The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that at least 83 children were killed and 254 injured in Lebanon within a week as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified. The statement, published on UNICEF’s website on Monday, said that more than 10 children were killed and around 36 injured on average each day across the country.

According to UNICEF, over the past 28 months, 329 children have been killed and 1,632 injured in Lebanon. The organization described the figures as deeply alarming, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on children. It added that widespread displacement has forced about 700,000 people, including roughly 200,000 children, to leave their homes, adding to thousands already displaced by earlier violence.

UNICEF urged all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, particularly schools and shelters, and to comply with international humanitarian law. The agency called for immediate action to de-escalate the situation and prevent further harm to children.

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman led the Bangladesh delegation at the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Ministers Meeting held at Lancaster House in London on Sunday. Ministers from 56 member states discussed strengthening multilateral cooperation and preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for November 1–4 in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to a press release from the Bangladesh High Commission in London, the delegation included the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and senior government officials. The meeting focused on global challenges, the erosion of the rules-based international order, and the need to enhance collective prosperity through deeper cooperation among member countries.

Diplomatic sources indicated that the conference provided Bangladesh with an opportunity to seek international support for its candidacy for the presidency of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly for 2026–2027. The election will take place on June 2 in New York, where Bangladesh will compete with Cyprus for the position.

Bangladesh Bank has appointed observers to four private sector banks—National Bank, Premier Bank, IFIC Bank, and Al-Arafah Islami Bank. The central bank issued letters to the appointed observers on Monday, March 9, 2026, through its relevant department.

According to the information provided, Munir Ahmed Chowdhury, Director of Bank Supervision Department-12, has been appointed to National Bank; Mohammad Anisur Rahman, Director of Islamic Banking Regulations and Policy Department, to Al-Arafah Islami Bank; A N M Moinul Kabir, Director of Payment Systems Department, to Premier Bank; and A K M Kamruzzaman, Director of Forex Reserve and Treasury Management Department-1, to IFIC Bank. These officials will attend meetings of the banks’ boards of directors, executive committees, and risk management committees.

The appointments indicate Bangladesh Bank’s continued monitoring of private banks’ governance and risk management practices through direct participation in key decision-making forums.

Fresh waves of attacks swept across the Middle East on Monday, marking the tenth day of the Iran war. Following a joint U.S.-Israel strike on Iran, Tehran launched new assaults targeting Israel and several Gulf countries. Al Jazeera reported one Israeli fatality from Iranian rocket fire. Hours after Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran’s new Supreme Leader, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced new missile operations. Israel responded with airstrikes on Iranian targets, claiming to have killed senior Quds Force commanders in Beirut.

According to Reuters and CNN, explosions were heard in Tehran and Beirut, where fires broke out in a hotel. Bahrain’s main oil refinery was hit by a drone attack injuring 32 people, including a two-month-old infant. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar all reported intercepting drones or missiles near key energy facilities. Iran’s foreign ministry dismissed accusations of attacks on Turkey, Cyprus, and Azerbaijan, calling some claims staged.

Iranian officials ruled out ceasefire talks, saying mediation was meaningless under current conditions, as regional tensions continued to escalate.

The newly formed committee of the Dhaka University branch of Inqilab Manch officially began its activities on March 9, 2026, by paying tribute at the grave of Shaheed Osman Hadi. The committee members offered prayers for his soul before commencing their organizational journey. The event marked the formal start of the new committee’s work under the guidance of central and branch leaders.

Central committee member Md. Raihan Molla stated that the new committee was formed with members who prioritize the organization and are ideologically committed to its goals. He emphasized that the Dhaka University branch aims to become a strong intellectual platform through cultural and creative programs, regular study circles, research discussions, magazine publications, and at least two monthly seminars. He urged members to engage actively in research and writing to strengthen the organization’s intellectual foundation.

Committee convener Md. Fazle Rabbi Sarkar said the branch will work to promote national consciousness and cultural values among students. He added that responsibilities have been distributed among members to ensure effective implementation of the organization’s objectives.

Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message, expressing confidence that Mojtaba would continue his father’s work with honor and unite the Iranian people even in difficult times. Putin also reaffirmed Russia’s unwavering support and solidarity with Tehran.

According to the report, Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While Russia welcomed the leadership transition, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Mojtaba’s selection. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade stated that Trump told him he was “not happy” about the appointment, though the U.S. president has not made any public comment on the matter.

The differing reactions from Moscow and Washington highlight the geopolitical divisions surrounding Iran’s leadership change and its potential impact on international relations.

A fire that broke out on Monday afternoon at the third floor of an 11-storey commercial building, LA Plaza, opposite the stadium in Mirpur-2, Dhaka, has been brought under control after about one and a half hours of effort by the Fire Service and Civil Defence. The blaze, reported at 1:52 p.m., was tackled by seven fire service units and fully controlled by 3:22 p.m. A total of 23 people, including 13 men and 10 women, were rescued from different floors of the building.

One woman suffering from breathing difficulties was sent to Shaheed Suhrawardy Hospital for treatment, while others received primary care and were reported to be in stable condition. Witnesses said smoke first appeared on the third floor before the fire spread quickly, causing panic among occupants. Firefighters used ladders and rescue equipment to bring people to safety.

