National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam stated that although political leadership has changed in Bangladesh, the lives of ordinary people have not improved. Speaking at an iftar event organized by Khelafat Majlis at Fars Hotel and Resorts in Dhaka’s Paltan area on Friday evening, he remarked that the country’s leadership now ends speeches with 'Bangladesh Zindabad' instead of 'Joy Bangla', symbolizing only a shift in party dominance rather than real progress. Nahid Islam alleged that incidents of violence against women and rape have increased across the country since the BNP formed the government. He cited a case in Noakhali’s Hatiya, where a woman was allegedly assaulted for voting for the Shapla symbol. He criticized civil society and women’s rights activists for remaining silent on these issues. He emphasized that despite others’ silence, the National Citizen Party will continue to speak out for people’s rights. Senior NCP leaders, including chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, attended the event.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman declared that the July uprising would be defended even at the cost of life. Speaking as chief guest at an iftar event organized by Khelafat Majlis at Fars Hotel and Resorts in Dhaka, he said the survival of the interim government, national election, and newly formed administration depended on preserving the July spirit. He pledged unity to protect the July ideals and prevent any return to fascism or impunity. Khelafat Majlis Ameer Maulana Abdul Basit Azad, presiding over the event, accused the new government of engaging in divisive politics over the July Charter and referendum. He warned that attempts to politicize the referendum through the courts would have serious consequences. Azad urged the government to honor its commitments as a signatory to the July Charter and to introduce a bill in the first parliamentary session to form a constitutional reform council. Azad also condemned attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran, calling for global solidarity with Iran and unity among Muslim nations against aggression.

A video circulating on social media claimed that the army conducted a raid at the residence of Hasnat Abdullah, the chief coordinator of NCP’s southern region and Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4, seizing a large cache of weapons and arresting three people. However, fact-checking organization Rumor Scanner has confirmed that the claim is false. According to Rumor Scanner’s investigation, the video being shared does not depict any raid at Hasnat Abdullah’s home. Instead, it shows footage from a joint forces operation in Savar, where a former leader of Jahangirnagar University’s student wing and three associates were arrested with weapons. The same footage was originally published on February 9 by Ekattor Television’s YouTube channel and reported by The Daily Campus. Rumor Scanner found no evidence from mainstream or credible news sources supporting the claim of an army raid at Hasnat Abdullah’s residence, confirming that the viral allegation is baseless.

The Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) organized a discussion and iftar gathering on March 6, 2026, at the Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) auditorium, bringing together leaders from around 20 student organizations and the university administration. The event, titled “Restoration of Democracy: The Expected Campus,” called for strengthening democratic coexistence, healthy political practices, and harmony on campus. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan praised the initiative for uniting diverse political groups under one roof, describing it as a positive example of dialogue. Other university officials, including Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha and Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, emphasized DUJA’s role in supporting transparency and fostering a safe, inclusive campus. Leaders from various student organizations highlighted the need for tolerance, cooperation, and an end to campus violence and misinformation. Speakers also urged regular student union elections and active administrative engagement to sustain a democratic academic environment, reflecting a shared commitment to peaceful political coexistence at Dhaka University.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s bilateral and multilateral relations with countries around the world. Speaking at an iftar reception in honor of foreign diplomats in Dhaka on Friday, he said the government values partnerships founded on mutual respect, cooperation, and trust. The event was held at the state guesthouse Jamuna. In his remarks before the iftar, Rahman emphasized that the gathering symbolized harmony among people of different nations, religions, and cultures. He reiterated his government’s stance on protecting independence, ensuring human rights, and combating corruption. The prime minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain law and order, empower women, and support new entrepreneurs to build an inclusive economy. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman noted that Bangladesh prioritizes equality, mutual interest, and friendship in its bilateral relations. Diplomats from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and several other countries attended the event alongside cabinet members and senior officials.

