On Wednesday morning, State Minister for Land Barrister Kaiser Kamal conducted an unannounced inspection at the Siddhirganj Union Land Office in Narayanganj. Arriving at 9:10 a.m., he discovered that no officials were present and the office was locked. The minister waited for about half an hour on the office veranda before expressing his frustration over the absence of staff during official hours. Kamal described the situation as unacceptable and warned that strict action would be taken against those neglecting their duties. He emphasized that a government elected by the people must work for the people and that any irregularities or corruption would not be tolerated. The incident highlights the minister’s focus on administrative accountability and his stance against negligence within government offices.

Barcelona’s title defense ended despite a 3-0 home victory over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the semifinal at Camp Nou. The Catalan side needed to overturn a four-goal deficit from the first leg but fell short, as Atletico advanced 4-3 on aggregate to reach the final. Marc Bernal opened the scoring in the 29th minute from a Lamine Yamal cross, and Raphinha doubled the lead from a penalty in first-half stoppage time. Bernal added his second in the 72nd minute from a Joao Cancelo assist, but Barcelona could not find the crucial fourth goal. Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso made several key saves to preserve his team’s aggregate advantage. After the match, Musso said it might not have been their best performance, but they earned the final spot after 180 minutes of play. Raphinha expressed pride in Barcelona’s comeback effort despite disappointment at missing the final. Atletico Madrid will face either Real Sociedad or Athletic Bilbao in the final on April 18.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that at least 50 people were killed and 335 injured in Israeli airstrikes over the past two days, according to a CNN News report published on March 4, 2026. The attacks continued into Wednesday morning, with air raids striking southern Beirut, where at least six people were killed and eight others wounded. Israel stated that its forces intend to advance further into Lebanese territory to capture what it described as strategically important areas. The stated goal of this move is to prevent attacks on Israeli border settlements. The information was also cited by the Lebanese outlet L’Orient Today. The ongoing escalation underscores the intensifying conflict between Israel and Lebanon, with civilian casualties mounting as air and ground operations continue near the border and in urban areas.

Five days after a joint US-Israel attack on Iran, questions remain over President Donald Trump’s motives and objectives. Initially, Trump and his administration said the goal was to destroy Iran’s nuclear program and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. Vice President JD Vance reiterated this aim in a television interview. However, the administration’s reasoning evolved over subsequent days, with Trump later emphasizing the destruction of Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and the elimination of proxy groups in the region. Trump subsequently suggested that regime change in Iran was necessary, telling Iranians they would take leadership after a transition. Yet Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth contradicted this, stating that regime change was not the United States’ goal, though he acknowledged leadership changes had occurred. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later argued that the attack was preemptive, as US forces would have become targets once Israel struck Iran. The lack of a clear post-attack plan has drawn sharp criticism in Congress. Democrats accused the administration of acting without credible intelligence or a defined strategy, warning that the US could face a prolonged conflict.

Bangladesh has consolidated its position as the second-largest apparel supplier to the European Union, achieving a 21.57 percent market share in 2025. According to Eurostat data, the country’s exports to the EU rose from 14,295 million euros in 2021 to 19,414.55 million euros in 2025, marking a 36 percent increase. Despite global demand slowdown, Bangladesh outperformed key competitors such as China, India, and Turkey in growth rate. China retained the top position with a 29.54 percent share, while Turkey and India held 9.27 and 5.03 percent respectively. Industry leaders attributed Bangladesh’s progress to sustained efforts, competitive pricing, and stable supply chains. They noted that European buyers’ confidence remained strong even amid global economic pressure. The Export Promotion Bureau confirmed that the EU remains Bangladesh’s largest export destination, accounting for the majority of its apparel shipments. Analysts from the Centre for Policy Dialogue said that advances in sustainable production and eco-friendly factories have strengthened Bangladesh’s position in Europe. They emphasized the need for product diversification and a potential free trade agreement with the EU to maintain tariff-free access after the country’s graduation from LDC status.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments on Iran have stirred controversy ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In an interview with Politico, Trump said he did not care whether Iran participated, calling the country “badly defeated” and “in smoke.” Iran has qualified for the tournament, with group-stage matches scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle, but rising U.S.–Iran tensions have raised concerns about the fixtures. FIFA reiterated that all participating nations, players, staff, and fans would be welcomed and protected. The Athletic sought clarification from the White House, and Andrew Giuliani, director of the U.S. World Cup Taskforce, said any threats to the safety of millions expected to attend would be neutralized. The Iranian Football Federation did not respond to The Athletic’s request for comment, though its president, Mehdi Taj, earlier acknowledged concerns about the situation and said the sports ministry would take necessary steps. FIFA’s secretary general had previously emphasized safety as the top priority, and a spokesperson confirmed that Iran’s participation status remains unchanged despite recent regional tensions.

Dhaka South City Corporation has declared 12 wards as high-risk areas amid a severe mosquito outbreak across the capital. The decision includes a four-tier monitoring system and the deployment of mobile courts to enforce control measures. The city has launched a month-long cleanliness and crash program, categorizing wards into high, medium, and general risk levels. Seven officials have been assigned to oversee operations, and two executive magistrates will lead mobile court drives. Residents report that mosquito infestations have reached alarming levels in neighborhoods such as Badda, Rampura, Malibagh, and Shahbagh, where stagnant water and waste accumulation have become breeding grounds. Citizens complain that fogging and awareness campaigns have failed to reduce the problem, and many blame poor waste management and drainage conditions for the persistent crisis. Dhaka South City’s administrator stated that local imams will be engaged to raise public awareness, and citizens who fail to eliminate breeding sites around their homes may face mobile court action. The city’s efforts aim to curb the spread of dengue and chikungunya as public frustration grows.

