Home Minister and BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday called upon all political parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP) to remain united in the greater interest of the nation despite differences of opinion and make parliament the main forum for discussion. Emphasizing democratic values, Salahuddin said constructive dialogue in parliament is essential for strengthening institutions and ensuring national progress. The Home Minister said they will collectively do the politics for shaping the present and future with not sticking only in the past. He advised the NCP to accept ups and downs in politics to survive in the long run, reminding them there are many political parties which now remained only on signboards. The Home Adviser said politics is not a static matter, adding, “Everyone has to adjust with the time passage.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday called on political parties to take a pledge to work toward changing the fate of the people of Bangladesh. “Let us take a pledge at this iftar gathering that our future actions will be aimed at changing the fate of the people of this country,” he said while addressing an iftar mahfil hosted by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center. He added that the people of the country are now looking at political parties with great hope and expectation. “Let us pray to Almighty Allah to grant us the ability to work to improve the lives of the people of this country,” Tarique said. The prime minister also thanked Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for inviting him to the iftar program.

US embassy in Bahrain to close due to 'ongoing missile strikes'MANAMA, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The US embassy in Bahrain said it will close on Sunday after Iranian missiles targeted Manama, as Tehran launched broad retaliatory strikes in the Gulf following American and Israeli attacks. "In light of ongoing missile strikes against Bahrain on February 28, the US Embassy in Bahrain will be closed on Sunday, March 1, 2026," the embassy said in a statement on X. "We have cancelled all regular and emergency consular appointments for Sunday, March 1, 2026. We will communicate when the embassy returns to normal operations," it added.

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Saturday that his country refused to be dragged into war, after Israel and the United States launched strikes against Iran. Authorities fear the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah could become involved in the conflict, which saw the US and Israel bomb Iran on Saturday and Tehran respond with missile attacks. Just before the operation began, Israel announced it was carrying out strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in south Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Qassem has previously said that his group is in a "defensive position", but it would consider itself "targeted" by any US attack on Iran. During the 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June, which the US ultimately joined, Hezbollah did not intervene.

Two killed in strikes on Iraq base, pro-Iran group threatens USBAGHDAD, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Two people were killed Saturday in air strikes on an Iraqi military base housing the powerful pro-Iran group Kataeb Hezbollah, which has threatened the US with an imminent response. But the largest contingent on the base is made up of members of Kataeb Hezbollah. A source from Kataeb Hezbollah told AFP that "there are two martyrs from Kataeb... in the aggression on the Jurf al-Nasr base". Kataeb Hezbollah warned in a statement "we will soon begin attacking American bases in response to their aggression." Several explosions were heard earlier near the US consulate in Erbil in northern Iraq, AFP journalists said.

The son of Iran’s last shah voiced confidence Saturday in victory against the Islamic Republic after the United States and Israel launched an attack. Reza Pahlavi released a video message online shortly after the strikes, suggesting coordination after he repeatedly urged President Donald Trump to intervene. “We are very close to final victory. “In these sensitive hours and days, more than ever we must stay focused on our ultimate goal: reclaiming Iran,” he said. “I ask you to remain in your homes for now and preserve your safety and security.

WASHINGTON, United States, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iran has responded to a wave of US strikes by launching missile attacks on multiple countries hosting some of the tens of thousands of American troops deployed across the Middle East. - Qatar -Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar includes the forward components of CENTCOM, as well the command's air forces and special operations forces. Syrian state media said four people were killed by an Iranian missile that hit the country's south on Saturday. Combat aircraft have rotated through Al Dhafra, which also hosts the US Air Forces' hub for "advanced air warfare training." The UAE said it had intercepted two rounds of Iranian missile attacks on Saturday, with debris from the first wave killing a civilian in Abu Dhabi.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam visited BNP Standing Committee member Begum Selima Rahman at United Hospital in the capital on Saturday. During her visit, the state minister inquired about Selima Rahman’s health, prayed for her speedy recovery, and urged people to keep her in their prayers. Selima Rahman was admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of United Hospital at around 10:00 pm on February 19 after experiencing sudden chest pain and is currently undergoing treatment there. Earlier on Sunday, Shairul Kabir Khan, member of BNP media cell, said Selima Rahman suddenly fell sick due to a heart-related problem and was admitted to United Hospital at 10:00 pm on February 19. Her family and the party have requested all to pray for her speedy recovery.

