Education Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has announced that all students across the country will receive new textbooks by March 10. Speaking at his farewell event on March 5, he highlighted the challenges faced in stabilizing the education sector. He emphasized keeping the curriculum unchanged for the next two to three years while modernizing it. Additionally, he announced upcoming increases in allowances for MPO-listed teachers and the establishment of a retirement and welfare fund, which will be gradually expanded in future budgets. Dr. Mahmud is set to step down soon.

Jordanian security forces shot and killed an Indian citizen attempting to illegally cross into Israel. The deceased, identified as 47-year-old Thomas Gabriel Perera from Kerala, arrived in Jordan on February 5 with a group of four on a tourist visa. Perera and his companion, Edison, were reportedly lured by an Indian worker in Jordan with the promise of employment in Israel. Despite warnings, Perera attempted to cross the border, prompting Jordanian border guards to open fire.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called Russian President Vladimir Putin in February, requesting Moscow to mediate discussions between the United States and Iran. The primary topics included Iran’s nuclear program and its support for anti-U.S. factions in the Middle East. Russia has agreed to facilitate the dialogue, which analysts view as a major diplomatic shift. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the development, stating that Russia is ready to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions between the two nations.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that USAID had allocated $29 million to organizations run by two individuals to strengthen Bangladesh’s political landscape. In response, the interim government of Bangladesh dismissed Trump’s remarks as false. However, Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain stated that this would not negatively impact relations between Dhaka and Washington. Addressing the misinformation, he clarified, “This is not an incitement; it is simply a baseless statement. Trump did not specify which organization in Bangladesh received the funds, nor do we know which two individuals he was referring to. Therefore, we do not see any reason to escalate this issue further.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has extended his greetings to Muslims in the United States and worldwide on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. In a statement from the White House, he emphasized the significance of fasting, prayer, and family gatherings during this sacred time. Trump also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious freedom, calling it an integral part of American life. He expressed his hope for a peaceful future and recognition of the dignity of every individual.

In response to comments made by Turkey’s Foreign Minister, an advisor to Iran’s Foreign Minister urged Turkey to avoid “incorrect statements and unrealistic analysis” that could escalate tensions in bilateral relations. Mahmoud Heidari, assistant to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasized the mutual interests of Tehran and Ankara and the necessity of avoiding such remarks. He also stated that Islamic countries should make all-out efforts to halt Israeli aggression against the people of Palestine and other regional nations like Syria. This came after Turkey’s Foreign Minister labeled Iran’s foreign policy as dangerous.

The Indian Army has conducted a large-scale military exercise using state-of-the-art T-90 battle tanks near the border. According to an official statement, the Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army carried out a month-long live-fire drill featuring T-90 tanks, mortars, and firearms. The exercise was focused on securing the Sikkim region and the Siliguri Corridor, a strategically vital area. The T-90, one of the most advanced tanks in the Indian military’s arsenal, played a crucial role in the drills.

A technical delegation from Bangladesh’s Joint River Commission (JRC) has arrived in Kolkata to discuss the implementation and technical aspects of the Ganges Water Treaty. On the first day, the team inspected the Farakka Barrage before scheduled meetings on March 6 and 7. Given the current diplomatic tensions between the two countries, this meeting holds significant importance. The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, the only existing agreement between Bangladesh and India among their 54 shared rivers, is set to expire in 2026. The stance of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is crucial, as she previously stalled the Teesta Water Agreement.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser has indicated that the country’s national elections are likely to be held in December. During a meeting with EU diplomat Hadja Lahbib on Monday, discussions also covered the Rohingya crisis. The EU has pledged €68 million in aid this year to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and local host communities, as well as to address Myanmar’s ongoing conflict. The EU Commissioner emphasized that lasting peace is the only solution to the crisis.

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal met with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma to discuss sports medicine and development cooperation ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming matches against India. Bangladesh will face India in Shillong on March 25, with the return leg scheduled for November 18 in Dhaka. The national team, led by Jamal Bhuiyan, will conduct a training camp in Saudi Arabia before the match, departing on March 5 and returning on March 18.

A recent report by the Indian media outlet The Tribune has been dismissed as misleading propaganda. Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, addressing the issue on Monday, reiterated that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the market.

“The supply of soybean oil is slightly low, but this is not a crisis. We expect the situation to normalize soon,” he said.

He further explained that while soybean oil prices have risen, palm oil is currently being sold at a lower rate than the government-mandated price. “Our market trends show mixed price movements, but the overall supply remains stable,” he emphasized.

On Sunday evening, the Border Security Force (BSF) detained two Bangladeshi women for illegally entering Bangladesh from India. Following a flag meeting between the two forces, the women, Zarina Begum (42) and Shiuli Khatun, were returned to Bangladesh. The meeting, called by the BSF’s 194th Border Company Commander at the Sundarpur Camp, resulted in the transfer of the detainees back to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

According to a report by India’s state-run news agency, Press Trust of India (PTI), at least 13 Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in Tripura and Meghalaya on charges of illegal entry. The Border Security Force (BSF) stated that four of them were detained in Tripura, while the remaining nine were apprehended in Meghalaya. Additionally, the BSF reported seizing illegal drugs and contraband worth approximately ₹21.3 million during the same operation.

A 37-year-old Indian national, Shaon Karmakar, was apprehended by Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Monday while attempting to enter the country illegally through the Comilla border. Karmakar, a resident of Khayerpur police station in West Tripura, was found in possession of an Aadhaar card issued by the Indian government, a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, and a State Bank Classic Visa card. He has been handed over to Kotwali Police Station for further legal proceedings.

A video of Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif taking a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has gone viral. Katrina, accompanied by her mother-in-law, performed the ritual at Triveni Sangam wearing a yellow salwar-kameez and a Rudraksha mala. However, the video, recorded by two young men, sparked criticism as it showed inappropriate excitement and media frenzy around her. Actress Raveena Tandon condemned the incident, calling it disturbing. Despite VIP security arrangements, celebrity bathing moments continue to be leaked and widely shared.