The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved a chargesheet against former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, his wife, and 33 others for allegedly embezzling Tk 230 million from United Commercial Bank’s (UCB) Karwan Bazar branch in Dhaka. The case involves accusations of taking loans under the name of a paper-based company falsely registered under an employee’s ownership. The information was confirmed by ACC Assistant Director Md. Tanzir Ahmed on Monday.

According to the ACC, the charges include violations under multiple sections of the Penal Code of 1860, the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1947, and the Money Laundering Prevention Act of 2012. Among the accused are Rukmila Zaman, wife of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and former chairperson of UCB PLC, as well as former and current senior officials of the bank, several executives of Aramit PLC, and individuals linked to hundi operations.

Investigators allege that the accused abused power and influence to withdraw funds through fraud and forgery, later transferring and laundering the money abroad. The ACC has recommended exemption for one accused, Sharif Zahid, from the charges.

The United States has urged its citizens currently in Lebanon to leave the country immediately while commercial flights remain available. In a post from the US Embassy in Beirut, officials warned Americans not to travel to Lebanon and to depart as soon as possible. The embassy cited rapidly deteriorating security conditions across the country, noting that airstrikes have begun in several areas, including the south, the Bekaa Valley, and parts of Beirut.

According to a BBC correspondent in Beirut, a large explosion was heard in the Dahiyeh district, known as a stronghold of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah. The embassy’s warning reflects growing concerns over escalating violence and instability in Lebanon’s capital and other regions.

The situation remains fluid, and the embassy’s advisory suggests that security conditions could worsen quickly, potentially affecting travel and safety for foreign nationals in Lebanon.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the ongoing US operation in Iran is not intended to become an endless war. Speaking at a press conference at the Pentagon on March 2, 2026, he did not rule out the possibility of deploying American ground forces to Iran in the future. Hegseth confirmed that there are currently no US ground troops in Iran.

He emphasized that Washington will go as far as necessary to protect American interests but declined to specify what actions might be taken, saying it would be unwise to reveal such plans to adversaries. According to Hegseth, the main objectives of the US operation are to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The defense secretary further clarified that the situation in Iran is not comparable to Iraq and reiterated that the conflict will not be an open-ended engagement. The remarks were reported by Reuters.

Following Iran’s attack, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, both leaders discussed regional developments and ways to ease recent tensions. Putin expressed solidarity with the Qatari leader, reaffirming Russia’s readiness to provide any form of assistance to Qatar.

According to a statement from the Qatari Emir’s office, Sheikh Tamim thanked President Putin for his show of support and willingness to assist following the Iranian attack. The statement added that the two leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and maintain regional security and stability.

The discussion highlighted ongoing diplomatic engagement between Qatar and Russia amid heightened regional uncertainty following Iran’s actions.

United States President Donald Trump said on Monday that the war against Iran, launched jointly with Israel, was initially projected to last four to five weeks but could continue much longer if necessary. Speaking from the White House, he described Iran as posing grave threats to the US and claimed that earlier American strikes had obliterated Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump also asserted that Iran’s ballistic missile programme was expanding rapidly, creating what he called a colossal threat to US forces and allies.

Trump’s remarks marked a shift from earlier claims of an immediate Iranian threat, instead portraying Tehran as a long-term danger. He argued that Iran’s missile development was designed to protect its nuclear ambitions, which he said were forbidden by the US. The president’s comments came as the Pentagon confirmed rising casualties, including four US military deaths, and regional fatalities exceeding 580 across Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and other Middle Eastern countries.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth sought to reassure critics within Trump’s political base, describing the campaign as a decisive mission rather than an open-ended conflict. He emphasized goals to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and prevent nuclear weapons development.

A man named Mamun Molla, aged 35, died on Sunday while receiving treatment in Dhaka after being injured in a bomb explosion during a clash in Terokhada upazila of Khulna. The incident occurred on February 25 in the Madhupur area, where tensions between two groups escalated into violence, leading to the explosion that severely injured Mamun. He was first taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka as his condition worsened.

According to Terokhada Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Shahidullah, the clash took place between two groups of the BNP, during which Mamun sustained injuries. He confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. Khulna district BNP convener Moniruzzaman Montu stated that the confrontation stemmed from a struggle for local dominance rather than political rivalry.

Mamun’s body is being brought back to Terokhada for further procedures, while police continue their inquiry into the cause and parties involved in the explosion.

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam warned that NCP activists would obstruct any attempt by the Awami League to resume political activities anywhere in Bangladesh. Speaking as chief guest at an iftar event in Chattogram on March 2, 2026, he declared that NCP and Awami League could not coexist. Nahid also alleged that efforts were underway to overturn the results of a reform referendum through the courts and cautioned that such actions could have serious consequences.

He further questioned the government’s handling of a recent assassination case and suggested that public suspicion was growing about foreign influence and political manipulation. Nahid urged NCP members to prepare for upcoming local government elections. Other NCP leaders, including Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah, and Nasir Uddin Patowary, echoed criticism of the ruling BNP, accusing it of rejecting the referendum outcome and fostering corruption and violence.

Speakers at the event emphasized forming NCP committees across cities and warned against any resurgence of fascism or attempts to restore the Awami League to power.

