China has raised objections regarding maps and information in Bangladesh’s primary and secondary school textbooks, as well as on the Survey Department’s website. Beijing claims that Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin are incorrectly marked as part of India instead of being recognized as Zangnan and Aksai Chin, which China asserts as its own territories. Additionally, China has sent a letter to Bangladesh addressing concerns over the depiction of Hong Kong and Taiwan as separate entities in trade data rather than as part of China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has stated that these concerns will be taken into account next year, as the printing of this year’s textbooks is nearly complete. However, the border dispute between India and China remains unresolved, with both nations laying claim to these territories.

Bangladesh Air Force Chief Hasan Mahmood Khan has left for an official visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, according to a press release issued on February 8. The ISPR reported that he will visit Saudi Arabia from February 9-13 at the invitation of the Royal Saudi Air Force, where he will inspect facilities and discuss bilateral interests. Following this, he will visit the UAE on February 14-15 at the invitation of the UAE Embassy to engage in similar discussions and site visits.

A group named 'Bangladesh’s People' has launched a long march from Rajshahi to Chapainawabganj, protesting the killings of Bangladeshis by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and demanding fair water distribution from the Farakka Barrage. Around 150 members of the organization began their march from Shahbagh at 11 PM on Saturday. Before departing, the leaders held a rally at Shaheed Minar, condemning India’s border policies and Bangladesh’s submissive foreign policy over the past 15 years. They emphasized that the image of Felani’s lifeless body hanging on the barbed wire symbolizes Bangladesh’s violated sovereignty.

The Gaza Government Media Office has reported that at least 12,000 bodies remain trapped under the rubble following Israel's devastating assault on the Gaza Strip. Due to Israeli restrictions on heavy machinery entering Gaza, recovery efforts have been severely hampered. Among those trapped are Israeli hostages who were captured by Hamas but later perished when Israeli airstrikes collapsed buildings on top of them. If Israel continues to impose these restrictions, their bodies cannot be returned to Tel Aviv. Over the past 15 months of Israeli aggression, at least 47,583 people have been confirmed killed in Gaza, including 17,000 children. After failing to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of its hostages, Israel has entered into a ceasefire agreement. However, despite the agreement, Israel continues to block the entry of heavy equipment needed to clear debris and relief trucks carrying essential supplies.

A devastating landslide struck Sichuan Province, China, at 11:50 AM local time on February 8, burying ten houses and leaving over 30 people missing. Approximately 200 residents have been evacuated, and authorities have warned of ongoing landslide risks in the area. Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed officials to prioritize search and rescue efforts, minimize casualties, and implement necessary post-disaster measures. Rescue teams have already recovered two survivors. Additionally, China has allocated 30 million yuan for disaster relief efforts this year.

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, Bangladesh's foreign affairs advisor emphasized maintaining strong relations with India, China, and the United States. He highlighted the economic ties between India and China and India's alliance with the US while reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to a balanced foreign policy. He also mentioned Dr. Yunus’ role in fostering international confidence in Bangladesh’s trajectory. When asked about the government's achievements over the past six months, he asserted that the country is progressing correctly in both economic and political spheres. Addressing past tensions with Pakistan, he noted that they were politically motivated and unnecessary, and efforts are being made to normalize relations. Acknowledging complexities surrounding Hasina’s asylum in India, the advisor stated that Bangladesh aims to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with all nations. Talks with China have focused on trade and development, while relations with the US remain unchanged.

