas to Iranian sailors rescued from outside its territorial waters. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said the temporary visa arrangement aims to assist the sailors while they await repatriation to Iran. On Saturday, 204 sailors from the Iranian warship IRIS Bushehr were brought to a Sri Lankan naval base after the vessel experienced mechanical failure and sought assistance. Earlier in the week, the Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank near the Sri Lankan coast following a torpedo attack by a U.S. submarine, killing more than 80 sailors. The Sri Lankan Navy reported rescuing 32 survivors and recovering 87 bodies from the incident. The attack marks the first time since World War II that a warship has been sunk by a submarine torpedo. Sri Lanka’s decision to provide temporary visas reflects its humanitarian response to the crisis while coordination continues for the sailors’ return to Iran.

Bangladesh’s stock market has continued to decline sharply even after the formation of a new government, with the Dhaka Stock Exchange’s main index DSEX dropping 223 points, or 4.42 percent, on Sunday to fall back to 5,000 points. The market had initially surged following a peaceful national election, but optimism quickly faded as sustained sell-offs and liquidity shortages returned. Market participants attribute the downturn to investor panic triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict and a long-standing crisis of confidence. Former BSEC chairman Faruq Ahmad Siddiqi said panic selling has intensified due to war fears, though he noted that the scale of the decline in Bangladesh is abnormal compared to other countries. He also pointed to structural weaknesses, including a shortage of strong companies and low financial literacy among traders. Investor groups expressed frustration over the lack of change in the securities regulator after the new BNP-led government took office. Current BSEC chairman Khondkar Rashed Maksud defended the commission’s record, citing reforms and efforts to attract quality listings. However, with few new companies entering the market and many existing ones in poor standing, analysts warn recovery will be difficult without fresh investment.

Iran has announced Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The decision was made by the Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 religious figures responsible for selecting the country’s highest authority. The announcement was broadcast by Iran’s state media on Monday night, Bangladesh time, and the Assembly called for public support for the new leader. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28 in a joint U.S.-Israel attack that also claimed the lives of his wife, daughter, and several senior military officials. According to Al Jazeera, Mojtaba Khamenei, aged 56, has never held a government position or contested an election but has long been influential in Iran’s internal politics and maintains close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated two days earlier that Mojtaba’s appointment would be unacceptable to Washington, insisting on U.S. involvement in Iran’s leadership selection. The Assembly of Experts, however, proceeded with the appointment, making Mojtaba Khamenei the third Supreme Leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Global energy markets have become increasingly unstable due to the ongoing war involving Iran, with the United Kingdom now facing a sharp decline in its natural gas reserves. According to National Gas data, as of last Saturday, the UK held about 6,999 gigawatt-hours of gas, down from 9,105 gigawatt-hours a year earlier. The country’s storage capacity can normally cover up to 12 days of demand, but current reserves are sufficient for less than two days. National Gas stated that despite low reserves, the UK continues to receive regular gas supplies from multiple sources, including domestic offshore fields, Norway, liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, European interconnectors, and stored gas. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero also said that claims of only two days of gas are not entirely accurate, expressing confidence in the country’s energy security. The conflict has disrupted global gas shipping routes, with several vessels diverting from Europe to Asia. Following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, gas prices in the UK surged from 78.5 pence to about 137 pence per therm, adding pressure to the domestic energy market.

A United States soldier has died after being wounded in an Iranian attack on a US base in Saudi Arabia, according to the US Central Command. The soldier was critically injured during the March 1 assault and succumbed to his injuries on Sunday night. The incident was part of ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, where Iranian forces launched initial strikes earlier this month. Central Command confirmed that the death brings the total number of US soldiers killed in Operation Epic Fury to seven. The command also stated that the soldier’s identity will be released 24 hours after notifying family members. The attack occurred amid a major military operation currently underway in the region. The report, citing Al Jazeera, indicates that tensions remain high as multiple Iranian attacks have recently targeted areas in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Dhaka University has decided to suspend all classes and examinations from Monday, March 9, 2026, until Saturday, March 28, 2026, in observance of the upcoming Eid holidays. The decision was made at an emergency meeting of the Syndicate Management Team (SMT) held on Sunday night, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan. The meeting discussed the government’s circular and a letter from the University Grants Commission (UGC), which guided the temporary suspension of academic activities. The university’s Public Relations Office confirmed the decision through a notice signed by Director Mohammad Rafiqul Islam. According to the announcement, university offices will remain open on March 9, and a further decision regarding administrative operations after that date will be announced later.

The Jagannath University branch of the University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) has demanded the resignation of the university’s current vice-chancellor. In a press release signed by branch president Professor Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin on Sunday, the organization alleged that the vice-chancellor has prioritized political agendas over institutional development, leading to instability on campus. According to the statement, Jagannath College was converted into a university in 2005 but has since struggled to achieve its goals due to political influences. Following the mass uprising of August 5, 2024, controversies reportedly arose over the appointment of the current vice-chancellor. UTAB claimed that the vice-chancellor failed to implement the outcomes of joint movements by teachers, students, and staff, and that recent clashes during the university journalists’ association election further disrupted campus stability. The UTAB branch expressed no confidence in the vice-chancellor and urged him to resign respectfully. It also warned of complete non-cooperation if he refuses to step down.

