In an exclusive interview with NDTV on November 4, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed deep gratitude toward India for standing by Israel during its conflict with Hamas. He stated, “India was by our side, and we will remember that forever.” Sa’ar highlighted that bilateral relations between Israel and India have reached unprecedented strength, driven by cooperation in defense, agriculture, technology, and intelligence.

He revealed that both nations are finalizing a new memorandum of understanding on defense collaboration and developing frameworks for intelligence sharing. Sa’ar also commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the first world leader to call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, reinforcing the friendship between the two nations.

On the Israel–Palestine issue, Sa’ar rejected the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state that could threaten Israel’s security, emphasizing lessons learned from past mistakes. He reaffirmed Israel’s goal to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and end its regime in Gaza. The minister further noted that Israel and India share similar experiences in combating terrorism, and their partnership symbolizes a strong, strategic, and future-oriented alliance.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated that his country will not cooperate with the United States unless Washington withdraws its support for Israel and ceases its intervention in the Middle East. Speaking at a student gathering in Tehran on November 3, Khamenei said that if the U.S. stops backing Israel, removes its military bases from the region, and ends its interference in regional affairs, then Iran could consider cooperation. He accused the United States of arrogance and of only understanding submission.

The remarks came during an event marking the anniversary of the 1979 seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, which followed the overthrow of the Western-backed Shah. Relations between Iran and the U.S. have worsened after Israel’s airstrikes in June that triggered a brief regional war involving both nations. The conflict left hundreds dead and disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations. Although a ceasefire was later brokered through Qatar, tensions remain high. Khamenei emphasized that Iran’s security depends on its strength and the deterrence it poses to enemies. Since the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, Iran has faced mounting sanctions and economic hardships.

After a gap of two decades, Bangladesh and Pakistan held the long-awaited Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting on Monday, October 27, at the NEC Conference Room in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, while Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Parvez Malik headed the Pakistani side. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing trade volume, and promoting cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, information technology, food processing, aviation, and maritime transport. Both sides emphasized the revival of SAARC as part of broader regional cooperation. A key outcome was the signing of an agreement between BSTI and Pakistan’s PHA, allowing mutual recognition of halal certifications, which is expected to boost exports of halal products. Pakistan also expressed keen interest in importing Bangladesh’s famous jute products. The leaders expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration will benefit both nations economically and strategically.

Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to strengthening maritime collaboration with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to promote shared goals of economic growth, ocean security, and climate resilience. At a special event organized at the Bangladesh High Commission in London, High Commissioner and Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Abida Islam, highlighted the importance of collective efforts in tackling global maritime and climate challenges. Diplomats and High Commissioners from several SIDS countries attended the event, which created new opportunities to enhance partnership under the IMO framework. Participants praised Bangladesh’s proactive role in promoting sustainable maritime management and regional leadership on ocean governance. The initiative reflects Bangladesh’s growing engagement in international maritime diplomacy and its dedication to fostering equal, collaborative relations with climate-vulnerable developing nations for a more resilient and sustainable future.

Chinese President Xi Jinping marked the 50th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations by sending a congratulatory message to President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Xi emphasized that despite global and regional shifts over the past five decades, both nations have remained steadfast partners guided by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. He praised the countries’ mutual respect, equality, and “win-win” cooperation, noting deepened collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative. Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to advancing traditional friendship, enhancing cooperation, and promoting shared development for the benefit of both peoples and global peace. In response, President Shahabuddin expressed gratitude for China’s enduring support in Bangladesh’s sustainable development and regional stability. He emphasized the strong trust and friendship built over fifty years and expressed confidence that future cooperation will yield even greater achievements for both countries.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order guaranteeing Qatar’s security after last month’s unprecedented Israeli attack on Doha. The order pledges that any future assault on Qatari territory will be treated as an attack on the United States itself. The September 9 Israeli strike sparked outrage across the Middle East and beyond, raising doubts about Washington’s stance on Qatar’s security. Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare apology to Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during a joint call with Trump. Qatar has been playing a crucial role in mediating between Israel and Hamas alongside the US and Egypt. However, Doha had warned it would withdraw from mediation efforts if Israel did not apologize for the attack that killed Qatari civilians.

