Social media has become the main source of information for people in Bangladesh and across the world, but this shift has accelerated the spread of misinformation. According to Rumor Scanner, a fact-checking organization, a record 4,195 false or misleading claims were identified in 2025, marking a 30 percent increase from the previous year. The analysis found that political and public discussions in 2026 have already generated the highest number of rumors.

The report highlights that misinformation now spreads not only through social media but also through newspapers, television, and online platforms that publish content without sufficient verification. Artificial intelligence has made it easier to produce realistic fake content, making it difficult even for experienced readers to distinguish truth from falsehood. The article emphasizes the need for new forms of media literacy that focus on verifying sources, reading beyond headlines, checking images and videos, cross-referencing multiple outlets, and recognizing emotionally charged content.

Fact-checking platforms in Bangladesh are recommended as key tools for verifying suspicious information and preventing the rapid spread of false claims online.

Former interim government adviser and human rights organization Odhikar’s secretary Adilur Rahman Khan was allegedly harassed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday. He was reportedly detained and questioned for an extended period by a Special Branch police superintendent while preparing to travel to Nepal as an international observer for the national parliamentary election.

Despite identifying himself as a recently retired adviser, Adilur was subjected to repeated questioning about his travel purpose. The officer later contacted senior officials of the police Special Branch. The incident drew surprise from several observers who noted the treatment of a former adviser in such a manner.

However, Additional IGP Golam Rasul, head of the Special Branch, denied any misconduct, stating that Adilur completed all immigration procedures and received his boarding pass for the Nepal flight.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault has questioned the legality of the joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, which have entered their third day. Speaking in Paris after a meeting at the Foreign Ministry on Monday, he said that decisions involving the use of force should have been discussed within international bodies such as the United Nations. Barrault emphasized that legitimacy for such actions arises only when they are presented before the UN Security Council.

The minister’s remarks come amid growing international scrutiny of the unilateral military actions in Iran. He reiterated that the use of force must be subject to collective deliberation under established global frameworks to ensure accountability and shared responsibility. Barrault also confirmed that no French nationals have been reported injured or killed in the ongoing situation in Iran.

The statement reflects France’s call for adherence to international law and multilateral decision-making in matters of military intervention, highlighting concerns over the bypassing of the UN system.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog faced questions regarding the legality of Israel’s attacks on Iran during an interview on BBC Radio 4. Herzog stated that the future of the Middle East depends on the outcome of the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran. He claimed that Iran had attempted to attack Israel from multiple fronts around the world.

Herzog said Israel possesses extensive evidence of Iran’s hostile actions, which it is sharing with the United Kingdom and other allies. He emphasized the need for genuine change in the region and described the current situation as a historic turning point for the Middle East. Herzog also referred to Iran as an “empire of evil” seeking to erase Israel from the map.

The remarks came amid heightened regional tensions, including reports of drone interceptions near British bases in Cyprus and missile claims involving Iran and Israel, underscoring the fragile security environment across the region.

Explosions were reported on Monday in several major Middle Eastern cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, and Jerusalem, according to multiple news agencies. AFP reported that loud blasts were heard in the capitals of Qatar and Bahrain, as well as in the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates.

The United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that a suspected drone attack targeted the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus on Sunday night. No casualties were reported, and British authorities stated that security in the region remains at the highest level, with defensive responses initiated from the base.

The incidents follow the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S. and Israeli airstrike. The British Defence Secretary, John Healy, said indiscriminate retaliatory attacks by Iran have increased risks for British troops and civilians across the Middle East.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notification cancelling the appointment of Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali as Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). The order, released on Sunday, states that his remaining contractual term has been cancelled upon his own request. The decision was made in the public interest and took immediate effect.

Sajjat Ali had submitted his resignation on February 25, citing personal and family reasons. He was appointed on a contractual basis as DMP Commissioner on November 20, 2024, for a two-year term starting from his joining date. The ministry’s latest order formally ends that appointment before its scheduled expiry.

Until a new commissioner is appointed, Additional Commissioner (Administration) Md. Sarwar will serve as acting DMP Commissioner, according to a separate notification signed by the newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, on February 26.

The United States Embassy in Kuwait has issued a warning about an ongoing threat of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks in the country's airspace. In a statement released on March 2, 2026, the embassy advised American citizens residing in Kuwait to remain sheltered in place, review their security plans, and maintain maximum vigilance amid concerns of potential future attacks. Embassy staff are also reported to be taking shelter at their respective locations.

The advisory underscores heightened security concerns in Kuwait following reports of regional instability. The embassy’s statement, citing persistent aerial threats, aims to ensure the safety of US nationals and personnel in the area. The warning was reported by Al Jazeera and relayed through local media.

The embassy’s alert suggests that security conditions in the region remain tense, and further updates may follow depending on the evolving threat situation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a meeting with traffic and urban planning experts to discuss a comprehensive restructuring of Dhaka’s traffic management system. The meeting took place on Monday morning at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat, according to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman. The session was led by engineer Shamsul Haque from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), who, along with other specialists, shared their views on resolving the capital’s chronic traffic congestion.

The Prime Minister also discussed the renovation and development of the mausoleums of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar with architects, seeking their professional opinions. Additionally, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher and Liberation War Affairs Minister Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, along with their respective state ministers, met the Prime Minister separately at the Secretariat.

These consultations indicate the government’s focus on improving urban infrastructure and commemorative sites, with expert input guiding future planning and implementation steps.

