Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Monday that the government will not apply for a delay in Bangladesh's graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) status, citing the fulfillment of many of the required targets. “The transition deadline should not be delayed,” he said at a programme titled 'Importance and Potential of Bangladesh Cotton Cultivation to Save Foreign Exchange', held at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) auditorium in the capital. The adviser hoped that businessmen would start preparations once an additional three years were given after graduation. But, Hossain said, both the previous government and businessmen had failed to make adequate preparations for the transition. Stay ready to face LDC graduation challenges: Dr Yunus Hossain mentioned that the government plans to take effective measures within two months to declare cotton an agricultural product and boost its production in the country. He urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to urgently withdraw the tax imposed on domestic cotton. About the land fertility issue, he noted that tobacco cultivation is depleting soil health, and suggested that cultivating cotton on tobacco lands could benefit farmers while contributing to the country's economy. The adviser said that the government, led by Dr. Yunus, would not hesitate to make decisions in the national interest, even if they go against certain groups. He assured that policy support would be provided to promote cotton cultivation. Expedite trade facilitation roadmap implementation for LDC graduation: Sk Bashir Touhid Hossain also highlighted that while the United States imposes tariffs on cotton exports, Bangladesh remains exempt. He suggested that measures could be taken to import cotton from the US.

European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib is now visiting Bangladesh. The Commissioner, now visiting the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar, is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday noon. She will attend a book launching programme titled “Bangladesh, 36 July 2024” in a city park on Monday afternoon. The European Commissioner will meet Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after attending the book launching event, officials told UNB. She is working towards ensuring a more robust and proactive approach to European crisis management and civil preparedness, both within their borders and on the global stage. Hadja Lahbib is responsible for promoting equality and inclusion and upholding the rights of minorities with the aim of creating a fairer society and social model for everyone. To this end, she is in charge of developing a Roadmap for Women’s Rights for International Women’s Day 2025, setting out the key gender equality policy principles for the years ahead. Diplomats of 27 European countries to meet CA Dec 9 This, in turn, will frame the work for a new Gender Equality Strategy. Hadja Lahbib is also the Commissioner in charge of preparedness and crisis management. She is working towards ensuring a more robust and proactive approach to European crisis management and civil preparedness, both within their borders and on the global stage. Commissioner Hadja Lahbib arrived in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. She was warmly received by Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon arrival.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday expressed Bangladesh's desire for a "deeper cooperation" in energy sector with Oman and requested for guaranteed energy supply from the country in the Middle East. On the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, the Foreign Affairs Adviser met with Foreign Minister of Oman Sayyid Badr Albusaidi and discussed various issues of mutual interests. The Foreign Minister of Oman welcomed Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain to Oman. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations the two countries are enjoying. The two countries recalled that Bangladesh and Oman will soon complete the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations and agreed to duly celebrate it. The Foreign Affairs Adviser invited his Omani counterpart to visit Bangladesh to mark the celebration, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He thanked the government of Oman for hosting a large number of Bangladeshi expatriates in Oman who are contributing to both the economies. Touhid Hossain, Jaishankar likely to hold talks during Indian Ocean Conference in Oman The Foreign Affairs Adviser requested his Omani counterpart the consideration of the Oman government for recruitment of Bangladeshi professionals like doctors, engineers, IT professionals and nurses by the country . He also requested to recruit shipbuilding technicians from Bangladesh.  The Foreign Affairs Adviser also held meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Soltan Al Muraikhi. He thanked the government of Qatar for hosting a good number of Bangladeshi expatriates in Qatar. The Foreign Affairs Adviser requested consideration of the Government of Qatar for recruitment of Bangladeshi professionals like doctors, engineers, IT professionals and nurses. He invited representatives from the relevant authorities from Qatar to visit Bangladesh to meet the professionals for prospective recruitment. Foreign Adviser Hossain likely to meet Indian EAM Jaishankar at Indian Ocean Conf in Oman Hossain also welcomed investment from Qatar and both sides highlighted the importance of visits from private sectors of Qatar to Bangladesh to identify the sectors for investment.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has laid emphasis on maintaining "balanced relations" while pursuing its broader foreign policy, noting that the term "non-aligned" has become actually almost “defunct” these days. "For a country like Bangladesh, it is extremely important that we maintain a balanced relationship," he said on Monday, adding that very few (countries) are truly non-aligned. Hossain made the remarks while responding to a question at an international seminar at the Foreign Service Academy. While speaking at the closing session of the seminar, the Foreign Adviser said Bangladesh has been very firm on many issues of foreign policy, including the Rohingya crisis. He also referred to the relations between India and China while Bangladesh is maintaining good relations with both. The Foreign Adviser also highlighted the importance of Bangladesh’s relations with the United States where Bangladesh has a huge market and a huge diaspora. In terms of balancing relations with the important countries, Hossain said, they are doing quite well though the evaluation will come at the end of their term, not now. Responding to a question, the Foreign Adviser said technically the Rohingyas are not refugees and they do not address them as refugees but they accept the position of the UNHCR to take care of them. Read: India hopeful of greater trade connectivity, economic engagement with Bangladesh The Foreign Adviser laid emphasis on a complete roadmap in terms of repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin – Rakhine – ensuring their safety and dignity. The Department of International Relations and the Center for Genocide Studies at the University of Dhaka in collaboration with the Foreign Service Academy and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees organized the seminar titled “The Rohingyas in Bangladesh: In Search of a Sustainable Future.”

