US Vice President JD Vance stated that the United States has no intention of engaging in a long-term conflict with Iran. In an interview with Fox News, he said President Donald Trump’s main objective is to ensure that Iran never develops nuclear weapons. Vance emphasized that the administration’s approach aims to prevent Iran’s nuclear ambitions without repeating the prolonged military engagements seen in Iraq or Afghanistan.

He added that President Trump seeks not only to contain Iran during his second term but to guarantee that the country is permanently prevented from obtaining nuclear arms. According to Vance, achieving this goal would require fundamental changes within Iran’s governing system. He also criticized Tehran’s nuclear program, claiming that its facilities are designed for weapons development despite Iran’s assertions of civilian use.

Vance reiterated that Trump would not allow the United States to become entangled in another years-long conflict, underscoring a strategy focused on deterrence rather than occupation or extended warfare.

Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) launched a coordinated operation named 'S Drive' at midnight on Sunday to curb terrorism, drug trafficking, extortion, gambling, and juvenile gang activities across the city. The operation was announced publicly half an hour before it began, raising concerns about its secrecy and effectiveness. According to CMP Assistant Commissioner (Media) Aminur Rashid, police recovered a rusted firearm, several knives, shotgun cartridges, and about 400 yaba tablets.

The operation came just hours after masked gunmen armed with heavy weapons fired 20 rounds at the residence of Smart Group Chairman Mostafizur Rahman, evading police security. None of the attackers or major gang members have been arrested. Security analysts said the limited seizures contrast sharply with the scale of the armed assault, suggesting the drive was more symbolic than strategic. They also criticized the lack of intelligence coordination, noting that police appeared unaware of the gang’s movements before the attack.

CMP officials defended the timing and coordination of the operation, but analysts questioned the effectiveness of police checkpoints and intelligence surveillance, as heavily armed criminals moved freely within the city.

Bangladesh Railways has decided to continue selling 25 percent standing (non-seat) tickets in addition to regular seat tickets for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr travel period. The decision was made to accommodate increased passenger demand during the holiday season. Authorities have instructed that standing ticket holders will not be allowed to travel in air-conditioned or first-class compartments.

The decision came from a preparatory meeting held on Monday at the Rail Bhaban on Abdul Gani Road in Dhaka. The meeting addressed issues such as maintaining law and order, preventing sabotage, and curbing ticket black marketing during Eid travel. It was also announced that mobile courts will be deployed to detect ticketless passengers, stop black market activities, and prevent rooftop travel.

Additional instructions were issued to ensure that ticketless passengers cannot enter major stations like Kamalapur and Dhaka Airport. If any train is delayed, the number of designated seats on platforms will be increased to allow waiting passengers to sit safely.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee announced that the government aims to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals across Bangladesh within the next five years, fulfilling an electoral commitment. He stated that visible progress has already been achieved within days of forming the government and expressed confidence that the target could be met within the current term. The minister made these remarks on Monday in Sripur, Gazipur, after inspecting the historic Chowkka canal and addressing a gathering organized jointly by the upazila and municipal BNP units.

Anee described the canal excavation initiative as a revolutionary movement inspired by former President Ziaur Rahman’s efforts to support farmers. He lamented that many canals had deteriorated due to neglect and encroachment. The minister also noted that agricultural loans of up to 10,000 taka had been waived nationwide, totaling about 1,500 crore taka, to encourage farmers. He emphasized that agriculture remains central to Bangladesh’s economy and that the government intends to create employment opportunities and boost crop production.

Senior officials from the Water Resources Ministry, local BNP leaders, and members of the Water Development Board attended the event.

Security concerns have intensified across the Gulf region as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates reportedly face dwindling interceptor missile stocks while countering potential or ongoing Iranian missile and drone attacks. Defense analysts say the heavy use of air defense systems has rapidly reduced available interceptors, which are costly and slow to replace, raising fears of supply shortages during prolonged conflict.

Both Qatar and the UAE have long relied on U.S.-made air defense systems and maintain close defense ties with Washington as part of regional security cooperation. The recent escalation of tensions with Iran has led these nations to strengthen their defense readiness. Analysts note that Iran’s combined use of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones has placed significant pressure on opposing air defense networks.

