Tensions at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) escalated as agitated students confined the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Pro-VC, and Director of Student Affairs inside the medical center. The protests erupted after violent clashes over demands to ban student politics, leaving nearly 50 students injured. Protesters issued a five-point ultimatum, demanding resignations and threatening to shut down academic activities if their demands were not met by 1 PM Wednesday. A syndicate meeting has been called to address the crisis.

Analysts believe that India is shifting its approach to improve relations with Bangladesh. Tensions escalated following the fall of the League government on August 5 and India’s decision to provide shelter to Sheikh Hasina. When Bangladesh formally requested her extradition, India’s firm stance further strained relations. Experts now suggest that both nations are working toward mending ties by sidelining this issue. Recent diplomatic engagements, including high-level meetings between foreign ministers and discussions on an economic corridor connecting India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, indicate a positive trend. However, concerns remain, such as visa restrictions and diplomatic summons. Notably, upcoming BIMSTEC meetings will see interactions between Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, border security chiefs from both nations—BGB and BSF—are currently holding discussions, raising hopes for further diplomatic progress.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, expressed China’s interest in competing in the arms market in Bangladesh during a press conference on Tuesday. He also reiterated China’s readiness to assist in the Teesta project and is awaiting a response from Bangladesh. Additionally, the ambassador raised concerns over how China’s regional position is depicted in Bangladeshi textbooks and websites, urging the country to revise its maps. China has also invited the Bangladesh Air Force to participate in an auction for decommissioned military aircraft and announced plans to streamline medical visa processing.

During a briefing on the visit of Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor to China on Tuesday, China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, announced that arrangements are being made to ensure that Bangladeshis requiring urgent medical treatment in China can receive a visa within a day. He also mentioned that three hospitals in Kunming have been reserved for Bangladeshis. Those needing urgent medical care can directly approach the embassy, where arrangements will be made for issuing visas on the same day. During the briefing, Ambassador Yao emphasized that China respects Bangladesh’s sovereignty and does not interfere in its internal matters.

After seizing power in 2021, the Taliban has maintained diplomatic communication with neighboring and regional powers. A delegation from the Taliban government has now visited Japan, as reported by Al Jazeera. The discussions will focus on humanitarian aid and potential diplomatic relations with Japanese officials. On Sunday, a delegation comprising officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, education, economy, and health arrived in Japan. They will stay for a week. Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Latif Nazari, referred to this as part of their efforts to improve international relations.

On February 18, tensions flared at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) as students rallied to ban student politics on campus. The protesters marched through university halls and surrounded the Vice-Chancellor’s residence in support of the ban. In response, Chhatra Dal activists attacked the students, leading to a violent clash that left at least 60 students injured. Some protesters were seen with machetes during the altercation. The military was deployed to restore peace after the incident.

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, arrived in India for a two-day visit, receiving an exceptional welcome from Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Delhi Airport on Monday. Breaking usual protocol, Modi personally greeted the Emir, emphasizing the strong ties between the two nations. Sheikh Tamim is set to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Modi on Tuesday. India’s Foreign Ministry stated that this visit will further enhance diplomatic and economic cooperation. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met the Emir on Monday night.

In an interview with The Hindu on Monday, Foreign Affairs Adviser Tauhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh-India relations should not be limited to specific governments. Earlier, he met Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar in Oman. When asked about the meeting, he mentioned that after 15 years of a stable relationship, tensions have arisen due to recent changes. However, he believes such tensions should subside within six months.

Hossain also emphasized that minorities in Bangladesh are not facing persecution and that everyone enjoys equal rights. He confirmed that Bangladesh has sent a letter regarding Sheikh Hasina’s return and recommended maintaining restrictions until a response is received. Additionally, he stressed the need to take a strict stance against border killings and called for a review of the Adani agreement.

With no resolution in sight regarding water-sharing with India, Bangladesh has initiated the Teesta Mega Project, aiming to improve the livelihoods of over 20 million people across five districts. While the project is essential for Bangladesh’s water security, it has triggered geopolitical tensions between China and India. Initially, China expressed keen interest in funding and executing the project. However, the Hasina administration later shifted the project toward India, straining relations with China. Recently, China has renewed its interest in the initiative. If implemented, the project will deepen the Teesta River by 10 meters, ensuring year-round navigation, land reclamation, flood protection, agricultural restoration, and the establishment of river ports. The transformation is expected to significantly uplift the socio-economic conditions of the region.

On Sunday, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference. Their discussions focused on mutual interests and concerns. Jaishankar expressed hope that the upcoming border security director general-level meeting on February 20 in Delhi would resolve key border-related issues. Meanwhile, Hossain emphasized the renewal of the water-sharing treaty and pushed for a meeting of the SAARC Standing Committee. In an X post, Jaishankar mentioned that they also discussed bilateral relations and BIMSTEC cooperation.

The Farazi Movement, led by Haji Shariatullah in 1818, holds significant relevance in today’s religious, social, and political contexts. It aimed to revive Islamic duties and protect against superstitions, religious distortions, and exploitation by landlords. The movement, which gained momentum in Bengal and Assam, emphasized unity among Muslims, promoted religious reforms, and stood against British colonial exploitation. Despite facing opposition, it remains a pivotal historical reform movement that paved the way for future struggles for rights and societal change.

A satirical cartoon depicting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with shackles on his hands and feet in front of U.S. President Donald Trump was published by Vikatan, a century-old weekly magazine in Tamil Nadu. The controversial illustration sparked a massive outcry, with allegations that the magazine’s website was blocked shortly after its release. According to a report by ABP Ananda, this incident came to light after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised objections against the magazine. The incident has raised concerns about the curtailment of press freedom in India. Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister has condemned the act. The cartoon was created in response to the issue of forcibly sending back illegal immigrants, symbolized by shackles on their hands and feet.

Tensions between Bangladesh and India have escalated recently due to the controversial deportation of a former fascist leader and the demolition of a house in Dhanmondi. In response, Oman’s capital, Muscat, will host a meeting between Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Touhid Hossain, and Indian Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar. The meeting, scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference on Sunday, holds significant importance amid the ongoing political tension between the two nations. Prior to this, discussions have been held between India’s Foreign Secretary and Bangladesh on issues including border security, water distribution, flood management, and trade. It is expected that the current diplomatic tension and the situation surrounding the former leader of Bangladesh may also be discussed during this meeting.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has announced that a five-member delegation, led by Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, will embark on a three-day official visit to Kuwait on February 16.

During the visit, General Zaman will meet with high-ranking military and civilian officials of the Kuwaiti government to discuss bilateral military cooperation. The visit is expected to strengthen ties between the two nations, facilitate the recruitment of skilled Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait, and boost the morale of Bangladeshi personnel engaged in Operation Kuwait Reconstruction.

Pakistan has expressed serious concerns over the U.S. decision to sell advanced F-35 fighter jets to India, warning that it could disrupt regional military balance and strategic stability.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, strongly rejected the joint U.S.-India statement that linked Pakistan to terrorism, calling it “one-sided and misleading.” The statement had earlier urged action against those responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the Pathankot incident while emphasizing that Pakistani territory must not be used for cross-border terrorism.