Japan’s newly appointed Ambassador to Bangladesh, Iwama Kiminori, visited Rohingya camps and pledged continued support. Since 2017, Japan has provided over $250 million through international agencies and NGOs for projects in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. The ambassador confirmed Tokyo’s ongoing commitment to assisting the Bangladeshi government and stakeholders in resolving the crisis.

Speaking at the first International Bangladesh Studies Conference in Istanbul, Professor Dr. Yasin Aktay, former adviser to Turkish President Erdoğan, reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development. Dr. Mahmudur Rahman noted that resisting Indian dominance was central to the political philosophy of the July Revolution, which will shape future Bangladesh. Ambassador M. Amanul Haq highlighted enhanced bilateral ties, particularly in economic and defense sectors, following the revolution.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus met the Chinese Ambassador to discuss moving joint commitments into action. Both sides want immediate implementation of projects instead of delays. Preparations for Mongla and Anwara economic zones are almost done and will soon be handed over to developers. A deal for four ships from China is set to be finalized and executed by June. Plans are underway to launch direct Kunming–Chattogram flights. China has also pledged to help build a 1,000-bed hospital and a special burn unit in Chattogram. Additionally, a 50-year water management plan, including the Teesta River project, is being initiated.

Bangladesh has strongly rejected India’s remarks regarding the recent death of Bhavesh Chandra Roy in Dinajpur. Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam stated, “It is unfortunate that India has described Bhavesh Chandra Roy’s death as part of a ‘systematic persecution’ of Hindu minorities under the interim government. We categorically reject this baseless allegation.”
He emphasized that minorities in Bangladesh do not face any discrimination with the support of the government, and the state remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious identity.
Shafiqur Alam further clarified that the deceased had gone out with some acquaintances, and his family did not report anything suspicious regarding the outing. The autopsy report found no visible injuries on the body. He urged all parties to refrain from spreading confusion.

In response to a headline by Prothom Alo questioning his “lavish lifestyle,” politician Hasnat Abdullah denied all allegations and challenged anyone to prove he accepted a single taka unlawfully. He claimed the report was retaliation for his social media post criticizing India’s RAW agency. “They want to silence me with misinformation, but our fight against Indian imperialism and its local allies will continue,” he stated. He also accused the media of targeting honest and patriotic politicians.

Journalist Zulkarneyn Sayer has called on the government’s Press Wing to compile a comprehensive list of individuals killed in India over the past year by “cow vigilantes” and members of the BJP-RSS factions. In a Facebook post, Sayer urged the authorities to include victims’ names, religious affiliations—particularly Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians—the cause of their deaths, dates, locations, and those responsible. He also suggested that the list be published through the Office of the Chief Adviser or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a formal statement of condemnation. He noted that experienced journalists in the Press Wing are well-equipped to carry out this task.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X expressing deep concern over the abduction and brutal murder of Bhavesh Chandra Roy in Jessore. He described the incident as part of a pattern of systematic violence against Hindu minorities under the interim government. Jaiswal called on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of minorities and not to make excuses or discriminate in fulfilling their responsibilities.

In a Facebook post, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of national security during visa evaluations. The embassy stated that no visas are issued unless all security concerns are resolved. Applicants submitting fake documents will not only be denied visas but may also face legal action in both the U.S. and their home country. US chairperson Moin Chowdhury advised visa applicants to avoid brokers and fraudulent paperwork.

Russia has declined to extradite former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, despite growing pressure from Syria’s new government under President Ahmed Al-Shara to bring him back for trial over crimes against the people. Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Alparus Kutrashev, said Assad continues to reside in Moscow under the condition of avoiding media and political activities. “President Putin made the decision to grant him asylum, and that remains unchanged,” he said.

Retail onion prices have surged from Tk 30–35 to Tk 70 per kg. Investigations reveal that a syndicate of middlemen has been hoarding onions, citing the ban on Indian imports to create market instability. The group aims to send a message that the domestic supply cannot meet demand without Indian imports. Experts warn that this group is attempting to push local onion prices over Tk 100 in the coming months. Vegetable prices have also increased, prompting experts to recommend stricter government market control, similar to measures taken during Ramadan.

In a recent Foreign Secretary-level meeting, Bangladesh and Pakistan reaffirmed their shared commitment to reviving bilateral relations. The discussions covered political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic cooperation. Emphasis was placed on shared history and people-to-people ties. Pakistan stressed finalizing pending agreements, enhancing trade and connectivity, and resolving the Kashmir issue through peaceful means based on UN resolutions. Both sides also condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza and called for protection of human rights.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Tawhid Hossain has identified the Arakan Army as the primary obstacle to the repatriation of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh. “We are stuck — we cannot directly negotiate with them, nor can we completely ignore them,” he said. On the broader issue of overseas migration, Hossain noted that 80% of the problems faced by migrant workers originate in Dhaka, while the remaining 20% occur in destination countries. Despite staff shortages at Bangladeshi embassies, he stressed the need to address 100% of expatriate issues. Citing economic progress, he noted that Bangladesh’s exports have grown from $1 billion in the 1980s to $60 billion today, crediting the diplomatic corps for playing a role. He also highlighted the contributions of foreign service officers in shaping international public opinion during the Liberation War.

In response to Bangladesh’s condemnation of alleged misinformation and Muslim persecution amid protests over the Wakf Act in West Bengal, India has firmly rejected the remarks. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Bangladesh’s reaction appears to be an attempt to deflect from ongoing concerns about minority oppression within its own borders. “Criminals behind such communal incidents are still freely roaming,” he added. Jaiswal emphasized that instead of making baseless comments, Bangladesh would be better served by focusing on protecting the rights of its own minorities. Notably, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused both Professor Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of fueling the current communal tensions.

Deputy Press Secretary Azad Majumder has stated that an independent nation cannot shape its foreign policy around pleasing one neighbor at the expense of distancing another. He emphasized a “Bangladesh-first” approach moving forward. Majumder called for Pakistan to offer a formal apology, return Bangladesh’s rightful assets, and ensure the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. He cited global examples of former enemies becoming allies, such as the U.S. and Japan after World War II.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary met with two U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretaries—Nicole Chulick and Andrew Herrup—during which they discussed bilateral trade, investment, development cooperation, people-to-people ties, and the Rohingya crisis. The Foreign Secretary briefed them on Bangladesh’s ongoing reforms and efforts to reduce the trade deficit. The U.S. side urged for visible progress within the 90-day review period, stressing the urgency of the timeline. The Foreign Secretary clarified that Bangladesh does not consider the 90-day period a pause, but rather a time to work proactively with all stakeholders to resolve issues in mutual interest. He also urged reconsideration of USAID’s recent funding cuts in the health and agriculture sectors, and called for U.S. participation and support in the upcoming Rohingya conference.