Israel launched new large-scale airstrikes on Iran’s capital Tehran early Monday, according to reports. The Israeli Defense Forces said their fighter jets struck central areas of Tehran. Iran’s Fars news agency reported that at least two people were killed in the central city of Sanandaj following the attacks.

According to the report, enemy missiles hit Sanandaj, destroying several residential buildings near a police station. Iran’s Tasnim news agency stated that US and Israeli forces fired six missiles into various parts of the city, including densely populated areas. Smoke was also seen near Kermanshah airport following the strikes.

The reports indicate a coordinated military action involving both the United States and Israel against Iranian targets, though further details on casualties or official responses were not provided in the source.

A suspected robber was killed and seven others were injured in a mob beating early Saturday in Palashi village under Puthia upazila of Rajshahi. According to police, the group of eight allegedly entered the village in a truck carrying lock-cutting tools and local weapons, apparently preparing for a robbery. Villagers, suspecting their intent, detained them and beat them before setting fire to their pickup van. The injured were taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where one was declared dead.

Rajshahi Superintendent of Police Mohammad Naimul Hasan confirmed the incident, stating that the group had entered the village at dawn with tools and weapons. He said a case would be filed soon and that the injured suspects would be shown arrested once their condition improves.

The police have begun an investigation into the incident, focusing on the circumstances of the mob attack and the alleged robbery attempt.

Three individuals, including Shamim Hossain, general secretary of the Mongla Government College unit of the student organization Chhatra Dal, were arrested in Mongla, Bagerhat, on March 1 under the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025. The arrests were made by the Jessore Detective Branch (DB) police during separate operations in the Port Municipality area based on secret information. The detainees were identified as Shamim Hossain (26), Rubel Hawlader (24), and Shahadat Gazi (30), all residents of the municipality.

Authorities reported finding evidence on their mobile phones linking them to online scam and gambling platforms. The suspects allegedly used SIM cards registered under different national identity numbers while operating the scam. Police have begun legal proceedings and are examining seized devices for further evidence.

Bagerhat district DB officials stated that strict measures against online fraud and cybercrime will continue. Local residents expressed concern that such illegal activities could harm the community’s social and economic stability.

The Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Trust Foundation has for the first time recognized athletes for their special contributions to sports. A total of nine current and former athletes received the 'Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Award' at a ceremony held at the Le Méridien Hotel in Dhaka. State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque attended as chief guest and presented each awardee with a crest and a cash prize of 100,000 taka.

The foundation, established in memory of the late Arafat Rahman Koko, introduced this award to honor achievements across different sports disciplines. Among the recipients were former national cricket captain Habibul Bashar Sumon, women’s cricketer Marufa Akter, former footballer Alfaz Ahmed, and national women’s footballer Rituparna Chakma. Organizers expressed hope that the award would become one of the country’s most prestigious sports honors.

Award recipients expressed joy at receiving the recognition, saying it would inspire them to perform even better in the future. The state minister noted plans to expand the award to an international level in coming years to further promote a sports-friendly environment in Bangladesh.

More than 115,000 Australian citizens are stranded across the Middle East after air routes were closed due to conflict sparked by U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, according to Australian authorities. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government hopes to repatriate citizens once commercial flights resume, as that would be the most feasible large-scale option.

Wong told reporters that the ongoing conflict has caused casualties and led to the closure of regional airspace, preventing both Australian and commercial flights from operating. The government is monitoring the situation and maintaining contact with airlines to assess when flights might restart. An online crisis portal has been launched for Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their close relatives in Israel, Iran, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to register for assistance.

Wong also commented on the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the responsibility for explaining the U.S. and Israeli actions lies with those governments. She added that no one is mourning Khamenei’s death, describing his rule as one marked by brutality against his own people.

Gold prices in Bangladesh have reached a new record after the Bangladesh Jewellers Samity (Bajus) announced another increase. According to a Bajus notice issued on Monday, March 2, 2026, the price of 22-carat gold rose by up to Tk 5,424 per bhori, bringing the new rate to over Tk 274,000. The revised prices took effect from 10:30 a.m. the same day.

The notice also detailed updated rates for other categories: 21-carat gold is now priced at Tk 261,682 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 224,299, and traditional gold at Tk 183,533. Alongside gold, silver prices have also been raised. The new price for 22-carat silver is Tk 7,173 per bhori, while 21-carat, 18-carat, and traditional silver are priced at Tk 6,682, Tk 5,890, and Tk 4,432 respectively.

The latest adjustment reflects continued upward movement in the local precious metals market, with Bajus implementing the new rates nationwide from Monday morning.

Seven police officers, including a female constable, were injured in an attack in Nijmaona village of Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila on Sunday evening, March 1. The incident occurred when a team from Tangail Sadar Police Station, assisted by Sreepur police, attempted to arrest two suspects, Monir Hossain and his son Adil, wanted in a kidnapping case. As the suspects were being handcuffed and placed in a police vehicle, their relatives shouted that the officers were fake police and robbers, prompting locals to attack.

During the assault, the crowd tried to snatch the detainees from police custody. The injured officers received treatment at Sreepur Upazila Health Complex and were later released. Additional police from Sreepur arrived to control the situation and arrested four people, including the two suspects. Two women were detained in connection with the attack, and a case is being processed.

According to local police officials, the situation was brought under control after reinforcements arrived, and legal proceedings are underway regarding the assault and attempted rescue.