In a meeting held on Thursday, newly appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alexander Grigorievich Khodzine, and Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The ambassador discussed various facets of the Bangladesh-Russia relationship and explored opportunities for mutual support in elections to international bodies, including UN agencies. The foreign secretary assured that Bangladesh will maintain constructive engagement with Russia in multilateral forums in line with its national interests and established diplomatic principles.

Following the U.S. decision to impose a 125% tariff on Chinese goods, China is ramping up engagement with major trade blocs. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held virtual meetings with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Malaysian Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul. Both sides expressed eagerness to initiate negotiations on market access and electric vehicle pricing, and to redirect exports previously bound for the U.S. toward Europe. China reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN and all trade partners.

In an ongoing effort to maintain law and order, Bangladesh Armed Forces, under the direction of ISPR, conducted several joint operations across the country from April 3 to April 9. The nationwide crackdown resulted in the arrest of 608 individuals, including listed criminals, robbers, extortionists, fugitives, muggers, teenage gang members, drug dealers, addicts, and brokers. Seized items included 21 illegal firearms, 295 rounds of ammunition, various local weapons, stolen mobile phones, passports, laptops, counterfeit currency, foreign currency, and a significant amount of narcotics and cash. These actions are part of a broader initiative to restore stability in light of recent unrest.

At an MoU signing with Japan’s Onodera User Run Inc., Advisor Asif Nazrul announced initiatives to increase employment opportunities abroad. Under the program, Bangladeshi workers will receive free training and certification for jobs in developed countries like Japan without incurring migration costs.

Retired Inspector General of Police (IGP) Moynul Islam has been appointed as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Poland for a two-year term, effective April 10. The appointment requires him to relinquish all affiliations with other professional or organizational roles. Moynul was previously appointed IGP following the fall of the Awami League government in August.

Foreign and local investors attending a four-day investment summit in Dhaka were introduced to the government’s roadmap for Bangladesh in 2035. Political parties also participated. BIDA reported that the summit helped establish a long-term investment pipeline, which is expected to significantly increase foreign direct investment. According to Nahian Rahman, over 450 foreign investors attended and left with a positive impression of Bangladesh. However, it may take 18 to 24 months for these investments to materialize.

China has called on India to join forces in confronting the consequences of U.S. trade protectionism, particularly policies introduced under former President Donald Trump.

Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, stated, “The China-India relationship is built on economic complementarity and mutual benefit. The unreasonable tariff policies of the United States have deprived many nations—especially in the Global South—of their development rights. As the world’s two largest developing nations, China and India should tackle these challenges together.”

She added, “No one wins in a trade or tariff war. Countries must uphold principles of broad consultation, genuine multilateralism, and jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism.”

Sharmin Sheila, known on social media as “Cream Apa,” was arrested on Thursday for allegedly abusing her child to generate online views and income. The case was filed following public outrage over her treatment of the child in videos aimed at earning money through social media platforms.

Bangladesh’s Trade Advisor has downplayed concerns about India’s cancellation of transshipment, stating that it will not cause significant problems for Bangladesh. He mentioned that the focus should be on enhancing domestic capacity, and that India’s sudden decision would not affect Bangladesh’s trade severely. He emphasized efforts to address infrastructural issues and rising costs while working to increase commercial capabilities and overcome any obstacles.

A case has been filed against Sharmine Sheila, also known as Cream Upper, at Ashulia Police Station. The Sadar Upazila Women’s Affairs Officer accused her of subjecting her two-year-old child to cruel treatment for online income. The charges include forcing the child to perform actions against her will, such as forcing her to eat cake-like items, applying makeup, and enduring physical punishment while being filmed. Police have stated that legal actions are underway.

Kiak Sung, founder of the Korean Export Processing Zone (EPZ), stated that Bangladesh, currently the world’s second-largest garment exporter among single countries, is well-positioned to claim the top spot. He emphasized that achieving this goal requires strategic reforms, increased use of technology, and the development of in-house production facilities for hand-spun yarn.

Sung highlighted the importance of policy support and the need for more bonded warehouses to ensure the swift availability of raw materials. This, he said, will enable manufacturers to produce and export garments more efficiently. He also praised the Bangladesh government’s proactive response during the temporary suspension of tariff policies under the Trump-era trade regulations.

Russia and the United States have started a second round of talks in Istanbul to resolve issues affecting their embassy operations. The discussions, led by senior diplomats from both sides, aim to stabilize diplomatic missions without touching on political or security matters, including Ukraine. The talks follow years of mutual complaints about visa difficulties, restricted movements, and property disputes. Progress has reportedly been made on some issues, though no major breakthroughs are expected in this session.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has left for Turkey to participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ public relations officer Kamrul Islam Bhuiyan. Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus was originally invited but could not attend. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will inaugurate the event. The adviser is scheduled to meet foreign ministers from Turkey, Slovakia, Azerbaijan, and Gambia, along with the Secretary-General of an international organization.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that no country wishes well for Bangladesh more than India does. Expressing concern, he highlighted the deep-rooted, people-centric relationship between the two nations. “The key takeaway from our BIMSTEC meeting is that due to historical reasons, India’s relationship with Bangladesh is very unique—it’s fundamentally a people-to-people connection, more than with any other country,” Jaishankar said. He also voiced concerns over rising fundamentalist trends in Bangladesh, stating, “As a country rooted in democratic traditions, elections are vital for democracy. We hope Bangladesh will stay on that path.”

Dr. Mumtazur Rahman Daud, CEO of Bangla US LLC, announced at an investment summit that the company is investing $1.6 billion (approximately Tk 2000 crore) to build an international-standard hospital in Bangladesh by 2026. The project also includes plans for a nursing university and industrial facilities, aiming to significantly enhance the country’s healthcare and industrial sectors.