The newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), led by students who helped overthrow Sheikh Hasina, is facing criticism over the appointment of Muntasir Mamun, accused of LGBTQ activism. Many believe he aims to push a Western LGBTQ agenda in Bangladesh. Online activists and political figures have condemned his inclusion, alleging foreign influence, including ties to George Soros’ foundation. Facing backlash, NCP leaders admitted their mistake and pledged to correct it, but the controversy has cast doubts on the party’s direction.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his greetings to Muslims on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. In a post on social media platform X on Friday night, he wrote, “As the sun sets, Muslims in Canada and around the world begin the holy month of Ramadan. To those who are praying and breaking their fast with family and friends, I send my best wishes.”

With the sighting of the Ramadan moon, fasting began on March 1 in Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, and most Muslim-majority countries, including Australia and Indonesia. However, in regions where the moon was not sighted, fasting will begin a day later.

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.

Two Chhatra League activists, Rabina Oishi and Labiba Islam, have been accused of threatening fellow students who protested against drug use at Suniti-Shanti Hall of Comilla University. The students, who had raised concerns about drug consumption, were allegedly intimidated by the two activists. Rabina and Labiba reportedly warned the students that they would “deal with them” for speaking out. The incident has caused fear among the students at the hall, and the accused have denied the charges, claiming the situation was misunderstood.

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.

Abdur Rahman, Secretary of the Internal Resources Division and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), has stated that no other nation in the world pays as little tax as Bangladesh. “We have become a debt-ridden nation,” he said, adding that the country has expanded its budget every year for the past 52-53 years by taking on more loans. The burden of repaying those loans, along with accumulating interest, has now become overwhelming. He emphasized the need for increasing internal revenue through automation, revealing that out of 11.2 million TIN holders, only 4 million file tax returns, and 2.5 to 2.6 million contribute little to no tax. The NBR is now focusing on stricter enforcement to collect outstanding taxes.

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.

A report titled “72 Rapes in the Last 65 Hours,” published in Daily Janakantha, has been debunked as false. The article, which used screenshots of old news to claim the incidents occurred within 65 hours, was found to be inaccurate. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing clarified the information, stating that exaggerated reports or false statistics on such serious crimes create confusion. The interim government remains committed to bringing all offenders of rape incidents to justice.