Indian law enforcement arrested 24 Bangladeshi nationals—including 11 women and 4 children—from a village in the Chilmarie forest area of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. None of them had valid travel documents. During interrogation, they admitted to entering India via coastal routes.

Two 800 MW units at Adani’s coal-based power plant in Godda, Jharkhand, have resumed operations following a shutdown due to technical issues. One unit restarted on Saturday and the second on Tuesday evening. The plant supplies up to 1,400 MW to Bangladesh. This follows disputes between the Adani Group and Bangladesh’s new government over pricing, and a controversial power import agreement signed during the previous administration.

According to ISPR, the Bangladesh Navy vessel BNS Somudra Avijan has returned from Myanmar after delivering 120 tons of relief materials. The ship also repatriated 20 Bangladeshi citizens who had been trafficked and detained in Myanmar for nearly two years. They were promised jobs and migration to developed countries by trafficking rings.

Chinese authorities have accused the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting a large-scale cyberattack during February’s Winter Asian Games in Harbin. The attacks allegedly targeted critical sectors in China. Police have launched an investigation and added three individuals, including NSA-linked agents and University of California affiliates, to their wanted list. China has also issued travel warnings for its citizens visiting the U.S. and suspended imports of Hollywood films.

The shutdown of 170 madrasas in India’s Uttarakhand state has drawn strong condemnation from the Young Ulema Society, known for leading the July uprising. In a statement, they described the move as a blow to India’s secularism and a systematic attempt to marginalize Muslim education and culture. They said, “If 170 temples were shut down in Bangladesh, the world would erupt in protest.” They also criticized the rising state-sponsored suppression of Muslim institutions, prayer practices, and religious attire in India, calling for global accountability.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran does not abandon its nuclear ambitions, the U.S. will launch military strikes on its nuclear facilities. Trump emphasized that Iran must completely give up the idea of developing nuclear weapons. Despite indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman—described as “constructive”—Trump accused Iran of using the talks to stall. He reiterated that a future agreement must clearly prohibit Iran from possessing any nuclear weapons, stating, “Iran is dangerously close; immediate action is required.”

Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) has officially banned the import of yarn via land routes from India, including ports such as Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha, and Burimari. However, yarn imports will still be allowed via sea or other non-land routes. The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association had earlier demanded a halt to land-route imports, citing unfair competition. Reports suggest yarn imported via land was being under-invoiced compared to declared prices at Chattogram Customs, undermining local manufacturers.

As a mark of solidarity with Palestinians, the Maldives has officially banned the entry of Israeli citizens through legislation passed by its parliament on Tuesday. President Mohamed Muizzu immediately ratified the law, which takes effect without delay. In a statement, President Muizzu said the move reflects his government’s “firm stance against Israel’s ongoing atrocities and genocide against the Palestinian people.” He reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle. This comes after President Muizzu had previously indicated in June last year that such a ban was being considered.

Harvard University has refused to comply with demands from the Trump administration regarding alleged antisemitism on campus. In a strongly worded letter, Harvard’s legal team accused the administration of undermining university autonomy and misrepresenting efforts to combat bigotry. The administration had threatened to review $9 billion in federal funding and contracts over the university’s response to pro-Palestinian protests. Already, $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts have been suspended, sparking a national debate over academic freedom and government overreach.

China has suspended exports of certain rare earth minerals and magnets, crucial for manufacturing electric vehicles, drones, aerospace components, and military technology. The move has raised concerns across global industries, especially in the US, which relies heavily on Chinese imports for these materials. Shipments have already been blocked at major Chinese ports. Analysts believe the decision may be a retaliatory response to increased tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump.

British MP Tulip Siddiq has dismissed an arrest warrant issued in Bangladesh as politically driven and baseless. Speaking to journalists in London, she said the Bangladeshi authorities were conducting a “media trial” and had ignored legal correspondence from her lawyers. The Anti-Corruption Commission is reportedly investigating alleged embezzlement of $5 billion from infrastructure projects by Sheikh Hasina’s family. Bobby Hajjaj has accused Tulip of facilitating an overpriced nuclear power deal with Russia in 2013—allegations she denies.

The Hajj journey for 1,358 Bangladeshi pilgrims remains uncertain as 20 Hajj agencies have yet to arrange housing in Makkah and Madinah, despite the deadline expiring. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has instructed the agencies to complete the process by 8 PM Monday. Previously, agencies were supposed to finalize all service contracts by February 14, a deadline extended to April 3. With regular housing permits closed as of Sunday, only limited hotel bookings remain possible—and even those may be halted at any moment.

Hundreds of illegal Israeli settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday, coinciding with the second day of the Jewish festival Passover. Backed by Israeli police, 765 settlers entered the compound through the Al-Mughrabi Gate and launched coordinated attacks inside the mosque. The previous day, nearly 500 settlers had also entered and attacked the mosque. Passover is one of the most significant Jewish religious festivals, commemorating the exodus of Israelites from Egypt under Prophet Moses.

Rabindra University in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj showcased powerful imagery at its Boishakhi fair—depicting both the 2024 mass uprising and the brutalities in Palestine under Israeli occupation. Alongside food stalls, students organized displays highlighting these issues. VC Prof. Dr. S.M. Hasan Talukder stated, “Pohela Boishakh reminds us of the richness of Bengali culture which inspires harmony across ethnic and religious lines.” He condemned global acts of imperialism, saying, “We denounce genocidal powers across the world from the new Bangladesh,” and expressed hope for a more humane and secure world in the new year.

Reacting to the Russian missile strike in Ukraine’s Sumy city that killed over 30 people, former U.S. President Donald Trump said, “They told me it was a mistake—but it’s terrible. The whole war is terrible.” He criticized the war as a misuse of power and blamed President Biden for its continuation. “If I had been president, this war would never have started. I’m trying to stop it and save lives,” Trump added, while avoiding a direct answer on who admitted the mistake. The victims had gathered to observe Palm Sunday. Ukrainian President Zelensky renewed calls for greater pressure on Russia and international security guarantees.