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.

France is deploying several Rafale fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates to strengthen security at its only naval and air base there. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the move follows President Emmanuel Macron’s directive. The base, named Camp de la Paix, is located in the Al-Dhafra area of Abu Dhabi and has housed French land, naval, and air forces since its establishment in 2009.

Barrot told French television channel BFM TV that a drone attack struck the base on March 1, damaging one of its hangars. Following the incident, President Macron decided to send Rafale jets to ensure the safety of the airspace above the facility. The deployment aims to protect the base and its personnel from further threats.

The decision underscores France’s commitment to maintaining its strategic presence in the Gulf region and ensuring the security of its forces stationed abroad.

According to the latest reports, nearly 200 international oil tankers are stranded in the Persian Gulf following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The tankers’ owners are waiting to determine whether it is safe to resume passage through one of the world’s most critical oil transport routes. The information was reported by BBC Persian.

The Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced full control over the Strait of Hormuz, where several ships have recently been targeted by drone and missile attacks. Around 60 of the stranded vessels are supertankers, representing about eight percent of the global fleet. The disruption has pushed Brent crude oil prices above 80 dollars per barrel.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of global energy supply routes to regional instability, with potential implications for international oil markets if the closure continues.

Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah carried out a drone attack targeting the headquarters of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in central Israel, according to a report published on March 4, 2026. The group also claimed responsibility for a separate drone strike on an Israeli military base that controls drones. The attacks reportedly took place on Wednesday night, as cited by the French news agency AFP.

Israel Aerospace Industries is a state-owned company that manufactures a wide range of defense and civilian products, including fighter jets, missile defense systems, unmanned drones, and satellites. The company plays a central role in Israel’s defense and space programs.

The report did not specify the extent of the damage or any casualties resulting from the attacks, and no immediate response from Israeli authorities was mentioned.

Iran’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, said Tehran expects Bangladesh, as a member of the OIC and NAM, to directly condemn aggressors attacking Iran. Speaking at a press conference at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday, he emphasized that Muslim nations should show solidarity when another Muslim country is under attack. He also confirmed that Bangladeshi students in Iran have been moved to safe locations and that the Bangladeshi Embassy in Tehran remains in regular contact with Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

The ambassador asserted that Iran possesses sufficient drones, missiles, and military strength to sustain a long-term conflict without external logistical support. He described the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei as a cowardly act planned by the United States and Israel, while denying any intelligence failure within Iran. He added that Iran would never initiate aggression against Israel but would resist any attack to the last drop of blood.

Jahanabadi further explained that a three-member committee currently oversees Iran’s leadership, with the Experts Council responsible for selecting a new leader soon.