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.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has requested various chambers and associations to submit their written budget proposals to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) by March 15. The initiative aims to assist in preparing the national budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Additionally, a soft copy of each proposal should be sent via email to nbrbudget2026@gmail.com. Organizations or offices that are not members of any chamber or association may also send their proposals directly through the same email address.

According to an NBR press release issued on Tuesday, the board prepares revenue policies to support the government’s revenue collection goals. To ensure a participatory, people-oriented, and equitable budget, NBR has consistently sought input from taxpayers, business associations, professional bodies, research institutions, and intellectuals. For the upcoming fiscal year, the board intends to make the revenue collection process more analytical and representative through discussions with stakeholders.

NBR expressed hope that with the cooperation of all concerned, a participatory, business-friendly, and revenue-optimizing budget for 2026–27 can be formulated.

The United States Embassy in Riyadh announced the suspension of all consular services across its missions in Saudi Arabia. According to an embassy statement, all regular and emergency appointments scheduled for Tuesday have been canceled. The missions in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dhahran have been placed under a 'shelter in place' directive. The embassy also advised American citizens to maintain personal security plans and avoid approaching the embassy area until further notice.

The statement linked the suspension to an attack on the organization, prompting heightened security measures. The development comes amid a series of regional attacks following Iranian strikes on US military bases in the Middle East. One such attack reportedly targeted Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil giant, causing a fire at its facility.

The embassy has not indicated when consular operations might resume, leaving uncertainty about the duration of the suspension and its impact on American citizens in Saudi Arabia.

A violent clash broke out on Monday night between supporters of Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir at the Latif Hostel of Tejgaon Polytechnic Institute in Dhaka. The confrontation, reportedly triggered by a dispute over dominance, left at least nine students injured. The injured, aged between 20 and 23, were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

According to hospital police sources, several of the injured arrived at the emergency department early in the morning and received primary medical care. Witnesses and related sources said the incident stemmed from longstanding tension between the two groups within the hostel. Authorities intervened to bring the situation under control.

Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Vice President Sadik Kayem reportedly visited the hospital to check on the injured students.

United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen met with the newly appointed Minister and State Minister of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the minister’s office. The meeting was attended by Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita), MP, and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat.

During the discussion, both sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States. The meeting also focused on seeking U.S. cooperation for the development of Bangladesh’s aviation sector.

The U.S. ambassador assured that his country would continue to extend maximum cooperation to the current government.

In the UK House of Commons, British lawmaker Edward Jonathan Davey sharply criticized US President Donald Trump for what he described as an illegal and unilateral attack on Iran. Davey said the assault violated international law and placed responsibility squarely on Trump, warning that it endangered Middle East stability and increased risks to civilian lives.

While also condemning actions by the Iranian government, Davey cautioned that military escalation could heighten tensions and civilian casualties. He emphasized the need for accountability and restraint in any military response. His remarks came during a parliamentary session in which Prime Minister Keir Starmer was delivering a statement on the Iran situation.

Davey further urged the UK government to act with caution and strengthen coordination with the United States. Analysts noted that the debate could complicate diplomatic relations between the UK and the US, as well as intensify disputes over international law and regional stability.

A Dhaka court has sentenced three people to death and eight others to life imprisonment for the murder of expatriate Shyamal Bepari in Munshiganj Sadar upazila. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday morning by Judge Shyam Sundar of Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal No. 3. Each convict was also fined 25,000 taka, with an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment in case of non-payment. Among the death row convicts are Shahadat Bepari, Ibrahim Bepari, and Jahangir Bepari, while four of the convicted individuals remain absconding.

According to the case, on June 14, 2023, Shyamal Bepari was shot and hacked to death inside his home following a longstanding dispute. His brother filed the murder case with Munshiganj police. After investigation, police submitted a charge sheet against 11 accused in February 2024. The court framed charges in July 2025, and after hearing testimonies from 27 witnesses, the verdict was announced.

The prosecution expressed satisfaction with the ruling, as did the victim’s family members who attended the court. They urged for swift execution of the judgment.

Several Gulf countries have disclosed the number of missiles and drones intercepted amid ongoing retaliatory attacks following joint US-Israel military strikes on Iran. According to CNN, Kuwait intercepted 178 ballistic missiles and 384 drones, while the UAE reported intercepting 169 of 182 detected missiles and 645 drones, with 44 hitting domestic areas. Bahrain intercepted 70 missiles and 76 drones, and Qatar reported intercepting 101 of 104 detected missiles and 24 of 39 drones, as well as destroying two Iranian SU-24 bombers. Saudi Arabia did not release total figures but confirmed intercepting eight drones near Riyadh and Al-Kharj. Oman reported two drone strikes at Duqm port and a tanker hit near Musandam’s coast.

The figures highlight the defensive capabilities of Gulf nations amid heightened regional tensions. Their air defense systems have played a key role in protecting civilian areas during the ongoing escalation.

The report underscores the strategic importance of Gulf defense networks in maintaining regional stability during the current conflict.

The government of Qatar has extended the validity of all types of entry visas by one month. The announcement was made by the country’s Ministry of Interior on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The extension applies to visas that have already expired or are nearing expiration, and the new rule took effect on February 28.

According to the ministry, the extension process will be handled entirely through electronic means, requiring no additional fees or in-person visits. Applicants will not need to submit any extra applications to benefit from the extension. The decision aims to simplify administrative procedures for visitors and residents holding various categories of Qatari visas.

The ministry’s statement indicates that the measure is part of a broader effort to streamline visa management and reduce bureaucratic steps for foreign nationals currently in Qatar.