The French government has officially recognized Imamate as a profession and included it in the country’s employment list. The announcement was made by France’s Interior Minister during the closing session of the French Islam Forum, a government initiative aimed at improving relations between the state and representatives of the Muslim community. This recognition establishes Imamate as a structured and legitimate profession within France.

Five individuals, including Mehedi Hasan Saif, a Jubo League member and leader of a teenage gang, have been arrested in connection with the brutal machete attack on Mehabul and Ifti in Uttara. The police recovered the weapons from the Turag River, and Saif, along with accomplices, was involved in the attack over a dispute involving loud motorcycles and rickshaw harassment. The suspects were apprehended in Gazipur, and the investigation is progressing rapidly. The others arrested are Mobarak, Robi Roy, Alfaz, and Sajib.

In a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that India would not be exempt from Washington’s reciprocal tariff policies.

Trump revealed that he had told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “We are going to implement reciprocal tariffs. Whatever you impose on us, we will impose the same on you.” When Modi expressed his disapproval, Trump reaffirmed his stance.

India has historically imposed high tariffs on imported American goods, particularly in the automobile sector, where duties can reach up to 100%. During the interview, Trump boldly asserted, “No one can argue with me. If they impose tariffs, I will impose the same amount!”

KUET has enforced a strict ban on all political activities, extending it to faculty and staff. The university will take legal action against outsiders involved in Tuesday’s violence and temporarily expel students directly linked to the clashes. A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The violence erupted after Chhatra Dal activists distributed membership forms, triggering student protests. Clashes left over 60 injured. Meanwhile, Jubo Dal expelled leader Mahbubur Rahman after his armed presence during the violence went viral.

Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) has suspended all academic activities until February 28 following violent clashes on campus. In an emergency syndicate meeting, authorities banned political involvement of students, faculty, and staff, expelled students involved in attacks, and formed a four-member investigation committee. Protesting students locked administrative and academic buildings, demanding the Vice-Chancellor’s resignation. The campus remains tense after a clash between two student groups over banning student politics left around 50 injured. Officials remain confined due to ongoing protests.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has praised Sudan for its strong support for Palestine and its stance against Israeli attacks on Gaza. He called for Sudan’s participation in an emergency meeting of Islamic countries regarding the brutal plan to forcibly relocate Gaza’s population. Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf Ahmed Al-Sharif met with Iran’s Foreign Minister in Tehran on Monday. Araghchi expressed regret over Sudan’s internal conflicts and stressed the importance of national unity among Sudanese people to safeguard their country from foreign intervention.

In a courtesy meeting with Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain on Wednesday, Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi assured swift action on the long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers. Deputy Minister Tripodi also reiterated Italy’s strong support for the interim government and praised Bangladesh’s reform efforts towards building a peaceful nation. She expressed satisfaction with the growing trade relations between the two countries, particularly in the textile and defense sectors, and emphasized her interest in further expanding collaboration. The Foreign Adviser welcomed and encouraged investment opportunities.

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.