Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that military cooperation between Iran and Russia remains ongoing and is not a new development. In an interview with NBC, he described the relationship as a long-standing strategic partnership, emphasizing that it has existed for many years and continues to this day. When asked whether Iran is receiving assistance from Russia, Araghchi said the two countries have maintained military ties for a long time. He added that while he does not have detailed military information about whether Russia is helping Iran identify U.S. targets, the relationship between the two nations is very strong. Araghchi reiterated that the cooperation is not secret and will continue into the future, underscoring the enduring nature of Iran-Russia strategic relations.

National Citizens Party (NCP) member secretary and parliamentarian Akhtar Hossain has accused BNP lawmakers of violating the July Charter implementation order on the day of their oath-taking. Speaking at a discussion titled “Constitutional Recognition of July: Citizen Expectations from the Government and New Parliament” at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka, he urged BNP MPs not to fall into conspiracies and instead participate in the nation-building process. Hossain stated that under Article 8 of the July Charter order, MPs were required to take an oath both as members of parliament and as members of the Constitutional Reform Council, which BNP MPs failed to do. He said this omission disrespected the people’s sovereign will. He also criticized BNP for shifting its stance on the referendum and attempting to challenge its outcome in court. Hossain called on BNP MPs to take the Constitutional Reform Council oath before the next parliamentary session on March 12. He emphasized that NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami members had already taken their oaths and were committed to fulfilling their public responsibilities.

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to condemn Iran’s recent attacks, according to a statement from the Emir’s office. During the call, Macron expressed France’s full solidarity with Qatar and praised the effective role of Qatar’s armed forces in protecting residents, including French nationals, within the country. The statement added that both leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring the stability of energy supplies and freedom of navigation through key maritime routes. They also called for prioritizing dialogue and diplomatic initiatives to de-escalate tensions and resolve the situation peacefully. The conversation reflects ongoing international concern over regional security and the need for cooperative measures to maintain stability in the Gulf area.

Allegations of irregularities and obstruction in nomination paper distribution have surfaced surrounding the Barishal District Lawyers Association executive council election. Former secretary and senior lawyer Kazi Munirul Hasan raised the complaints at a press conference held on Sunday afternoon at the Barishal Press Club. He claimed that despite approaching the chief election officer twice on March 5 to collect nomination papers for the president post, he was denied the forms both times, prompting anger among attending lawyers. In his written statement, Hasan described the 146-year-old Barishal District Lawyers Association as a non-political professional organization representing lawyers from diverse backgrounds. He expressed concern that attempts were being made to turn the upcoming election into a one-sided process, contrasting it with the recently held national election, which he said was conducted in a free and democratic environment. Hasan urged the authorities to announce a new election schedule to ensure a fair and acceptable process. Several pro-Awami League lawyers, including Delwar Hossain Dilu and Anwar Hossain Mizan, were present at the press conference.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman extended heartfelt greetings to women in Bangladesh and around the world on International Women’s Day. In a Facebook post on Sunday, he acknowledged women’s indispensable contributions to family, society, economy, and nation-building. Dr. Rahman emphasized the need for a Bangladesh where women have fair opportunities in education, employment, and leadership, and where workplace and wage discrimination are eliminated. He urged the state and society to stand firmly against violence, harassment, and humiliation of women, and called for collective efforts to increase female participation in science, technology, education, and innovation. He added that a just society built on morality, humanity, and family values can ensure women’s true dignity, stressing that every woman, regardless of religion or community, deserves respect and cooperation. He concluded by expressing hope for a Bangladesh where every woman can live safely and move toward a promising future.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has issued a show-cause notice to Ashraful Islam, president of the party’s Ramna Thana unit, for filing a case against Nasiruddin Patwari, the chief organizer of the National Coordination Platform (NCP). The notice, signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, was issued on Sunday. It stated that Ashraful Islam filed the case without party approval, violating organizational discipline, and was instructed to submit a written explanation to the party’s central office in Naya Paltan within 48 hours. Earlier that morning, Ashraful Islam had filed a case with the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Hasan Shahadat’s court against Nasiruddin Patwari, accusing him of criminal intimidation and defamation of Mirza Abbas, the Prime Minister’s political adviser and a BNP Standing Committee member. The BNP leadership’s action underscores its emphasis on maintaining internal discipline and centralized decision-making in handling legal or political disputes involving party members.

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has called on citizens to refrain from creating unrest and to allow the current government to function. Speaking as the chief guest at an iftar gathering organized by the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in Kakrail, Dhaka, on Sunday evening, he emphasized the need for stability and patience among those seeking the government’s downfall. Abbas cautioned against provocative actions and urged people to prioritize national stability. He stated that a democratic government has come to power after 18 years and should be given the opportunity to work until the next election, when the public can decide its fate. Abbas also criticized attempts to blame the current administration for the failures of previous governments and rejected efforts to hold the BNP responsible for past governance issues. He said the BNP is working to revive the nation and expressed hope that acting chairman Tarique Rahman would continue the legacy of past BNP leaders in rebuilding Bangladesh. Abbas concluded by urging those attempting to topple the government to put the country’s stability first.

