India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Bangladesh’s transshipment facility, granted in 2020 for exporting goods to third countries, has caused significant congestion at Indian airports. This has led to delays, increased costs, and shipment hold-ups for Indian exporters.

As a result, India has decided to withdraw the transshipment facility for Bangladesh. However, trade with Nepal and Bhutan via Bangladesh will remain unaffected.

On Wednesday, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, paid a courtesy call on Information Adviser Md Mahfuz Alam. During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed interest in signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Pakistan Television (PTV), as well as between Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). The adviser also discussed the possibility of broadcasting Bangladeshi TV channels in Pakistan with government support.

During a meeting with UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, Baroness Rosie Winterton, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus called for enhanced cooperation with the UK to strengthen Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Regarding the upcoming national election, Dr. Yunus stated, “If political parties can agree on a short-term reform process, elections could be held in December. However, if a broader reform agenda is adopted, elections may be pushed to June.” Baroness Winterton expressed satisfaction with the reform roadmap, noting the strong historical ties between the two nations. Dr. Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s transition period, highlighting a shortage of nurses. “Nursing is not only a national issue—it’s a global need. We aim to train more nurses for both Bangladesh and the world,” he added, seeking comprehensive UK support across sectors.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States will enter direct talks with Iran regarding a potential nuclear agreement. Iran’s Foreign Minister confirmed the development, calling it both an opportunity and a test. Trump emphasized that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and warned that failure in talks would result in dire consequences for Iran. Notably, Iran had previously rejected similar dialogue.

In response to widespread protests across Bangladesh condemning Israeli atrocities in Gaza, Palestinian Ambassador Yusuf Ramadan expressed deep gratitude to the people of Bangladesh. He praised their moral courage in standing with the oppressed and stated, “Your message to Palestine and the world is clear—you are not alone, and we are with you.” He added, “You have entered Palestinian history through the widest of doors. We will never forget your humanity or your support.”

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has sent a letter to Donald Trump requesting a three-month suspension of U.S. tariffs on Bangladeshi products. He emphasized that this grace period is critical to executing planned economic reforms and requested time for consultative meetings with U.S. officials.

As Israeli attacks in Gaza intensify, a group of youth staged a demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka to show solidarity with the Palestinian people. Protesters stated their unwavering moral stance against this brutality and chanted slogans in support of Gaza. Security forces, including military personnel, were deployed in the area, forming a human barrier and conducting searches. Police later confirmed that the protest remained peaceful.

After more than a decade, Bangladesh is set to resume political dialogue with Pakistan, expected to take place later this month. The talks will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, re-establishing a joint ministerial commission, and enhancing coordination on political, economic, and social issues. The Pakistani delegation will be led by the country’s Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch, though Bangladesh’s representative has yet to be confirmed. The dialogue aims to lay the groundwork for future intergovernmental plans. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit Bangladesh from April 22-24.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced that Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus will personally engage with US officials to address concerns over newly imposed tariffs. He also mentioned that increasing imports from the US could help narrow the trade deficit. The decision was made during an emergency meeting held in the evening.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam has said it is uncertain whether the Rohingyas can be repatriated to Myanmar by next year.
He criticized the term “FDMN” (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals), saying it was coined by certain diplomats and loyalists trying to appease the Burmese junta.
“This term erases the Rohingya identity and downplays the genocide narrative,” Alam stated.
He reaffirmed that Bangladesh used the term ‘Rohingya’ during meetings, and even Myanmar officials were eventually compelled to adopt the term in official discussions.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam stated on Facebook that during a bilateral meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed great respect for Professor Muhammad Yunus. Praising Yunus’ work, Modi reportedly said, “We have seen the disrespectful treatment you received from Hasina, despite our good relationship with her. But we have always respected you.”

Shafiqul further revealed that when Professor Yunus raised the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, India’s response was not negative. “We are confident that one day Hasina will be extradited to Dhaka and we will witness the trial of the century!” he said. Modi also reportedly emphasized several times that India’s relationship is with the people of Bangladesh, not with any one party or individual.

Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam highlighted the shift in Bangladesh’s diplomatic posture, writing, “Dr. Khalilur was the first BCS-recruited diplomat to reach top ranks at the UN. He brought significant dynamism to foreign policy.”
Alam mentioned a pivotal moment when Dr. Khalilur held a 15-minute talk with Myanmar’s Foreign Minister and a one-hour discussion with India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, opening new diplomatic avenues.
He emphasized, “Bangladesh is no longer known for timid diplomacy.” Yunus also thanked the UN chief for visiting the Rohingya camps during iftar.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met with his long-time friend and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The two reminisced about past collaborations, including Thaksin’s visit to Bangladesh in 2001 after becoming Prime Minister, where he was inspired by Yunus’s Grameen Bank model to launch a similar microcredit initiative in Thailand.
They discussed the potential resumption of direct flights between Chiang Mai and Chattogram—a route that once took only an hour.
Thaksin recalled traveling on the inaugural flight with former PM Khaleda Zia. Yunus sought Thaksin’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to join ASEAN and emphasized the importance of Thai cooperation in resolving the Rohingya crisis.

Myanmar’s Prime Minister and State Administration Council Chairman Min Aung Hlaing met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Bangkok on Friday. During the meeting, Professor Yunus expressed deep condolences for the recent earthquake casualties and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s solidarity with the people of Myanmar.
“Rescue teams have already been deployed and we are ready to provide additional assistance, including ships, if needed,” Yunus said.
Min Aung Hlaing congratulated Yunus on assuming the BIMSTEC chairmanship. Myanmar also confirmed that it has finalized the identities of 180,000 Rohingya refugees, preparing for their repatriation.

In his Eid-ul-Fitr message on March 30, London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed sympathy for those unable to celebrate due to humanitarian crises in Palestine and Sudan. He said, “For many, this Eid will be overshadowed by sorrow, as the atrocities in Palestine and Sudan continue to cause immense suffering. Over 50,000 Palestinians, including at least 15,000 children, have been killed in Gaza due to Israel’s military operations.” The Israeli Embassy in the UK responded critically, stating the message failed to mention Hamas, condemn terrorism, or call for the release of hostages. In a follow-up statement, the Mayor’s office clarified that Sadiq Khan has consistently condemned Hamas’ attacks and stands against terrorism. “He mourns every loss of life and supports a permanent ceasefire,” the statement added.