File PhotoDHAKA, March 2, 2026(BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that security measures in the Diplomatic areas, including the United States embassy have been strengthened in view of the ongoing global situation. He noted that in addition to regular police forces, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed to reinforce security in the Diplomatic Area. During the meeting, both sides discussed various issues of mutual interest, including law and order, security cooperation, curbing illegal migration, counter-terrorism, the SPEAR program for enhancing diplomatic security, and the implementation of Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV). During the discussion, the Ambassador stated that the United States is keen on strengthening its bilateral relations with Bangladesh. Ambassador Christensen emphasized that the US is keen to implement the "Special Programme for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR)" to consolidate security for the US Embassy and the entire Diplomatic area in Dhaka.

DHAKA, March 2, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh today expressed deep sorrow over the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a targeted attack, describing the incident as a violation of international law and norms. The government extended heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people of Iran, said a foreign ministry's statement here. "The (Bangladesh) government is saddened to learn that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in a targeted attack which is a violation of international law and norms," read the statement. Bangladesh believed that conflict brings no solution and only dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the international law can resolve disputes, said the foreign ministry.

LONDON, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - British forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at its military base in Cyprus, the defence ministry said Monday, with no casualties reported. The strike hit the RAF Akrotiri base at midnight, said the ministry, adding that its forces were handling a "live situation". "Our force protection in the region is at the highest level and the base has responded to defend our people," a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said in a statement. The incident came as Britain agreed on Sunday to allow the United States to use British military bases to fire "defensive" strikes aimed at destroying Iranian missiles and their launchers. London recently deployed additional assets to the site as "defensive measures", including air and drone defence systems, radars, and F-35 aircraft.

Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Mar 2, 2026 (BSS) - The government today confirmed that two Bangladeshi nationals were killed and seven others injured in separate missile and drone attacks in different parts of the Middle East, expressing deep concern over the escalating situation. The Bangladesh Embassy in the UAE is in close contact with local authorities and is extending assistance to repatriate the mortal remains once commercial flights resume, it added. The Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait is maintaining regular contact, and the Ambassador personally visited them in hospital. The foreign ministry said that ensuring the safety and security of more than six million Bangladeshis living in the Middle East remains the government's top priority. The Bangladesh government reiterated its deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and continues to monitor developments closely, it added.

JERUSALEM, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The Israeli military told residents of about 50 towns and villages in Lebanon to evacuate on Monday, warning of imminent attacks against Hezbollah militants, following rocket fire at Israel. "For your safety, evacuate your homes immediately and move at least 1,000 metres (0.6 miles) away from your village to open areas," an army spokeswoman said in a statement on X, listing localities in the country's south and east.

TEHRAN, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A total of 555 people have been killedacross Iran in US and Israeli strikes that began two days ago, the IranianRed Crescent said Monday. "Following the Zionist-American terrorist attacks carried out in variousregions of our country, 131 cities have been affected to date and,regrettably, 555 of our compatriots have been killed," the humanitarian groupsaid in a post on Telegram.

Bangladesh’s state-owned flag carrier “MV Banglar Joyjatra” has been left stranded at the Port of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. On Monday, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) Managing Director M Mahmudul Malek told bdnews24.com that the vessel is currently berthed at the port’s jetty. The vessel, owned by the BSC, has 31 Bangladeshi sailors on board. The “MV Banglar Joyjatra” arrived at Jebel Ali on Feb 27 carrying around 38,800 tonnes of steel coils from Mesaieed port in Qatar. The Jebel Ali port in Dubai is also considered to be at potential risk of attack.

VIENNA, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Delegates at the United Nations' nuclear agency began meeting on Monday for an extraordinary session on Iran in the wake of the US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic republic. Russia, a key ally of Tehran, requested the meeting on Saturday at the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), following the same request by Iran. The extraordinary meeting precedes an already scheduled regular session of the IAEA's board of governors, which represents 35 countries. Following the strikes, the IAEA -- which monitors Iran's nuclear programme -- said on Saturday that it was "closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, and urges restraint to avoid any nuclear safety risks to people in the region".

SYDNEY, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Skipper Wu Haiyan said Monday the Chineseteam was trying not to dwell on missing Lunar New Year celebrations withfamily as they prepare to defend their Women's Asian Cup title. China edged South Korea 3-2 in Mumbai four years ago to win their ninthcontinental crown and are the most successful team in the tournament'shistory. "The national team is coming off a low point and received a lot of criticism,so we are motivated to give a good performance." They should have few problems against a Bangladesh side at the Asian Cup forthe first time and ranked the lowest of the 12 teams. Bangladesh skipper Afeida Khandaker said her side was approaching the matchwith excitement rather than fear.

"I sincerely appeal to you to go to your polling station and vote onThursday, even if you have to leave other work." Karki said the Election Commission had completed all preparations. "The government of Nepal and the commission are fully committed to conductingthe election in a fair, free and fearless manner," she said. They will elect members to the 275-seat House of Representatives, the lowerhouse, with 165 chosen via a direct vote and 110 through proportionalrepresentation. More than 3,400 candidates are competing in the direct vote, 30 percent agedunder 40.

At least 25 killed at Pakistan's pro-Iran weekend protestsKARACHI, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The death toll from Pakistan's violentweekend protests over the killing of Iran's supreme leader has reached atleast 25, according to an AFP tally on Monday. An AFP journalist witnessed hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters trying toenter the United States consulate, prompting clashes with police. In Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, at least 13 people werekilled in clashes between protesters and police, officials said. Seven people were killed in Gilgit, a rescue official said, while six othersdied in Skardu, a doctor told AFP on Monday. The embassies of the United States and Britain both urged citizens inPakistan to be cautious in the country.

DHAKA, March 2, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Embassy in Abu Dhabi will remainopen today, but expatriate Bangladeshis have been urged to prioritise safetyand avoid unnecessary movement amid the prevailing situation. In a message, the Embassy of Bangladesh in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)requested citizens to refrain from visiting the mission unless it isabsolutely necessary for urgent matters. Stay safe and remaininformed," the message said. Bangladesh Ambassador to the UAE Tareq Ahmed also echoed the call, urgingBangladeshi nationals to remain cautious, stay in secure locations and followadvisories issued by local authorities. The embassy assured that it remains operational and ready to providenecessary consular assistance to citizens in need while closely monitoringthe situation.

BEIJING, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - China called on Monday for a ceasefire and diplomatic talks to end the conflict in the Middle East as it stretched into a third day. Israel and the United States have been conducting strikes on Iran and Lebanon, with the conflict extending to regional neighbours. One Chinese citizen was killed as a result of the conflict in Tehran, she said, where Israel and the United States have been carrying out strikes in an operation that killed the Islamic republic's supreme leader. Beijing warned its citizens last week against travelling to Iran for the time being "in light of the current security situation". Explosions were heard in Doha, Dubai and Manama over the weekend, according to AFP journalists.

NEW DELHI, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - India and Canada on Monday reached a string of agreements including on critical mineral cooperation and a deal on the "supply of uranium ore concentrate". The pacts, which also covered technology and promoting the use of renewable energy, were announced after a meeting in New Delhi between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney.

KOLKATA, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - India on Monday hailed Sanju Samson as a "game-changer" after the opener's batting masterclass in Kolkata took thedefending champions into the T20 World Cup semi-finals. Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif said: "Sanju Samson the man for India in a do-or-die game. India brought back Samson in their Super Eights match against Zimbabwe to break up the all left-handed opening partnership of Abhishek and IshanKishan. "Superman Sanju rescues India," blazed the Times of India. "We all know how good a player Sanju is and it was all about backing him," Gambhir told reporters.