Iranian state media reported that an Israeli strike hit an elementary girls’ school in Minab, Hormozgan province, killing at least 51 students. The massive joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran has escalated tensions across the Middle East, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. In Iran, explosions were reported in multiple cities, including Tehran, Kermanshah, Qom, Tabriz, Isfahan, Ilam, Karaj, and Lorestan province. Pakistan condemned attacks on Iran, while Indonesia signaled readiness to facilitate US-Iran dialogue. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons condemned the military strikes, warning that the attacks “risk provoking further escalation” and increase the danger of nuclear proliferation.

Russia on Saturday condemned US and Israeli strikes on Iran as a “dangerous adventure” that could spark “catastrophe” in the region and urged its citizens to leave Iran and Israel. Tehran emerged as one of Russia’s closest allies during Moscow’s Ukraine offensive and the Kremlin has been calling for restraint amid growing tensions and reports of a possible US intervention in Iran. “Washington and Tel-Aviv have once again embarked on a dangerous adventure that is rapidly bringing the region to the brink of a humanitarian, economic, and -- this cannot be ruled out —- radiological catastrophe,” Russia’s foreign ministry said on Saturday. In 2025, Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership treaty aimed at strengthening ties -- including in the military sphere. Kyiv and its Western allies have accused the Islamic Republic of supplying Shahed drones and short-range missiles to Russia for its offensive in Ukraine.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today spoke to journalists after inspecting the burned-out office of Prothom Alo at Kawran Bazar of the capital. Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today vowed exemplary punishment for those responsible for the recent attacks on leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, directing the Detective Branch (DB) of police to submit charge-sheets within two months following a fair investigation. "With the attacks, a message went to the world that fanatic forces were in a strong position in Bangladesh and could attack any media outlet. "By ensuring exemplary punishment, we want to send an opposite message to the world that militant and fanatic forces cannot hold back the progress of Bangladesh," he also said. Later, the minister visited the torched office of The Daily Star at Kawran Bazar in the capital.

Sobhana Mostary's stunning performance in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier has earned her the ICC Women's Player of the Month for January 2026. The star batter was nominated alongside Ireland captain Gaby Lewis and American left-arm pacer Tara Norris. At the Global Qualifier last month, Mostary scored 229 runs at an average of 45.80 and strike rate of 145.85 in the first six matches. Bangladesh confirmed their spot for the marquee event in June and July with a 39-run win over Thailand. In that contest, Mostary scored her tournament high of 59 and was adjudged the Player of the Match.

Police have recovered two severed hands from beside Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and a severed leg from in front of the Scout building in the capital. Authorities identified the body parts through fingerprint analysis as belonging to a man named Obaidullah. The leg was recovered around 2am on Saturday, while the two hands were found later in the morning. The severed leg was later recovered from the road in front of the Scout building. The recovered body parts have been sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy.

Amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended its flights to several Middle Eastern destinations. The decision was taken on Saturday afternoon, confirmed by Biman’s Public Relations Officer Boshra Islam. She said all flights to Qatar, Bahrain and Dubai have been suspended. According to her, the move was made in view of the evolving situation arising from the Iran–Israel conflict and its potential impact on regional air travel.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said Iran is developing long-range missiles capable of threatening Europe, US troops abroad, and potentially the American homeland. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said Iran “attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas and could seen reach the American homeland.”He added that the US is conducting a “massive” operation to “prevent this very wicked radical dictatorship from threatening America.”Trump also said the US has not made any “final decision” on striking Iran, expressing his dissatisfaction with Tehran’s stance in ongoing nuclear negotiations. He said Iran was “not willing to give us what we have to have,” stressing that Iran “cannot have nuclear weapons.”Indirect talks between the two countries were held earlier this week in Geneva, with both sides reporting progress toward a possible agreement. Trump reiterated that Washington is “ready, willing, and able” to act “with speed and violence, if necessary,” while acknowledging the risk of an extended conflict in the Middle East. “When there’s war, there’s a risk of anything – both good and bad,” he said.