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.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud has urged Iran not to make any 'wrong decisions' following recent missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory. The warning came on Saturday amid reports of Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia in response to Israeli and U.S. attacks. According to the Saudi Defense Ministry, several missiles aimed at an airbase hosting U.S. troops were intercepted, and an attempted drone strike on a major oil field was also thwarted. Earlier in the week, Saudi Arabia reported at least two drone attacks on its Ras Tanura oil refinery. After meeting Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir, Khalid bin Salman wrote on social media platform X that such actions undermine regional security and stability. He expressed hope that Iran would act with prudence and avoid missteps. The Defense Ministry further stated that a ballistic missile targeting Prince Sultan Air Base southeast of Riyadh was intercepted, while six drones were downed over the Empty Quarter desert, and an attack on the Shaybah oil field was prevented.

Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, chief coordinator of the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, said that no leader or activist of the organization will engage in unethical activities, nor will they allow such acts. He warned that any allegation of misconduct would result in immediate organizational action. He made these remarks on Saturday evening at a joint meeting of the party’s central, Dhaka North-South, and basic trade union units at the central office in Naya Paltan. Shimul Biswas stated that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure smooth Eid travel, emphasizing that passenger harassment, extortion, and overcharging in the transport sector will be strictly curbed. He also noted that recruitment in industries and factories has been stagnant for a long time and urged that vacancies be filled to create employment opportunities. According to him, the current democratic government is committed to merit-based recruitment. The meeting, chaired by Anwar Hossain and conducted by publicity secretary Manjurul Islam Manju, discussed ongoing organizational tours aimed at strengthening the Workers’ Party.

A local BNP leader, Md. Jibon Mia, has been accused of failing to pay for a donated cow he purchased in an open auction at the historic Pagla Mosque in Kishoreganj. The auction took place on February 9, 2025, where Jibon Mia bought the cow for Tk 55,000 but did not make the required immediate payment. Mosque officials said repeated attempts to collect the money were unsuccessful, and threats were allegedly made when payment was demanded. Local sources said Jibon Mia claims to be a member of the Kishoreganj municipal BNP’s Ward No. 5 committee, though the committee has reportedly been dissolved, according to the municipal BNP president. Meanwhile, journalists covering the alleged irregularities in the auction were attacked on Thursday afternoon, reportedly led by Jibon Mia. Four journalists were injured and are receiving treatment at Kishoreganj 250-bed Modern Hospital. Following the attack, journalist Fayzul Islam Bhuiya Pinku filed an attempted murder case against eight people. Police have arrested Jibon Mia and another suspect named Mona in connection with the case.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that the death toll from ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the country has risen to 294. Citing data from the Health Emergency Operations Center of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the agency said that 1,023 people have been injured since the attacks began on Monday, March 2. According to NNA, Israel has continued its air operations across Lebanon. The latest strike occurred around 4 p.m. local time (14:00 GMT) on Saturday in the city of Jibdin, located in the Nabatieh region of southern Lebanon. The report did not specify the extent of damage or whether civilian areas were affected. The escalation marks a continuation of Israel’s aerial campaign in Lebanon, with no indication from the report of when or if the strikes might cease.

Three Ghanaian UN peacekeepers were seriously injured on Friday in an attack on a United Nations base in southern Lebanon. The assault drew strong condemnation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the government of Ghana, which lodged a formal complaint with the UN. Ghana described the attack as a grave violation of international law, equating it to a war crime and an affront to the protection guaranteed to UN peacekeepers. Germany’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the incident in a statement on X, calling the targeting of UN peacekeepers unacceptable and urging all parties to ensure their safety. Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that the attack involved overnight shelling of the Ghanaian battalion headquarters in the town of Kuza, injuring three peacekeepers, one critically. The wounded were transferred to a hospital in Beirut for treatment. The incident has heightened concern over the safety of UN personnel in Lebanon, with multiple governments stressing the need for accountability and adherence to international law.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that American forces destroyed 42 ships belonging to Iran’s navy within three days. He also asserted that Iran’s air force and telecommunications systems were destroyed. Trump made these remarks on Friday while addressing the situation in Iran, describing America’s performance there as “very good” and “extraordinary.” During his statement, Trump mentioned that he would extend greetings to the families of US personnel who have died in the ongoing conflict. He referred to them as “great heroes” of the country who are returning home from Iran in a way different from what they had imagined. Trump further stated that the United States would keep American troop deaths to a minimum. He added that the war would continue until Iran’s leadership and strength are destroyed, signaling a continuation of hostilities between the two nations.

Iran has issued a warning that any US ship entering the Persian Gulf will be targeted and sunk. The statement came from an Iranian military spokesperson as the country continues retaliatory strikes following joint US-Israeli attacks. The warning underscores rising hostilities in the region, particularly around the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The threat coincided with US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the US Navy would escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had previously cautioned that American or allied vessels navigating the waterway could be attacked, a stance that has already heightened regional tensions. The situation reflects a deepening confrontation between Iran and the United States, with both sides signaling readiness for further escalation in the Gulf region.

