In response, Israel unleashed airstrikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon, warning of prolonged operations. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned Hezbollah’s use of Lebanese territory to attack Israel, calling the actions “irresponsible” and justifying, in his view, Israel’s bombardment. Grossi’s comments underscore the broader humanitarian risks as the war disrupts civilian life and threatens critical infrastructure across the Middle East. Demonstrators in several cities have protested the escalation, decrying what they view as external interference that has made their homelands battlegrounds. UN officials have urged all parties to cease hostilities and return to diplomatic channels, recognizing the risk of a broader catastrophe if the war engulfs additional states.

The steel-laden ship owned by Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) got stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates after escalation of war in the Middle East on its way Bangladesh from Qatar. The minister talked to the captain and sailors of the ship online today when he appreciated their bravery, patience and professionalism. The Shipping Minister said they have already contacted with the families of 31 sailors of the ship and the government remains by their side in this difficult time. The minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has close contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have all information about the situation and providing necessary guidance. The minister said that the Bangladesh Embassy in Dubai is aware of the matter and is maintaining round-the-clock communication.

+ ↺ − 16 pxFirst Lady Melania Trump is set to become the first spouse of a world leader to chair a United Nations Security Council meeting, despite her husband's ongoing criticisms of Iran. The U.S. first lady was expected to "emphasize education's role in advancing tolerance and world peace," according to a statement from her office, News.Az reports, citing foreign media. The event, first unveiled on Thursday, was not canceled after her husband, President Donald Trump, launched Operation Epic Fury in Iran. At least four U.S. service members had been killed in action, along with Iran's supreme leader and dozens of other officials. UN ambassador Mike Waltz has denied that the attack on Iran flouts international law, calling it a "ridiculous and frankly farcical assertion."

Obviously, they can’t know you get your favorite songs and personality from Spotify’s “my life is a movie” playlist, which you browse through now. As playlist after playlist fails to move you, for the first time since coming to Cornell, you walk to the dining hall unaccompanied by music. Distraught, you hurry over to Willard Straight Hall, where you are welcomed by a poster sale. It lets out an atavistic shriek, the sound of which causes a portal to open in the middle of Ho Plaza. It presents you with a cryptic list of songs:The three aliens then shuffle through the portal whence they came and leave forever.

PATCH, being a broad pre-health club, has a variety of volunteer opportunities. This benefits the Ithaca community and the student volunteers as well. With all of these organizations and volunteer opportunities, you can surely find something that aligns with your interests and schedule. If you’re not already doing so, it can be difficult to put yourself out there and start volunteering in Ithaca. I’ve enjoyed my experiences at community events so far and they have only motivated me to volunteer more.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the attack on Iran as “horrible.”“We are living in very difficult and unstable times. Yet in Bangladesh, thanks to Allah, the people are still taking the right decisions despite the instability.”Paying tribute to Professor Shahida Rafique, he said, “She always spoke the truth. Referring to the country’s challenges, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We have a long way to go. “We need to rebuild our institutions, strengthen human rights, good governance, the rule of law, and the welfare state. He also expressed his continued support for the institution founded by Professor Shahida Rafique.

Posts, Telecommunications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam. File PhotoDHAKA, March 2, 2026 (BSS) - Posts, Telecommunications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said the Directorate of Posts will work with priority to ensure government services reach the doorsteps of the people. As part of a people-friendly government, the directorate will play a vital role in delivering services to citizens at their doorsteps," he said. He also said initiatives have been taken to introduce modern technology, address management systems, training for officials, and modernization of outdated laws and ordinances. Director General (DG) of the Directorate of Posts Kazi Asadul Islam chaired the meeting, which was attended by officials and employees of the directorate.

US Assistant Secretary S Paul Kapur will arrive in Dhaka on Monday on a two-day visit to ‘strengthen strategic ties’ between Bangladesh and the United States. Paul Kapur was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs on October 22, 2025. He is currently visiting New Delhi, India (March 1-3) to discuss regional security and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific. Assistant Secretary Kapur’s visit builds upon recent momentum to advance President Trump’s vision for robust and mutually beneficial US-India partnership. President Trump said his Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, has my full confidence.

Bus and train operators have announced that the sale of tickets for the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday rush begins on Tuesday. While bus tickets will be available both at counters and online, Bangladesh Railway has maintained its policy of selling 100 percent of its advance tickets online. Bus operators centred in Gabtoli and Kalyanpur will also begin selling advance tickets on Tuesday morning. Shubhankar Ghosh, general secretary of the Bangladesh Bus-Truck Owners Association, confirmed that their members will start charging Eid fares from Mar 12. Luxury bus services see fares double or even triple during the Eid season.

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Photo: PIDDHAKA, Mar 2, 2026 (BSS) - Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the incidents of attack and conflict in various countries, including the Middle East, are sending a terrifying message to the world civilization. Incidents like an attack on a sovereign country or the assassination of a head of state pose a threat to humanity. Those who believe in human values and democracy are extremely frustrated seeing such deterioration in the world situation. Recalling Dr. Shahida Rafiq, the BNP Secretary General said, "She was a patriot and an erudite woman through and through. He added, "We must move forward embracing the ideals of Dr. Shahida Rafiq.

Injuries reported in KuwaitIn Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals sustained injuries following a drone strike near a civilian airport. Anxiety rises in migrant-reliant homesThe deaths and injuries have heightened fears among Bangladeshi expatriates across the Gulf and their families in Bangladesh, particularly in districts heavily dependent on overseas employment. In Barguna, where remittances form the backbone of the local economy, families say they are living in constant anxiety. With airspace closures, missile strikes and drone attacks affecting parts of the Gulf, many families now fear disruptions to employment and remittance flows. Diplomatic missions in the affected countries have been instructed to remain in close contact with Bangladeshi nationals and provide necessary assistance.

The Foreign Ministers of Kuwait and Bahrain, along with Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, telephoned Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman to discuss the sprouting Middle East situation and the safety of Bangladeshi expatriates. Dr Khalilur Rahman disclosed the information while speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here on Monday. “In the context of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, I received phone calls from the Foreign Ministers of Kuwait and Bahrain, and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar,” he said. The Foreign Minister said the discussions focused on ensuring the safety and security of Bangladeshi nationals residing in the region. “They have assured us of the safety of our expatriates,” he added.

BEIRUT, Lebanon, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned rocket fire launched at Israel on Monday, as the Israeli military launched a series of strikes across Lebanon in response. "Regardless of who is behind it, the rocket fire from southern Lebanon is an irresponsible and suspicious act that endangers Lebanon's security and safety and gives Israel pretexts to continue its attacks on it," Salam said on X.Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed responsiblity, saying it had launched rockets and drones overnight at Israel in retaliation for the killing of the Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Amid the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, the government’s “number one priority” is to ensure the safety of outbound and expatriate Bangladeshi nationals, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed has said. She added that inter-ministerial coordination is underway to assist stranded passengers, resolve visa-related complications, and monitor the overall security of Bangladeshis residing abroad. She noted that the relevant ministries are working directly at airports to ensure passengers’ safety and, where necessary, to arrange hotel accommodation. Our number one priority is to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi nationals,” she said. However, preparations have been made to ensure that once travel resumes, passengers can report to designated points without facing complications.