Diplomatic circles are reportedly discussing whether Gulf states might urge Washington to take stronger action against Iran or push for a swift diplomatic resolution. Experts warn that a prolonged conflict could disrupt regional security balance and further strain U.S. military supply chains.

The Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) organized an iftar gathering at Senakunja in Dhaka Cantonment on Monday to mark the holy month of Ramadan. The event was attended by State Minister for Sports Aminul Haque, chiefs of the army, navy, and air force, and other senior officials. BOA President and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman extended Ramadan greetings and emphasized collective efforts for the advancement of the country’s sports sector.

In his address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that the BOA has undertaken an initiative to establish an international-standard sports complex with modern facilities in Trishal, Mymensingh, aiming to develop world-class athletes and host global competitions. The State Minister for Sports also spoke briefly about the government’s commitment and plans for national sports development.

Members of the BOA executive committee and general council, officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council, senior serving and retired armed forces officers, and representatives from various national sports federations attended the event.

An emergency press briefing was held at the central office of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Monday night, where Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair emphasized that the issue of the July National Charter should be made clear to the nation. He stated that the reform proposals had been passed by nearly two-thirds majority and were now a matter for the national parliament, which is scheduled to convene on March 12. Zubair warned against attempts to shift the issue to the courts, arguing that such actions in the past had deepened national crises.

Advocate Shishir Md. Monir explained that two writ petitions had been filed challenging the July National Charter Implementation Order 2025 and the referendum process. He argued that the petitions were politically motivated and aimed at obstructing parliamentary discussion by making the issue sub judice. Monir questioned why only the referendum was being challenged while the national election, held on the same day, was not. He maintained that the matter was political and should be resolved through political consensus rather than judicial intervention.

Both leaders cautioned that using the judiciary to settle political disputes could undermine democratic processes and repeat past mistakes.

Bangladesh is confronting simultaneous challenges to its energy security, foreign reserves, and interest rate policy as the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy flows. The ongoing war, uncertainty over Qatari LNG supplies, and drone attacks on Saudi energy facilities have placed the country’s import-dependent energy system under renewed strain. The article identifies three critical policy questions: whether to raise fuel prices, how to manage reserves, and if lowering interest rates is justified during wartime instability.

The analysis warns that direct energy price hikes could trigger a double inflation trap, urging instead a targeted pricing reform to reduce consumption and support efficient production. It highlights the need for strategic reserve management through prioritizing essential energy imports, curbing luxury imports, allowing managed currency depreciation, and securing long-term energy payment plans. The author argues that lowering interest rates during uncertainty may not boost investment but could encourage capital flight and misuse of cheap credit.

The piece concludes that Bangladesh’s stability depends on coordinated energy, monetary, and fiscal policies. It recommends forming a national crisis team of experts to guide sustainable decisions beyond political popularity.

The United States Department of State has instructed its citizens to leave almost all countries in the Middle East immediately. The directive, issued on Tuesday, cites serious security risks and urges Americans to depart using commercial flights as soon as possible. The countries listed include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

The advisory marks a sweeping evacuation order covering nearly the entire region, reflecting heightened concern over safety conditions. The State Department’s message emphasizes urgency and advises travelers to act without delay. The announcement follows recent developments in regional tensions, though the source does not specify the exact nature of the threats or incidents prompting the decision.

The directive also coincides with the suspension of all US consular services in Saudi Arabia, indicating a broader precautionary stance across the Gulf and neighboring states.

Missile attacks from Iran struck several Gulf capitals and cities following a U.S.-Israeli offensive in Iran that killed top Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strikes caused casualties and damage across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, shaking the region’s image of stability. The United Arab Emirates withdrew its envoy from Israel, signaling frustration over the escalating conflict.

Despite the attacks, Gulf nations are voicing reluctance to join a direct war against Iran. Former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani warned that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members should not be drawn into direct conflict, arguing it would harm both sides and invite external control. Gulf Times editor Faisal Al-Mudahka echoed that the war belongs to the U.S. and Israel, not the Gulf states, emphasizing their focus on prosperity and dialogue.

Analysts note that Gulf countries had pursued diplomatic efforts to prevent war, with Oman mediating between Washington and Tehran before hostilities erupted. Experts suggest that while the Gulf states seek to avoid escalation, they may still act to protect their sovereignty and citizens.