Leaders of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami attended an iftar gathering organized by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The event took place on Saturday evening at the Ruposhi Hall of Hotel InterContinental. It was attended by prominent politicians, diplomats from various foreign missions in Dhaka, and distinguished citizens. The information was confirmed through a press release issued by Jamaat’s central publicity department. Representing Jamaat-e-Islami, central executive council members Saiful Alam Khan Milon MP and Advocate Matiur Rahman Akand were present at the event. The iftar was part of the Indian High Commission’s annual Ramadan engagement with political and diplomatic circles in Bangladesh, according to the press release. The participation of Jamaat leaders in the Indian High Commission’s event highlights ongoing diplomatic and political interactions among diverse political groups and foreign missions in Dhaka during the Ramadan season.

Bangladesh Railway has started selling advance train tickets for March 18 today, Sunday, March 8, to ensure smooth travel for passengers heading home for Eid-ul-Fitr. According to railway authorities, all tickets are being sold entirely online this year. To reduce server pressure, the ticket sales have been divided by region and time, with western region tickets available from 8 a.m. and eastern region tickets from 2 p.m. Tickets for March 13 to 17 trains were sold from March 3 to 7, while tickets for March 18 and 19 are being sold on March 8 and 9 respectively. For return journeys after Eid, advance ticket sales will begin on March 13, starting with tickets for March 23. Subsequent days will see sales for March 24 to 29 tickets. The initiative aims to manage high passenger demand during the Eid travel rush and minimize technical disruptions by staggering online ticket sales across regions and dates.

Babashikh Hosseini, Secretary General of the Khabat Organization of Iranian Kurdistan, said there is a strong possibility that Iranian Kurdish fighters based in Iraq could launch a ground operation inside Iran. He told Al Jazeera that while no offensive has begun yet, planning has been ongoing for a long time and the current situation appears more favorable for action. Hosseini explained that a final decision has not been made, but the group is likely moving toward initiating such an operation. He confirmed that the United States has reached out to them through various channels, though no direct meetings have taken place. According to him, the U.S. inquiries focused on possible approaches toward Iran’s ruling system and potential future cooperation. He added that any operation would require weapons, explosives, and modern equipment, as their current resources are outdated. Hosseini noted that discussions with intermediaries and other Kurdish figures have occurred, and direct engagement with the U.S. might happen when operational circumstances become clearer.

The United Kingdom has placed its aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales on standby to depart from Portsmouth within five days, according to BBC reports citing defense sources. The crew has been instructed to prepare for departure on short notice, a move that deviates from the usual 14-day notice period. The deployment is being considered to protect British interests in the Mediterranean amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. The British government has faced criticism for not acting swiftly enough to protect Cyprus from potential drone and missile attacks. The Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon has already been deployed to the region. HMS Prince of Wales had originally been scheduled for operations in the North Atlantic and Arctic later this year as part of Operation Firecrest with U.S., Canadian, and European allies to deter Russian aggression near the Arctic. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the UK has strengthened its military presence in the Middle East since January, deploying Typhoon and F-35 jets, air defense systems, and 400 additional personnel to Cyprus to protect British citizens and allies.

Cristiano Ronaldo has sustained a hamstring injury that is more severe than initially expected, according to Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese star limped off during Al Nassr’s 3–1 Saudi Pro League win over Al Fayha last week. He has since left Saudi Arabia for Madrid to undergo treatment. The injury has raised concerns for both Al Nassr and the Portugal national team as the World Cup approaches. Coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that medical tests revealed the injury to be worse than first thought. He stated that Ronaldo would need both rest and treatment in Spain, similar to how other players manage such injuries. The 41-year-old forward’s return date remains unknown, leaving uncertainty about his readiness for upcoming competitions. The development has caused worry among fans and officials, as Ronaldo was expected to play in his record sixth World Cup appearance later this year.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of launching an attack on a desalination plant located on Qeshm Island, according to a report by Al Jazeera. In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi described the incident as an 'open and reckless crime.' The plant was responsible for converting seawater into drinkable water for local communities. Araghchi stated that the attack disrupted water supplies to 30 villages dependent on the facility. He warned that assaults on Iran’s infrastructure represent a highly dangerous escalation and could have serious consequences. Emphasizing Iran’s position, he said that the United States, not Iran, had set such a precedent. The report did not include any response from the United States or independent verification of the claim, leaving the broader context of the alleged attack unclear.

A mobile court in Chuadanga’s Damurhuda upazila sealed Life Care Medical Center in Karpasdanga on Saturday for operating illegally and in an unhygienic environment. The court fined the center’s owner, Mamunur Rashid Shawon, Tk 200,000 under the Consumer Rights Protection Act 2009. The operation took place from late morning to afternoon across Karpasdanga, Damurhuda Sadar Union, and Darshana municipality. According to court sources, none of the individuals working as nurses at the clinic were registered, and untrained staff were administering injections and collecting test samples. Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Shahin Alam stated that the clinic lacked a valid license, had unsafe surgical and post-operative practices, and maintained a hazardous environment. Damurhuda Upazila Health Officer Dr. Moshior Rahman said expired reagents and unclean facilities were also found. Chuadanga Civil Surgeon Dr. Hadi Zia Uddin Ahmed confirmed that similar drives will continue under new directives from the Ministry of Health to ensure compliance among private healthcare providers.