Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. According to the Pakistan High Commission, Dar briefed the adviser on India’s “baseless allegations” and “unilateral actions” contributing to growing regional tensions. He particularly criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a reckless move. Adviser Hossain expressed concern over the current situation and emphasized the need for restraint by all parties to de-escalate tensions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts. They also explored opportunities for greater cooperation in regional and multilateral forums.

On Monday, Italian Interior Minister Mr. Matteo Piantedosi met with Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the Secretariat. Following the meeting, the adviser stated that Italy has expressed a keen interest in recruiting workers from Bangladesh through official, legal channels. He emphasized the importance of proper procedures, noting that some individuals misuse visas from countries like Saudi Arabia or Libya to enter Italy illegally. “They have requested that workers travel to Italy with valid Italian visas directly from Bangladesh,” he said.

Russia has offered to help de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. In a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s readiness to support a political resolution. Lavrov had earlier held similar discussions with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue.

European Union Ambassador Charles Whiteley has stated that the timing of Bangladesh’s national election is solely the country’s decision. However, he emphasized the importance of completing necessary electoral reforms beforehand. The EU has no intention of exerting pressure, he clarified. “We hope political parties and the interim government will work together on reforms,” he said. The EU is also willing to assist with the election process. Regarding the July uprising, he stressed the need for transparent investigations and humanitarian aid for all victims, regardless of affiliation.

The Chinese Embassy has announced a new "Green Channel" visa scheme for Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment in China. This initiative, following Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s visit in March, simplifies the visa process by removing the need for Foreign Ministry-certified documents. Applications submitted online will now receive priority processing under this special facility.

UAE Ambassador Abdullah Ali Al Hammadi has confirmed that the UAE Embassy in Dhaka is once again issuing 30 to 50 visit visas daily. During a meeting with Special Envoy Lutf Siddique, he praised Bangladesh’s active role in strengthening bilateral relations. He also announced the reopening of the UAE’s online skilled worker visa system, with hundreds of visas already issued to professionals including hotel staff and security guards.

Pakistani diplomat Mohammad Faisal accused India of reneging on its commitment to a plebiscite in Kashmir as mandated by UN resolutions. He said recognizing Kashmir as a disputed territory is essential for peace and called for a resolution through dialogue. Faisal dismissed Indian accusations regarding Pahalgam as baseless and reiterated Pakistan's demand for an impartial international investigation. He added that India currently deploys 900,000 troops in Jammu and Kashmir and maintains a belligerent stance toward Pakistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that India has yet to provide credible evidence linking Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam attack. During a meeting with Turkey’s ambassador, Sharif expressed appreciation for President Erdogan’s continued support for Pakistan. Despite India’s “provocative behavior,” he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to restraint and called once again for an impartial international investigation. He added that Pakistan would welcome Turkish participation in such an initiative. The Turkish envoy reaffirmed support for Pakistan and urged all regional parties to exercise restraint to preserve peace in South Asia.

In mid-February, Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman met with a US trade representative at the White House, who urged increased cotton imports from the US. Following the meeting, he was escorted to another room where he met Elon Musk. Musk discussed ongoing regulatory talks concerning Starlink in Bangladesh. Neither the Bangladeshi nor US side publicly disclosed the visit or meeting, but the details surfaced in a Matbai column.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has assured India of full American support for its right to self-defense during a phone call with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The conversation followed the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which India blamed on Pakistan. Singh accused Pakistan of training and financing terror groups and destabilizing the region. Hegseth expressed solidarity with India and stressed that the world can no longer ignore state-sponsored terrorism.

Bangladesh is close to finalizing a mutual visa exemption agreement with Algeria for diplomatic and official passport holders. This was confirmed during a meeting between Algerian Ambassador Dr. Abdulwahab Saidani and Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam. The agreement has already been approved by the cabinet and is expected to be signed soon. The adviser also expressed gratitude to Algeria for being the first country to recognize Bangladesh in 1971.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif and Indian FM S. Jaishankar regarding the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Rubio urged both nations to cooperate in de-escalating tensions. While reiterating the US’s support for India in combating terrorism, he called on Pakistan to assist in the investigation and publicly condemn the attack. US official Tammy Bruce stated that India was advised to exercise restraint in responding to the incident.

Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to speak with both countries’ foreign ministers within 24 hours. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a briefing, “We’re engaging both sides and urging all parties not to escalate the situation.” The U.S. also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s cooperation in the recent arrest of an ISIS-linked suspect.

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who emphasized the importance of opening an Azerbaijani embassy in Dhaka and launching direct flights between Dhaka and Baku. He said direct connectivity would foster student exchanges in energy and textiles and facilitate trade. The deputy minister expressed Azerbaijan’s interest in building strategic ties with Bangladesh, noting the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations will be marked in two years.

In a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need for regional cooperation and joint actions against terrorism. Pezeshkian condemned the attack in Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir, and highlighted Chabahar Port’s role as a key hub for Iran-India-Russia collaboration. He invited Modi to visit Tehran. Modi appreciated Iran’s constructive role in regional peace and expressed India’s continued support for Iran. Modi also extended condolences for the deadly explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei Port and offered assistance.