Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday said his party will extend full support to all reasonable initiatives taken by the government by playing a constructive and responsible role in Parliament. The Jamaat Ameer made the remarks while addressing an iftar mahfil at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. Tarique Rahman and Shafiqur Rahman were seen sitting at the same table during iftar alongside other BNP and Jamaat leaders. Shafiqur Rahman said Jamaat-e-Islami does not wish to function as a traditional opposition party in Parliament but is keen to play a meaningful and constructive role there. Just as the ruling party should play a responsible role, we also want to play a responsible and constructive role from the opposition benches,” he said.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 kicks off on Sunday in the Western Australian city of Perth, with Sam Kerr's Matildas facing the Philippines in a tournament organisers hope will generate the same excitement as the 2023 Women’s World Cup. While the Asian Cup is not the World Cup, organizing committee chief Sarah Walsh, a former Australian international, remains optimistic, saying it will “absolutely be the biggest Women’s Asian Cup ever.”Walsh stressed the event also aims to break down barriers for women on a continent where gender equality can sometimes lag. Australia’s women’s team is the firm favorite, thanks to home-field advantage and the return of star captain Sam Kerr, who is back in the squad after an 18-month ACL recovery. They are highly favored due to recent dominance in youth football, having won the U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups in 2024. The tournament marks Bangladesh’s first-ever appearance at Asia’s premier women’s football competition, a historic milestone for the country.

WASHINGTON, United States, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iran's foreign minister said the country's supreme leader was alive, along with all high-ranking officials, after Israel and the United States launched strikes across the country on Saturday. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was alive "as far as I know", in an interview from Tehran with the US outlet, adding that "all high ranking officials are alive". He added that while there was no communication with Washington now, "if Americans wants to talk to us. They know how they can contact me. We are certainly interested for de-escalation".

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Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring media freedom, describing any attack on the press as an attack on civilization itself. “We are pledged bound to protect press freedom,” he said. Swapan said the government views the recent destruction at the newspaper’s office with serious concern. Emphasizing the importance of protecting media independence, the minister stated that the government is fully committed to upholding press freedom and ensuring a safe environment for journalists and media institutions to operate. Swapan also underscored the importance of accountability, asserting that all crimes must be brought under judicial scrutiny.

West Indies coach Daren Sammy believes history can repeat itself as he aims to mastermind a T20 World Cup victory to end India's hopes, just as he did when captain 10 years ago. The West Indies have not reached the semi-finals since lifting their second T20 World Cup a decade ago. West Indies skipper Hope has at his disposal a potent spin attack, seam bowlers with variety and incredible batting power. His side have already blasted 66 sixes, a record for a T20 World Cup. "That's what makes an athlete, that's what makes competition, that's what makes a World Cup the pinnacle of your sport."

Reflecting on the party’s first year, Nahid Islam said NCP has progressed through multiple experiences, noting that “not only NCP, but the entire country went through multidimensional challenges in the post-mass uprising period. On future programs Nahid said the party’s main focus is the upcoming local government elections and called on party leaders and activists to prepare. Although NCP won six seats in the last election, Nahid said the party was not satisfied and aimed for greater success. He also expressed hope for the formation of a Reform Council and parliamentary approval of caretaker government laws and ordinances. Concluding his speech, he thanked voters for their support and urged everyone’s prayers and cooperation to build a non-discriminatory, democratic Bangladesh.

Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Irgc) commander General Mohammad Pakpour and Defense Minister Amir Nasirzadeh were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes inside Iran on Saturday morning. Israeli officials said Pakpour, Nasirzadeh, and Iran’s intelligence chief were likely among those targeted. If confirmed, Pakpour’s death would deal a major blow to Iran’s security establishment. As Irgc commander, he coordinated internal security and regional military operations, including responses to joint US–Israeli strikes. Analysts warn that the strikes could disrupt command chains in the Irgc and Iran’s broader security apparatus.

International Master Manon Reja Neer of the Bangladesh Navy has won the Spectrum Bangladesh National Cup Chess 2026 title. In Saturday’s second game of the final, Neer drew with IM Mohammad Fahad Rahman of Sonargaon University. As the match ended in a draw, Neer secured the title with a 1.5–0.5 aggregate victory in the final. International Master Md Minhaj Uddin of the Bangladesh Navy and FIDE Master Tahsin Tajwar Zia of Bangladesh Ansar were eliminated in the semifinals. The total prize fund was Tk 328,000, with champion Neer receiving Tk 100,000, while runner-up Fahad received Tk 50,000.

JERUSALEM, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The Israeli military said it had completed what it described as a "broad strike" targeting Iran's defence systems on Saturday, including one in the country's western region. "A short while ago, the IDF (military), guided by IDF intelligence, completed a broad strike against strategic defence systems belonging to the Iranian regime," the military said. "One of the strikes was directed toward an advanced SA-65 aerial defence system located in the Kermanshah area in western Iran."

Photo : BSSJASHORE, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit today said the BNP election manifesto has pledged a zero tolerance policy against terrorism, drugs and juvenile gangs. "I firmly believe that everyone in Jashore district is committed to making it free from terrorism, drugs and teen gangs. The State Minister said a list of individuals supporting drug traffickers and terrorists will be prepared, and authorities will engage in dialogue with them. In the afternoon, the State Minister attended a cheque distribution ceremony organised by the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust, providing welfare grants and education scholarships. Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust, Muhammad Abdullah was present there as special guest.

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Bangladesh national cricket team wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim is stranded in Jeddah amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following Israel’s attack on Iran. The conflict has created extreme insecurity in the region’s airspace, prompting Biman Bangladesh Airlines and several international carriers to suspend flights to Middle Eastern destinations. Mushfiqur, who had performed Umrah in Makkah, was scheduled to return to Bangladesh via Dubai on Emirates flight EK0806. Alhamdulillah, I had finished my Hajj and was heading back to Bangladesh via Dubai (Emirates) today. Seeking prayers.”Mushfiqur is currently spending his days at Jeddah Airport in uncertainty along with thousands of other stranded passengers.

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TEHRAN, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - More than 20 of Iran's 31 provinces have been impacted by US and Israeli strikes launched on Saturday, Iran's Red Crescent Society said. "Up until now, more than 20 provinces have been affected in attacks," spokesman Mojtaba Khaledi said, according to state media.