On Friday, India expressed concerns over the ‘deteriorating law and order situation’ and the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. Ranjit Jayaswal stated that between August 5 of last year and February 15 this year, 2,374 incidents occurred, with the police investigating 1,254 of them. Investigations revealed that 98% of these incidents were politically motivated. The newly-formed National Citizens’ Party (NCP) expressed their support for a stable, peaceful, pluralistic, and progressive Bangladesh, where democratic processes and participatory elections would resolve all issues.

Following water level assessments at Farakka on Tuesday, a joint committee of India and Bangladesh met at a Kolkata hotel on Thursday to discuss the implementation of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty. Representatives from both nations addressed concerns over reduced water flow and its impact. Mohammad Abul Hossain, leading the Bangladeshi delegation, told DW that they were satisfied with the discussions but acknowledged that lower water levels this year had affected both countries. The decreased flow has raised concerns about irrigation challenges in Bangladesh’s southwestern districts and potential threats to biodiversity in the Sundarbans. Talks will continue on Friday.

According to The Hindu, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy engaged in extensive discussions on bilateral relations and current geopolitical tensions during Jaishankar’s official visit to the UK. In addition to addressing various India-UK matters, the two diplomats also discussed the situations in Bangladesh and Ukraine. While the meeting covered a range of global geopolitical issues, Jaishankar did not disclose specific details about the discussions related to Bangladesh.

During a courtesy meeting with former U.S. ambassadors William B. Milam and Danilovich at Jamuna on Thursday, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus stated that if political parties demand extensive reforms, elections will be held by June next year. However, if fewer reforms are requested, the election will take place in December.

Professor Yunus informed diplomats that after the reform discussions conclude, political parties will sign the “July Charter,” which will serve as a guiding framework. The interim government will implement certain recommendations from the charter, while the remaining ones will be carried out by future elected governments.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus is set to embark on his first bilateral visit to China, the Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday. He will travel on a special flight arranged by Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the visit, Dr. Yunus will meet with Xi Jinping on March 28. He has also been invited to attend the Boao Forum for Asia, scheduled to take place in Hainan Province from March 25-28. The visit was finalized after Bangladesh gave the green signal following China’s invitation.

The Trump administration has directly engaged in negotiations with Hamas, bypassing Israel, to secure the release of American hostages held in Gaza and to establish a broader ceasefire agreement. On Wednesday, Trump’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Adam Boehler, held talks in Doha. Sources told Axios that while discussions are ongoing, no formal agreement has been reached yet. Additionally, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, had planned a visit to Qatar on Tuesday but canceled it due to a lack of progress in Israel’s ceasefire deal.

On August 5, Sheikh Hasina fled to India, initially assumed to be a brief six-to-seven-hour visit. However, she remains there as a guest while Bangladesh’s government continues to press for her extradition. Analysts argue that turning away a guest contradicts Indian traditions. Under extradition treaties, political cases can be exempted from repatriation. While Hasina has not been given a state platform in India, she has been allowed to speak online. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reportedly meet her only when necessary, with limited access to others. As a UN official, her close aide, Putul, is also restricted from staying with her.

Pakistan's Additional Foreign Secretary Imran Ahmed Siddiqui held high-level meetings in Dhaka on Wednesday to review bilateral relations and enhance cooperation. Discussions focused on foreign policy, trade, cultural exchanges, visa facilitation, and people-to-people connections. The upcoming visit of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Bangladesh was also a key topic.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to visit Russia on March 7 for discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other key officials. According to Hindustan Times, the visit aims to boost trade, balance bilateral commerce, and ensure continued Russian energy supplies to India amid increased Western sanctions. The discussions may also cover the Ukraine conflict. India had previously faced diplomatic challenges during the Biden administration due to its stance on Russia.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called Russian President Vladimir Putin in February, requesting Moscow to mediate discussions between the United States and Iran. The primary topics included Iran’s nuclear program and its support for anti-U.S. factions in the Middle East. Russia has agreed to facilitate the dialogue, which analysts view as a major diplomatic shift. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the development, stating that Russia is ready to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions between the two nations.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that USAID had allocated $29 million to organizations run by two individuals to strengthen Bangladesh’s political landscape. In response, the interim government of Bangladesh dismissed Trump’s remarks as false. However, Foreign Affairs Adviser Towhid Hossain stated that this would not negatively impact relations between Dhaka and Washington. Addressing the misinformation, he clarified, “This is not an incitement; it is simply a baseless statement. Trump did not specify which organization in Bangladesh received the funds, nor do we know which two individuals he was referring to. Therefore, we do not see any reason to escalate this issue further.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has extended his greetings to Muslims in the United States and worldwide on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. In a statement from the White House, he emphasized the significance of fasting, prayer, and family gatherings during this sacred time. Trump also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious freedom, calling it an integral part of American life. He expressed his hope for a peaceful future and recognition of the dignity of every individual.

In response to comments made by Turkey’s Foreign Minister, an advisor to Iran’s Foreign Minister urged Turkey to avoid “incorrect statements and unrealistic analysis” that could escalate tensions in bilateral relations. Mahmoud Heidari, assistant to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasized the mutual interests of Tehran and Ankara and the necessity of avoiding such remarks. He also stated that Islamic countries should make all-out efforts to halt Israeli aggression against the people of Palestine and other regional nations like Syria. This came after Turkey’s Foreign Minister labeled Iran’s foreign policy as dangerous.

A technical delegation from Bangladesh’s Joint River Commission (JRC) has arrived in Kolkata to discuss the implementation and technical aspects of the Ganges Water Treaty. On the first day, the team inspected the Farakka Barrage before scheduled meetings on March 6 and 7. Given the current diplomatic tensions between the two countries, this meeting holds significant importance. The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, the only existing agreement between Bangladesh and India among their 54 shared rivers, is set to expire in 2026. The stance of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is crucial, as she previously stalled the Teesta Water Agreement.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser has indicated that the country’s national elections are likely to be held in December. During a meeting with EU diplomat Hadja Lahbib on Monday, discussions also covered the Rohingya crisis. The EU has pledged €68 million in aid this year to support Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and local host communities, as well as to address Myanmar’s ongoing conflict. The EU Commissioner emphasized that lasting peace is the only solution to the crisis.