The Supreme Court of Bangladesh is set to resume hearing on March 8 on appeals challenging the 15th amendment to the Constitution. The case will be heard by an Appellate Division bench led by the Chief Justice. The appeal follows the High Court’s December 17 verdict, which had ruled on several provisions of the amendment. The Appellate Division had earlier, on November 13, granted permission to appeal against that verdict.

The 15th amendment, passed by Parliament on June 30, 2011, and approved by the President on July 3, 2011, abolished the caretaker government system and introduced several constitutional changes. These included recognizing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation, increasing reserved seats for women in Parliament from 45 to 50, restoring secularism and religious freedom, and adding nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism as state principles. It also criminalized unconstitutional seizure of state power as treason and revised election timing provisions.

The writ petition challenging the amendment was filed by Badiul Alam Majumdar and others, later joined by political leaders and organizations. The petitioners’ lawyers argue that the entire amendment should be annulled.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, stated on Saturday in Tejgaon, Dhaka, that the country has adequate oil reserves and there is no reason for public concern. He announced that two additional oil vessels are scheduled to arrive on March 9, ensuring continued supply and preventing any potential shortage. The minister urged citizens not to panic or stockpile fuel unnecessarily, assuring that petrol pumps are being regularly supplied.

He explained that global instability, particularly the ongoing war in the Middle East, has created uncertainty in the international energy market, leading to public anxiety. As a precaution, the government has introduced limited fuel rationing, which some people misinterpreted as a sign of scarcity. The minister clarified that the rationing is a preventive measure, not a response to shortage.

To maintain control over fuel distribution, the government will deploy mobile courts from the following day to monitor petrol pumps and investigate any irregularities. The minister also confirmed that Bangladesh continues to import LNG from Qatar and is exploring alternative energy sources to ensure future stability.

Labour, Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in the recent deterioration of law and order in Sylhet city. His remarks came after a series of robbery incidents in the area. Speaking to journalists on Saturday, March 7, 2026, following his participation in a Holi festival event at the Manipuri Rajbari in Mirzajangal, he said that no one responsible for the unrest will be spared.

The minister stated that the Prime Minister has declared a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and extortion, emphasizing that such activities will not be tolerated. He added that the administration has been instructed to arrest the robbers swiftly and bring them under the law, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe Sylhet.

The Holi festival event was presided over by Digen Singh, president of the Academy for Manipuri Culture and Arts, and attended by Sylhet City Corporation administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury and other guests.

The small resort town of Taba, located on Egypt’s border with Israel, has turned into a major transit hub for Israelis and foreign nationals fleeing the ongoing conflict. Following Iran’s retaliatory strikes against the joint Israel–United States offensive, Israel closed its airspace, prompting travelers to use the Taba crossing to leave or return to the country. Since the first attacks on February 28, thousands of passengers have crossed through Taba in both directions, with many entering Egypt to catch flights to Europe and other destinations. The Taba International Airport has been reopened to handle the surge in travelers.

The Red Sea coastal town, usually known for tourism, is now crowded with evacuees and transit passengers. Several countries are arranging evacuations for their citizens, while airlines are rerouting regional flights. On March 1, Israel’s Arkia Airlines announced new flights between Taba and Athens and later expanded routes to six European destinations. A Cypriot and a Greek airline have also begun operating flights to Taba. Israel’s main carrier, El Al, considered moving flights there but withdrew due to security concerns.

Renowned Bangladeshi television host and producer Hanif Sanket has been named a recipient of the Independence Award 2026 for his distinguished contributions to culture. The announcement was made through a government circular signed by Additional Secretary Md. Humayun Kabir of the Cabinet Division. Following the news, Sanket expressed gratitude and dedicated the award to his audience, acknowledging their love and support throughout his long career in the cultural arena.

Sanket stated that the achievement belongs to everyone who has supported him and emphasized his belief that healthy cultural practices can enlighten society and bring honor to the nation. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue working for the promotion of positive cultural values in Bangladesh. The government has decided to honor 15 individuals and five institutions this year across various fields, including independence, liberation war, science and technology, literature, sports, and culture.

In the cultural category, singer Bashir Ahmed will also receive the Independence Award posthumously alongside Hanif Sanket.

Flights from Dhaka to parts of the Middle East have resumed on a limited scale as regional airspace restrictions begin to ease. Despite the situation not being fully normalized, routes to Oman and Saudi Arabia are now operating regularly, while some flights to the United Arab Emirates are gradually being reinstated. The partial resumption follows widespread cancellations caused by airspace closures across several Middle Eastern countries.

On February 28, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan closed their airspace due to security concerns, severely disrupting international air travel. Between February 28 and March 7, a total of 268 flights from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were canceled, including services by Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.

According to airport authorities, 214 flights to Muscat, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE operated between February 28 and March 7. Passengers have been advised to confirm flight status with their airlines before traveling.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that President Md. Shahabuddin will deliver a speech at the first session of the new parliament, in line with parliamentary tradition. He confirmed that all necessary preparations for the event have been completed. The minister made the statement on Saturday while speaking to journalists after the second day of a workshop held at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan.

During the discussion, the minister mentioned that the workshop would conclude with its fourth session later in the afternoon. He added that the government is working to ensure effective use of the legislative branch, particularly the national parliament, and to keep it active under the leadership of the head of the ruling party.

The announcement underscores the government’s readiness for the upcoming parliamentary session and its focus on strengthening parliamentary functions and governance.

Vote counting continues in Nepal following Thursday’s general election, with former rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah emerging as the early frontrunner. Shah, who served as Kathmandu’s mayor until January, is leading by a wide margin, positioning him as a potential next prime minister. His centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is ahead in more than two-thirds of the 165 directly elected seats, according to BBC Nepali. The Nepali Congress trails in second place, while the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) stands third. Final results may take several days due to Nepal’s slow counting process and the logistical challenges of collecting ballots from remote areas.

