Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a phone conversation on Thursday discussed implications of military escalation for regional security and stability in view of the ongoing war between Israel-US and Iran. During the conversation, he said, on behalf of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed solidarity with the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries while the UAE President thanked the Bangladesh Prime Minister for the call and his kind concern. The premier also expressed sincere thanks to the UAE president and his country for taking care of the Bangladeshi people in the UAE, Shibly said. Shibly said, during the conversation, Tarique Rahman invited Mohamed bin Zayed to visit Bangladesh while the UAE President accepted the invitation. The UAE president sincerely thanked Bangladesh prime minister for the call and for standing by his country.

BEIRUT, Lebanon, March 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The raging Iran war, which has spread across the Middle East and beyond, entered its seventh day Friday after Israeli forces announced a "next phase" in the conflict and bombed Beirut's southern suburbs. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran," Trump told the publication, threatening more war in the future if a better alternative were not found. Israel responded with air strikes and sent ground troops into some Lebanese border villages, and on Thursday it targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, saying it was "striking Hezbollah infrastructure". "We fled from the suburbs, we were humiliated," one man told AFP, declining to give his name. "We're going through a very important page of our history and I'm not afraid," a 30-year-old Tehran resident told AFP.

KATHMANDU, March 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Counting was underway in Nepal on Friday, after a high-stakes parliamentary election that could reshape the country's leadership following 2025 protests that toppled the government. Key figures vying for power include a Marxist former prime minister seeking a return to office, a rapper-turned-mayor bidding for the youth vote, and the newly elected leader of the powerful Nepali Congress party. "Counting has begun in most places in a peaceful manner," Prakash Nyupane, a spokesman for the Election Commission, said Friday. Sushila Karki, the interim prime minister, praised the peaceful conduct of a vote she has said was critical in "determining our future". "Congratulations to the Nepali people for successfully conducting a historically peaceful election... thereby providing the country with a democratic and constitutional resolution," Karki said late Thursday after voting ended.

KYIV, Ukraine, March 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Hungary on Friday of taking "hostage" a group of Ukrainian bank employees who were reportedly transporting $40 million and nine kilograms of gold. Hungary is one of the few European countries to maintain close ties with Russia since its Ukraine offensive and has consistently opposed military aid for Kyiv. "Today in Budapest, Hungarian authorities took seven Ukrainian citizens hostage," Sybiha posted on X. The State Savings Bank of Ukraine, or Oschadbank, said its staff were transporting $40 million and nine kilograms of gold when they were detained. "We are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money," Sybiha added on X.

WASHINGTON, United States, March 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The US government on Thursday temporarily eased economic sanctions against Russia to allow Russian oil currently stranded at sea to be sold to India. "This deliberately short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorizes transactions involving oil already stranded at sea," he posted on X. The sale to India will "alleviate pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage," he added, even though India has said it will stop purchasing Russian oil as part of a trade deal with the United States. In a rare effort to pressure Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Russian oil majors Lukoil and Rosneft last November. Those moves -- the most powerful by Trump against Russia over the Ukraine war -- saw major buyers of Russian oil scramble to find alternative suppliers.

MANAMA, March 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Bahrain said Friday that Iran had struck a hotel and two residential buildings in the capital Manama, correcting a previous announcement that two hotels and one residential building were hit. The attack came a day after an Iranian missile strike sparked a blaze at Bahrain's main state-owned oil refinery, as Tehran pressed attacks across the Gulf. "Iranian aggression targeted a hotel & 2 residential buildings in Manama," Bahrain's interior ministry posted on X, reporting "no loss of life". It said the attack sparked a fire in one of the residential buildings, which had been extinguished.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat held a meeting today with the officials and staff of the CAAB in Dhaka. Photo: MinistryDHAKA, March 5, 2026 (BSS) - Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat today directed Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) officials to ensure expatriate-friendly services at airports and enforce a zero-tolerance policy against irregularities. The directives came during a views exchange meeting with CAAB officials and staff at the authority's headquarters in Kurmitola here. Later, the minister and the state minister visited the Third Terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) to review the progress of its implementation. She also announced that the ministry would conduct surprise inspections to ensure service quality at airports.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan. File PhotoDHAKA, Mar 5, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has stressed the need for ensuring accurate, precise and responsible dissemination of information alongside rapid flow information. Secretary of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry Mahbuba Farzana attended the event as the special guest. The information minister emphasized the importance of providing prompt, fact-based responses to counter fake news, rumors and propaganda. He said the Ministry of Information should function like a device where the soft content and soft power of information must be installed.

The Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, met with the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, today at his ministry office. Photo: PIDDHAKA, Mar 5, 2026 (BSS) - Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today met with Culture Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayam at the minister’s office here. At the beginning of the meeting, the Ambassador expressed satisfaction over the peaceful and fair conduct of Bangladesh’s recent national elections and extended heartfelt congratulations to the Minister and State Minister on the victory in the 13th National Parliament elections. Both the sides discussed strengthening of existing friendly relationship and enhancing cultural cooperation, including joint cultural events, exhibitions and training programmes. State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud noted the importance of mutual exchange and promotion of drama, dance and other cultural arts.

The 1973 War Powers Resolution -- passed after the Vietnam War -- was intended to prevent presidents from committing US forces to prolonged conflicts without congressional consent. The House resolution invokes that law, directing the president to withdraw US forces from "unauthorized hostilities" involving Iran unless lawmakers explicitly approve the operation. But Republican leaders have rallied behind Trump, arguing that limiting his authority during an ongoing military campaign would embolden Iran and endanger US troops. "I think passage of a war powers resolution right now would be a terrible, dangerous idea...It would empower our enemies, House Republican Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters. "Under our Constitution, the power to initiate war rests solely with Congress," he said.

Vatican’s Greetings on the Occasion of Ramadan and Eid-ul-FitrDHAKA, March 5, 2026 (BSS) - On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr, the Vatican has extended its heartfelt greetings and solidarity to the Muslim community of the country. The message received from the Vatican states that Muslims deepen their spiritual life through the observance of Ramadan, prayer, self-restraint, and devotion while expressing their faith in the one and almighty Creator. The message also calls for choosing the path of justice, compassion, and goodness rather than violence in times of crisis and challenges. Expressing solidarity with Muslim brothers and sisters, the message encourages all to work together for justice, dignity, and peace. The message concludes with prayers and best wishes for peace, well-being, and blessings for the Muslim community, their families, and all people, the handout added.

Bangladesh are eyeing another enterprising display after their battling performance against defending champions China PR as the tournament debutants face three-time winners DPR Korea at Western Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia on Friday. Ritu Porna Chakma and her teammates will once again look to gain valuable experience against another tournament favourite in DPR Korea. “We’re going to face a very strong team,” said Bangladesh head coach Peter Butler at the pre-match press conference ahead of the DPR Korea clash. “You look at where they are in terms of their FIFA rankings; they are probably one of the favourites for the tournament. “I watched the match between China PR and Bangladesh.

According to a press release, in the past seven days the River Policeconfiscated 39,723,523 meters of illegal fishing nets, 4,501 kilograms offish, 56,000 fish fry, and 350 kilograms of jellied shrimp. During the drive, authorities also removed and destroyed 373 riverine bushesused for illegal fishing activities. The seized illegal fishing nets and jellied shrimp were destroyed. The remaining fish were distributed to orphanages, while the fish fry werereleased back into the water to support the conservation of aquaticresources. River Police officials said such operations will continue across the countryto curb illegal fishing and protect the nation's waterways and fisheries.

But Bethell, aided by partnerships of 77 with Will Jacks (35) and 50 with Sam Curran (18), kept England in the hunt. The left-hander hit seven sixes and eight fours in his 48-ball thrash before his run out in the final over finally allowed India to celebrate in front of 35,000 jubilant fans in Mumbai's Wankhede stadium. "It's an unbelievable feeling, going to Ahmedabad for the final, a special feeling for the boys," said India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who paid tribute to England. "In India, going for the title, there will be pressure, there will be nerves but the boys will be excited as well," Suryakumar added. Hardik Pandya hit 27 off 12 balls late on and Tilak Varma 21 off seven to take India past the 250 mark.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced the squad for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan today. The squad saw a number of notable omissions from the squad that played in the last ODI series in October 2025 against the West Indies. Nurul Hasan Sohan, Jaker Ali Anik and Shamim Hossain were discarded while pacer Hasan Mahmud is currently nursing a right tennis elbow. Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan has been retained and this is a good opportunity for him to fulfil the potential he has shown,"Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain Lipu said after announcing the squad. Squad:Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Kumer Das, Afif Hossain, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.