A US delegation, including Deputy Assistant Secretary Nicole A. Chulick and Andrew Herrup, met with National Security Adviser Dr. Khairul Rahman to discuss regional peace, security, and bilateral relations. The talks covered the Rohingya crisis and the evolving situation in Myanmar. The US delegation praised Bangladesh’s response and strategies in managing the refugee influx.

Bangladesh has not yet reached an agreement with the IMF regarding the fourth and fifth tranches of its $4.7 billion loan program. The IMF said discussions will continue, with possible disbursement by the end of June if conditions are met. The IMF noted a rise in non-performing loans (NPLs) and urged effective reforms. Currently, NPLs average 43% in state-owned banks and 16% in private banks—well above IMF targets of 10% and 5%, respectively.

Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said Bangladesh is working to reduce its trade deficit with the US by diversifying exports. He mentioned attempts to revive GSP privileges and highlighted planned discussions with the World Bank, ADB, IMF, and OPEC Fund regarding budget support and project financing. Potential deals may also be reached concerning the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, despite existing sanctions. Private sector partnerships, particularly in the energy sector, are also being explored.

On the transshipment issue, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal advised observers to consider events on the Bangladeshi side leading up to India’s decision to cancel the facility. While noting that exports to Nepal and Bhutan would remain unaffected, he reiterated India’s interest in maintaining constructive relations with Bangladesh and enhancing regional trade. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi trade officials estimate an added cost of BDT 2,000 crore due to the withdrawal.

During a meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized strengthening bilateral relations to unlock trade and business potential. He stated, “We must find ways to overcome obstacles and move forward.” Baloch echoed his sentiments, stressing the need to utilize the region’s vast market and encourage private sector engagement and cultural exchange between the two countries. The leaders also pledged continued collaboration in multilateral forums like SAARC, OIC, and D-8.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus held a meeting with a visiting US delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretaries Nicole A. Chulick and Andrew Herrup. During the discussion, the US expressed strong support for Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives and praised the country for sheltering 1.2 million Rohingya refugees. The Chief Adviser highlighted the identification of 180,000 Rohingyas for repatriation to Rakhine as a significant step forward. Nicole Chulick commended Bangladesh’s holistic approach to the Myanmar crisis. Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for reinstating Rohingya aid and granting additional tariff waivers. He also voiced support for Trump-era trade policies.

In a significant diplomatic move, Bangladesh has called on Pakistan to formally apologize for the 1971 genocide and return $4.2 billion in assets that belonged to Bangladesh before independence. The appeal was made during the first foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries in 15 years. Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary stated that Pakistan has shown initial willingness to engage in discussions on both demands. The two nations also expressed interest in strengthening trade, connectivity, and cooperation in education, agriculture, and transportation. The talks mark a thaw in bilateral relations, which have seen improvement since the change in government in Dhaka last year. Direct shipping routes have resumed, and Bangladesh has eased visa processes for Pakistani citizens to further boost engagement.

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch has described her recent visit to Dhaka as a positive experience, highlighting fruitful discussions between the two countries. “I’m happy to be in Dhaka—the food was great and the shopping was enjoyable. Our talks were productive,” she said. Baloch led Islamabad’s delegation in the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held on the Padma River, while Bangladesh was represented by Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin. This marked the sixth round of foreign secretary-level talks and the first in over a decade. Baloch is also scheduled to meet with the Chief Adviser during her visit.

Steve Witkoff, envoy for former U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that Iran must halt its nuclear enrichment and weapons program to secure a deal with a potential future Trump administration. “Any deal with Iran must be a Trump deal,” Witkoff emphasized, adding that the agreement must establish a framework for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister noted conflicting messages from the U.S. and said such contradictions hinder effective negotiations. “If the Americans present a constructive position, I am optimistic about a potential agreement. If contradictions continue, the process will become increasingly difficult,” he added.

For the first time in 15 years, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to hold foreign secretary-level talks today. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday. Discussions will focus on trade, investment, connectivity—especially air links—defense, education, agriculture, fisheries, culture, and sports. Regional and multilateral cooperation through platforms like SAARC, OIC, and D-8 will also be addressed. The last such meeting was held in Islamabad in 2010. Amna Baloch will also pay courtesy visits to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Under the directive of the Principal Advisor, the Bangladesh Armed Forces have successfully completed a coordinated humanitarian assistance mission for earthquake victims in Myanmar. Overseen by the Armed Forces Division, the operation involved the distribution of relief, rescue activities, and medical support.

To honor the participating rescue and medical teams, a special reception was held on Wednesday at the Army Multipurpose Complex in Dhaka Cantonment. Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hasan, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, presented commemorative tokens to each team member. The event was attended by senior officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, various ministries, and Myanmar’s military, naval, and air attachés based in Dhaka.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan inaugurated the newly installed GM 403M air defense radar at the 71st Squadron of the Bangladesh Air Force. The advanced system is expected to significantly enhance the country’s aerial defense and technological capabilities, reinforcing the BAF’s commitment to securing Bangladeshi airspace.

A delegation led by Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed will meet USTR representatives next week over a 37% retaliatory tariff. Adviser Bashiruddin said, “The cancellation of transshipment facilities will increase our costs by about BDT 2,000 crore. We’re engaged in round-the-clock talks.” He emphasized inflation is declining and purchasing power is improving, which may cushion families from rising product prices.

U.S. President Donald Trump has increased tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 245%. The White House cited China’s retaliatory actions, including a ban on exporting six heavy rare earth metals and magnets essential for military, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. The administration accused China of deliberately restricting critical materials like gallium, germanium, and antimony. The move is framed as part of Trump’s “America First” trade policy.

Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani held a telephone conversation with Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Tawhid Hossain. The two discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. The conversation also covered aspects of economic cooperation, diplomacy, and the welfare of expatriates. The dialogue is seen as a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, paving the way for closer and more effective collaboration between the two nations.