Ahsan Ullah has resigned from his position as Adviser to the Governor of Bangladesh Bank. According to the report, he submitted his resignation letter to the new governor on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. His decision came shortly after the appointment of a new governor, which followed the removal of Ahsan H. Mansur on February 25.

The report states that Ahsan Ullah faced internal criticism from several senior officials on the day the new governor was appointed. He cited this pressure as the reason for his resignation and did not return to the office afterward. The government appointed Mostakur Rahman as the new governor on the same day Ahsan H. Mansur left the central bank. Rahman is described as a businessman and a member of the BNP’s election management committee.

The leadership reshuffle at Bangladesh Bank has drawn attention amid reports of growing tension and concerns about the country’s economic situation, as noted by experts in the same publication.

Former administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Mohammad Ejaz, has clarified reports about the city’s treasury being empty. In a Facebook post on Thursday, March 5, 2026, he stated that upon handing over his responsibilities on February 10, 2026, he left more than Tk 1,260 crore in the DNCC fund. He said the amount was distributed across 26 accounts of the corporation.

Ejaz explained that he had served as administrator for a one-year contractual term and completed his tenure by leaving what he described as a financially strong DNCC. He emphasized that the city corporation was in a sound financial position when he departed.

In his post, Ejaz also expressed optimism that the current DNCC team would continue to perform well and contribute to building a better Dhaka.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has accused the United States and Israel of intentionally targeting civilian areas during ongoing hostilities. In a post on X, Baghaei claimed that Iranian civilians were being killed because aggressors were deliberately striking locations where they believed the highest casualties and suffering could occur.

The accusation follows a deadly attack on an Iranian girls’ school last Saturday that killed more than 160 people. When asked about the incident, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States was investigating the matter but maintained that the US never targets civilian sites. Baghaei further stated that the aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran was not confined to the battlefield.

He added that the conflict’s impact had spread to global markets, raising fuel prices, destabilizing currencies, and eroding purchasing power worldwide, while the cost for Iranians remained far greater.

Iran has denied allegations that it carried out a drone attack targeting Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan region. According to Al Jazeera, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran has never launched any attack against Azerbaijan. His remarks were published by Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

Earlier, Azerbaijan claimed that two Iranian drones struck its Nakhchivan region, damaging an airport building. In response, Gharibabadi emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not target neighboring countries. He added that Iran’s policy is to strike only military bases belonging to its enemies, particularly the United States and Israel, and only when those bases are used to launch attacks against Iran.

The exchange of claims highlights ongoing regional sensitivities between Iran and Azerbaijan, though no further official reactions were reported in the source.

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued an urgent directive for candidates whose nominations were suspended in the 48th BCS (Special) Examination 2025. According to a notice released on Thursday, March 5, 2026, these candidates must submit their BMDC certificates by filling out a mandatory Google form between March 5 and March 31.

The PSC stated that even those who have already submitted hard copies of their certificates must also complete the online form. Applications from suspended nominees will not be accepted after March 31. The 48th BCS (Special) written examination was held on July 18 of the previous year, and the final results were published on September 11. A total of 2,820 candidates were nominated for the post of Assistant Surgeon and 300 for Assistant Dental Surgeon.

The directive aims to finalize pending nominations and ensure all required documentation is properly submitted within the specified timeframe.

Road Transport, Bridges, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam stated that collecting money for welfare funds by registered and legal owners’ or workers’ associations cannot be considered extortion. He made the remarks at a press conference following a meeting on Eid travel preparations at the Secretariat on Thursday afternoon. The minister emphasized that no unethical benefits will be allowed during the Eid travel period.

Responding to questions about whether the government is legitimizing extortion in the transport sector, the minister clarified that if any unregistered or unauthorized group collects money arbitrarily, it will be treated as extortion and immediate action will be taken. He added that all relevant agencies, transport associations, and law enforcement bodies have been holding meetings to ensure safe and comfortable Eid travel. The minister warned that no extra fares or roadside extortion will be tolerated.

Sheikh Robiul Alam also said that about 15 million people are expected to leave Dhaka within two to three days before Eid, posing a major challenge. Authorities will remain more active than ever, with coordinated preparations, additional BRTC buses, and staggered factory holidays to ease travel pressure.

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has directed officials of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) to ensure that teachers from different regions do not have to visit multiple offices unnecessarily to resolve administrative matters. He issued the directive while addressing a meeting with DSHE officials at the directorate’s auditorium on Thursday afternoon.

The minister emphasized the need for timely resolution of teachers’ salary, pension, leave, transfer, training, and higher education issues. He called for the introduction of digital automation and modern methods to make service delivery faster and more efficient. To ensure transparency and eliminate lobbying in transfer processes, he instructed the adoption of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based software system.

Dr. Milon also urged the creation of a digital platform to help service seekers identify the appropriate desk or officer for their issues. He encouraged open discussion and cooperation among officials to build a more effective and transparent administrative environment. DSHE officials raised some limitations of the current online systems, and the minister instructed that these be resolved promptly.

Popular television presenter and producer Hanif Sanket and renowned singer Bashir Ahmed (posthumously) have been named recipients of Bangladesh’s highest civilian honor, the Independence Award 2026. The award recognizes individuals and institutions for their distinguished contributions at the national level. The final list of awardees was approved on Thursday, March 5, during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tareque Rahman at the Secretariat, according to Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani.

The list places A.K.M. Hanif (Hanif Sanket) at number seven and Bashir Ahmed at number eight. Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the country’s first female head of government, will also receive the award posthumously for her contributions to independence, democracy, and women’s education. The Independence Award, instituted in 1977, is presented annually on March 26 to honor the memory of the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War.

