British High Commissioner Sarah Cook has expressed her respect for students’ courage and peaceful protests, stating that such actions contribute to the improvement of law and order, good governance, and national unity.

Speaking at an Iftar event hosted by the UK High Commission at the Grand Sylhet Hotel & Resort on Wednesday evening, Cook emphasized the significant contribution of Sylhet’s people to the UK’s economy. She reaffirmed that Bangladesh remains a long-standing friend and partner of the United Kingdom.

Over the last 13 months, 2,601 Bangladeshi nationals have been apprehended at the India-Bangladesh border, according to India’s Home Ministry. These individuals were caught attempting to enter India illegally. From January 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, the Border Security Force (BSF) detained them during border crossings. The ministry also stated that India has intensified border surveillance by increasing the number of security personnel and deploying advanced technology, including handheld thermal imagers, night vision devices, UAVs, CCTV cameras, infrared sensors, and an integrated border management system along the Dhubri border in Assam.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Rafiqul Alam responded to India’s Foreign Ministry’s remarks on March 7 regarding Bangladesh’s elections, law and order, and minority issues, calling it an unwarranted intervention in Bangladesh’s internal affairs. Bangladesh believes that these matters are strictly internal, and it has urged the Indian government to take necessary steps to prevent such comments in the future. The spokesperson emphasized that Bangladesh firmly supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of all countries.

India has declared two prominent Kashmiri organizations illegal under its laws: the Awami Action Committee (AAC), led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and the Jammu and Kashmir Ittehadul Muslimeen (JKIM), previously led by the late Maulana Mohammad Abbas Ansari. With this decision, the number of banned political parties and organizations in Kashmir has risen to 16. Pakistan has strongly condemned India’s move, stating that the ban on these two well-known organizations for five years disregards democratic principles and international human rights standards.

Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to discuss the ongoing genocide case against Myanmar. Tangara reaffirmed Gambia's commitment to the case, stating that the Gambian President fully supports it. The Chief Adviser emphasized Bangladesh’s interest in the case’s success and sought international support. Tangara acknowledged that diplomatic efforts could help Rohingyas secure a dignified future.

China’s Foreign Ministry has announced that Beijing will host a trilateral meeting on Iran’s nuclear issue on March 14.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will lead the discussions, with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi participating.

The meeting aims to exchange views on Iran’s nuclear program and other mutual interests. Recently, Iran, Russia, and China conducted a joint naval drill near Iran’s Chabahar Port in the southeast.

Following recent trade tensions, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that India has agreed to reduce tariffs on American products, although the Modi government has stated that discussions are still ongoing.

White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt highlighted that India imposes a 150% tariff on American liquor, calling it unfair. She also pointed out India’s additional 100% tariff on agricultural products. Levitt emphasized that Trump believes in mutual cooperation and aims for a fair and balanced trade relationship between the two nations.

Canada’s Minister Ahmed Hussen has announced over $270 million in new funding for foreign aid projects in Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized Canada’s long-standing ties with the region and its commitment to strengthening those bonds. The funding will be allocated to 14 projects aimed at healthcare for vulnerable populations, women’s empowerment, and combating climate change. In addition to Canada’s contributions, other international donors and partners are also involved in the funding efforts.

Senior executives of Turkey’s Koç Group have visited Dhaka to reinforce business ties with Bangladesh. As one of Turkey’s leading investors, the conglomerate reaffirmed its commitment to expanding operations in the country. Koç Group’s flagship consumer durables brand, Beko, operates in Bangladesh through Singer Bangladesh Ltd., a subsidiary of the group. Koç Holding CEO Levent Çakıroğlu stated that Bangladesh and the broader South Asian region present significant opportunities for investment in sustainable consumer goods, energy, local manufacturing, research, and exports.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has handed over the body of Al Amin, who was shot and killed at the Tetulia border. His body was returned on Tuesday night following formal procedures involving BSF, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Indian and Bangladeshi immigration police.

The body was later handed over to Tetulia Model Police Station, which then released it to his family. He was buried on Wednesday morning following funeral prayers.

Indian media outlets The Economic Times and India Today have recently published baseless and fabricated reports suggesting a potential coup within the Bangladesh Army and disruptions in the chain of command. In response, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has strongly refuted these claims, stating that such reports are entirely false and part of a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at destabilizing Bangladesh and tarnishing the image of its armed forces. The statement emphasized that the Bangladesh Army remains well-organized, unified, and committed to fulfilling its constitutional duties under the competent leadership of the Chief of Army Staff.

Russia has sought the assistance of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, to ensure the continuation of state-owned Gazprom International’s gas exploration activities in the country. In 2023, Gazprom identified five new drilling sites in Bhola. Yunus praised Gazprom’s preparations and assured that the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources is committed to supporting the initiative. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has become Russia’s second-largest wheat importer after Egypt. Russia’s ambassador also expressed interest in fertilizer supply and the export of Bangladeshi human resources.

In response to the surge in criminal activities such as rape, murder, theft, and robbery, the interim government has adopted a tougher stance on law and order. Law enforcement agencies, including the police and RAB, are conducting special operations to arrest criminals. Over the past 24 hours, 235 people were arrested across 50 police precincts. The government has implemented additional security measures, including police checkpoints and RAB patrols, to restore order and prevent further chaos.

The United States denied entry to Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, K.K. Ahsan Wagan, at the airport despite his valid visa and travel documents. He was detained by immigration officials in Los Angeles during a personal visit, with the authorities raising concerns over a ‘controversial visa reference’. Questions were also raised about his diplomatic protocols, though the exact details of the matter remain unclear. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry has confirmed that Wagan was on a personal visit and stated that a thorough investigation is underway.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, stated that regardless of the political party in power, China will continue to strengthen its relationship with Bangladesh. He expressed that the upcoming visit of the Chief Adviser to China would enhance mutual understanding. The ambassador reaffirmed China’s consistent policy towards Bangladesh, noting that no changes would occur despite any international or internal shifts. He also highlighted that repatriating Rohingya refugees to Myanmar is the only solution, with China continuing its negotiations with Myanmar on the matter, while stressing the importance of a coordinated global response.