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma assured that ongoing visa complications will be resolved soon once conditions improve. However, medical visas remain available. Speaking after visiting the historic Randa Prasad Saha Durga Temple in Mirzapur, Verma highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between Bangladesh and India, saying cultural and religious exchanges will further strengthen ties. Earlier, he was welcomed by Kumudini Homes officials, who briefed him on the temple’s history and renovation work.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cook assured full UK support in training polling agents and ensuring impartiality in Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections. Speaking after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner, Cook described the discussion as “productive” and reaffirmed Britain’s support for the February election declaration by the Chief Adviser. Meanwhile, an EU pre-election expert delegation met Election Commission officials, expressing plans to send 150 observers for the 13th National Election. A memorandum of understanding between the EU and EC is expected to follow.

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York. The meeting was confirmed Wednesday night by Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, the Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser.

Earlier, Yunus attended a reception hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, where he invited Trump to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. During the event, he exchanged greetings with Trump and held discussions with several world leaders.

Prime Adviser Yunus met with Sergio Gor, U.S. Special Envoy for South Asia and Ambassador to India.

During the meeting, Yunus assured that the interim government is making extensive preparations to hold a free, fair, and peaceful national election in early February.

The two sides also discussed bilateral and regional issues. Gor praised Yunus’s leadership and reaffirmed U.S. support for Bangladesh’s democratic efforts. Yunus invited Gor to visit Bangladesh.

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has issued a warning against illegal border crossings into the United States, calling them a threat to international security.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the embassy said that securing borders helps prevent displacement, exploitation, and loss of life. It emphasized that ending illegal migration ensures greater safety for all.

Marking the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent 500 kilograms of premium aromatic Chinigura rice as a gift to India.
On Monday afternoon, a pickup truck carrying the rice crossed into Agartala, Tripura, through the Akhaura land port. The rice, branded as Chashi, will be distributed from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to distinguished recipients.
Rajib Bhuiya, owner of Suyeib Trade International, which handled the customs clearance, confirmed that the rice would be presented as gifts to notable figures in India.

Newly appointed Dutch Ambassador Boris van Bommel paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. During the meeting, Yunus confirmed preparations for holding national elections in early February, ensuring they are free, fair, and peaceful.

Ambassador van Bommel reaffirmed the Netherlands’ support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition, noting that an EU pre-election observation mission is set to arrive this week.

Yunus also highlighted Bangladesh’s gains from Dutch expertise in flood management and coastal protection. The ambassador expressed interest in Bangladesh’s progress in social business and microfinance. Yunus further urged enhanced Dutch assistance for over one million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, stressing that the upcoming UN conference must mobilize global support for humanitarian relief.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has assured that the upcoming national election in February will be free, fair, transparent, and celebratory.

He made the statement during a meeting with a European Parliament delegation led by MEP Munir Satouri.

Yunus highlighted the revival of student union elections in several universities after decades, noting the surge of enthusiasm among young people. “Many will be voting for the first time in over 15 years, and they will turn out in record numbers,” he said.

The hour-long meeting also touched on government reforms, Bangladesh’s development journey, democratic transformation, and the Rohingya crisis. European lawmakers described the election as a “turning point” for Bangladesh, with one Dutch MEP remarking that the country is “one of the few where things seem to be moving in the right direction.”

Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude for the EU’s continued support and called for enhanced aid for the 1 million-plus Rohingya refugees hosted in Bangladesh.

China has extended an invitation to Bangladesh to participate in its Global Governance Initiative, aimed at building a fairer and more balanced international order.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen conveyed the invitation during a meeting with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. According to the Chinese Embassy, the talks covered Bangladesh-China relations, direct cooperation, the global governance initiative, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The initiative, launched by President Xi Jinping, seeks to provide a “Chinese solution” to the challenges facing global governance. Ambassador Yao highlighted the steady progress in bilateral ties, saying cooperation between the two countries continues seamlessly and their friendship has deepened.

Welcoming the proposal, Foreign Secretary Siam praised the initiative, describing it as a timely move by Xi Jinping to address pressing global challenges.