Shah, 35, trained as a civil engineer and was active in Nepal’s hip-hop scene before entering politics. His popularity surged during last year’s protests over social media restrictions, corruption, and unemployment, which led to the resignation of then-leader KP Sharma Oli. Shah’s tough stance as mayor drew both support and criticism, particularly from human rights groups. He is contesting from Jhapa-5, Oli’s traditional stronghold, and is currently leading there as well.

Analysts view this election as a generational shift, with many young voters seeking new leadership after decades of unstable coalition governments.

Kuwait’s Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah held a telephone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday evening. During the call, both sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and coordination in military and defense sectors between the two countries.

According to a statement from Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense, the discussion focused on boosting regional security and defense capabilities. The ministers also exchanged views on various joint initiatives and potential areas for future collaboration aimed at strengthening bilateral defense ties.

Both parties emphasized the importance of further consolidating the existing strategic relationship between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, reflecting their shared interest in maintaining stability and security in the region.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka has issued a new advisory regarding travel to the US, warning that misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits could affect future eligibility for travel, study, or work in the country. The message was shared on the embassy’s verified Facebook page on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

According to the embassy’s statement, individuals planning to travel to the United States should ensure they have sufficient financial capacity to cover their own expenses, including potential disruptions or medical emergencies during the trip. The advisory emphasized that misuse of facilities funded by US taxpayers could lead to permanent consequences, potentially making individuals ineligible for future visas or entry into the United States.

The embassy’s message serves as a reminder for travelers to act responsibly and maintain compliance with US travel and financial requirements to avoid long-term restrictions on entry or participation in US programs.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned what he described as ongoing illegal attacks across the Middle East, warning on Friday that the situation could soon spiral out of control as the conflict spreads to multiple countries. His remarks followed a series of airstrikes launched by the United States and Israeli forces against Iran on February 28, to which Iran responded with retaliatory attacks on Israel and Gulf states. Washington said the operation aimed to counter Tehran’s nuclear and missile threats.

Guterres said the continuing attacks were causing immense suffering for ordinary people and posing serious risks to the global economy, particularly for vulnerable populations. He urged all sides to halt fighting immediately and begin meaningful diplomatic negotiations.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher added that the war was consuming about one billion dollars daily, while political leaders were cutting aid budgets for those most in need. He warned that the conflict was disrupting markets and supply chains, driving up food prices, and hitting the poorest communities hardest.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has intensified surveillance to prevent oil smuggling from Bangladesh to India. As part of the effort, fuel tanks of goods trucks arriving from India are being measured before entry into Bangladesh and again before returning to India. The initiative began on Saturday, March 7, at the zero line of the Sonamasjid land port in Chapainawabganj, according to a BGB press release.

The 59 BGB Battalion has set up a special checkpoint to measure fuel tanks and inspect entire vehicles to ensure no illegal transfer of fuel occurs. Additionally, the 53 BGB Battalion has strengthened patrols in border areas, increased manpower at border outposts, and established two extra checkpoints in nearby towns to reinforce anti-smuggling operations.

These measures reflect BGB’s broader strategy to tighten border control and prevent the illegal movement of fuel across the Bangladesh-India frontier.

The Iranian Red Crescent has reported that at least 6,668 civilian sites across Iran were targeted in joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel. According to figures cited from Fars News Agency and reported by Al Jazeera, the targeted locations included 5,535 residential buildings, 1,041 commercial facilities, 14 medical centers, 65 schools, and 13 centers belonging to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

The report also stated that several rescue and relief vehicles were damaged during the attacks, and some Red Crescent workers were injured while conducting emergency operations. The strikes have caused widespread disruption to civilian infrastructure and humanitarian activities.

No further details were provided about the timing or specific areas affected by the attacks, and there was no mention of official responses from the governments involved.

In Chatmohar upazila of Pabna, octane is being sold at Tk 170 per liter, which is Tk 50 higher than the official price of Tk 120. Petrol is being sold at Tk 140 instead of Tk 116, and diesel at Tk 115 instead of Tk 100. Motorcyclists reported that sellers are charging extra citing the ongoing war situation as justification.

The report states that due to the current conflict involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, fears of a fuel price hike have led to increased demand and crowding at fuel stations. Some unscrupulous traders are reportedly hoarding fuel to exploit the situation. The owner of the only fuel pump in Chatmohar, KM Saeed Ul Islam Kafi, said his station sells fuel at official rates but demand exceeds supply.

Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Musa Naser Chowdhury said that operations will soon be conducted against dishonest traders charging excessive prices.

According to the latest data from air quality monitoring firm IQAir, Dhaka recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 253 in late February and early March 2026, ranking as the most polluted city in the world. The level is classified as “very unhealthy,” prompting health experts to urge residents—especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions—to avoid outdoor exposure. The Department of Environment confirmed that PM2.5 concentrations across the capital remain several times higher than World Health Organization (WHO) safety limits.

Experts identified dry winter weather, construction dust, vehicle emissions, and brick kiln smoke as major contributors. Around 30 percent of Dhaka’s air pollution reportedly comes from transport sources, particularly old buses, trucks, and auto-rickshaws. Hospitals have reported a rise in respiratory illnesses during winter, while doctors warn that prolonged exposure could increase risks of asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Authorities have announced measures such as mandatory emission tests for old vehicles, dust control at construction sites, and crackdowns on illegal brick kilns. However, environmental activists argue that deeper structural reforms—like improving public transport and promoting renewable energy—are essential for long-term relief.