A ship anchored at a port in Bahrain was struck by two unidentified projectiles, causing a fire on board, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident occurred as Iran continued to respond to joint strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Saturday. UKMTO reported that the fire was quickly brought under control and that all crew members safely evacuated without injuries.

The attack took place amid heightened regional tensions following Iran’s retaliatory actions targeting US installations in neighboring Gulf countries. UKMTO stated that the vessel remains docked at the port, and no further damage or casualties were reported.

The source of the projectiles and the exact cause of the incident remain unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility so far.

Australia has confirmed it will not participate in the joint military operation by the United States and Israel against Iran. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated in an interview with Australia’s Nine Network that the country has no plans to join the attack now or in the future. The statement was reported by Al Jazeera on Monday.

Relations between Australia and Iran have been tense in recent years. In 2025, Canberra expelled the Iranian ambassador following allegations that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard was linked to antisemitic arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, a claim Tehran has denied. Despite Australia’s history of joining US-led operations such as the Iraq war, the government has decided to distance itself from the current Iran conflict.

This decision underscores a shift in Australia’s approach to Middle East conflicts, signaling a more cautious stance in aligning with US military actions.

Iran has confirmed that its Natanz nuclear facility was damaged following a joint military strike by the United States and Israel. The attack took place on Saturday, and Iran has since been issuing retaliatory responses. Reza Najafi, Iran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed the damage during a briefing with journalists at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting on Sunday.

Najafi stated that the targeted facilities were under international supervision and used for peaceful purposes. When asked by Reuters which site was hit, he identified Natanz as the location. Iran emphasized that the facility operated within the framework of international monitoring. However, details about the extent of the damage were not immediately available.

The incident adds to rising regional tensions, with Iran asserting its right to respond to what it calls military aggression against its internationally monitored nuclear infrastructure.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to former Chattogram-4 Member of Parliament Didarul Alam and his wife, Mosammat Ismat Ara Begum. The order was issued on Monday, March 2, 2026, by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez. Court bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain confirmed the decision. The Anti-Corruption Commission’s Deputy Assistant Director Md Rokonuzzaman filed two separate petitions seeking the seizure.

According to the petitions, Didarul Alam faces allegations of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 13.98 crore and conducting suspicious transactions totaling about Tk 948.88 crore through 20 bank accounts. His wife, Ismat Ara Begum, is accused in a separate case of possessing unexplained assets worth Tk 1.47 crore. The ACC stated that seizing their tax returns and related documents up to the 2024–25 fiscal year is necessary for investigation.

After the hearing, the court granted the petitions and ordered the seizure of the tax records for further inquiry.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir met with British High Commissioner Sarah Cook in Dhaka on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral trade relations and exploring new investment opportunities. The meeting took place at the minister’s office in the Secretariat. Both sides emphasized enhancing cooperation for sustainable economic growth and mutual benefit.

During the discussion, the commerce minister highlighted the need for British investment to modernize Sylhet’s tea industry and increase production, noting the sector’s potential for job creation and tourism development. He also urged UK investors to consider investing in fertilizer factories that face gas shortages and in Bangladesh’s growing information and communication technology sector.

High Commissioner Sarah Cook reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to advancing the long-standing trade partnership and expressed interest in supporting capacity building for officials in the ministry’s trade negotiation pool. She also indicated British investors’ interest in sectors such as tea, seafood, leather processing, export diversification, and light engineering.

At least 600 people have been killed across several countries following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, according to reports published on March 2, 2026. Iran’s Red Crescent Society stated that 555 of the deaths occurred within Iran. In Tehran’s Niloufar Square, an Israeli strike killed at least 20 people and damaged Gandhi Hospital and a police building. In the southern city of Minab, a joint US-Israel attack on a girls’ primary school killed about 180 people. Additional casualties were reported in Israel, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates.

Iranian media reported that Hassan Khomeini, grandson of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and a potential future Supreme Leader, urged citizens to remain in the streets and mosques, emphasizing that the nation’s strength lies in public presence. The report also mentioned Iran’s appointment of a new defense minister, the downing of two drones near a British base in Cyprus, restrictions on Hezbollah’s military operations in Lebanon, and Iran’s claim of a missile strike on the Israeli prime minister’s office.

The situation indicates escalating regional conflict and heightened tensions involving Iran, the US, Israel, and neighboring states.

The women’s wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed deep sorrow over the reported martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a Facebook post on Monday, the wing’s secretary, Nurunnisa Siddika, conveyed condolences, describing Khamenei as a symbol of steadfast faith, dignity, and resistance. She said his death had cast a shadow of grief over the Muslim world and prayed for his acceptance as a martyr.

The statement emphasized Khamenei’s lifelong message of standing firm against oppression and injustice, invoking the spirit of Karbala as a reminder of resistance. Siddika condemned the killing of Khamenei and others, calling it a heinous act in global political history. She also expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and prayed for the forgiveness of all those killed.

The post concluded with a message of hope that sacrifice and truth would ultimately prevail, asserting that the struggle for justice and dignity would continue across the Muslim world.

At least one Chinese national was killed in an attack in Tehran, the capital of Iran, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning confirmed the death and stated that Beijing has called for a ceasefire and diplomatic dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Mao Ning emphasized that the most urgent task is to stop military operations and prevent the spread of the conflict. She added that the crisis can only be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. The statement reflects China’s position on de-escalating tensions in the region amid continuing violence.

The incident underscores Beijing’s concern over the safety of its citizens abroad and its broader call for restraint and peace efforts across the Middle East.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Kartz announced on Monday that Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem has become a clear target for assassination. Kartz stated that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the Israeli military to take tough measures against Hezbollah.