In Dhaka’s Lalmatia D Block, a volunteer-run initiative called ‘Mehmankhana’ has become a vital source of daily meals for the city’s underprivileged. Without political or corporate backing, a group of young volunteers prepares and distributes iftar and one daily meal to around 1,500 to 2,000 people every day during Ramadan. The beneficiaries include rickshaw pullers, day laborers, street children, and low-income workers who gather before sunset to receive food in an orderly manner. The initiative, founded by Asma Akhter Liza during the COVID-19 lockdown, began with meals for 50 to 100 people and has since expanded to serve thousands. Volunteers cook and serve dishes such as khichuri, chickpeas, puffed rice, fruits, and drinks, maintaining hygiene and discipline throughout the process. Contributions come from individuals donating rice, lentils, oil, chicken, or money via mobile payment. Beyond Ramadan, Mehmankhana continues to distribute food across Dhaka and operates a small school named ‘Ananda Pathshala’ for disadvantaged children, reflecting its broader humanitarian mission.

The US Senate is scheduled to vote today on a proposal to limit the president’s authority to declare war. The debate on the bill is set to begin at 11 a.m. local time, with a vote expected at 4 p.m. If passed, the measure would restrict President Donald Trump’s ability to unilaterally initiate military action without congressional approval. The proposal comes amid growing criticism that Trump ordered strikes on Iran without authorization from Congress. The move has triggered a heated debate over whether the president has the legal authority to undertake such significant military operations independently. According to The New York Times, some lawmakers have expressed opposition to Trump’s decision. Iran has accused President Trump of acting to please Israel rather than serving the interests of the American people, further heightening regional and political tensions surrounding the issue.

France has announced the deployment of its warship Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean Sea to assist Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Iraq. President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that the move is part of France’s defense commitments with these partner nations. Macron confirmed that, in addition to the warship, France has already deployed Dassault Rafale fighter jets, air defense systems, and radar equipment in recent hours. These assets are intended to help intercept missiles and drones originating from Iran, according to the French president. The deployment underscores France’s ongoing military cooperation with Middle Eastern allies under existing defense agreements, reflecting its commitment to regional security and deterrence efforts.

Iran’s Defense Ministry has declared that the country is prepared for a prolonged conflict against the United States and Israel. The ministry’s spokesperson, Reza Talaei-Nik, stated that Iran possesses the capability to maintain resistance and continue offensive defense over an extended period. He emphasized that the nation has not yet deployed its most advanced weapons and military equipment. The statement comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and both the United States and Israel. According to the ministry, the current confrontation has been imposed on Iran, but the country remains confident in its long-term military endurance. The remarks reflect Tehran’s effort to project strength and deterrence at a time of escalating regional hostilities. The ministry’s comments suggest that Iran may be holding back its most sophisticated arsenal, signaling potential for further escalation if the conflict continues.

Arab leaders are facing severe consequences after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, triggering a regional war that has engulfed much of the Arab world. The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei marked a turning point, prompting Iran to unleash its vast missile and drone arsenal despite lacking advanced air power. U.S. military bases across the Middle East, from Cyprus to Bahrain, have come under Iranian attack, exposing the limits of Washington’s security guarantees to its Arab allies. The conflict has destabilized oil-rich Arab states, disrupted energy supplies, and driven up global fuel prices. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and drone strikes on Saudi and Qatari energy facilities have intensified market turmoil. For Bangladesh, which depends heavily on Middle Eastern remittances and fuel imports, the war poses grave risks. Millions of Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar may lose jobs, while rising oil prices threaten inflation and trade costs. Analysts cited in the report warn that the war could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics, strain Arab economies, and trigger long-term global energy and financial instability.

The US-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported that at least 1,097 civilians have been killed in Iran since February 28 amid ongoing violence. According to the agency, the victims include 181 children under the age of ten. The number of injured has risen to 5,402, with at least 100 children among them. HRANA’s report stated that in the past 24 hours alone, at least 104 attacks occurred across the country, targeting military bases, medical centers, and residential areas. The organization also noted that reports of several hundred additional deaths are still being verified. The figures highlight the scale of the recent escalation in Iran, though the report indicates that casualty numbers may continue to rise as verification continues.

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been selected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. Iran-based media outlet Iran International reported on Wednesday that the Assembly of Experts made the decision under pressure from the country’s Revolutionary Guard. According to Fars News Agency, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint attack by the United States and Israel, will be buried in the holy city of Mashhad. The 86-year-old leader had served as Iran’s top religious authority for 36 years before his death. He was born in Mashhad and had expressed his wish to be buried at the Imam Reza shrine complex there. The exact time of the burial has not yet been announced, but preparations are reportedly underway in Mashhad, which holds deep religious significance for Iranians.

The global economy faces renewed instability after fresh airstrikes by the United States and Israel in Iran triggered retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. The situation has disrupted earlier optimism that followed a brief pause in regional conflict, raising fears of prolonged tensions that could affect oil and gas production. Analysts warn that the conflict may not end quickly, and any disruption in energy supply could push inflation higher and slow global growth. Experts note that Iran remains determined to retaliate despite attacks on its territory, and potential strikes on major producers such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia could severely impact global markets. Former IMF chief economist Kenneth Rogoff cautioned that the world is entering a highly uncertain period, drawing parallels to historical conflicts that escalated unexpectedly. About 30 percent of global oil and 17 percent of natural gas come from the Middle East, with a fifth of oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Energy price volatility has already surfaced, with oil prices jumping over 10 percent in a single day. Economists warn that extended disruptions could raise production costs, threaten food security in vulnerable regions, and push Europe and East Asia—heavily dependent on imported energy—into deeper economic strain.