Train services in northern Bangladesh, particularly across Gaibandha, Bogura, and surrounding districts, are facing severe neglect, leading to daily hardship for passengers. Many trains, including the Korotoa and Dolonchapa intercity services, frequently miss schedules, operate with broken compartments, and lack basic cleanliness. Several railway stations along the Santahar–Bonarpara–Lalmonirhat route have been closed for years, causing crossing delays and extended waiting times for intercity trains.

Passengers report that compartments are filled with dust and dirt, toilets are unusable, and lighting is absent in some local trains. Overcrowding and the presence of unauthorized vendors add to the discomfort. The Bonarpara–Santahar college train runs beyond capacity without additional coaches, while ticketless travel and pickpocketing remain common due to the absence of inspectors.

Railway officials acknowledge the problems. Bonarpara station master Pradip Chandra said decisions depend on higher authorities, while Lalmonirhat divisional railway manager Taslim Ahmed Khan, newly appointed, promised to take measures after assessing the situation.

Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi released a video message on February 28, 2026, describing the current situation as a decisive moment for Iran. He said that the assistance promised by the U.S. president to the Iranian people had arrived, characterizing it as a humanitarian intervention aimed at the Islamic Republic’s repressive apparatus, not the Iranian nation itself. Pahlavi emphasized that ultimate victory would belong to the Iranian people and urged citizens to return to the streets.

In his message, Pahlavi called on members of Iran’s military and law enforcement to join the nation’s cause. He also appealed to Donald Trump to exercise maximum caution to protect civilian lives during the ongoing attacks. The statement came as reports emerged of Israeli strikes on an Iranian school that killed five students and as tensions escalated across the region.

The video message underscores Pahlavi’s continued engagement with Iranian affairs from exile and reflects growing unrest amid military actions and communication disruptions in Iran.

Explosive sounds were reported across Kuwait, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi on February 28, 2026, prompting Bahrain’s Interior Ministry to issue an emergency alert. Citizens were instructed to move to the nearest safe locations as sirens sounded across the country. Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which heightened concern following the incident.

The alert followed a joint U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran, after which emergency sirens were activated in Bahrain. Authorities in Bahrain cited rising regional tensions as the reason for activating precautionary measures and urged the public to remain calm and safe. Similar warning sirens were also reported in Kuwait.

The developments come amid escalating tensions between Iran and several regional powers. The United States recently withdrew hundreds of troops from its bases in Qatar and Bahrain due to the deteriorating security situation.

Iran’s ISNA news agency confirmed on February 28, 2026, that its website had been hacked following reports of attacks in at least five cities, including Tehran. The agency stated that efforts were underway to resolve the issue.

The hacking incident occurred as tensions escalated between Iran and Israel. Earlier, both countries closed their airspace to civilian flights after reports of joint Israeli-Iranian attacks in several parts of Iran, including the capital. Iraq’s Ministry of Transport also announced the closure of its airspace following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, leading to the suspension of flights at Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq.

The situation has contributed to growing instability in the region, with reports of internet disruptions and heightened security measures across Iran.

Iran’s Ministry of Health has placed hospitals on alert following reports of explosions across several cities. The ministry stated that hospitals have been prepared to receive casualties, and the final number of injured will be confirmed later. Iranian media reported hearing multiple blasts in different parts of the country on Saturday morning.

According to the reports, Israel carried out attacks in various locations in Iran while discussions with the United States were ongoing. A US official said the strikes were conducted jointly by Israel and the United States. In Tehran, explosions were heard in several areas, and smoke was seen rising from affected sites. The Fars news agency reported that missiles struck locations on University Street and in the Jomhouri area of the capital.

The situation has heightened tensions in the region, with Iran signaling that it will deliver an “unrelenting response” to the Israeli-US assault.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held his first meeting with officials and employees of his office after assuming office. The exchange took place on Saturday afternoon at Shapla Hall in the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon. During the meeting, he described the country as their first and last address and called on everyone to work for the betterment of the people.

He emphasized that the people of Bangladesh have high expectations from the government and that effective governance depends on the cooperation of officials and employees. The Prime Minister sought their active support in implementing all agenda items mentioned in the government’s manifesto, including health, education, women’s education, employment, and sports.

Tarique Rahman also expressed hope that officials and employees would extend full cooperation in eradicating corruption from the country, underscoring the importance of integrity and collective effort in achieving national progress.

Narsingdi Detective Branch police have arrested Hazrat Ali, accused in the rape and murder of a teenage girl in Madhabdi, from Gouripur in Mymensingh. He was detained on Friday night while drinking tea at Sohagbazar intersection in Chilimpur village under Achintapur Union. The arrest was confirmed by Gouripur Police Station’s investigation officer Salah Uddin Karim, who said the suspect’s location was traced using advanced technology before the operation.

According to local sources, Hazrat Ali, a van driver from Madhabdi, had taken shelter in the area through acquaintances working in garment factories. Sub-Inspector Jamal Uddin stated that the suspect had earlier discarded his SIM card in a nearby upazila to avoid detection. Based on his information, police later recovered his mobile phone from a local residence.

The victim’s body was found in a mustard field between Bilpara and Dorikandi areas of Mahishashura Union last Thursday. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, prompting rapid police operations that led to multiple arrests, including Hazrat Ali.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the objective of the attack on Iran is to bring down its ruling regime. In an eight-minute video statement, he urged the Iranian people to take advantage of the situation and assume control of their country. Trump also warned the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, calling on its members to surrender their weapons in exchange for fair treatment and safety, warning of certain death otherwise.

