Trump says US Navy could escort tankers, Iran aimed to strike firstWASHINGTON, United States, March 4, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - President Donald Trump said Tuesday the US Navy was ready to escort oil tankers through a crucial Gulf shipping route, as he justified his war on Iran by saying he believed Tehran was about to strike first. "If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. "Just about everything's been knocked out," Trump said, adding that Iran's navy, air force and radar systems had all been taken out of action. Trump however offered no firm plan for Iran's future leadership, saying that "most of the people we had in mind are dead." Trump also threatened to cut off trade with "terrible" Spain, whose left-wing government also refused the use of its bases.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur arrived in Dhaka tonight. Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Mar 3, 2026 (BSS) - US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur arrived in Dhaka tonight on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening strategic ties and expanding cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States. "We warmly welcome Assistant Secretary S. Paul Kapur to Bangladesh. Assistant Secretary Kapur will engage with government officials and business leaders to strengthen US-Bangladesh strategic ties," the US Embassy in Dhaka said in a statement Tuesday night. Prior to arriving in Dhaka, Kapur visited New Delhi from March 1 to 3, where he discussed regional security and shared Indo-Pacific priorities.

Gabura Bazar in Dinajpur Sadar, the largest wholesale tomato market in northern region, supplies 150–200 tonnes of tomatoes daily to districts across the country. Located about 4.5 kilometers from the district town on the banks of the Garbheshwari River, Gabura Bazar has earned nationwide recognition as the leading wholesale tomato hub in the northern region. During a recent visit, farmers said tomatoes are harvested fresh from the fields each morning and transported directly to the wholesale market. Sirajul Hasan, Director of the Dinajpur Horticulture Department, described Gabura Bazar as a “Tomato Kingdom,” where the wholesale market appears covered in red produce every day. Md Abdul Jalil, President of the Gabura Tomato Wholesale Market Wholesalers Association, said 25 to 30 truckloads of tomatoes leave the market daily for destinations across the country.

Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Nazrul Islam Manju on Tuesday reiterated that ensuring accessible and improved healthcare services for city residents—particularly low-income communities—remains his foremost priority. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting Lal Hospital in the Khalishpur industrial area of the city in the morning. KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed, Secretary Ariful Islam, and Chief Engineer Mashiuzzaman Khan, among others, were present during the visit. He said he spoke with patients and healthcare workers to assess the additional support required for industrial workers and to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services. Regarding mosquito control measures, the KCC administrator said allegations of irregularities in procuring mosquito repellents would be investigated to ensure the supply of effective and quality products.

The prosecution has filed an application seeking to defer the verdict in a crimes against humanity case over the shooting of one person and the killing of two others in Rampura during the July uprising. The verdict in the case is scheduled to be delivered on Wednesday. However, citing certain complications, the prosecution has requested the tribunal not to pronounce the judgment and to defer it instead. Allegations of investigative negligence have emerged in the Rampura case. The prosecution has therefore sought a postponement of the verdict to allow further witness examination.

Photo: WikipediaDHAKA, March 3, 2026 (BSS) - The US-Bangla Airlines will operate two special flights on the Dhaka-Dubai-Dhaka route to repatriate Bangladeshi nationals stranded in the United Arab Emirates amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. The first special flight will depart Dhaka for Dubai on Wednesday at 7:20 pm (BST), with the return leg leaving Dubai at 12:20 am (local time), the airlines spokesperson Md Kamrul Islam told BSS tonight. A second special service will operate on Thursday, departing Dhaka at 5:15 pm (BST) and returning from Dubai at 10:00 pm (local time). The humanitarian flights will be operated by a 436-seat Airbus A330-300 under flight numbers BS-341 (Dhaka-Dubai) and BS-342 (Dubai-Dhaka), providing substantial capacity for urgent travel. Islam said the Dubai Airport Authority has granted special permission to US-Bangla Airlines, alongside other international carriers including Emirates and Air India, to operate limited humanitarian services under the prevailing situation.

