Pakistan has reaffirmed its decision to send Afghan refugees who have not been approved for resettlement in the United States back to Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed this in an interview with TRT World on Saturday. He noted that discussions may be held with the United States on this matter. Dar emphasized that if any refugee has a plan to be accepted by another country but the process has not been completed, they will be considered illegal immigrants in Pakistan. This decision has sparked concerns internationally. In 2021, Pakistan provided refuge to 600,000 Afghan refugees, a portion of whom have resettled in the U.S., while others are still awaiting their turn.

Preparations are reportedly underway for a face-to-face meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. If held, this meeting would signal a dramatic shift away from the West’s policy of isolating Moscow over the Ukraine war. Speaking to Russian state media on Saturday, Ryabkov stated that the proposed meeting would cover a range of global issues beyond just the Ukraine conflict. He emphasized the need for normalizing U.S.-Russia relations, though discussions are still at an early stage. Previously, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio suggested that diplomatic normalization, an end to hostilities, and strengthening economic ties were key factors bringing the two nations closer to negotiations.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Bahrain commemorated International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Day with a series of events on its premises. The ceremony began at 9 AM with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Md. Rois Hasan Sarwar, in the presence of embassy officials, staff, and leaders of the Bangladeshi community. The message from the Chief Adviser was read out during the event. The program also featured poetry recitations, cultural performances, and traditional dances. In his speech, Sarwar emphasized the sacrifices made for the Bengali language and urged respect for other languages and cultures, stating that only through such mutual respect can the dignity of the Bengali language be further enhanced.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is scheduled to visit Iran this week, as confirmed by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A ministry spokesperson stated that Lavrov will travel to Tehran to discuss ongoing bilateral relations and regional as well as international developments. He will meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and several high-ranking Iranian officials. According to Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Lavrov’s visit will be a one-day trip, taking place on Tuesday.

The Italian Embassy in Dhaka has announced that visa-related issues will be resolved in the coming months. They have cooperated with law enforcement to tackle fraudulent activities, leading to the house arrest of two former embassy employees. Applicants are urged to only pay official fees and avoid third-party intermediaries. With additional staff from Italy, processing times have decreased, and existing problems are expected to be resolved promptly in the coming months.

For the first time in years, the traditional Ekushey February gathering at Benapole between people from both Bengals did not take place.

Every year, this emotional reunion would see people from both sides embracing each other, wearing black badges, and offering floral tributes. The song “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushey February” would resonate across the no man’s land, adorned with banners and festoons. Thousands would gather at the Shaheed Minar to pay their respects.

However, this year, that scene was absent. Previously, government representatives and ministers from both countries would visit each other’s territories to place wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. Since the Hasina administration, the joint arrangement has not been held. However, reports suggest that a small event was organized on the Indian side at Petrapole.

In response to Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza, Bangladesh—along with several other nations—walked out during a speech by the Israeli delegation at a ministerial conference in Morocco.

However, social media posts falsely claimed that Bangladeshi representatives remained seated and listened to Israel’s remarks. The Foreign Ministry refuted these claims in a statement issued on Friday, reaffirming that Bangladesh’s stance on Gaza remains firm and that the delegation did, in fact, walk out in protest.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Mexico with mass deportations, increased trade tariffs, and military action against drug cartels, according to reports on Thursday. However, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has dismissed these threats, asserting that her government is fully capable of handling such challenges.

Sheinbaum reassured that ongoing diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Mexico are addressing these concerns. Trump recently labeled Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and criticized Mexico’s handling of illegal immigration. In response, Sheinbaum accused the U.S. of engaging in espionage under the guise of intelligence operations.

The ruling Taliban government in Afghanistan has revealed that Pakistan plans to expel at least three million Afghan refugees in the near future. Although Islamabad has not officially notified the Taliban administration, reports indicate that Afghan refugees are being removed from cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi without clear justification. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry has confirmed its decision to expel all undocumented refugees, allowing only those with legal status to remain. This move has raised concerns among international organizations.

In a recent interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that India would not be exempt from Washington’s reciprocal tariff policies.

Trump revealed that he had told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “We are going to implement reciprocal tariffs. Whatever you impose on us, we will impose the same on you.” When Modi expressed his disapproval, Trump reaffirmed his stance.

India has historically imposed high tariffs on imported American goods, particularly in the automobile sector, where duties can reach up to 100%. During the interview, Trump boldly asserted, “No one can argue with me. If they impose tariffs, I will impose the same amount!”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has praised Sudan for its strong support for Palestine and its stance against Israeli attacks on Gaza. He called for Sudan’s participation in an emergency meeting of Islamic countries regarding the brutal plan to forcibly relocate Gaza’s population. Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf Ahmed Al-Sharif met with Iran’s Foreign Minister in Tehran on Monday. Araghchi expressed regret over Sudan’s internal conflicts and stressed the importance of national unity among Sudanese people to safeguard their country from foreign intervention.

In a courtesy meeting with Foreign Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain on Wednesday, Italy’s Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi assured swift action on the long-pending visa applications of Bangladeshi workers. Deputy Minister Tripodi also reiterated Italy’s strong support for the interim government and praised Bangladesh’s reform efforts towards building a peaceful nation. She expressed satisfaction with the growing trade relations between the two countries, particularly in the textile and defense sectors, and emphasized her interest in further expanding collaboration. The Foreign Adviser welcomed and encouraged investment opportunities.

Analysts believe that India is shifting its approach to improve relations with Bangladesh. Tensions escalated following the fall of the League government on August 5 and India’s decision to provide shelter to Sheikh Hasina. When Bangladesh formally requested her extradition, India’s firm stance further strained relations. Experts now suggest that both nations are working toward mending ties by sidelining this issue. Recent diplomatic engagements, including high-level meetings between foreign ministers and discussions on an economic corridor connecting India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, indicate a positive trend. However, concerns remain, such as visa restrictions and diplomatic summons. Notably, upcoming BIMSTEC meetings will see interactions between Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, border security chiefs from both nations—BGB and BSF—are currently holding discussions, raising hopes for further diplomatic progress.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, expressed China’s interest in competing in the arms market in Bangladesh during a press conference on Tuesday. He also reiterated China’s readiness to assist in the Teesta project and is awaiting a response from Bangladesh. Additionally, the ambassador raised concerns over how China’s regional position is depicted in Bangladeshi textbooks and websites, urging the country to revise its maps. China has also invited the Bangladesh Air Force to participate in an auction for decommissioned military aircraft and announced plans to streamline medical visa processing.

During a briefing on the visit of Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Advisor to China on Tuesday, China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, announced that arrangements are being made to ensure that Bangladeshis requiring urgent medical treatment in China can receive a visa within a day. He also mentioned that three hospitals in Kunming have been reserved for Bangladeshis. Those needing urgent medical care can directly approach the embassy, where arrangements will be made for issuing visas on the same day. During the briefing, Ambassador Yao emphasized that China respects Bangladesh’s sovereignty and does not interfere in its internal matters.