Despite opposition's concerns about corruption, Imran Khan pushes for Broadsheet panel chief's salary, allowances

Bangladesh's 13th Parliament unanimously elected veteran BNP leader Hafizuddin Ahmed as Speaker and Barrister Kayser Kamal as Deputy Speaker. Following the BNP's recent election victory, the two leaders were sworn in by President Shahabuddin in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, marking the new legislative journey.

According to the Indian Embassy in Beirut, the first batch of 177 Indian nationals was repatriated to New Delhi on a charter flight arranged by their employer on Wednesday. The group was seen off at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport by India's Ambassador to Lebanon, Noor Rahman Sheikh.

According to Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, President of the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) J-K, nearly all students from Urmia University of Medical Sciences are planning to return. A group of over 30 students has already booked tickets and is expected to reach New Delhi on March 15 via Dubai, while others are scheduled to arrive on March 16.

Assuring the safety of the large Indian community in the United Arab Emirates amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia, UAE Ambassador to India Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali said that the Indian diaspora in the Gulf nation is safe and cared for, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's direct engagement with UAE leadership during the situation.

Khan assured all Indians that the embassy would assist them in need.

The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) has condemned the alleged enforced disappearance of activists Saeed Tiyono and Sabir Abro by Pakistani agencies. JSFM termed the abductions "state terrorism" and threatened highway protests unless they are released, while urging the UN and UK Parliament to intervene against human rights violations.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh dismissed claims that Tehran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, calling Iran an "anchor of stability" in the Gulf. Labelling the conflict an "existential war" driven by US-Israeli "aggression," he advocated for diplomacy and warned of a firm response to any unprovoked attacks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has held the United States "fully responsible for bloodshed" in the region. According to an IRNA report, the Minister issued a stern indictment of Washington's policy, asserting that American actions are the primary cause of the ongoing conflict and casualties.

Further, Khatibzadeh dismissed claims that Iran had shut down the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, emphasising that Tehran continues to act as a stabilising force in the Gulf despite the escalating war with Israel and the United States. He stressed that Tehran remains a responsible power in the Gulf despite escalating tensions with Israel and the United States.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh stated Tehran has "no option" but to resist American and Israeli "invasion" to the "last bullet." Describing the conflict as a "heroic nationalist defence," he accused the US of "Nazi" tactics and reiterated the importance of Indo-Persian civilizational ties.