Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam attack, China has urged both parties to exercise restraint. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reaffirmed China’s full understanding of Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and pledged support for its efforts to safeguard sovereignty and security interests. Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance against terrorism and opposition to any steps that could escalate tensions. During a separate conversation with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Dar condemned India’s false allegations, baseless propaganda, and the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a blatant violation of India’s international obligations.

Hundreds of Indians protested outside Pakistan’s High Commission in London, with a section launching an attack that broke windows and defaced the building with saffron-colored paint. Police arrested two individuals on charges of violence during the unrest. Supporters of Pakistan also organized a counter-protest. The incident comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. Both countries have since suspended key agreements and trade relations in retaliation.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh hopes India and Pakistan will resolve their longstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
Speaking to reporters, he mentioned that while a few countries have offered to mediate, Bangladesh prioritizes regional peace and stability. “Our position is clear — we seek peace in South Asia,” he said.
He emphasized that although direct fallout from an India-Pakistan conflict is unlikely to impact Bangladesh severely, trade disruptions could occur. Bangladesh urges both nations to avoid escalations that could endanger the region’s people.

At Bangladesh’s 54th National and Independence Day celebrations, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said, “We deeply value our relationship with Bangladesh and are eager to deepen partnerships across various sectors.” He added that both Islamabad and Dhaka are actively working to enhance economic, political, and cultural cooperation. Asif praised Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress at the event, hosted by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Hossain Khan.

In light of escalating tensions following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has offered to mediate between Pakistan and India. In a message, Araghchi said, “India and Pakistan are our fraternal neighbors with whom we share centuries-old cultural ties. We are committed to fostering understanding between the two nations during these difficult times.”

Donald Trump said he is willing to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian if necessary. This comes after recent talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations in Oman, where a tentative nuclear deal framework was discussed. A U.S. official described the talks as “very positive.” Trump stated, “I believe we are on the verge of reaching a deal with Iran.”

When asked whether the US had investigated how its aid to Bangladesh is being spent, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said they take all such inquiries seriously and would consider appropriate steps. The question followed a press conference by a Bangladeshi-American group calling for accountability in foreign aid utilization.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that Italy will assist Bangladesh in curbing illegal immigration and human trafficking, along with enhancing police capacity. During a meeting with the Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, he noted that around 250,000 skilled Bangladeshis are currently employed in Italy. The upcoming visit of Italy’s Interior Minister is expected to increase this number and strengthen bilateral ties. The ambassador confirmed that during the visit, the minister will meet Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as well as advisers on foreign affairs, law, and expatriates.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has postponed his scheduled visit to Bangladesh due to rising tensions with India over the Kashmir issue. In an official statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will not be able to undertake the planned visit to Bangladesh on April 27–28, 2025. A new date will be finalized through mutual consultation.” Ishaq Dar was expected in Dhaka on a two-day official visit starting April 27.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The adviser thanked him for agreeing to take 725 Bangladeshi soldiers on deputation, promising that their discipline and UN peacekeeping experience will contribute to Qatar’s armed forces.

At a bilateral meeting with South Korea’s Vice Minister of Fisheries, Chol Young-See, Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized Bangladesh’s potential in deep-sea fishing, marine aquaculture, and related technologies. She sought South Korea’s support in combating illegal fishing, enhancing tuna fishing capabilities, developing value-added seafood products, and providing training opportunities for Bangladeshi researchers in South Korea.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser, held a meeting with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi. According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, discussions included increasing imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar. Dr. Yunus is currently on a four-day official visit and presented a keynote paper at the opening session of the “Arthana Conference” on Tuesday.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus met with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, mother of the Emir of Qatar and Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation. He earlier attended the opening of the Arthanai Summit in Doha, where he was welcomed by Qatari ministers and dignitaries. Dr. Yunus is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during his visit.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit China on Tuesday ahead of the third round of nuclear talks with the US. China, a signatory of the now-defunct 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, remains a key player in the dialogue. The talks, brokered by Oman, are set to continue Saturday between Araghchi and Trump’s former Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

During a meeting with EU Ambassador Charles Whiteley, Adviser Jahangir Alam requested the establishment of visa centers in Dhaka for EU countries that currently don’t issue visas from Bangladesh. The ambassador expressed the EU’s willingness to assist Bangladesh with skills development and training. He stressed the importance of accurate public information to counter misinformation, while the adviser accused a neighboring country of spreading false narratives about Bangladesh.