Several Israeli soldiers were injured during a military operation along the Lebanon border, according to Israeli Army Radio as reported by Al Jazeera. Among the injured is the son of Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The report did not provide details on how the soldiers were wounded or their current medical condition. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions along the Lebanon-Israel frontier, where Israeli forces have recently increased military activity. The escalation follows a period of growing cross-border friction, prompting Israel to intensify its operations in the area. Further information about the circumstances of the injuries or the broader military objectives has not yet been released by Israeli authorities.

The United States carried out its first B-2 bomber strike on Iran since the start of the war, according to reports on Friday. The operation targeted underground ballistic missile launchers in Tehran and other Iranian cities. The US and Israel have been conducting extensive attacks across Iran for seven consecutive days, with Israel announcing the beginning of a second phase of its assault. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the intensity of the bombing campaign is set to increase dramatically. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command, confirmed that several B-2 stealth bombers dropped dozens of 2,000-pound penetrator bombs designed to destroy underground facilities. The report, citing Al Jazeera, indicates a significant escalation in the conflict, with both US and Israeli forces intensifying their operations against Iranian military infrastructure.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the country’s navy rescued 208 crew members from the Iranian ship IRIS Bushehr, which was anchored within Sri Lanka’s exclusive economic zone near Colombo port. The ship had requested permission to enter Sri Lankan waters, and following discussions between the Iranian embassy and the Sri Lankan government, the ship’s captain decided to proceed with the rescue. The rescued personnel include 53 officers, 84 cadets, 48 senior sailors, and 23 sailors, who are being brought to Colombo port before being transferred to the Trincomalee area. The rescue follows an earlier incident on March 4, when another Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, was reportedly attacked near Sri Lanka’s coast. The United States claimed responsibility for sinking that ship with a submarine torpedo. Sri Lanka’s navy rescued 32 people from the Dena and admitted them to Galle National Hospital for treatment. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath later confirmed that 84 bodies had been recovered from the incident, with the remains also taken to the same hospital. The coordinated rescue operations highlight Sri Lanka’s ongoing maritime response efforts following consecutive Iranian naval incidents near its waters.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that several countries have initiated mediation efforts, though he did not specify which nations are involved. In a social media post, he emphasized Iran’s commitment to lasting peace in the region while asserting that the country would not compromise on its dignity and sovereignty. Pezeshkian added that mediation should be directed toward those who have underestimated the Iranian people and fueled the ongoing conflict. His remarks come at a time when Iran has been carrying out retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. bases, facilities, and energy infrastructure in neighboring Arab countries. These missile attacks have drawn angry reactions from nearby states, according to the report. The statement highlights Iran’s dual stance of supporting regional peace while maintaining a firm defense posture amid escalating tensions.

Health and Family Welfare Ministry’s Health Services Division Secretary Mohammad Kamruzzaman Chowdhury announced that broker networks will be eradicated from hospital complexes to ensure uninterrupted medical services for the public. He made the statement on Friday during a visit to the 50-bed Begumganj Health Complex in Noakhali, emphasizing that government hospitals are the last resort for many citizens and that no broker activity will be tolerated. The secretary said strict monitoring has already been increased around hospitals, and authorities have been instructed to take necessary actions against fraudulent brokers who mislead patients into private clinics or diagnostic centers. Coordinated efforts among the administration, police, and hospital authorities are underway to identify and remove such brokers. Measures include tightening security at hospital entrances, installing CCTV cameras, setting up information centers, and raising awareness so patients seek services directly from official counters. He further warned that any hospital staff found involved with brokers will face strict administrative action, including possible dismissal. The ministry is implementing various steps to ensure transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for corruption in the health sector, following directives from the Prime Minister.

State Minister for Energy Anindya Islam Amit announced that Bangladesh will introduce a rationing system for fuel sales starting Sunday to prevent long-term energy shortages. He said written instructions will be sent to petrol pumps, following his inspection of a station in Paribagh on Friday. The minister emphasized that the government has sufficient fuel reserves and urged the public not to panic. Amit explained that public concern over fuel availability is understandable given the ongoing war situation, but assured that there is no reason for alarm. He noted that fuel supply had been increased several times in recent days and that consumers were purchasing more than usual. The government, he said, is working to minimize public hardship. The minister added that global fuel prices have risen sharply, creating pressure on the domestic market. While the government will try to avoid price hikes, he said any unavoidable adjustments will be shared transparently with citizens, seeking their understanding and support.