Addressing the Iranian public, Trump said that their time for freedom was approaching and advised them to stay indoors as bombings would occur across the country. He assured that once the operation was complete, the Iranian people would take control of their nation. Trump described this as an opportunity for Iranians to shape their destiny and build a prosperous and proud future.

The statement was reported by The Times of Israel and reflects escalating tensions surrounding U.S. actions toward Iran and the future of its leadership.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel and the United States have launched a joint operation aimed at eliminating threats posed by what he described as Iran’s 'terrorist regime.' In a statement, he thanked US President Donald Trump for his leadership and said the Iranian leadership has long incited violence against Israel and the United States. Netanyahu emphasized that Iran’s rulers must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, which he said would endanger humanity.

Netanyahu added that the joint action seeks to empower the Iranian people to reclaim their future. He called on all ethnic groups in Iran—Persian, Kurdish, Azeri, Baluchi, and Ahwazi—to unite for a free and peaceful Iran. Addressing Israeli citizens, he urged them to follow Home Front Command instructions as the operation, named “The Roar of the Lion,” proceeds.

The statement concluded with Netanyahu calling for patience and determination in the coming days, asserting that unity would ensure Israel’s enduring security.

Pekua is on track to become the fifth municipality in Cox’s Bazar district, following directives from the Local Government Ministry. The initiative fulfills an electoral promise by Salahuddin Ahmed, who previously upgraded Pekua to an upazila during an earlier BNP government. Now serving as the Home Minister, Ahmed’s commitment to municipalize Pekua is being implemented soon after the formation of the new BNP government.

According to local administration sources, a boundary survey has already been conducted in the proposed municipal area under the supervision of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahbub Alam Mahbub, as per an order from the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner. The UNO confirmed that the ministry has requested necessary data, and field activities have begun accordingly.

Currently, Cox’s Bazar district has four municipalities—Cox’s Bazar, Chakaria, Teknaf, and Maheshkhali. Pekua’s inclusion would make it the fifth. Another new upazila named Matamuhuri is also being planned, aligning with Salahuddin Ahmed’s additional electoral pledges.

The United States embassies in Qatar and Bahrain on Saturday directed their staff to move to safe shelters following joint US and Israeli airstrikes in Iran. The embassies also advised American citizens residing in both countries to take similar precautions until further notice. In separate statements, the missions confirmed that they were implementing a shelter plan for all personnel.

According to the report, Iran has vowed a strong response to the attacks, with an Iranian official telling Reuters that the retaliation would be severe and destructive. Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s National Security Commission, warned the United States and Israel that they had embarked on a path beyond their control. International media reported that at least 30 key sites in Iran, including the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were targeted in the strikes.

The situation has heightened regional tensions, prompting US diplomatic missions to take precautionary measures while Iran prepares for a potential counterattack.

Israel launched an attack near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early Saturday, according to a government official cited by Reuters. The report stated that Khamenei was not in the capital Tehran at the time and had been moved to a secure location. The strike was described by Israel as a 'preemptive defensive attack.'

The assault took place in the early hours of Saturday and involved both Israeli and U.S. forces. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the objective of the operation was to bring down Iran’s ruling system. He also warned Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, urging them to surrender their weapons.

The situation follows escalating tensions in the region, with Iran reportedly nearing an internet blackout and vowing an 'uncontrollable response' to the Israeli-American offensive.

Police in Narsingdi have arrested seven of nine accused in connection with the rape and murder of a teenage girl named Amena in Madhabdi. Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Faruk disclosed the information at a press conference held at his office on February 28, 2026. The main accused, Noor Mohammad Noora, and another suspect, Hazrat Ali, were arrested from Gazipur and Mymensingh respectively. Earlier, five others were detained in separate operations by RAB and district police.

According to the case details, Amena was abducted and repeatedly raped on February 10 by four men, including Noora, who later threatened her to remain silent. When the incident came to light, several local figures allegedly tried to suppress it and pressured the victim’s family to leave the area. On February 25, Amena was abducted again in front of her stepfather, and her body was found the next morning in a mustard field in Char Darikandi.

Police said operations are ongoing to arrest the remaining two suspects involved in the case.

Iran fired several missiles toward Israel following reported Israeli attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, according to a report published on February 28, 2026. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they detected missiles launched from Iran toward Israeli territory and activated air raid sirens across multiple areas. The IDF said its air force was working to intercept the threats and, if necessary, strike back to neutralize them. Authorities urged civilians to follow Home Front Command instructions, emphasizing that the defense system was not completely impenetrable.

The counterattack came after Israel, reportedly in coordination with the United States, carried out strikes across Iran, including in Tehran, where explosions and smoke were observed. A U.S. official confirmed the joint operation, while Iran’s Fars news agency reported that several missiles hit Tehran’s University Street and Jomhouri areas.

The exchange marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two countries, with both sides warning of further action amid ongoing regional tensions.

Leaders and activists of the Awami League in Tazumuddin upazila of Bhola hung a party banner and the national flag at their local office, which locals noticed on Saturday morning. A nearby restaurant owner said the banner and flag appeared to have been placed overnight.

A source close to the Tazumuddin upazila Awami League stated that it was not unusual for the party to keep its office active, given its national prominence. However, local BNP president Golam Mostafa Mintu claimed the building in question was an abandoned union council office in Chandpur Union and said his party would consult local authorities about the matter. Chandpur Union panel chairman Md. Shahjahan Mia confirmed hearing about the incident and said the issue would be reported to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

UNO Md. Rezaul Islam said the administration was aware of the situation and would take action through the assistant commissioner (land) if the site was found to be government-owned land.