Over winter break, my older sister and I decided on a mutual gift — secondhand digital cameras from eBay. The nostalgic quality of a digital camera evokes something subtly iconic — a glowing haziness that only lower-quality photos seem able to create. For Shreem Chakravarti ’29, a student majoring in fashion design and management in the College of Human Ecology who works with Cornell’s Thread Magazine, the return to the digital camera reflects a shift in the photographer’s intention. Using a digital camera feels different. A digital camera invites intention; it exists simply to preserve a moment.

Holt reflected on how the current state of science in the U.S. came to be and outlined possibilities for where it can head in the future. Throughout the talk, Holt highlighted the gap between scientific experts and general audiences, recognizing how essential strong communication methods are in promoting a thriving society. This defined the American landscape for scientific enterprise in the following century, according to Holt. Holt reiterated the importance of scientists communicating research and encouraging evidence-based thinking to the public. Being proactive to establish change in all levels of science and political realms is crucial for democratic governance, said Holt.

Reading time: about 6 minutesThis article contains spoilers for Bridgerton Season 4. Since its first season in 2020, Bridgerton has cemented itself as a pillar of modern romance media. Based on the Julia Quinn book series, Bridgerton follows the family of the determined Violet Bridgerton as she pursues a love match for each of her children. Season 4 is Benedict Bridgerton’s turn to secure a wife, in efforts to please his mother and finally settle down. That’s all the hot-goss on Bridgerton Season 4 — see you next season!

Reading time: about 6 minutesLast year, I wrote an article about my choice to disaffiliate from my sorority following what I felt was an inherent link between Greek Life and sexual assault on Cornell’s campus. The survey is conducted by the Sexual Harassment and Assault — Response and Education (SHARE) Office. I am not naive enough to believe that eliminating Greek Life from Cornell’s campus will prevent the 20% of sexual assault cases that happen in fraternity houses. However, with such a strong link to sexual assault cases, allowing their continuance is a mistake. Rachel Dunifon, the co-chair of the Presidential Task Force on Campus Sexual Assault, declined a request for an interview on the 2025 SARM Survey results.

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Banglalink is participating in Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona, joining global industry leaders to showcase Bangladesh’s advancing digital landscape and explore the next phase of AI-powered digital transformation. This year’s theme, “The IQ Era,” underscores how artificial intelligence is redefining network intelligence, digital platforms, and embedded financial services. By leveraging AI-powered digital solutions, Veon integrates financial services, healthcare, education, entertainment, and mobility into seamless daily digital experiences that simplify lives and expand opportunity.”Johan Buse, chief executive officer of Banglalink, said the AI era marks a pivotal moment for Bangladesh’s digital journey. For Bangladesh, the convergence of AI, connectivity, and digital platforms presents a significant opportunity. It is also expanding digital financial and lifestyle platforms as part of its evolution into an integrated digital services provider.

The government has appointed new secretaries to four key ministries and divisions as part of a major reshuffle in the country’s administrative structure. Separate notifications in this regard were issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday night. According to the notifications, the appointed officials will serve in their respective posts on a contractual basis for one year from the date of joining. The notifications stated that their appointments have been made on the condition that they sever all ties with any other profession, business, or employment with government, semi-government, private institutions or organisations before joining their new posts. Other terms and conditions of their appointments will be determined through separate contractual agreements, and the notifications will be added.

A Jamalpur court on Tuesday convicted a man and his parents on charges of torturing his wife over dowry demands, sentencing them to various terms in prison. According to the prosecution, Sohel married Mst Fahima Khatun, 21, daughter of Md Fazlul Haque, from Kolakanda village in the same upazila on November 22, 2019. After 15 days, Fahima's father, Fazlul Haque, learned of the abuse and immediately rescued his injured daughter from her in-laws' house. The court sentenced Md Sohel Miah to two years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) and imposed a fine of Tk 20,000. The public prosecutor, Advocate Md Fazlul Haque, confirmed the verdict, ensuring that justice had been served for the victim.