The United Kingdom is considering sending a warship to the Mediterranean following a drone attack on its military base in Cyprus. According to defense sources cited by the BBC, the Royal Navy’s HMS Duncan has been kept ready for possible deployment, though no final decision has yet been made. The reported attack targeted a British military installation in Cyprus, prompting London to evaluate its security posture in the region. The move reflects heightened concern over regional stability and the safety of British forces stationed abroad. While the UK has not confirmed when or if the deployment will occur, the preparation of HMS Duncan indicates that the government is maintaining readiness for potential escalation or deterrence operations in the Mediterranean.

The Gaza crossing was reopened for the first time following a joint United States and Israeli attack on Iran, according to the report published on March 3, 2026. The route is described as crucial for delivering food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza. Israeli forces had previously closed the crossing after the conflict involving Iran began. The closure had severely restricted the entry of relief supplies, leading to rapidly depleting food and fuel reserves in Gaza. The United Nations and other organizations had warned that the blockade could trigger an acute food crisis if not resolved. The reopening marks a significant development in efforts to restore humanitarian access to the enclave. The report also referenced related regional tensions, including threats from Iran to target economic centers and statements from the United States offering new explanations for the attack on Iran.

Bangladesh Bank has eased regulations for renewing ongoing loans to assist businesses facing current economic challenges. In a circular issued on Tuesday, the central bank instructed that banks must begin the renewal process at least two months before the expiry of any existing loan. If renewal cannot be completed within the stipulated time due to reasons beyond control, the loan may still be renewed until it is classified as defaulted, provided that the delay is properly documented. The circular further stated that any portion exceeding the approved loan limit must be adjusted before renewal. It also prohibited showing the excess portion as a new loan or transferring it to another account to avoid proper classification. The new policy will remain effective until December 31, 2027, replacing a previous circular issued in June 2025. The directive was issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, and took immediate effect, signaling regulatory flexibility aimed at maintaining financial stability and supporting business continuity.

The political alliance July Oikya has warned that if the government of Bangladesh pursues a fascist course with foreign support, the student and public movement will revive the spirit of the July uprising. In a statement issued on Tuesday by organizer Munshi Burhan Mahmud, the group said it would resist any attempt to reestablish fascism and would fight to secure the rights achieved through the July movement. The statement recalled that more than 1,400 people died and over 30,000 were injured during the mass uprising, accusing the current ruling party BNP of undermining that legacy. July Oikya alleged that the government is backing a legal petition challenging the July Charter, referendum, and constitutional reform commission, describing it as a betrayal of the nation. The group also claimed that the government is weakening independent and constitutional institutions, citing incidents involving the Bangladesh Bank and the Anti-Corruption Commission. July Oikya demanded that the upcoming first session of the 13th National Parliament implement the July Charter, impeach the president under Article 52 for alleged crimes, and appoint neutral leadership to autonomous bodies. It warned that without July’s legitimacy, neither the election nor the government would remain valid.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostakur Rahman has confirmed that the ongoing process to merge five banks will continue. He instructed officials to take all possible measures to recover defaulted loans and to reopen closed businesses within regulatory frameworks. The directives were issued during a meeting with the Bank Resolution Department at the central bank’s headquarters on Tuesday. Mostakur Rahman took office as governor last Thursday, following the removal of Ahsan H. Mansur, who had initiated several banking reforms after the fall of the Awami League government. According to Bangladesh Bank officials, the merger of Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank into a new entity named Combined Islami Bank will proceed. Administrators appointed by the central bank are currently managing these institutions. The new bank’s paid-up capital has been set at Tk 350 billion, with Tk 200 billion from the government and Tk 150 billion from the deposit insurance fund. The authorized capital is Tk 400 billion, and the headquarters is located at Senakalyan Bhaban in Dhaka. The governor also directed administrators to ensure depositors can withdraw funds without harassment and to identify those involved in financial irregularities for legal action.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has announced the cancellation of all flights on six major Middle Eastern routes until March 5 due to ongoing war conditions and heightened security risks in the region's airspace. The state-owned carrier made the announcement on Tuesday, citing disruptions caused by the conflict. The affected routes include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dammam, Doha, and Kuwait. The airline’s General Manager for Public Relations, Bosra Islam, confirmed the decision. According to the airline, the cancellations follow the temporary closure of airspace by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan since February 28. This closure has disrupted flight schedules at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and affected multiple international carriers. Biman stated that passengers will be informed of new schedules once the situation improves. The airline advised travelers to stay in contact with its call center or relevant offices for updates, noting that uncertainty will persist until regional airspace tensions ease.

The government has announced a 25 percent fare discount for students, persons with disabilities, and citizens aged over 65 on all types of rail services, including the metro rail. The decision was revealed on Tuesday, March 3, by Road Transport, Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam during a press briefing at the Secretariat. He noted that the implementation of this benefit would take some time. According to the minister, special options will be added to online ticketing systems to facilitate the discount. Passengers aged over 65 will need to show their national ID cards, while students and persons with disabilities must present valid identification during ticket purchase or travel. Disability cards issued by the Ministry of Social Welfare will be accepted. The minister added that the inclusion of freedom fighters under this scheme had not yet been discussed. Sheikh Robiul Alam also discussed ongoing efforts to improve railway services, including accelerating current projects and introducing new ones to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. He said preparations were underway to manage increased passenger demand during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.

