WASHINGTON, United States, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iran has responded to a wave of US strikes by launching missile attacks on multiple countries hosting some of the tens of thousands of American troops deployed across the Middle East. - Qatar -Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar includes the forward components of CENTCOM, as well the command's air forces and special operations forces. Syrian state media said four people were killed by an Iranian missile that hit the country's south on Saturday. Combat aircraft have rotated through Al Dhafra, which also hosts the US Air Forces' hub for "advanced air warfare training." The UAE said it had intercepted two rounds of Iranian missile attacks on Saturday, with debris from the first wave killing a civilian in Abu Dhabi.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam visited BNP Standing Committee member Begum Selima Rahman at United Hospital in the capital on Saturday. During her visit, the state minister inquired about Selima Rahman’s health, prayed for her speedy recovery, and urged people to keep her in their prayers. Selima Rahman was admitted to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of United Hospital at around 10:00 pm on February 19 after experiencing sudden chest pain and is currently undergoing treatment there. Earlier on Sunday, Shairul Kabir Khan, member of BNP media cell, said Selima Rahman suddenly fell sick due to a heart-related problem and was admitted to United Hospital at 10:00 pm on February 19. Her family and the party have requested all to pray for her speedy recovery.

Iranian state media reported that an Israeli strike hit an elementary girls’ school in Minab, Hormozgan province, killing at least 51 students. The massive joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran has escalated tensions across the Middle East, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. In Iran, explosions were reported in multiple cities, including Tehran, Kermanshah, Qom, Tabriz, Isfahan, Ilam, Karaj, and Lorestan province. Pakistan condemned attacks on Iran, while Indonesia signaled readiness to facilitate US-Iran dialogue. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons condemned the military strikes, warning that the attacks “risk provoking further escalation” and increase the danger of nuclear proliferation.

Russia on Saturday condemned US and Israeli strikes on Iran as a “dangerous adventure” that could spark “catastrophe” in the region and urged its citizens to leave Iran and Israel. Tehran emerged as one of Russia’s closest allies during Moscow’s Ukraine offensive and the Kremlin has been calling for restraint amid growing tensions and reports of a possible US intervention in Iran. “Washington and Tel-Aviv have once again embarked on a dangerous adventure that is rapidly bringing the region to the brink of a humanitarian, economic, and -- this cannot be ruled out —- radiological catastrophe,” Russia’s foreign ministry said on Saturday. In 2025, Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership treaty aimed at strengthening ties -- including in the military sphere. Kyiv and its Western allies have accused the Islamic Republic of supplying Shahed drones and short-range missiles to Russia for its offensive in Ukraine.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today spoke to journalists after inspecting the burned-out office of Prothom Alo at Kawran Bazar of the capital. Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS) - Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today vowed exemplary punishment for those responsible for the recent attacks on leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, directing the Detective Branch (DB) of police to submit charge-sheets within two months following a fair investigation. "With the attacks, a message went to the world that fanatic forces were in a strong position in Bangladesh and could attack any media outlet. "By ensuring exemplary punishment, we want to send an opposite message to the world that militant and fanatic forces cannot hold back the progress of Bangladesh," he also said. Later, the minister visited the torched office of The Daily Star at Kawran Bazar in the capital.

Sobhana Mostary's stunning performance in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier has earned her the ICC Women's Player of the Month for January 2026. The star batter was nominated alongside Ireland captain Gaby Lewis and American left-arm pacer Tara Norris. At the Global Qualifier last month, Mostary scored 229 runs at an average of 45.80 and strike rate of 145.85 in the first six matches. Bangladesh confirmed their spot for the marquee event in June and July with a 39-run win over Thailand. In that contest, Mostary scored her tournament high of 59 and was adjudged the Player of the Match.

Police have recovered two severed hands from beside Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and a severed leg from in front of the Scout building in the capital. Authorities identified the body parts through fingerprint analysis as belonging to a man named Obaidullah. The leg was recovered around 2am on Saturday, while the two hands were found later in the morning. The severed leg was later recovered from the road in front of the Scout building. The recovered body parts have been sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy.

Amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended its flights to several Middle Eastern destinations. The decision was taken on Saturday afternoon, confirmed by Biman’s Public Relations Officer Boshra Islam. She said all flights to Qatar, Bahrain and Dubai have been suspended. According to her, the move was made in view of the evolving situation arising from the Iran–Israel conflict and its potential impact on regional air travel.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said Iran is developing long-range missiles capable of threatening Europe, US troops abroad, and potentially the American homeland. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said Iran “attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas and could seen reach the American homeland.”He added that the US is conducting a “massive” operation to “prevent this very wicked radical dictatorship from threatening America.”Trump also said the US has not made any “final decision” on striking Iran, expressing his dissatisfaction with Tehran’s stance in ongoing nuclear negotiations. He said Iran was “not willing to give us what we have to have,” stressing that Iran “cannot have nuclear weapons.”Indirect talks between the two countries were held earlier this week in Geneva, with both sides reporting progress toward a possible agreement. Trump reiterated that Washington is “ready, willing, and able” to act “with speed and violence, if necessary,” while acknowledging the risk of an extended conflict in the Middle East. “When there’s war, there’s a risk of anything – both good and bad,” he said.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its military campaign would continue without pause until its adversaries are decisively beaten, claiming that Israeli and US military targets across the Middle East have already been hit by Iranian missiles. In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said all US assets in the region are now regarded as legitimate targets, warning of further strikes, reports UNB citing Al Jazeera. Regional authorities reported heightened tensions as Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet. A missile was intercepted over Qatar, while an explosion was reported in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. There was no immediate official response from Iranian authorities, though state media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian was safe.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. File PhotoDHAKA, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today held office even on weekly holiday. "Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reached his Tejgaon office at 10:15am from his Gulshan residence and performed official duties," his Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon said. BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman assumed office as Prime Minister on February 17. Last Saturday, he performed office at the Secretariat.

DHAKA, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS)- Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) today issued urgent directives to all airlines following the temporary closure of several Middle Eastern airspaces amid heightened regional tensions triggered by the Iran–Israel situation. According to airport authorities, the airspace of Bahrain, Kuwait, Dubai and Qatar has been temporarily closed in line with decisions taken by the respective civil aviation authorities after recent security developments in the region. Airlines have also been asked to ensure the presence of their staff at the airport to provide necessary information and guidance to passengers. The directives further emphasised the need to provide clear and coordinated information regarding rescheduled flights to minimise inconvenience to travelers. The situation is being closely monitored to ensure passenger safety and operational normalcy, CAAB officials said, seeking cooperation and understanding of all concerned.

BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at a press briefing after exchange of views with the heads of government offices in Thakurgaon on Saturday afternoon. Photo: BSSTHAKURGAON, February 28, 2026, (BSS): BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "A strong team has already started working here to inspect the construction of Thakurgaon Medical College Hospital. At that time, the LGRD Minister and MP of Thakurgaon-1 constituency said, "We have given utmost importance to making Thakurgaon a drug-free district. Fakhrul continued as saying all measures will be taken to ensure food security and about employment for youth and women." The BNP Secretary General said, "We should give time to the future instead of focusing on small problems.

10 batter Hasan Mahmud held the nerveimpeccably to help East Zone clinch a thrilling one-wicket victory againstSouth Zone in their third game of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) one-daycompetition today at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura today. After losing two openers cheaply, East Zone bounced back into the contest,thanks to Shahadat Hossain Dipu and Mominul Haque who added 52 runs for thethird wicket. Hasan Mahmud and Nayeem Hasan added a 19-run for the ninth wicket which wascrucial in keeping them alive. Soumya Sarkar claimed 4-35 for South Zone which eventually went in vain. Hasan Mahmud and Nayeem Hasan claimed three wickets apiece with the bowlingbefore their batting heroics.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines -Photo: BimanDHAKA, Feb 28, 2026 (BSS) - Biman Bangladesh Airlines today said it temporarily suspended all its Middle Eastern flights due to ongoing attacks in several Gulf countries. "All Middle Eastern flights are put on hold due to ongoing attacks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain," Biman Bangladesh Airlines general manager (Public relations) Bushra Islam told BSS. She said the decision was taken considering the safety and security of passengers and crew members amid the prevailing situation in the region. The airline is closely monitoring developments and will resume operations once the situation improves, she added. Passengers have been requested to stay in contact with Biman's call centre and respective sales offices for updated flight information.