Amid heightened tensions following the Pahalgam attack, China has urged both parties to exercise restraint. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reaffirmed China’s full understanding of Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and pledged support for its efforts to safeguard sovereignty and security interests. Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance against terrorism and opposition to any steps that could escalate tensions. During a separate conversation with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Dar condemned India’s false allegations, baseless propaganda, and the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing it as a blatant violation of India’s international obligations.

Hundreds of Indians protested outside Pakistan’s High Commission in London, with a section launching an attack that broke windows and defaced the building with saffron-colored paint. Police arrested two individuals on charges of violence during the unrest. Supporters of Pakistan also organized a counter-protest. The incident comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. Both countries have since suspended key agreements and trade relations in retaliation.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain stated that Bangladesh hopes India and Pakistan will resolve their longstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
Speaking to reporters, he mentioned that while a few countries have offered to mediate, Bangladesh prioritizes regional peace and stability. “Our position is clear — we seek peace in South Asia,” he said.
He emphasized that although direct fallout from an India-Pakistan conflict is unlikely to impact Bangladesh severely, trade disruptions could occur. Bangladesh urges both nations to avoid escalations that could endanger the region’s people.

At Bangladesh’s 54th National and Independence Day celebrations, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said, “We deeply value our relationship with Bangladesh and are eager to deepen partnerships across various sectors.” He added that both Islamabad and Dhaka are actively working to enhance economic, political, and cultural cooperation. Asif praised Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress at the event, hosted by Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mohammad Iqbal Hossain Khan.

In the interest of national security, the Indian government has directed media outlets to avoid real-time coverage or broadcasting of defense and security operations. They warned that live reporting could jeopardize ongoing missions by alerting targets. Media outlets and social media users have been instructed to strictly adhere to existing regulations when reporting defense-related news.

In light of escalating tensions following the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has offered to mediate between Pakistan and India. In a message, Araghchi said, “India and Pakistan are our fraternal neighbors with whom we share centuries-old cultural ties. We are committed to fostering understanding between the two nations during these difficult times.”

Bangladesh’s delegation, led by Economic Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed, held multiple meetings with World Bank and IMF officials. The U.S. has asked Bangladesh to detail its plans for resolving tariff issues and trade deficits by increasing imports from America, including offering tariff-free access to select products. The IMF has demanded clear actions on making the currency exchange rate more flexible, increasing revenue collection, and reforming the banking sector before releasing further loan installments.

Donald Trump said he is willing to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian if necessary. This comes after recent talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations in Oman, where a tentative nuclear deal framework was discussed. A U.S. official described the talks as “very positive.” Trump stated, “I believe we are on the verge of reaching a deal with Iran.”

When asked whether the US had investigated how its aid to Bangladesh is being spent, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said they take all such inquiries seriously and would consider appropriate steps. The question followed a press conference by a Bangladeshi-American group calling for accountability in foreign aid utilization.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that Italy will assist Bangladesh in curbing illegal immigration and human trafficking, along with enhancing police capacity. During a meeting with the Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, he noted that around 250,000 skilled Bangladeshis are currently employed in Italy. The upcoming visit of Italy’s Interior Minister is expected to increase this number and strengthen bilateral ties. The ambassador confirmed that during the visit, the minister will meet Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as well as advisers on foreign affairs, law, and expatriates.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has postponed his scheduled visit to Bangladesh due to rising tensions with India over the Kashmir issue. In an official statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will not be able to undertake the planned visit to Bangladesh on April 27–28, 2025. A new date will be finalized through mutual consultation.” Ishaq Dar was expected in Dhaka on a two-day official visit starting April 27.

Due to slowing economic activity, the World Bank warns that an additional 3 million Bangladeshis may fall below the poverty line in 2025. According to its “Bangladesh Development Update,” the rate of extreme poverty—defined as living on less than $2.15 per day—could rise from 5% in 2022 to 9.3% by next year. The overall poverty rate may jump from 18.7% to 22.9%.

Bangladesh has signed two financing agreements with the World Bank totaling $850 million. Of this, $650 million is allocated for the Bay Terminal Marine Infrastructure Development Project and $200 million for a social protection enhancement initiative. These projects will run until 2031 and 2030 respectively.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Bangladesh will see an increase in dollar inflows during the current fiscal year, which is expected to ease pressure on the country’s current account deficit. According to the IMF, the growing size of the country’s GDP will contribute to an improvement in foreign currency inflows, helping to narrow the deficit in external accounts.

The report also notes that this improvement trend may continue into the next fiscal year, with the deficit likely remaining stable. Due to a dollar crisis, Bangladesh’s current account deficit had previously surged to 4% of GDP in the 2021–22 fiscal year. However, it decreased to 2.6% in 2022–23, and further declined to just 1.4% of GDP in the 2023–24 fiscal year.

Chaired by President and Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Executive Committee of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) held its meeting. The Army Chief expressed gratitude to all federations and ministries involved. He shared hope for the successful implementation of the proposed Olympic Complex in Trishal, Mymensingh, with construction of the indoor stadium expected to begin in June. The committee also made decisions regarding participation in the 3rd Asian Youth Games, 6th Islamic Solidarity Games, 14th South Asian Games, and hosting the 10th Bangladesh Games.