In the past week, Israel’s military campaign across Lebanon has killed around 400 people, displaced more than half a million, and expanded ground incursions into the country’s south. The Israeli army ordered residents of southern Lebanon to move north of the Litani River and those in Beirut’s southern suburbs, including Dahiyeh, to evacuate. Analysts told Al Jazeera that Israel’s actions are redefining Lebanon’s landscape, aiming to pressure Hezbollah and sever its connection with its Shia support base. The escalation followed the February 28 assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by Israel and the United States, which triggered a new war on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Hezbollah. Israel subsequently declared the November 2024 ceasefire void after repeated violations. Lebanese officials reported that 517,000 people have registered as displaced, including over 117,000 in government shelters. Analysts said Israel’s strategy could reshape Lebanon’s demographics and impose new political or economic conditions once the war ends. Experts warned that the displacement and destruction could have long-term social and economic consequences, straining host communities and deepening instability in Lebanon’s already fragile state institutions.

At least two people were killed and 12 others injured in an attack on a residential building in Saudi Arabia’s Al Kharj city, according to the country’s Civil Defense agency on Sunday. The victims include one Bangladeshi and one Indian national, though their identities have not yet been released. The attack involved a projectile strike on the building, the agency said in a post on X. The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions following a series of retaliatory attacks between Iran, Israel, and the United States. On February 28, Israel and the U.S. jointly carried out strikes in Iran, prompting Tehran to respond with missile and drone attacks on Tel Aviv and U.S.-linked facilities across Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. Authorities have not yet provided further details about the perpetrators or the motive behind the Al Kharj attack, and investigations are ongoing.

At the ongoing Ekushey Book Fair 2026, Ekushey Padak-winning editor Mahmudur Rahman has released his new book titled “July Poroborti Rajniti Ebong Ekti Osman Hadi,” published by Srijoni Prokashoni. The book explores the political transformation in Bangladesh following the July revolution, which the author describes as a turning point in the nation’s independence from foreign influence. According to the publication, the book discusses how Bangladesh’s politics before August 5, 2024, was heavily dependent on India, and how the student-led July revolution ended that dominance. It also highlights the role of young activist Sharif Osman Hadi, portrayed as a key figure in the anti-hegemony movement who was later suppressed by opposing forces. Rahman presents this narrative as a reflection of the country’s evolving political consciousness. In addition to this title, Rahman’s other new book, “Atmoporichoyer Borme Hegemony Mokabela,” has been published by Mahanagar Publication and is also available at the fair. Both books can be found at the publishers’ stalls and through their contact numbers or social media pages.

Police in Cumilla’s Brahmanpara upazila arrested Akter Hossain, chairman of the BRDB and former president of the upazila Chhatra League, on Sunday, March 8, for allegedly demanding Tk 1 crore in extortion related to a house construction project. He was detained from the Brahmanpara Sadar Bazar area following a case filed at the local police station. According to police and local sources, former police officer Abdus Salam was constructing a house in the Brahmanpara Sadar area when Akter Hossain allegedly demanded Tk 1 crore and issued threats to halt the work if the demand was not met. Project engineer Md. Rajib Khan filed the case that led to the arrest. The operation was led by Officer-in-Charge Sabbir Mohammad Selim and OC (Investigation) Tomas Barua. Police said they are investigating whether others were involved. The accused is being sent to court, and legal proceedings are ongoing.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that a comprehensive plan has been adopted to bring a major transformation to Bangladesh’s communication system under the leadership of the Prime Minister. Speaking on Sunday after inspecting the Diabari Metro Rail Depot following a ride from the Secretariat Station, he said visible improvements in the transport sector would soon be achieved with the cooperation of all stakeholders, ensuring safe and comfortable travel for citizens. The minister noted that the metro rail has already gained public trust as a successful and commuter-friendly project. He added that the government is considering introducing monorail services in densely populated areas, viewing metro rail as the backbone of the transport network. The government aims to build an integrated modern public transport system combining monorail, metro rail, and bus services in the capital. At a separate coordination meeting, State Minister for Bridges and Shipping Rajib Ahsan instructed agencies to prepare for safe and smooth Eid travel, emphasizing early identification and resolution of potential challenges at bridges.

Oman's foreign minister has condemned the recent military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, describing them as unethical and illegal. He stated that the measures taken against Iran violated international law and risked escalating tensions across the region. In his remarks, the Omani foreign minister also expressed regret over Iran’s retaliatory attacks on neighboring countries, calling them unacceptable. He urged all parties involved to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation. The statement reflects Oman's consistent diplomatic stance of promoting regional stability and adherence to international law, as reported by Roya News.

Reports from various official sources indicate rising casualties as hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue. According to Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, 1,332 civilians have been killed in US-Israeli strikes since the conflict began. Lebanon’s health ministry reported 394 deaths, including 83 children and 42 women. Israel’s emergency service MDA said 10 people have been killed since its operations against Iran started, while 1,929 have been hospitalized, though not all due to missile attacks. The Pentagon confirmed six US soldiers were killed in a drone strike on a base in Kuwait. The United Arab Emirates’ defense ministry reported four deaths, while Kuwait’s interior ministry said two soldiers and two border guards were killed, along with a girl struck by metal fragments. Bahrain’s interior ministry reported one worker killed by debris last week. The figures have not been independently verified by the BBC, which compiled the data from official statements. The ongoing conflict has drawn regional concern, with Oman calling attacks on Iran unethical and illegal, and another European country opposing US strikes on Iran.