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.

Following Sheikh Hasina’s escape to India, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to India requesting her extradition for trial. Additionally, issues such as the construction of barbed wire fences on the border and the suspension of Indian visas have caused strain in the relationship between Dhaka and Delhi. In an interview with BBC, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said, “The clouds have cleared; relations with India are now good. There is constant communication. The propaganda was a mere factor. The two countries are interdependent, and there is no room for poor relations.”

A high-profile delegation of development and renewable energy experts, led by former Norwegian minister Erik Solheim, met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to discuss investment opportunities in Bangladesh. The delegation expressed strong interest in investing in small-scale solar power plants, the carbon market, and agroforestry projects in the country. They also showed enthusiasm for jointly exploring hydropower investment possibilities in Nepal, as Bangladesh is actively working to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels in the coming years.

During the meeting, Chief Adviser Yunus emphasized the importance of these initiatives and stressed the need to enhance solar energy systems and explore electricity imports from Nepal and Bhutan. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s keen interest in leveraging opportunities in the global carbon market.

A day after a heated exchange with Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in London, where he was warmly received by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As Zelensky’s motorcade reached Downing Street, supporters cheered. Starmer assured him of the UK’s unwavering support, saying, "As you hear the cheers on the streets, know that all of the UK stands with you and Ukraine." In response, Zelensky thanked the British people and government for their steadfast support. The UK and Ukraine also signed a $2.84 billion defense loan agreement.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has directed the deportation of alleged illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants residing in and around New Delhi. In a meeting with Delhi Police on Friday, he instructed authorities to take immediate action against those living in the capital without valid documents.

A senior police official stated that an inspection is underway in colonies where Bangladeshis and Rohingyas are known to reside. Efforts have begun to identify individuals using forged documents or staying without any paperwork. Shah has urged law enforcement to adopt a stricter approach in handling the issue.

Pakistan’s Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar accused India of illegally occupying Jammu and Kashmir during a session at the UN Human Rights Council. In response, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, K. Tyagi, dismissed the claims as baseless and driven by Pakistani military directives. He criticized Pakistan for wasting the UN’s time, labeling it a failed state that survives on international aid. Tyagi further accused Pakistan of severe human rights violations, persecution of minorities, and sheltering UN-designated terrorists, asserting that Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others.

Before taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump had pledged to end the ongoing war. As he moved forward with this plan, Ukraine found itself in a difficult position. Trump reportedly sought a share of Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for financial aid.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially declared, “I cannot sell my country.” However, he has now reversed his stance and agreed to a mineral-sharing agreement. Russia has condemned the deal, calling it a betrayal.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Trump stated that American taxpayers want a refund of the $300–350 billion provided to Ukraine in aid. Later this week, Trump and Zelensky are scheduled to meet at the White House.

During a meeting with Germany’s Commissioner for Economic Cooperation, Sarah Brun, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed Bangladesh’s desire to strengthen trade and investment relations with Europe’s largest economy. Praising Germany’s leadership in heavy industries and global markets, he emphasized the need for a deeper strategic partnership. As Bangladesh approaches its December elections, Dr. Yunus sought German support for implementing reform initiatives. Sarah Brun, currently visiting Bangladesh to learn about social business and microfinance, commended Professor Yunus’s leadership and expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s path to prosperity under his guidance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Washington on Friday to finalize a major mineral resources deal with the United States, according to former U.S. President Donald Trump. A Voice of America report states that both countries have reached an agreement on the deal, which could potentially improve relations between Trump and Zelensky.

Kyiv has confirmed that revenue from Ukraine’s mineral resource management will be directed into a newly established fund, with both nations sharing the proceeds. Previously, Trump had demanded over $5 trillion in mineral resources and $60 billion in U.S. military aid, a proposal that Zelensky had firmly rejected.

During a courtesy meeting with Maldivian High Commissioner Sheunine Rashid on Tuesday, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus requested the Maldivian government to legalize undocumented Bangladeshi expatriates and recruit more Bangladeshi workers. Many Bangladeshis are currently employed in the country’s tourism and healthcare sectors. The High Commissioner thanked the Chief Adviser, highlighting that Maldivian students are pursuing higher education in Bangladesh, particularly in medical studies. She also acknowledged the growing number of Bangladeshi tourists and trade relations. This was the first time she formally expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s role in addressing climate change.

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition filed by an ISKCON leader requesting the Indian government to take immediate and effective action against alleged violence and persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar ruled that the court cannot interfere in the internal affairs of another country. The judges remarked that judicial intervention in such matters would be highly unusual. The petitioner had also sought an extension of the citizenship application deadline for Hindus fleeing Bangladesh due to alleged violence, a request the court ultimately rejected.

The European Union has reaffirmed its stance that a two-state solution is the only viable resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Following the EU-Israel Association Council meeting on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, “We support the Palestinian Authority’s return to Gaza and back the right of every displaced Palestinian to return to their homes.” She also emphasized that the EU would work with regional partners to facilitate Gaza’s reconstruction when the time comes. Meanwhile, the EU has urged Israel’s foreign minister to agree to a ceasefire and reconsider its military operations in the West Bank.

During a meeting in Muscat with Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser Tawhid Hossain, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized certain Bangladeshi political figures for their contradictory stance. He pointed out that while some blame India for internal issues, they simultaneously seek strong bilateral relations. He stated that Dhaka must decide what kind of relationship it wants with New Delhi. Jaishankar also expressed concerns over communal violence in Bangladesh, reminding them of India’s role in 1971.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain revealed that there is no clear information on how USAID’s $29 million funding, intended to strengthen Bangladesh’s political landscape, was distributed. He stated that the NGO Affairs Bureau reported having no record of such an entry. He emphasized that no funds can be withdrawn without NGO Bureau approval, yet the allocation remains unclear. He assured that more information would be shared as it becomes available.

Abdur Rouf Talukder, the last Governor of the Central Bank during the League government, took office on July 12, 2022. Upon assuming his duties, he made several promises, including restoring discipline in the banking sector, solving liquidity issues, and reducing non-performing loans. However, the situation took a turn for the worse. Rather than restoring discipline, bank takeovers and looting occurred, with sources claiming that Governor Talukder himself facilitated these actions. He is alleged to have relaxed existing bank policies, enabling widespread looting. Under his tenure, the highest amount of currency in history was printed, leading to an increase in inflation. Reports also suggest that Talukder proactively handed over control of one bank to its attackers.