The United States and Israel continued joint airstrikes in Iran for a third consecutive day on Saturday, prompting Iranian counterattacks. On Monday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated at a Pentagon press conference that the ongoing operation in Iran is not an 'endless war.' He emphasized that the mission’s main objectives are to destroy Iran’s missile and naval capabilities and to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The statement came amid escalating regional tensions following the strikes. Hegseth underscored that the situation in Iran differs from the US experience in Iraq, suggesting a limited scope for the current campaign. Meanwhile, other developments include the death of a Kuwaiti naval officer, NATO’s declaration that it will not engage in the conflict, and Spain’s refusal to allow its bases to be used for attacks on Iran.

Former US President Donald Trump was cited as saying the conflict could last about a month, indicating expectations of a short-term but intense confrontation.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) carried out a raid at the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) office in Chattogram on Monday following allegations of embezzlement and irregularities in several ongoing development projects. An enforcement team from the ACC’s Chattogram office visited the executive engineer’s office to collect his statement regarding the complaints.

According to ACC sources, allegations were received concerning misappropriation of allocated funds and irregularities in project work in Hathazari, Karnaphuli, and Anwara upazilas under the Chattogram district. To verify the authenticity of these claims, the enforcement team has requested all relevant project records for review.

ACC Chattogram Deputy Director Subel Ahmed stated that after examining the documents, a report will be submitted to the commission within a short time.

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, stated that there are no indications of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities following recent US and Israeli attacks. He confirmed that the Bushehr nuclear power plant, the Tehran research reactor, and other nuclear fuel sites showed no signs of harm.

In a statement to the IAEA’s Board of Governors, Grossi said the agency had been trying to contact Iran’s nuclear regulatory authority but had not received any response. Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA, Reza Najafi, told the BBC that an attack had occurred on Sunday at the Natanz nuclear facility but did not provide further details.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and the challenges faced by international monitors in maintaining communication with Iranian authorities during periods of conflict.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that a database will be created to regulate media access to the Bangladesh Secretariat. Speaking at a meeting organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) in Dhaka on Monday, he said the government plans to issue one or more entry cards per media house to manage access efficiently. He added that accreditation cards would be provided under policy guidelines if any journalist is unfairly excluded.

Swapan explained that the initiative aims to simplify journalists’ entry procedures while maintaining security. He said discussions had been held with the Home Minister on easing the access system and that representatives from media organizations would be consulted before finalizing the plan. The minister emphasized that each media house should designate specific representatives for Secretariat coverage to ensure accountability and reduce unnecessary entry pressure.

He also noted that the new system would help the government maintain accurate records of which media houses send personnel to the Secretariat, improving coordination and transparency in press access management.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that only one in four Americans supported the joint US-Israeli strike in Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The survey, conducted while the operation was ongoing, found that 27 percent of respondents backed the attack, 43 percent opposed it, and 29 percent were uncertain. Nearly nine in ten participants said they had at least heard something about the strike, which began early Saturday.

According to the poll, 56 percent of Americans believe President Donald Trump is too eager to use military force to protect US interests. Among Democrats, 87 percent shared this view, compared with 23 percent of Republicans and 60 percent of independents. Within Trump’s party, 55 percent supported the strike, while 13 percent opposed it. However, 42 percent of Republicans said their support could decline if US troops were killed or injured.

The report noted that three US soldiers have been killed and five seriously wounded so far, as the attack has triggered a new and uncertain conflict in the Middle East.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said the party aims to build a compassionate society where everyone loves one another, regardless of familiarity. He made the remarks on Monday at an iftar event organized by the Bangladesh Workers Welfare Federation at the Diploma Engineers Institute in Kakrail, Dhaka. The event was chaired by the federation’s central president A N M Shamusul Islam and conducted by general secretary Advocate Atikur Rahman.

Dr. Rahman emphasized that fear of Allah is essential for establishing such a humane society and called on the federation to work sincerely for the real welfare of workers. He urged both employers and workers to maintain proper relations, describing them as complementary to each other. He also criticized those who incite conflict for personal gain, saying such actions hinder social harmony and progress.

He further noted that the federation’s mission to protect workers’ rights has only just begun and encouraged continued efforts toward justice and mutual respect in society.

Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir has issued a strict directive to all field-level police officers to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against extortion. Speaking on Monday, March 2, during an online meeting with district police superintendents from the Police Headquarters, he emphasized the need for firm action against snatching, extortion, and drug-related crimes.

The IGP instructed both highway and district police to intensify operations to curb extortion, robbery, and snatching on highways. He also directed measures to ensure safe and smooth travel for homebound people during the upcoming Eid, including preventing traffic congestion and ensuring passenger safety. Fakir urged officers to treat citizens respectfully at police stations so that they leave with satisfaction, stressing that no innocent person should face harassment.

He called on all district police superintendents to work in unity to build a safer Bangladesh. Senior officials, including additional IGPs, were present at the Police Headquarters during the meeting.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appointed Revolutionary Guards General Majid Ebnolreza as the acting defense minister following the death of the previous minister in a joint Israeli and U.S. attack, according to Al Jazeera. The announcement was made by presidential communications adviser Mehdi Tabatabai through a post on social media platform X, confirming the president’s directive.

The appointment aims to ensure continuity in the operations of the defense ministry and to strengthen coordination in addressing the current situation. The decision comes amid heightened regional tensions following the reported attack that killed the former defense minister.

The move is expected to stabilize the ministry’s leadership and maintain Iran’s defense readiness during a period of uncertainty.