France has summoned US Ambassador Charles Kushner after a letter published in The Wall Street Journal accused President Emmanuel Macron of failing to curb anti-Semitism and violence in Paris. The letter also criticized France’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state. In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry strongly rejected the allegations, reaffirming France’s commitment to combating anti-Semitism. It accused Ambassador Kushner of violating diplomatic norms by interfering in France’s internal affairs. The US State Department, however, defended him, saying he was effectively representing US interests. Notably, Charles Kushner is the father of Jared Kushner, son-in-law and former adviser to ex-President Donald Trump.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have signed one agreement and five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) during a bilateral meeting at the foreign ministerial level.

Key agreements include the abolition of visa requirements for holders of official and diplomatic passports and the formation of a joint working group on trade.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain, Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, and senior foreign ministry officials. Pakistan’s delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Discussions also touched on sensitive issues, including Pakistan’s formal apology for the 1971 genocide and the return of assets taken to West Pakistan before independence. Business, investment, and agricultural cooperation were also prioritized. Both countries expressed interest in strengthening ties.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain dismissed Pakistan’s claim that issues from the 1971 Liberation War had already been resolved. “We disagree with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s remarks. Bangladesh still demands settlement of financial accounts and a clear apology for the genocide,” Hossain said.

He added that while Bangladesh seeks normal ties with Pakistan, unresolved matters cannot be brushed aside. The bilateral meeting also discussed health cooperation, trade expansion, and Pakistan’s interest in exporting energy. Broader regional issues, including the Rohingya crisis and the Gaza conflict, were also addressed.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Dhaka on Saturday for a three-day official visit.

He was received at the airport by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Nazrul Islam. Later in the evening, Dar is scheduled to attend a reception hosted by the Pakistan High Commission, where academics, journalists, and professionals will participate.

On Sunday morning, he will meet with business leaders over a breakfast session before holding a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser at 10 am. The meeting is expected to result in the signing of six to seven agreements and MoUs, covering trade and cooperation.

Dar is also scheduled to meet the Chief Adviser at 4 pm, where bilateral, regional, and international issues will be discussed. Additionally, he may call on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her Gulshan residence, and also meet with Jamaat-e-Islami leaders.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will pay an official visit to Bangladesh on August 23–24 at the invitation of the Bangladesh government, Islamabad confirmed.

During his visit, Dar will hold key meetings in Dhaka with the Chief Adviser, the Foreign Affairs Adviser, and several political leaders. Discussions will cover the full spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.

This will be the first bilateral visit to Bangladesh by a Pakistani foreign minister in more than three decades. Dar had originally been scheduled to visit Dhaka on April 27–28, but the trip was canceled following the killing of 26 tourists in an armed attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which reignited tensions between India and Pakistan.

The United Kingdom has summoned Israeli Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to protest Israel’s approval of the contentious E1 settlement project in the occupied West Bank. Alongside 21 international partners, Britain strongly condemned the move, warning it would constitute a “clear violation of international law” and threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state by splitting it into two.
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently authorized the construction of 3,401 settlement units in Ma’ale Adumim, east of Jerusalem, along with 3,515 more in surrounding areas. Critics say the project is designed to fragment the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem, undermining prospects for a two-state solution.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed that holders of Bangladeshi diplomatic and official passports will be allowed to visit Pakistan without a visa. The approval was granted during an advisory council meeting, authorizing a reciprocal visa exemption agreement with Pakistan for five years. Pakistani diplomats and officials will similarly enjoy visa-free entry into Bangladesh. This agreement follows similar arrangements with 31 other countries. Shafiqul Alam also highlighted ongoing efforts to repatriate 40,000 crore BDT misappropriated during the previous government, involving Bangladesh Bank, international organizations, and domestic institutions, although the process will take several years. Additionally, the Chief Advisor will attend an international conference on Rohingya issues in Cox’s Bazar on August 25.

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday night for a four-day official visit.
He was welcomed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Commerce Adviser Bashir Uddin and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider.
Scheduled from August 21–24, 2025, the visit aims to strengthen bilateral trade relations and expand economic cooperation. During his stay, the minister will meet his Bangladeshi counterpart, senior government officials, and leading business leaders.

