A US delegation, including Deputy Assistant Secretary Nicole A. Chulick and Andrew Herrup, met with National Security Adviser Dr. Khairul Rahman to discuss regional peace, security, and bilateral relations. The talks covered the Rohingya crisis and the evolving situation in Myanmar. The US delegation praised Bangladesh’s response and strategies in managing the refugee influx.

On the transshipment issue, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal advised observers to consider events on the Bangladeshi side leading up to India’s decision to cancel the facility. While noting that exports to Nepal and Bhutan would remain unaffected, he reiterated India’s interest in maintaining constructive relations with Bangladesh and enhancing regional trade. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi trade officials estimate an added cost of BDT 2,000 crore due to the withdrawal.

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized strengthening bilateral relations to unlock trade and business potential. He stated, “We must find ways to overcome obstacles and move forward.” Baloch echoed his sentiments, stressing the need to utilize the region’s vast market and encourage private sector engagement and cultural exchange between the two countries. The leaders also pledged continued collaboration in multilateral forums like SAARC, OIC, and D-8.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a meeting with a visiting US delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretaries Nicole A. Chulick and Andrew Herrup. During the discussion, the US expressed strong support for Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives and praised the country for sheltering 1.2 million Rohingya refugees. The Chief Adviser highlighted the identification of 180,000 Rohingyas for repatriation to Rakhine as a significant step forward. Nicole Chulick commended Bangladesh’s holistic approach to the Myanmar crisis. Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for reinstating Rohingya aid and granting additional tariff waivers. He also voiced support for Trump-era trade policies.

In a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh has called on Pakistan to formally apologize for the 1971 genocide and return $4.2 billion in assets that belonged to Bangladesh before independence. The appeal was made during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary stated that Pakistan has shown initial willingness to engage in discussions on both demands. The two nations also expressed interest in strengthening trade, connectivity, and cooperation in education, agriculture, and transportation. The talks mark a thaw in bilateral relations, which have seen improvement since the change in government in Dhaka last year. Direct shipping routes have resumed, and Bangladesh has eased visa processes for Pakistani citizens to further boost engagement.

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch has described her recent visit to Dhaka as a positive experience, highlighting fruitful discussions between the two countries. “I’m happy to be in Dhaka—the food was great and the shopping was enjoyable. Our talks were productive,” she said. Baloch led Islamabad’s delegation in the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held on the Padma River, while Bangladesh was represented by Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin. This marked the sixth round of foreign secretary-level talks and the first in over a decade. Baloch is also scheduled to meet with the Chief Adviser during her visit.

Steve Witkoff, envoy for former U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that Iran must halt its nuclear enrichment and weapons program to secure a deal with a potential future Trump administration. “Any deal with Iran must be a Trump deal,” Witkoff emphasized, adding that the agreement must establish a framework for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister noted conflicting messages from the U.S. and said such contradictions hinder effective negotiations. “If the Americans present a constructive position, I am optimistic about a potential agreement. If contradictions continue, the process will become increasingly difficult,” he added.

For the first time in 15 years, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to hold foreign secretary-level talks today. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, connectivity—especially air links—defense, education, agriculture, fisheries, culture, and sports. Regional and multilateral cooperation through platforms like SAARC, OIC, and D-8 will also be addressed. The last such meeting was held in Islamabad in 2010. Amna Baloch will also pay courtesy visits to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani held a telephone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tawhid Hossain. The two discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. The conversation also covered aspects of economic cooperation, diplomacy, and the welfare of expatriates. The dialogue is seen as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, paving the way for closer and more effective collaboration between the two nations.

Syrian interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa arrived in Qatar on Tuesday and met with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and regional security. Prior to visiting Qatar, Al-Sharaa toured the UAE and met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He has also visited Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan in recent weeks. Analysts see these visits as part of Syria’s renewed diplomatic efforts under its new leadership. Notably, Qatar’s Emir was the first world leader to visit Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad on January 30.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that the Chief Adviser aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with all SAARC countries, including India, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Nepal. “We’ve decided to develop an economic zone for Nepal in northern Bangladesh,” he said. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary is expected to visit soon for bilateral discussions. “Our foreign policy is pro-Bangladesh. Every move is made to uphold the country’s interests,” the press secretary emphasized. Reviving SAARC is a key priority for the current administration.

Egypt has proposed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, contingent on the disarmament of Palestinian factions. Hamas has firmly rejected the offer. According to a senior official, Egypt emphasized that no deal with Israel is possible without full disarmament. Hamas maintains that any agreement must prioritize an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza and a full withdrawal from Palestinian territories. Israel, on the other hand, insists that Hamas must be defeated, including the surrender of all weapons, before any ceasefire can be considered.

Bangladesh and Turkey have expressed commitment to elevating their partnership following a meeting in Ankara between Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tawhid Hossain and Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam with Turkey’s Foreign Ministry. According to a statement, Turkey will grant Bangladesh access to a wide range of bilateral cooperation programs typically reserved for its closest allies. The move is seen as a positive step toward deeper diplomatic and strategic collaboration.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to visit Moscow this week for consultations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the ongoing nuclear discussions with the United States. A preliminary round of talks, mediated by Oman, took place last Friday, and both sides described it as “constructive.” A follow-up meeting is expected this Saturday, potentially in Rome. Iran has emphasized that the discussions will focus solely on nuclear activity and sanctions relief.

Two Deputy Assistant Secretaries from the U.S. State Department are scheduled to arrive in Dhaka early Wednesday for a three-day official visit. This marks the first visit of a Trump-era U.S. delegation to Bangladesh and will cover a wide range of issues including democratic reforms, the Rohingya crisis, U.S. tariffs, and regional geopolitics involving Myanmar. Nicole Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, is expected to meet top officials of the interim government to discuss U.S. support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition. She may also meet with leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, other political parties, and civil society representatives. The evolving situation in Myanmar is seen as a significant factor in Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy, making this visit particularly important.