The statement marks an escalation in Israel’s stance toward Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based militant group. The announcement follows ongoing regional tensions involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran, as well as recent incidents such as the downing of drones near British bases in Cyprus and restrictions on Hezbollah’s military operations in Lebanon.

The declaration signals a potential intensification of Israeli military actions against Hezbollah, though no further operational details were disclosed in the report.

Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintu has resigned from his position as chairman of National Bank, following regulations that require ministers to withdraw from all profit-oriented institutions. The decision was made during the bank’s 539th board meeting held on Saturday, according to information published on the bank’s website. Professor Melita Mehjabin, an independent director, has been appointed as the new chairman. A senior official from the bank’s public relations department confirmed that all relevant regulatory bodies have been informed of the leadership change.

Mintu, who was elected as a member of parliament from Feni-3 constituency under the BNP nomination in the February 2026 general election, was appointed as Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change after the BNP formed the government. He had previously served as an entrepreneur-director of National Bank from its founding in 1983 until 2003 and as chairman from 1995 to 1998.

Melita Mehjabin, the new chairman, has served as an independent director at several major companies and holds academic credentials from the University of Dhaka, the University of Colombo, and the Alliance Manchester Business School in the UK.

A violent attack took place at the Shyamnagar Upazila Press Club in Satkhira on Monday noon, when a group led by Jubo Dal member secretary Anwarur Islam Angur forcibly entered the club and assaulted its president, Samiul Azam Imam Monir. Witnesses said 25 to 30 activists under the banner of 'People of Shyamnagar' first held a rally accusing Monir of extortion, corruption, and drug smuggling before storming the building. Journalists who tried to intervene were also pushed and assaulted. Monir was dragged outside and beaten with bricks, hammers, and iron rods, leaving him seriously injured.

He was admitted to Shyamnagar Upazila Health Complex, where doctors reported severe head injuries and multiple wounds. Police arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, and the officer-in-charge said legal action would follow upon receiving a written complaint. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed that the matter had been reported to the police.

Local journalists expressed outrage, calling the attack a direct assault on press freedom and demanding immediate arrests. The incident followed a report by Monir published on February 23 alleging sand looting involving political groups, after which he had reportedly received threats.

A treason case against Sheikh Hasina and 285 others has been transferred to the Dhaka Third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court for speedy disposal. The court, presided over by Judge Md Sabbir Foyez, set March 9 for the hearing on charge framing. The case documents were officially transferred, and the accused are expected to be present during the hearing.

According to court sources, the case was originally filed on March 27 of the previous year by CID Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Enamul Haque, accusing Sheikh Hasina and 73 others of treason. After investigation, a charge sheet was submitted on July 30 naming 286 accused. Arrest warrants were issued on August 14, followed by a travel ban on September 11 and a public notice on October 14 for 256 absconding accused to appear in court. The case was later moved through several courts before reaching its current stage.

The charges stem from a December 19, 2024 Zoom meeting of the ‘Joy Bangla Brigade,’ where Sheikh Hasina allegedly made anti-state remarks and called for the removal of interim government head Dr Muhammad Yunus. The statements reportedly spread widely on social media.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed all ministries to prepare specific action plans to ensure visible progress within the next six months. Each ministry must outline its goals, expected implementation levels, and the tangible changes citizens will experience. The directive also emphasizes ensuring accountability across ministries. Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed shared the information with reporters after a meeting on education affairs at the Secretariat on Monday.

He said a broader cabinet meeting will be held on Thursday, where each ministry will present its six-month targets, implementation plans, and progress outlines. The education sector discussion focused on preparations for the upcoming SSC examinations, including exam management, question paper security, and law and order. Broader issues such as educational quality, transparency, and institutional environment were also addressed.

The minister added that the Prime Minister provided clear guidance aligned with her vision for education. Plans are being finalized for presentation at the next cabinet meeting. He also mentioned that the issue of seven colleges has been resolved and that future vice-chancellor appointments will follow global best practices.

Internet observatory NetBlocks reported that Iran has experienced an almost complete internet shutdown lasting over 48 hours. The disruption followed attacks on the United States and Israel, leaving communication systems across the country severely affected. According to NetBlocks, connectivity remains far below normal levels, with nearly the entire nation experiencing restricted access.

Analysts noted that internet shutdowns are a common government measure during times of national security concerns or political unrest to control information flow. Iran has previously imposed prolonged internet restrictions during major protests and periods of political tension.

Observers warned that the ongoing blackout is severely impacting citizens’ ability to communicate and share information. International monitors have expressed concern about the long-term negative effects on human rights and freedom of communication.

Detained Jubo League leader Yasin Sharif Majumdar, convener of Parshuram upazila unit, was temporarily released on parole to attend his father’s funeral in Feni’s Parshuram municipality. The funeral took place on Monday at the Anantapur Salia Kolapara Eidgah ground. His father, Rafiqul Islam Majumdar, had passed away the previous day at his home in Parshuram Bazar.

According to police, Yasin’s wife, Nazia Sultana Anika, applied for parole through a lawyer, and authorities granted a three-hour release. Under police escort, Yasin was brought from Feni District Jail to his village home around 10 a.m., where he met family members and embraced his only child. He attended the funeral in handcuffs and expressed gratitude to attendees before returning to custody.

The funeral prayer was led by Maulana Md. Ibrahim, khatib of Parshuram Upazila Jame Mosque, and attended by local political leaders from BNP, Jamaat, and other community members. Police confirmed that Yasin was returned to Feni District Jail after the parole period ended. He has been in custody since his arrest in July of the previous year in a student murder case.