Bangladesh has called on India to shut down all political offices of the Awami League operating in the country. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, several Awami League leaders, convicted of crimes against humanity and facing criminal cases in Bangladesh, remain in India.

The statement noted that some of these leaders attempted to hold a meeting under an NGO banner at the Delhi Press Club on July 21, distributing pamphlets to attending journalists. Indian media have also reported on this incident.

The Bangladesh government described such activities by leaders of a banned political party as a clear affront to the Bangladeshi people and state. It stressed that these actions not only undermine mutual trust and respect between the two countries but could also negatively impact Bangladesh’s ongoing political transformation process. Additionally, political activity by Bangladeshi citizens based in India could provoke public resentment back home, potentially affecting Dhaka–New Delhi relations.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cook paid a courtesy call on Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, congratulating him on completing one year in office.
During the meeting, she praised the Chief Justice’s initiatives to strengthen judicial independence, highlighting reforms such as the judicial roadmap, 12-point directives, introduction of capacity tests for legal aid, establishment of the Supreme Judicial Appointments Council, launch of the Supreme Court helpline, and development programs for subordinate courts.
She described these measures as timely and effective, expressing confidence that his strong leadership would ensure good governance and justice. The High Commissioner also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to support Bangladesh.

Nine officials, including the British High Commissioner, visited the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute on Monday to check on those injured in the Uttara Air Force jet crash. According to the hospital’s Resident Surgeon Dr. Shaon Bin Rahman, a meeting with the acting director is ongoing. A British medical team had previously worked with the institute last week.

Palestine’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yousef S.Y. Ramadan, has expressed deep gratitude to the people of Bangladesh for their unwavering support of the Palestinian cause.
In a meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, the envoy described the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, saying: “There is no food, no medicine, and children are the worst sufferers.” He highlighted that Bangladesh has been sending aid and financial contributions, which Palestinians know are coming from the Bangladeshi people.
Ramadan also praised Bangladesh for rejecting the so-called “Greater Israel” map and urged the country to increase imports of Palestinian goods. Chief Adviser Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s solidarity and support, expressing hope for a two-state solution and wider international recognition of Palestine.

Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has hailed Bangladeshi Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s recent Kuala Lumpur visit as a “significant step forward” in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in strategic and high-impact sectors.

The visit saw the signing of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three “Notes of Exchange” covering defense, energy, halal products, STEM, research, education, semiconductors, and the blue economy.

A landmark outcome was the introduction of a multiple-entry visa system for legal Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia, enabling them to travel home and return without reapplying for a visa. Ismail described the initiative as a gesture of gratitude for Bangladeshi workers’ contributions to Malaysia.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, while Malaysia reiterated its support for ASEAN peace efforts and international collaboration to address the Myanmar crisis and the Rohingya refugee situation.

“These agreements are not just paperwork — they will directly impact people’s lives through job creation, skills development, and joint economic growth,” Ismail said, adding that mutual respect and trust will continue to propel Malaysia and Bangladesh as regional and global strategic partners.

Kuala Lumpur — Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser, Major General (retd) Khililur Rahman, met with ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, Othman Hashim, at Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing Rohingya crisis.

During the meeting, Ambassador Hashim expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s continued generosity towards the displaced Rohingya population. Both sides voiced deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State and the decline in international financial aid for Rohingya refugees sheltering in Bangladesh.

They agreed to work closely towards a swift and sustainable solution to the crisis. Rahman briefed the envoy on the upcoming stakeholder dialogue on the Rohingya issue, scheduled for August 25 in Cox’s Bazar, and exchanged views on the forthcoming UN international conference on the matter. Both expressed hope that the discussions would pave the way for a concrete action plan.

Newly appointed South African High Commissioner to Dhaka, Anil Sooklal, has said his country is committed to opening an embassy in Bangladesh as soon as funding is allocated. He noted that Bangladesh and South Africa face similar challenges, including poverty, inequality, and unemployment, and that his country is eager to share its development experience.
Sooklal revealed that the idea of establishing an embassy was first proposed by Nelson Mandela during his 1997 visit to Bangladesh. He added that if a new mission opens in the region, it will be in Bangladesh. The envoy expressed interest in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical, garment, and agricultural sectors, and is working to arrange a high-level bilateral visit.