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has alleged that the ruling party came to power through engineered election results and has forgotten the spirit of the July Revolution. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and iftar gathering organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Barishal Metropolitan on Sunday, he said the people are preparing for the future and that Jamaat will participate in all upcoming local government elections, including district, upazila, and union council polls. During his speech, Parwar emphasized that the Quran, revealed in the month of Ramadan, is a complete code of life and a guide for justice. He said that establishing a Quran-based society requires pious individuals in every sphere of the state, from police officers to ministers. Advocate Muazzam Hossain Helal, speaking as a special guest, claimed that votes cast in favor of Islam were taken away, citing a former adviser’s statement as evidence. The event was presided over by Jamaat central working committee member and Barishal city chief Maulana Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babar, with several other local leaders also addressing the gathering.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has questioned why the BNP opposes implementing the July Charter, which was endorsed by a national referendum. Speaking at an iftar event in Dhaka’s Kakrail on Sunday, he urged the BNP to honor its earlier commitment to the people, noting that 69 percent of voters supported the reform agenda. He warned that ignoring this mandate would mean disregarding the entire July framework that underpins national unity and governance. Dr. Rahman said Jamaat accepted the election results despite grievances, emphasizing that acceptance does not mean tolerating injustice. He alleged that the election outcome was manipulated, depriving many of their rights, and vowed to continue the struggle through legal, political, and parliamentary means. He also condemned attacks on Iran’s sovereignty as violations of international law and called on the United Nations to act to preserve global peace. Speakers at the event reiterated their commitment to implementing the July Charter and ensuring justice for past killings, warning that any deviation from the July spirit could trigger renewed public protests.

Police in Sylhet Metropolitan area have arrested 140 individuals, including muggers, drug dealers, users, smugglers, and suspects, during a coordinated crackdown aimed at curbing rising crime ahead of Eid. The operation, conducted under the directives of two government ministers, covered six police stations and was confirmed by Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) sources on Sunday afternoon. According to police, the 32-hour operation involved both local police and the Detective Branch (DB). Among those detained were eight muggers, ten drug dealers, five drug users, twenty-six smugglers, and nineteen suspects. Authorities also seized 77 yaba tablets, ten packets of marijuana, and illegal Indian goods valued at approximately 3.9 million taka. Police Commissioner Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury stated that the raids will continue to ensure public safety. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and Labour, Expatriates’ Welfare and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury instructed law enforcement agencies to take swift action following recent incidents of mugging in Sylhet.

The Dhaka University branch of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has announced a 21-member committee for its 2026 session. The announcement was made on Sunday through a press release signed by branch president Mohiuddin Khan. The release listed the names and positions of newly appointed secretaries, including Asif Imam as office secretary, Miftahul Hossain Al Maruf as publicity and media secretary, and several others assigned to various organizational roles. According to the statement, the committee includes secretaries for departments such as human resource development, education and training, sports, student rights, IT, international affairs, and science. The announcement follows an earlier partial committee declaration on January 5, when Mohiuddin Khan was named president, Ashiqur Rahman general secretary, and Sajjad Hossain Khan organizational secretary. The formation of the full committee marks the completion of the Dhaka University branch’s leadership structure for the 2026 session, consolidating its organizational framework for upcoming activities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran’s attacks on US targets in the Middle East are a response to what he described as a war imposed on Iran. In an interview with NBC, he said Iran did not choose the conflict and is acting in self-defense, according to Al Jazeera. Araghchi characterized the ongoing conflict as unprepared, irrational, and illegal, asserting that it was forced upon Iran by the United States and Israel. He explained that Iran’s retaliatory military actions have targeted US bases, installations, and assets in the region, even when those are located within neighboring countries’ territories. The report also mentioned related developments in the region, including casualties in Saudi Arabia and statements from Oman condemning attacks on Iran as unethical and illegal.

A case has been filed against former National Parliament Whip Shamsul Haque on charges of acquiring Tk 150 million in illegal assets. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stated that Haque abused his official power for personal gain. The case was confirmed on Sunday by ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Md. Akhtarul Islam. According to the ACC report, Haque possessed assets worth Tk 68.8 million against a legitimate income of Tk 49 million, leaving Tk 50.8 million in unexplained wealth. The case was filed under Section 27(1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, and Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. The ACC investigation also found significant illegal assets in the names of Haque’s wife Kamrun Nahar Chowdhury and daughter Taklima Nasrin Chowdhury. Kamrun Nahar reportedly owns assets worth Tk 72.1 million, exceeding her legitimate income by Tk 67.5 million. Taklima Nasrin was found to possess Tk 30.1 million in assets, of which Tk 29.4 million are allegedly unaccounted for. The ACC’s findings indicate a pattern of wealth accumulation beyond known income sources, prompting legal action against all three family members.

Iran has declared that it will not accept any foreign interference in the process of selecting its new Supreme Leader. Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated that the decision is entirely an internal matter for Iran. Speaking to NBC, Aragchi confirmed that the Assembly of Experts will be responsible for choosing the next Supreme Leader and that the process will take place soon. He emphasized that Iran’s political institutions, including the presidency, cabinet, and parliament, continue to function normally. Aragchi also responded to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, reiterating that Iran will not tolerate any external involvement in its domestic affairs. Aragchi stressed that the selection of a new leader is solely the concern of the Iranian people and not of any other country.

China has issued a warning against any attempt to change Iran’s government amid ongoing US-Israeli attacks. Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of an annual meeting in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that any plan for a “color revolution” or regime change in Iran would not gain public support. He called for an immediate end to military operations in the Middle East to prevent further escalation and regional spillover. Wang emphasized respect for the sovereignty of all nations, stating that force cannot provide solutions and that armed conflict only fuels hatred and new crises. He urged all parties to return to dialogue to resolve differences and ensure collective security. China, he said, is ready to work with regional countries to restore order and peace in the Middle East. According to a classified US National Intelligence Council report cited by The Washington Post, large-scale US military strikes are unlikely to topple Iran’s political or religious power structure, undermining claims by President Donald Trump that he could replace Iran’s leadership with his preferred successor.