Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s National Security Council, issued a stern warning to U.S. President Donald Trump following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, Larijani said the assassination would exact a heavy price from the United States.

Larijani accused Trump of being lured by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions and dragging the American people into what he called an unjust war against Iran. He questioned whether Trump’s “America First” policy still stood or had shifted to “Israel First.”

According to the report, the killing occurred on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched widespread attacks across Iran. The incident has sharply escalated tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The Ministry of Social Welfare has finalized the 'Family Card Piloting Implementation Guideline-2026', which will be officially launched by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman on March 10 at the Karail slum in Dhaka. The program was initially planned for Bogura but was shifted due to the upcoming by-election in Bogura-6. The finalized policy excludes families with government pensioners, car or air-conditioner owners, government employees, and large business owners from eligibility.

According to the guideline, priority will be given to landless and homeless families, households with disabled members, and marginalized groups such as hijra, bede, and ethnic minorities. Eligible women beneficiaries will receive funds directly into their mobile wallets or bank accounts. The existing TCB card will be integrated into a dynamic social registry, enabling access to food aid and future benefits like education stipends and agricultural subsidies.

The pilot project will cover 13 diverse areas with a budget of 21.1 million taka, aiming to reach 6,500 poor families initially and expand to 20 million families. The long-term goal is to transform the Family Card into a universal social ID card by 2030.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami is set to introduce a mobile application called 'Nagarik Seba' aimed at addressing urban issues faced by city residents. According to an invitation letter from the party’s Dhaka Metropolitan North unit, the app will allow users to report problems such as mosquito infestations, waterlogging, garbage accumulation, and damaged roads in their local areas. The launch event is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at 11 a.m. at a residence on Progoti Sarani’s main road in Dhaka’s J Block, Bajidhara.

The initiative is being organized by Jamaat’s Dhaka Metropolitan North division, with its Ameer, Mohammad Selim Uddin, expected to inaugurate the app. The invitation stated that a dedicated team will work to resolve reported issues promptly through the app. The announcement highlights Jamaat’s effort to engage with urban communities through a digital platform focused on civic problem-solving.

The launch marks a move by the party to use technology for community service and local engagement in Dhaka’s urban management context.

The main Eid-ul-Fitr congregation will be held at the National Eidgah in Dhaka at 8:30 a.m., weather permitting. If weather conditions are unfavorable, the main prayer will take place at 9:00 a.m. at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The Dhaka South City Corporation will oversee overall preparations, following decisions made at an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad, on February 24.

The meeting emphasized arrangements for prayer management, security, and public welfare. Separate entrances and seating will be arranged for women on the southern side of the Eidgah. The Ministry of Religious Affairs will nominate an imam, a qari, and a presenter from lists submitted by the ministry. Preparations include leveling the ground, installing tents, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, and deploying medical teams and law enforcement for security.

Government buildings will be illuminated, and special meals will be served in hospitals, prisons, and welfare centers. Underprivileged children will receive free entry to selected parks and museums, while Bangladesh Television and Radio will air special programs.

Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Cardinal Pietro Parolin has voiced deep concern over the growing acceptance of 'preventive war' amid ongoing global conflicts. In an interview published on March 4, 2026, he warned that if nations claim the right to launch preventive wars based solely on their own standards and without any supranational legal framework, the entire world could face catastrophic consequences.

Parolin described the erosion of international law as 'truly worrying' and criticized the current global tendency to replace the rule of law with the law of force. He argued that the belief in achieving peace only through the destruction of enemies undermines the foundations of international order.

His remarks have brought renewed attention to the debate over the use of force versus adherence to international law in global politics, highlighting the Vatican’s concern about the moral and legal implications of unilateral military actions.

The Bangladesh government has transferred three senior army officers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on deputation for appointment as ambassadors. The decision was formalized through separate notifications issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Wednesday. The officers are Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, former Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division; Major General Md Jahangir Alam, former Director General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI); and Major General Md Nasim Parvez, former Commandant of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST).

The move follows a recent reshuffle in several key positions within the Bangladesh Army, after which new officers were appointed to replace the three officials now assigned to the Foreign Ministry. The government’s decision reflects an ongoing pattern of appointing senior military officials to diplomatic roles, aligning defense experience with foreign service responsibilities.

Further details regarding their specific ambassadorial postings or timelines were not disclosed in the official notifications.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could place significant pressure on Bangladesh’s economy. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur on Wednesday, March 4, he said Dhaka had urged Washington to pursue a diplomatic solution to the crisis as quickly as possible.

The minister said two Bangladeshi nationals had been killed and seven injured in the conflict, adding that an extended or expanded war could worsen the situation. He emphasized that countries like Bangladesh would find it difficult to bear the economic consequences of such a prolonged conflict. The discussion also covered trade issues, the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshis from the United States, and bilateral relations, which both sides described as positive and expected to strengthen further.

Rahman added that Bangladesh and the United States reached agreement on the Rohingya issue during the talks, reaffirming Dhaka’s commitment to conduct foreign policy based on national interest while maintaining balanced relations with all countries.

Fourteen fishermen abducted nearly three weeks ago in the Sundarbans have been released after paying ransoms ranging from 70,000 to 80,000 taka each. They returned to their respective fishing islands on March 3. The freed fishermen worked under four fish traders from Narikelbaria and Shelar Char. However, twelve fishermen belonging to two other traders, Rafiqul and Khalek of Alorkol, remain captive.

