Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Russia on March 7 for discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other key officials. According to Hindustan Times, the visit aims to boost trade, balance bilateral commerce, and ensure continued Russian energy supplies to India amid increased Western sanctions. The discussions may also cover the Ukraine conflict. India had previously faced diplomatic challenges during the Biden administration due to its stance on Russia.

‘Kiyori Pekra Uwo,’ Bangladesh’s first-ever film in the Mro language, will be screened at the prestigious University of Cambridge under the title ‘Dear Mother.’ The screening, organized by the Indigenous Studies Group Cambridge, is scheduled for today at 2:30 PM local time. Since its 2023 release, the film has been showcased at top universities in Bangladesh, sparking discussions on Indigenous representation, community-based filmmaking, and artistic resistance against capitalist constraints. Director SK Shubho Sadik revealed that the International Center for Social Science in Amsterdam has preserved the film due to its anthropological and artistic significance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Despite strict Israeli restrictions, thousands of Palestinians performed the first Taraweeh prayers of Ramadan at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Friday evening. Israeli forces reportedly harassed and intimidated children, conducted searches, and restricted worshippers from entering the mosque. Men under 55 and women under 50 were barred from entering. Additionally, recently released Palestinian detainees were also denied access. These restrictions appear to be aimed at limiting Palestinian presence in Al-Aqsa during the holy month of Ramadan.