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.

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is alive and unharmed despite widespread rumors of an assassination attempt, according to sources cited by Iran International on Tuesday, March 3. The sources said Ahmadinejad suffered no physical injuries and has been moved to a secure location for safety reasons.

Confusion about his status spread across Iranian media following recent Israeli attacks, with some outlets falsely claiming he had been killed while others could not confirm the reports. The contradictory information fueled speculation about his whereabouts and condition.

Ahmadinejad served as Iran’s president from 2005 to 2013 and was known as a hardline leader critical of Western policies. His controversial 2009 re-election triggered nationwide protests, marking one of the most turbulent periods in Iran’s recent political history.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that Washington launched preemptive strikes in Iran to support Israel and prevent potential Iranian retaliation against American forces in the Middle East. Rubio said intelligence indicated Israel would attack Iran, prompting fears that Tehran might target US troops and bases. Republican congressional leader Mike Johnson echoed this justification, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused to endorse the legality of the US action under international law.

The conflict entered its fourth day with heavy Israeli and US bombardments across Tehran and other Iranian cities, including strikes on the presidential office and state broadcaster IRIB. Iran reported 787 deaths nationwide. In response, Iran continued missile and drone attacks on US and Israeli targets across the region, hitting bases in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. The US closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait after drone strikes and urged citizens to leave 14 Middle Eastern countries.

President Donald Trump said the war could last four to five weeks, while Iran vowed to continue fighting until US and Israeli aggression ends. The situation has triggered widespread regional instability and diplomatic fallout.

French football star Kylian Mbappé has reportedly left Spain for France to seek medical treatment after expressing dissatisfaction with Real Madrid’s medical team. The forward, who has been in outstanding form this season, suffered a knee injury in December that has yet to fully heal. Despite ongoing care from the club’s doctors, Mbappé remains unfit and missed the Champions League playoff match against Benfica. He has now consulted several specialist physicians in France with the club’s permission.

Spanish outlet Marca reported that Mbappé is unhappy with Real Madrid’s handling of his injury, believing the medical staff failed to provide an effective solution over the past three months. The exact nature of his knee problem remains uncertain, with possible issues involving both the internal lateral and posterior cruciate ligaments. His main goal is to identify the root cause of the injury and return to full fitness for the crucial stages of the season.

Mbappé’s participation in the upcoming Champions League round of 16 matches against Manchester City remains doubtful, though Real Madrid hopes he will recover before the second leg.

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has confirmed that the country currently holds adequate fuel reserves and there is no justification for raising prices due to the ongoing war situation. At a press conference held on Tuesday at the BPC headquarters in Karwan Bazar, Chairman Md. Rezanur Rahman stated that Bangladesh has a total of 136,000 metric tons of fuel oil in stock. He added that alternative markets are being considered in light of the global conflict, but the existing reserves are sufficient to prevent any immediate price increase.

To ensure uninterrupted supply, BPC has completed letters of credit for seven ships as of Monday. The current stock is expected to last 14 days for diesel, 28 days for octane, 15 days for petrol, 93 days for furnace oil, and 55 days for jet fuel. Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held meetings with key ministers and officials to review preparedness and instructed all relevant ministries to remain active in ensuring energy security.

Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud and Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir both expressed confidence that the government’s coordinated efforts would maintain stability in the energy sector despite global uncertainties.

Thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates have been stranded across the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting several countries to close their airspace. The resulting flight cancellations have left many unable to return to their workplaces, with expiring visas and mounting financial strain. At Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport alone, 147 international flights were canceled in four days, while Chattogram’s Shah Amanat Airport saw 35 cancellations. Biman Bangladesh Airlines suspended all flights on six Middle Eastern routes until March 5.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said it has formed a four-member committee and a special cell to assist affected workers and resolve visa complications. Qatar’s Interior Ministry extended all expiring visas by one month without fees, while the UAE embassy in Dhaka will issue temporary travel permits once flights resume. Expatriates described living in fear and uncertainty, unable to work or move freely amid the conflict.

Officials said the government is monitoring the situation and coordinating with embassies to address visa and repatriation issues, hoping for a quick resolution.

The United States and Israel have continued heavy air and missile strikes on Iran, marking the fourth day of coordinated attacks across Tehran and other cities. Israeli forces targeted Iran’s presidential office and state broadcaster, while US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, defended the strikes as preemptive measures to prevent Iranian retaliation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer refused to endorse the legality of the US attack under international law. The assaults have killed at least 787 people, including civilians, and damaged more than 150 cities, according to Iranian sources.

Iran has launched counterstrikes across the region, hitting US bases, embassies, and allied infrastructure in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. The US closed its embassies in Riyadh and Kuwait City after drone attacks, and President Donald Trump warned of further retaliation. Iran’s envoy to the UN vowed to continue defensive operations until US and Israeli aggression ends. Meanwhile, Hezbollah joined the conflict from Lebanon, attacking Israeli military sites as Israel expanded operations into Lebanese territory.

The US has urged its citizens to leave 14 Middle Eastern countries immediately, underscoring the escalating regional instability and risk of broader conflict.