A Bangladeshi farmer, Barikul Islam (36), was killed by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) while irrigating farmland inside Bangladesh at the Shibganj border in Chapainawabganj. The incident occurred early Friday, about 250 yards inside Bangladesh’s territory. BSF members from Bajitpur Camp in Murshidabad chased several farmers; while others escaped, Barikul was caught, beaten to death, and his body was dumped inside India. His family is seeking help from Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to retrieve the body. BGB has started investigating the incident.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent remarks were made in her personal capacity and do not align with India’s official stance. He made this clarification following the summoning of the Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh on February 7. Jaiswal reaffirmed that India seeks a positive, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. However, he expressed disappointment that official statements from Bangladeshi authorities often portray India in a negative light. He emphasized that Hasina’s statements were made in her individual capacity and do not represent India’s role in bilateral relations.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam has issued an apology on Facebook for his previous remarks about BBC Bangla. He stated that he wishes to correct his statement, acknowledging that during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, the BBC had published interviews with Tarique Rahman despite restrictions. While he had accused BBC Bangla of being biased toward the ruling Awami League and Sheikh Hasina, he now retracts his remarks and apologizes. He admitted to perceiving a lack of objectivity in some reports but acknowledged that BBC Bangla strives to present factual accounts of events in Bangladesh. Earlier, he had controversially claimed that the BBC had become a staunch supporter of Sheikh Hasina.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has been accused of beating a Bangladeshi national, Barikul Islam (39), to death at the Shibganj border in Chapainawabganj. Barikul and five others had gone to irrigate their fields early in the morning when BSF personnel from Bajitpur Camp, Murshidabad, chased them. While the others managed to escape, Barikul was caught and allegedly beaten to death before his body was left on the riverbank. His family claims he was deliberately killed and has demanded the swift return of his body. However, Lieutenant Colonel Moniruzzaman, commander of the 53rd Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion, stated that they have not received any official information regarding the incident and that the victim’s family has not yet contacted them.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) arrested a 26-year-old Bangladeshi man, Noyon Mia, while he was illegally crossing the Fulbari border in Kurigram from India. He was sent to jail on Friday morning. According to BGB and local sources, Noyon Mia, son of Badsha Mia from Hatirjheel, Dhaka, had illegally entered India three years ago. When he attempted to return, BGB apprehended him and handed him over to Fulbari police station. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mamunur Rashid confirmed the incident, stating that the BGB had filed a case under the Illegal Immigration Act, and the suspect was later sent to jail.

India is yet to decide on Bangladesh’s request to extradite former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to a written response by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in the Lok Sabha. Bangladesh has accused Hasina of various crimes committed before leaving the country. The Bangladeshi government is reportedly seeking her trial under the International Crimes Tribunal, which is investigating human rights violations during her tenure. There have been widespread allegations of crimes against humanity against Hasina, her family, and her party. Arrest warrants have been issued for 45 individuals, including Hasina. In response, Bangladesh formally requested her extradition from India.

After years of losses, discussions have resumed on reopening state-run sugar mills under joint management. Despite a consortium being formed in 2019, political interference caused Japan, Thailand, and UAE investors to withdraw. A comprehensive feasibility study was completed in 2021, and a committee was formed under the then-additional secretary of the Ministry of Industry to review partnership terms. While investors proposed a fully state-owned model, the government opted for a joint ownership structure. Amid political shifts, investors have now expressed renewed interest through official communications.

For the first time in two decades, a shipment of molasses from Pakistan has arrived at Mongla Port, following India’s decision to impose a 50% export duty hike. On Thursday, the Panama-flagged vessel 'MT Dolphin' entered Mongla Port carrying 550 metric tons of molasses from Karachi. The ship had departed from Karachi Port on January 22 and anchored at Jetty No. 8 in Mongla. Business representatives explained that, due to India’s tariff increase, they have turned to Pakistan for imports, which has proven to be more cost-effective. Compared to previous costs, importers are now saving 4-5 Bangladeshi Taka per kilogram. Welcoming the development, Mongla Port Authority official Shariful Sarkar stated that this new import trend further enhances the port’s capacity and significance.

On August 5, in the face of a student uprising, Sheikh Hasina, who had fled the country, gave a speech to the student wing of the Awami League. In response, enraged student protesters attacked and vandalized the house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a place full of historical significance, on the night of February 5. This week, after Advisor Sheikh Hasina remarked that India should take responsibility if she engages in politics from its soil, Sheikh Hasina went live on the Awami League page! In this context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka. India clarified that it is not using Indian platforms. Subsequently, Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jayaswal expressed regret over the destruction of the historic residence of Sheikh Mujib, a symbol of bravery against occupation and oppression. The statement further emphasized that all those proud of their Bengali identity are aware of the importance of this residence.