The United States Embassy in Jerusalem has issued a security alert stating that it is not in a position to evacuate or directly assist Americans wishing to leave Israel. The embassy instructed all US government employees and their families to remain at or near their residences until further notice. The advisory follows the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday, which triggered retaliatory strikes by Tehran against Israel, neighboring Gulf states, and key global energy targets. The embassy noted that Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has launched a shuttle service to the Taba border crossing, where travelers can register through an exit form. The crossing with Egypt remains open 24 hours a day. However, the embassy emphasized that it cannot recommend for or against using the shuttle and cannot guarantee the safety of those who choose to leave Israel by this route. The embassy also mentioned that travelers heading to Jordan may take the shuttle to Eilat and then proceed independently to the Yitzhak Rabin border crossing by taxi.

China has called on all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to maintain security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas transport. The appeal came after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced the closure of the strait on Saturday, prompting several international shipping companies to suspend operations in the area. During a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged an immediate halt to military actions and warned against further escalation that could harm the global economy. Mao emphasized that energy security is crucial for global economic stability and stated that China would take necessary measures to safeguard its own energy supply. The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fourth of the world’s seaborne oil shipments, along with significant volumes of other goods. China is a major buyer of Iranian oil, most of which passes through this strategic waterway. The statement underscores Beijing’s concern over potential disruptions to global energy flows and its commitment to protecting its national energy interests.

Iran has accused Israel of carrying out a drone attack on Saudi oil company Saudi Aramco, describing the incident as a 'false flag' operation. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, citing military sources, the attack was allegedly orchestrated by Israel to divert regional attention from its own actions against civilian sites in Iran. The report stated that Iran has previously declared its intent to target all U.S. and Israeli interests and facilities in the Gulf region, and that several such attacks have already taken place. However, the sources emphasized that Aramco installations were not among Iran’s designated targets. The information was reported by Al Jazeera and relayed through Tasnim. The accusation adds to escalating regional tensions, with Iran framing the incident as part of a broader strategic conflict involving Israel and Western interests in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Tarek Rahman will inaugurate a family card distribution program at the Karail slum in Dhaka on March 10. The announcement was made by Social Welfare Minister Dr. A. B. M. Zahid Hossain after a meeting with the Prime Minister at the Secretariat on March 3. Earlier, the Prime Minister was scheduled to attend a similar family card distribution event in Bogura on the same date. However, the visit was postponed due to the upcoming by-election in the Bogura-6 (Sadar) constituency. Bogura Deputy Commissioner Taufiqur Rahman confirmed that the March 10 program in Bogura has been suspended and a new date will be announced later. According to the Deputy Commissioner, the Prime Minister decided not to hold any programs in Bogura before the by-election, leading to the change in schedule.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam MP said city corporation elections will not face major delays, and any administrative measures during delays will depend on national-level decisions. He made the remarks on Tuesday in Sylhet while responding to journalists’ questions during his official visit. Mir Shah Alam stated that the previous government had amended laws to hold local government elections using national or party symbols, which had drawn criticism. He added that the interim government has issued an ordinance to allow elections under general, non-party symbols. The ordinance will be presented in parliament on March 12, when lawmakers will decide which ordinances to approve. Earlier in the day, the state minister assured that all citizen-friendly projects of Sylhet City Corporation would receive priority approval. He praised newly appointed administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury for his experience and expressed hope that Sylhet would become a modern city under his leadership.

Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has directed relevant ministries and authorities to take immediate action whenever there are reports of rising coarse rice prices in the domestic market. The order was issued on Tuesday, according to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumman, who said the Prime Minister acted after learning that the price of coarse rice, a staple for low-income people, had increased in retail markets. The directive reportedly had a prompt positive effect on the market. In addition, the Prime Minister instructed that all congratulatory advertisements and banners featuring him on billboards across the capital be removed quickly. He also issued orders to strengthen regular patrols in coastal and Bay of Bengal areas to curb piracy, robbery, and illegal trafficking, and to protect marine resources while ensuring the safety of fishermen. These directives reflect the government’s focus on market stability, public order, and maritime security, with an emphasis on rapid administrative response to emerging issues.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a severe warning to the United States and Israel as the ongoing war between Iran and the two countries entered its fourth day on Tuesday. The IRGC declared that Iran’s military operations against both nations would intensify, promising that more 'gates of hell' would open for them. In a televised address, IRGC spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini stated that the enemies should expect increasingly harsh and continuous punitive strikes. He emphasized that the United States and Israel would face a series of escalating retaliatory attacks as Iran continues its military campaign. The statement underscores Iran’s determination to sustain and expand its military response, signaling a further escalation in the conflict as tensions remain high across the region.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma met with Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring areas of cooperation between the two neighboring countries. Following the meeting, Verma said India wishes to work sincerely with Bangladesh’s new government. Discussions covered ways to enhance collaboration in local governance, with Verma highlighting India’s strong Panchayati Raj system as a potential model for experience sharing. He emphasized India’s interest in working closely with Bangladesh on people-centered initiatives and fostering stronger ties based on mutual development goals. The meeting underscored India’s continued focus on deepening engagement with Bangladesh through practical cooperation in governance and community development.