A high-level delegation led by UAE Cabinet Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan met with Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude to the UAE for its progress on resuming visa issuance for Bangladeshi citizens. Sheikh Nahyan conveyed a message of solidarity from the UAE President and reaffirmed the country’s willingness to cooperate across sectors, from investment to visa facilitation. Dr. Yunus welcomed this engagement, stating, “We appreciate such collaboration and also welcome investment proposals in various sectors.”

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has approved nine development projects, including the revitalization of lakes in Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara. The total cost is estimated at Tk 3,756.20 crore, funded by government allocations, foreign aid, and institutional contributions. Other approved projects include the establishment of Rabindra University, internal container and barge terminal at Khanpur, disaster risk management, and irrigation system improvements in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat.

In a meeting with Canadian trade envoy Paul Thoppil, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus called for expanded bilateral economic cooperation and increased investment. Thoppil said, “We believe in Bangladesh’s economic potential. That’s why we’ve brought our business leaders here.” Dr. Yunus emphasized that the current reform phase is like recovering from a 15-year-long earthquake, and international support is crucial for continued progress.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and focus on maintaining regional peace and stability. “We are aware of India’s military actions, and we find the situation extremely concerning,” said a spokesperson. China emphasized its opposition to all forms of terrorism and urged both nations—its neighbors—to avoid further escalation and work toward peaceful resolution.

Despite paying $1.883 billion to the Asian Clearing Union for March-April imports, Bangladesh’s actual foreign reserves remain above $20 billion, according to the central bank. Gross reserves stood at $22.06 billion at the start of the day but dropped to $20.18 billion by day’s end. Total gross reserves, by central bank calculation, exceed $25 billion. Notably, reserves peaked at $48.06 billion in August 2022 before plummeting due to capital flight allegedly enabled by the ruling regime.

The U.S. State Department has called on India and Pakistan to choose a responsible path toward resolving tensions, emphasizing the need for long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.

Speaking to reporters, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, "We urge both governments to move forward responsibly while maintaining peace and stability in the region. We have maintained communication with both sides at multiple levels."

Following the April attack that escalated tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, the United States expressed sympathy toward India. Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held phone calls with senior officials from both countries, urging restraint and de-escalation. Earlier, former President Donald Trump had described India's strike as "shameful."

Source: Al Jazeera

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke over the phone with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. According to Hossain, Dar did not seek any assistance during the conversation. "He only called to brief me on the recent developments and Pakistan’s response to them," said Hossain. "I reiterated our desire for peace and urged that tensions be avoided. We support resolving all issues through dialogue. If Delhi inquires, I’ll convey the same message. But we won’t take a proactive stance unless required."

National Security Adviser Khondaker Khalilur Rahman declared that Bangladesh, as a sovereign state, reserves the right to meet with any party in its national interest. Commenting on the government's contact with the Arakan Army, he said the group now controls areas along the border and is open to ceasefire talks. “Regardless of who controls the other side, we must maintain peaceful communications to manage our borders,” he added. Myanmar’s military, upset over these contacts, lodged a formal protest in April.

Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir has warned that any violation of the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity will be met with full military retaliation. While stressing Pakistan’s desire for regional and global peace, Munir stated that national dignity and public welfare would be defended at any cost. He highlighted foreign-backed terrorism in Balochistan as the gravest threat, vowing to foil all conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the province. He also noted that several government-led socio-economic projects in the region have begun yielding results.

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, during his visit to Dhaka, expressed interest in hiring more Bangladeshi workers and ensuring safe migration. In his meeting with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Matteo stated that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni may visit Bangladesh before September to boost bilateral ties. He praised the Bangladeshi community in Italy and called for more such responsible migrants. Prof. Yunus assured Italy of Bangladesh’s commitment to combat illegal migration and human trafficking through joint efforts.

Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized the need to ensure both food security and fair treatment of farmers. She criticized import policies that hurt local agriculture and called for market analysis before importing food products. Akhtar also raised concerns about the over-mechanization of agriculture, which reduces livestock use and impacts rural livelihoods. “Consumers deserve safe food, but farmers must also be able to earn a profit,” she said.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. According to the Pakistan High Commission, Dar briefed the adviser on India’s “baseless allegations” and “unilateral actions” contributing to growing regional tensions. He particularly criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as a reckless move. Adviser Hossain expressed concern over the current situation and emphasized the need for restraint by all parties to de-escalate tensions. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and stressed the importance of maintaining regular high-level contacts. They also explored opportunities for greater cooperation in regional and multilateral forums.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced that the licensing of media outlets during the former government’s tenure will undergo investigation. He accused the previous administration of manipulating media to justify abductions, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses. Alam also urged media outlets not to produce content that supports fascism. He criticized some outlets for labeling the July uprising as a movement and for referring to the current government as a transitional regime. “More people were killed in Bangladesh between July 19 and August 5 last year than in Gaza during the same period,” he said.

On Monday, Italian Interior Minister Mr. Matteo Piantedosi met with Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the Secretariat. Following the meeting, the adviser stated that Italy has expressed a keen interest in recruiting workers from Bangladesh through official, legal channels. He emphasized the importance of proper procedures, noting that some individuals misuse visas from countries like Saudi Arabia or Libya to enter Italy illegally. “They have requested that workers travel to Italy with valid Italian visas directly from Bangladesh,” he said.

Russia has offered to help de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22. In a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s readiness to support a political resolution. Lavrov had earlier held similar discussions with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, urging both sides to resolve their differences through dialogue.