State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain was also present. To oversee these initiatives, a separate July Mass Uprising Directorate has been established under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed has revealed concerns over fraudulent entries in the country’s freedom fighters’ list. The Minister added that the National Freedom Fighters Council is currently conducting a nationwide verification of the list, with a focus on recognizing distinguished freedom fighters. “The government remains committed to ensuring that genuine freedom fighters receive all their rightful honors and benefits,” he said.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said Bangladesh’s foremost priority amid the ongoing Middle East crisis is to protect its citizens residing in the region and safeguard their interests under all circumstances. The foreign minister said the government remains firmly focused on ensuring the safety and security of Bangladeshi nationals living and working in Middle Eastern countries. “In the context of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, I received telephone 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 those countries. Minister for Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister Md Nurul Haque and State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat were present.

The US defense secretary on Monday declined to rule out putting troops on the ground in Iran and indicated the war launched over the weekend could go on for as long as six weeks. As for how long the war will last, Hegseth said: “Four weeks, two weeks, six weeks, it could move up. General Dan Caine, the top US military officer, spoke alongside Hegseth, saying that air superiority had been achieved over Iran. Strikes by American forces “resulted in the establishment of local air superiority. This air superiority will not only enhance the protection of our forces, but also allow them to continue the work over Iran,” Caine said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan addressed a views-exchange meeting with journalists at the Secretariat Media Centre as the chief guest. Photo: PIDDHAKA, Mar 2, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said the government has decided to waive agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 in order to accelerate the country’s agricultural economy and restore relief to rural communities. “This initiative, taken under the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will directly benefit ordinary farmers and strengthen the national economy,” he said. Swapan was addressing as the chief guest a views-exchange meeting with journalists, organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum, at the Secretariat Media Centre here. “During the previous (AL) government’s tenure, loan defaulters who looted crores of taka received state patronage, while genuine producing farmers were neglected,” he said.

LONDON, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - European gas prices soared more than 20 percent Monday on fears that the Iran war will cut supplies in the Gulf region, notably exports from Qatar. The Dutch TTF natural gas contract, considered the European benchmark, rocketed to 38.885 euros, having earlier gained more than 22 percent. Despite the surge, the price was below the level it reached in January during the northern hemisphere winter.

PM consults with experts to help ease city’s traffic jamPrime Minister Tarique Rahman. File PhotoDHAKA, March 2, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today consulted with experts on overhauling the traffic management system to ease congestion in the capital city. "To resolve traffic congestion in Dhaka, the Honorable Prime Minister has spoken with experts about restructuring the traffic system. Tarique Rahman spoke with the architects and listened to their opinions on the matter. In addition, the Prime Minister held separate meetings with Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher and Liberation War Affairs Minister Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram.

Dhaka University on Monday observed the historic Flag-Hoisting Day. In the years prior to 2023, no one directly associated with the original flag hoisting had been invited to the event. Historic Flag-Hoisting DayIn a historic student rally held at Dhaka University premises, the first Bangladesh flag was hoisted on March 2, 1971. Historic Flag-Hoisting Day 2026On Monday, a program marking the historic ‘Flag-Hoisting Day’ was held at the Bot Tala premises adjacent to the Arts Building of the university. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed and Treasurer Professor Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury spoke as special guests.

TEHRAN, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A total of 35 people have been killed in Iran's southern Fars province in US and Israeli strikes which began two days ago, local media reported Monday. "Thirty-five people have been killed in Fars province in American and Zionist attacks," Tasnim news agency reported quoting Ebrahim Bayani, head of the province's state-run martyrs foundation. "Given the continuation of the enemy air strikes this morning, this number may rise," he added.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman -File photoDHAKA, Mar 02, 2026 (BSS)- Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has said Bangladesh’s foremost priority amid the ongoing Middle East crisis is to protect its citizens residing in the region and safeguard their interests under all circumstances. The Foreign Minister said the government remains firmly focused on ensuring the safety and security of Bangladeshi nationals living and working in Middle Eastern countries. The Foreign Minister said the discussions focused on ensuring the safety and security of Bangladeshi nationals residing in those countries. Minister for Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister Md. Nurul Haque and state minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M. Rashiduzzaman Millat were present.

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Md Nahid Islam has said that there will be no existence of fascism in Bangladesh. In a post on the party’s verified Facebook page on Monday, he said, “We will not leave any trace of fascism in Bangladesh.”Nahid, also a lawmaker from Dhaka-11, said the president must be impeached and brought under arrest.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman spoke to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. Photo: Video ScreenshotDHAKA, March 2, 2026 (BSS) – 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.

A major part of that has been cultivating an esoteric and underground music taste. Now, I’m aware that having hundreds of thousands of listeners means you’re not an underground artist, but this isn’t just a niche playlist, it’s also a performative one. And with 61,911 monthly listeners, I can tell people I listen to FIGHTMASTER and get the blank stare of performative victory in return. An artist with 12,467 monthly listeners, a soft and sweet melody, ambiguous lyrics and simple instruments. ‘Solar Flare’ is a weekly playlist column where Sun contributors spotlight a slice of musical taste with the campus community.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, on Monday held a phone conversation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, to discuss Iran’s recent missile attack on Qatari territory. During the call, Khalilur Rahman strongly condemned the attack, calling it a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, airspace, and international law, and a clear breach of United Nations resolutions, according to a statement from the Qatari Foreign Ministry. Both ministers reviewed the recent escalation of military tensions in the region and examined the serious implications for regional and international security and stability. He noted that Qatar has consistently sought to remain distant from regional conflicts and has worked to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the international community. The recent attack, he added, undermines these efforts, threatens mutual understanding, and jeopardizes the foundations of bilateral relations.

Md Muslim Chowdhury, chairman of the board of directors of state-owned commercial bank Sonali Bank, has resigned. Meanwhile, M Aslam Alam, chairman of the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (Idra), the regulatory body of the insurance sector, has also resigned. His resignation is seen as significant in the context of multiple changes in the financial sector in recent times. After the central bank, the resignation of the head of the insurance sector's top regulatory body is believed to indicate a series of leadership changes in the financial sector. However, no official announcement has been made by Idra regarding the appointment of a new chairman or transfer of responsibility.

The country's readymade garment (RMG) exports have shown a downward trend in the first eight months of the current FY26 (July-February). On the other hand, woven exports were $12.11 billion, which is 2.79% less than the previous year. RMG exports this month were $2.82 billion, which is 13.21% less than February 2025. Sector-wise, knitwear exports were $1.40 billion, down 15.46%, while woven exports were $1.42 billion, down 10.86%. According to experts, if the double-digit decline like in February continues, it may be difficult to achieve the total export target for the current fiscal year.