Fire Service Inspector Anwarul Islam said the operation was conducted swiftly and in coordination. The exact cause and extent of damage are yet to be determined, though an electrical fault is suspected. A detailed investigation will follow once the building is fully secured.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has denied allegations that attacks were launched from Iranian territory toward Turkey, Cyprus, and Azerbaijan. Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Baghaei said reports claiming that Iranian ammunition was fired toward those countries last week were baseless. He asserted that no attacks had been initiated from Iran against any of the mentioned nations.

Baghaei further suggested that some of the alleged attacks might have been staged. He warned that hostile parties could be attempting to create divisions between Iran and other countries by orchestrating such incidents. His remarks came amid heightened regional sensitivities and media reports citing cross-border hostilities.

The statement reflects Iran’s effort to dismiss accusations that could strain its relations with neighboring states, while also signaling concern about external attempts to provoke diplomatic friction.

The Ministry of Health of Bangladesh has decided to suspend all classes and examinations at both public and private medical colleges starting Tuesday. The decision was made on Monday during a meeting at the ministry, according to the Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education, Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain. The suspension will remain in effect until after the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, when academic activities are expected to resume.

A formal notice has already been issued, confirmed the ministry’s public relations officer Mahmudul Hasan. The move follows a government directive aimed at conserving electricity and fuel nationwide in response to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has affected energy supplies. The Ministry of Education had earlier announced a similar suspension for all public and private universities across the country.

The coordinated closures reflect the government’s broader strategy to manage energy consumption during a period of heightened global uncertainty and domestic energy-saving measures.

The Local Government Division has appointed Additional Secretary Muhammad Moniruzzaman as the new Managing Director (MD) of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA). The appointment order was issued on Monday, granting him the position as an additional responsibility under existing government regulations. According to the official order, Moniruzzaman will receive an additional duty allowance as per the applicable rules.

Before this appointment, Moniruzzaman was serving as the Additional Secretary of the Water Supply Wing under the Local Government Division. The decision marks a continuation of his involvement in water management and local government administration. The Local Government Division issued the order as part of its administrative restructuring within the water supply sector.

The appointment is expected to ensure administrative continuity within Dhaka WASA, as Moniruzzaman brings direct experience from the water supply division of the same ministry.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on Monday, outlining the country’s position on the ongoing Middle East conflict. He stated that India stands for peace and revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with leaders of the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Israel. According to Jaishankar, these leaders assured the safety of Indian nationals residing in their respective countries.

Jaishankar added that several thousand Indians remain stranded in Iran, where communication with the country’s leadership is currently difficult. He noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has raised public concern over potential fuel shortages in India, but urged citizens to remain calm. He emphasized that the government prioritizes public welfare and is maintaining diplomatic dialogue with the United States.

In a subsequent address to the Lok Sabha, Jaishankar said arrangements are being made to bring back Indians from Iran via Armenia, with assistance from the Indian embassy in Tehran and cooperation from Iranian authorities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Iran on the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader. Russian media reported that Putin expressed confidence that the new leader would continue his father’s legacy and challenge U.S. dominance. Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was officially chosen to succeed his father.

According to the report, Putin praised the decision and conveyed his support for Iran’s leadership transition. In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump was reportedly displeased with the outcome. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade said Trump told him he was “not happy” about Mojtaba Khamenei’s selection, though the U.S. president has not made any public statement on the matter.

The differing reactions from Moscow and Washington highlight the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s leadership change, with Russia signaling alignment and the United States expressing concern.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that discussions about a ceasefire are not relevant at this moment due to the ongoing military conflict. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he emphasized that the situation remains too volatile for mediation efforts to be meaningful.

Baghaei explained that Iran’s focus is on defending its homeland, asserting that the country neither initiated nor provoked the current war. He described the conflict as one imposed on Iran, calling it a war of necessity rather than of choice.

The statement reflects Iran’s position that the continuation of hostilities leaves little room for diplomatic negotiation until the situation stabilizes.

Saimum Reza Talukder, a prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, has resigned citing personal reasons. His resignation marks the first departure of a prosecutor since the removal of former Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam. The development was confirmed on March 9, 2026.

On the same day, two new prosecutors were appointed to the tribunal. According to a notification from the Ministry of Law, Majina Raihan (Madina) and Mohammad Zahirul Amin have been named as the new prosecutors. The appointments aim to fill the vacancy created by Talukder’s resignation and strengthen the tribunal’s prosecutorial team.

The tribunal continues its work on ongoing cases, and the new appointments are expected to maintain continuity in its judicial proceedings.

China’s special envoy for Middle East affairs, Zhai Jun, visited Saudi Arabia as part of Beijing’s mediation efforts to halt the ongoing war involving Iran. During his visit, he met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and expressed China’s willingness to work with Riyadh to maintain peace and stability in the Gulf region.

Zhai described China as a good friend and partner of Saudi Arabia and voiced deep concern over the current regional tensions. He emphasized that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Gulf countries must not be violated and condemned any attacks targeting civilians or non-military sites. The envoy reiterated Beijing’s call for an immediate end to the ongoing military operations.

The visit underscores China’s growing diplomatic engagement in the Middle East amid escalating conflict and efforts to position itself as a mediator in regional disputes.