The abductions occurred on February 12 and 16, when two separate pirate groups led by Karim Sharif and by Jahangir and Suman attacked fishing trawlers in the eastern Sundarbans and the Bay of Bengal. According to an audio message from fish trader Arif Hossain Mithu, the bandits released fourteen fishermen after receiving ransom payments but continue to hold twelve others.

Forest Ranger Milton Roy stated that the pirates have threatened to launch further abductions if their extortion demands are not met. Despite ongoing joint operations led by the Coast Guard to eliminate piracy in the Sundarbans, the Sharankhola Range remains largely unaffected, prompting calls for immediate action in the area.

Oman has rescued 24 crew members from a cargo ship that was struck by two Iranian missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, according to Al Jazeera. The Omani navy carried out the rescue operation after the Maltese-flagged vessel came under attack. The rescued crew received necessary medical treatment and were reported to be in good health.

The Oman News Agency, citing the Omani navy, confirmed the details of the incident and the successful rescue effort. The attack occurred in a highly sensitive maritime zone that serves as a key global shipping route. No further information was provided about the cause of the missile strikes or the condition of the vessel following the attack.

The report did not specify the nationality of the crew or the nature of the cargo, leaving some aspects of the incident unclear.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson and former adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan disclosed details of his and his family’s bank accounts at a press conference held Wednesday night at the party’s temporary central office in Banglamotor, Dhaka. He stated that he has two accounts totaling Tk 988,000, while his father has five accounts with Tk 547,711 combined, along with an outstanding service loan of Tk 629,746. His mother and wife hold smaller balances. Mahmud said all his income came through the government’s iBAS++ system during his 16-month tenure as an interim government adviser.

He revealed that the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) had sought information on his accounts among 56 individuals, but only his details were publicized. Mahmud alleged that a specific group was spreading propaganda against him after reports surfaced about his possible candidacy for Dhaka South City Corporation mayor. He described the disclosure of confidential letters to journalists as deliberate and politically motivated.

Mahmud also addressed corruption allegations and clarified that claims of a Tk 1,000 crore scandal were baseless. He urged the media to ensure objectivity and transparency in reporting.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that China and Russia are not influencers in the ongoing Iran war. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he clarified that he has no message for either country, noting that both have long-standing diplomatic and trade relations with Iran. Hegseth emphasized that the United States’ focus remains solely on ending Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions involving Iran, with regional developments drawing global attention. Hegseth’s comments sought to distance China and Russia from direct involvement in the conflict, underscoring Washington’s position that its dispute lies only with Tehran.

The statement suggests that the US aims to concentrate its diplomatic and strategic efforts on Iran’s nuclear program rather than broadening the conflict to other major powers.

Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero stated that Madrid will not become subordinate to Washington amid growing tensions over the use of Spanish bases for a U.S. operation against Iran. Speaking to reporters, she emphasized that Spain would not tolerate any threats and would defend its values.

The dispute intensified after former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would cut trade ties with Spain for refusing to allow its bases to be used in the Iran offensive. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had earlier cautioned that the conflict could lead to a major global catastrophe. In a televised address, he said Spain would not participate in any action harmful to the world or contrary to its values and interests, even to avoid retaliation.

The statements underscore Spain’s firm stance on maintaining sovereignty and independent foreign policy decisions despite U.S. pressure.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Aminul Haque has called on major corporate organizations in Bangladesh to assist in developing underperforming sports federations and promoting talented athletes on the global stage. He made the appeal on Wednesday during a special meeting with top corporate representatives at the National Sports Council conference room.

During the meeting, the minister outlined the government’s long-term plans for transforming the country’s sports infrastructure. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has prioritized sports at the national level and initiated programs to identify talent from the grassroots. Haque emphasized that collaboration between the government and corporate houses could elevate Bangladesh’s sports sector to new international heights.

He further stated that, in line with the election manifesto, new playgrounds will be built between every two wards in Dhaka, including walkways for senior citizens. Plans also include renovating rural fields and constructing modern indoor-equipped “sports villages” in all 64 districts. The minister added that the government will support the expansion of futsal facilities and aims to establish a self-sustaining “sports industry” to produce and export international-standard sports goods, creating employment opportunities.

NCP convener and opposition chief whip Md. Nahid Islam has warned that Bangladesh may again face the threat of one-party authoritarian rule. Speaking on Wednesday at the Sylhet divisional iftar and prayer gathering of the National Citizen Party (NCP) at Hill View Convention Center, he accused the administration and institutions of being politicized.

Citing examples such as appointments at Bangladesh Bank, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and BSS, Nahid Islam said the country must prepare for another struggle but avoid past mistakes. He reflected on earlier mass uprisings, saying that errors made after those movements had led to the current national situation.

The event was attended by senior NCP leaders including Sarjis Alam, Nasiruddin Patwari, Advocate Tarikul Islam, and Abu Bakr Majumdar, as well as representatives from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other parties of the eleven-party alliance.

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has issued a new circular mandating all government, semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous employees to remain in their respective offices from 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m. The circular, signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, was released on Wednesday and aims to ensure public service efficiency and discipline in official work. Offices are instructed to schedule other programs so that this mandatory attendance period is not disrupted.

According to the circular, the rule will not apply to teachers and faculty members of educational or training institutions who do not hold administrative responsibilities. It will also be exempt for those performing roster duties in hospitals, prisons, media organizations, or security-related institutions. Additionally, personnel directly engaged in emergency public services and law enforcement officers working in the field are excluded from the requirement.

The circular further states that employees cannot leave their workplaces during office hours without permission, except for VIP protocol duties, major emergencies, important meetings with development partners or diplomatic missions, or approved official travel. The directive takes immediate effect.