Iran has ended its long-held policy of 'strategic patience' following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. The attacks, which also targeted Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Syria, prompted Tehran to demonstrate its new doctrine of 'active and unprecedented deterrence' by launching missiles and drones across the Gulf. Within days, Iran struck Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Cyprus, signaling a major escalation in regional hostilities. The shift follows years of managed restraint by Iran, which had relied on a network of allies including Hezbollah, the Houthis, Hamas, and the Popular Mobilisation Forces to deter aggression. However, Israeli operations against Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, the fall of Syria’s al-Assad government, and the 12-day-war in 2025 eroded Iran’s deterrence framework. The destruction of Iran’s consulate in Damascus in 2024 marked the first major breach of its restraint policy. The latest escalation has drawn in Gulf states such as Qatar and the UAE, exposing the fragility of their balancing strategies. Regional unrest is spreading, with protests in Bahrain and Iraq, and reports of US encouragement for Kurdish offensives against Iran, suggesting a widening and destabilizing conflict across the Middle East.

The Kremlin said on Friday that the ongoing United States-Israeli war on Iran has led to a significant rise in global demand for Russian oil and gas. The announcement came a day after the US Treasury granted India a 30-day waiver to purchase Russian oil stranded at sea. The conflict, now in its seventh day, has nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off access to about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia remains a reliable supplier capable of maintaining all contracted deliveries but declined to disclose potential export volumes to India. International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that turning back to Russian gas would be economically and politically misguided, emphasizing Europe’s past overreliance on Russian energy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledged to present options to address rising energy prices at an upcoming EU summit. Meanwhile, Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times that Gulf producers may halt exports if the conflict persists, potentially driving oil prices to $150 a barrel and gas to $40 per million British thermal units. Benchmark US crude rose 4.1 percent to $84.36 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed 1.7 percent to $87, nearing its highest level since April 2024.

Ukraine is bracing for a potential shortage of US-made Patriot air defence missiles as Washington’s Middle Eastern allies use large quantities of the same systems to intercept Iranian attacks. Experts told Al Jazeera that Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to exploit the shortfall, which could occur within weeks, by intensifying missile assaults on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The Patriots, first deployed in Kyiv in 2023, have been crucial in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, including the Kinzhal, but their limited supply and high cost have constrained Ukraine’s defences. Analysts warn that the shortage highlights broader weaknesses in Ukraine’s protection of energy and transport infrastructure. Moscow’s strategy of using drones and decoy missiles to exhaust Ukrainian air defences has already proven effective. European and Israeli reluctance to release additional Patriot stocks further complicates Kyiv’s situation. Ukraine currently operates fewer than a dozen Patriot batteries, far below the 25 it says are needed. While France and Italy’s SAMP/T systems offer some backup, their effectiveness against Russia’s modified missiles remains untested. Experts caution that Russia may soon launch large-scale raids to deplete Ukraine’s remaining missile reserves.

The United States has granted India a temporary waiver allowing it to increase imports of Russian oil, reversing months of pressure on New Delhi. The license, issued late Thursday, permits transactions for Russian crude and petroleum products loaded before March 5, provided they are delivered to India and purchased by Indian firms. The waiver expires on April 4 at 12:01 a.m. Washington time. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the 30-day measure aims to keep oil flowing into global markets without providing significant financial benefit to Russia. The decision comes as escalating conflict in the Persian Gulf disrupts energy flows, threatening supplies to major importers. The move offers immediate relief to India, one of the economies most affected by the turmoil, by allowing refiners to secure stranded Russian cargoes and stabilize operations. It also represents a policy shift by the Trump administration, which had previously imposed tariffs and sanctions to curb India’s Russian oil purchases. Analysts noted that while the waiver is short-term, it could reshape Russian crude pricing and trade flows in the coming weeks as competition for supply intensifies.