Iqbal Chowdhury, a victim of enforced disappearance, testified as the third witness in a case involving alleged abductions and torture at the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) or 'Aynaghar' during the Awami League’s fifteen-year rule. His testimony was recorded on Monday before the International Crimes Tribunal-1, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar with Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury as the other member. Iqbal described being abducted from his Mohammadpur home on May 7, 2018, by plainclothes men identifying themselves as law enforcement officers.

He recounted being blindfolded, handcuffed, and taken to an unknown location where he was confined in a small, dimly lit room. The room had a metal-barred door, a wooden door, and a constantly running exhaust fan. Iqbal said he felt as though he had been buried alive. His statement was halted when he became emotional and unwell during the testimony.

The case names Sheikh Hasina and twelve current and former army officers, who have reportedly been sentenced to death in connection with the alleged JIC disappearances and torture incidents.

Global energy markets saw sharp price increases after Iran launched attacks on U.S. and Israeli-linked facilities across the Middle East on Monday. The strikes targeted Saudi Aramco’s oil refinery and Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, forcing both to halt production. Additional attacks on fuel tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of global oil and gas shipments, further disrupted supply and drove prices higher.

Brent crude rose by 10% to over $82 per barrel before easing to $79, while U.S. crude climbed 7.6% to $72.20. Qatar Energy suspended LNG operations after the attack, pushing European gas prices up by about 45%. Stock markets worldwide fell amid uncertainty, with London’s FTSE 100 down nearly 1%, France’s CAC 40 down 1.6%, and Germany’s DAX down 1.7%. Airline shares also dropped as Middle Eastern airspace closures disrupted routes.

Analysts warned that prolonged conflict could further raise oil prices beyond $100 per barrel, potentially affecting inflation and interest rates. Gold prices rose 2.3% as investors sought safe assets.

The United States has confirmed that six of its soldiers were killed as part of ongoing military operations against Iran. According to a statement from the U.S. military, the deaths occurred after the United States and Israel began bombing Iran on Saturday. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the bodies of two missing soldiers were recovered from a facility that had been struck during Iran’s initial attacks.

CENTCOM added that large-scale combat operations are continuing and that the identities of the deceased will remain confidential for 24 hours until their families are notified. The announcement comes amid heightened military activity between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with the situation described as part of a broader regional conflict.

The report, sourced from Al Jazeera, did not provide further details on the location of the operations or the broader strategic objectives of the campaign.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapoor is arriving in Dhaka today, Tuesday, for a three-day visit aimed at discussing the future of Dhaka-Washington relations. His trip comes two weeks after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s new government assumed office. According to the draft schedule, Kapoor will arrive from New Delhi tonight and begin meetings on Wednesday with US Embassy officials, followed by discussions with several Bangladeshi ministers, including those of foreign, home, energy, and commerce. He will also meet business representatives and political leaders before attending an iftar hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign ministry officials said the visit will cover bilateral and geopolitical issues, including implementation of a recently signed trade agreement and the proposed security pact between the two countries. Economic cooperation will be a key focus, with senior economic adviser Laura Anderson accompanying Kapoor. Defense cooperation is also expected to feature prominently, as the US seeks to finalize two defense agreements, GSOMIA and ACSA. The visit may also address the repatriation of undocumented Bangladeshis from the United States.

The discussions are expected to shape the next phase of Bangladesh-US relations, particularly in trade, defense, and migration cooperation.

Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens Party (NCP) and opposition whip, warned that rejecting the referendum verdict through court intervention would lead to dire consequences. He made the remarks on Monday evening at an iftar gathering organized by the NCP in Chattogram. Nahid said the issue of reform had already been settled through the referendum, but attempts were being made to overturn the people’s verdict in court.

He questioned whether the interim government’s security adviser was rewarded with a ministerial post by the BNP for election engineering and alleged that both domestic and foreign forces had been conspiring since August 5 to weaken the student movement. Nahid also stated that NCP activists would resist any attempt by the Awami League to resume political activities, asserting that the two parties could not coexist.

Other NCP leaders accused the BNP of rejecting the referendum results, conspiring with the “July Charter,” and fostering lawlessness. They warned that the party would face public resistance if it continued such actions.