The recognition underscores the government’s continued effort to honor individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to national life and development.

The European Union has reported that Middle Eastern countries are expressing concern over a potential civil war in Iran. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Thursday, March 5, that tensions involving the United States and Israel have raised fears of internal conflict in Iran. Regional nations are reportedly worried about Iran’s current situation and its leadership amid the escalating crisis.

Kallas emphasized that the European Union supports diplomatic solutions, stating that wars ultimately end through diplomacy. She stressed the need to create space for diplomatic engagement to break the ongoing cycle of tension. The EU also voiced deep concern over maritime security in the Middle East, particularly efforts to keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz open.

The report added that the regional conflict has sparked a dispute between the United States and Spain. Washington accused Madrid of denying access to a joint naval and air base, while Spain criticized U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran as reckless and illegal. The EU expressed hope that the United States would honor last year’s trade agreement applicable to all EU member states.

South Korea’s stock market experienced a major decline on Wednesday following reports of a joint US-Israel military strike, prompting authorities to temporarily halt trading. The KOSPI index dropped more than 8 percent, triggering an automatic 20-minute suspension under the market’s safety mechanism. When trading resumed, the index fell further, losing over 10 percent. Officials said the circuit breaker could be reactivated if the market drops by 15 percent.

This was the first activation of the circuit breaker since August 2024. The mechanism is designed to prevent excessive volatility by pausing trading during sharp declines. The temporary halt was part of the exchange’s standard risk control measures.

Analysts noted that South Korea’s heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil imports and its export-driven economy make it particularly vulnerable to geopolitical instability. Disruptions in energy supply or trade routes can quickly affect investor confidence and market performance.

The Government of Bangladesh has introduced changes to the official protocol followed during the Prime Minister’s foreign departures and returns. According to a regulation signed by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Gani under the Ministry of Public Administration on Thursday, March 5, 2026, only four officials will now be present at the airport during these occasions. They include the senior-most minister of the cabinet, the Chief Whip of the National Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Previously, the protocol required attendance from cabinet members, chiefs of the armed forces, and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new directive marks a significant reduction in the number of officials involved in these ceremonial proceedings.

The change reflects a formal decision by the government to streamline state protocol during the Prime Minister’s official and state visits abroad and upon return to the country.

Global digital operator VEON Limited has partnered with the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation to jointly finance innovative digital projects in Bangladesh and Pakistan. The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed during the 2026 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Present at the signing were GSMA’s Chief Regulatory Officer and Foundation President John Giusti, Jazz CEO Amir Ibrahim, and Banglalink CEO Erik Aas.

Under the agreement, Jazz and Banglalink will co-finance selected Bangladeshi and Pakistani startups during the 2026 funding round. In addition to financial support, VEON and its subsidiaries will contribute to ecosystem development and capacity building, enabling selected ventures to expand more rapidly.

The GSMA Innovation Fund identifies and supports startups in developing countries that address socioeconomic and environmental challenges. Projects are selected through a transparent and competitive process following each funding round announcement, with final selections made after rigorous evaluation by the GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that 77 people have been killed and 527 injured in Israeli attacks that have continued since Monday. The strikes, ongoing for four days, have caused significant casualties across multiple areas. According to Al Jazeera, at least eight people were killed on Thursday alone, including four members of one family.

The escalation marks a severe rise in violence between Israel and Lebanon, with civilian areas reportedly affected. The Lebanese health ministry’s figures highlight the growing humanitarian toll as the conflict continues. Media reports indicate that the attacks have persisted daily since the start of the week.

Further developments remain uncertain as the situation continues to evolve, with no immediate indication of de-escalation or ceasefire efforts mentioned in the available reports.

Three officials, including Toyota Bangladesh Managing Director Premit Singh, have been granted bail after surrendering before a Dhaka court in a case alleging fraud and breach of trust. The other two officials are Akio Ogawa, Vice President of Toyota Tsusho Asia Pacific, and Asif Rahman, General Manager of Toyota Tsusho Corporation. The bail was granted on March 5, 2026, by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Joshita Islam, with each posting a bond of 1,000 taka.

The case was filed on July 9, 2025, by Shafiul Islam on behalf of Navana Limited, accusing the officials of engaging in fraudulent activities that harmed Navana’s business interests. According to the complaint, the accused allegedly presented biased reports on market conditions and performance to undermine Navana’s exclusive distributorship of Toyota vehicles in Bangladesh. The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) later confirmed the allegations in its report.

The PBI report stated that the accused intentionally delayed vehicle production and withheld mandatory manufacturer invoices, disrupting Navana’s import and supply operations and causing financial and reputational damage to the company.

The Cabinet Division has issued an 11-point directive instructing all government offices to conserve electricity and fuel amid the current global crisis. The circular, sent on Thursday to all senior secretaries, divisional commissioners, and deputy commissioners, mandates that air conditioners be set at 25 degrees Celsius or above and that all decorative lighting be avoided. It also calls for responsible energy use by officials and employees across government, autonomous, statutory, and corporate offices.

The directive emphasizes maximizing natural light during daytime, using only half of existing lighting, and switching off unnecessary electrical devices such as fans, air conditioners, and computers when not in use. It further requires that all electrical equipment be turned off after office hours and that energy-efficient devices be prioritized. The use of official vehicles should be limited to save fuel.

The Cabinet Division requested all relevant authorities to ensure that these measures are implemented across their respective offices and agencies to promote national energy conservation.