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said that Bangladesh's ties with major powers like the United States are not government-specific, indicating no major change in relations during Donald Trump's presidency. "We have nothing to speculate," he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, expressing optimism things will move on smoothly in terms of relations with the United States. When the new administration in the US will assume office, Hossain said, “There might be some remarks, which we will look into accordingly.” Dhaka to urge Beijing for lower interest rates, extended repayment period: Touhid Hossain "Our relations with India, China and the US are very important. We will surely maintain balanced relations with these three countries protecting our own interests," Hossain said, adding that Bangladesh is not to be dissatisfied with any country. He said Bangladesh will maintain good relations with these three countries protecting Dhaka's interests. President-elect Donald Trump is preparing more than 100 executive orders starting Day One of the new White House, in what amounts to a shock-and-awe campaign on border security, deportations and a rush of other policy priorities, according to an AP report. Trump told Republican senators about the onslaught ahead during a private meeting on Capitol Hill. Many of the actions are expected to launch on Inauguration Day, Jan 20, when he takes office. Trump top adviser Stephen Miller outlined for the GOP senators the border security and immigration enforcement measures that are likely to launch soonest. In November last year, Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain said the interim government does not foresee any major change in its relations with the United States. Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser “It wouldn’t be right to think that there will be any big change in our relationship with the Trump Administration,” he told the journalists while responding to a question on the specific issue of Trump’s return to the White House. The foreign affairs adviser said the relations between the two countries are not based on any particular party, but of the two states, he said. The Biden Administration has been providing full-fledged support for the current interim government of Bangladesh and the reform process. Hossain said they will observe for the first two-three months. “Then we will see what steps the Trump Administration takes. Based on that, we’ll work with the US," he said in November. Congratulating US President-elect Donald Trump, interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said he looks forward to working together with the new US administration to further strengthen the Dhaka-Washington partnership and foster sustainable development. “I firmly believe that the possibilities are endless as our two friendly nations work towards exploring newer avenues of partnership,” said the Nobel Peace Laureate in his message conveying his heartfelt felicitations to Trump on behalf of his government and the people of Bangladesh on his victory in the US Presidential Election 2024. We back interim govt, reform agenda: EIB VP tells Dr Yunus Prof Yunus said electing Trump as the US President for a second term reflects that his leadership and vision have resonated with the people of the United States of America. “I am confident that under your stewardship, the United States will thrive and continue to inspire others around the world. Bangladesh and the United States share a long history of friendship and collaboration across numerous areas of mutual interest,” said the chief adviser. He said the relationship continued to grow in depth and breadth during Trump’s previous term in the office.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has emphasised the interim government's commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and urged Non-Resident Bangladeshis to leverage their expertise and networks to invest in Bangladesh's key sectors. "By partnering with the government and local enterprises, NRBs can unlock untapped opportunities while gaining a foothold in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world," Hossain said while speaking at the "NRB Conclave" at Foreign Service Academy. Members of the Bangladesh Brand Forum and Non- Resident Bangladeshis were present at the event under the theme "Transforming Bangladesh through Knowledge Remittance." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with Bangladesh Brand Forum and other partners, is committed to transforming Bangladesh into a nation that thrives on knowledge, innovation, and global partnerships, said the Adviser. Bangladesh needs to maintain good ties with India, China, US: Foreign Adviser "Together, we can achieve the vision of a prosperous, inclusive, and respected Bangladesh. Let us embrace this opportunity with determination and unity. The world is watching, and the future is calling," the adviser added. Hossain said the NRBs with expertise in technology can facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills; collaborate with local startups and businesses to foster a culture of innovation; advocate for the establishment of Tech Incubators and R&D Centers that drive homegrown solutions. He said the story of Bangladesh is one of resilience, innovation, and boundless potential. "Yet, the global perception of our nation often falls short of this reality." The Adviser said the interim government, unfortunately, has been confronted with a misinformation and disinformation campaign in a part of the media in the region based mostly on falsehood. "We have to develop our narrative based on the truth. NRBs, as credible and influential ambassadors, can play a pivotal role in reshaping this narrative," Hossain said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a diplomatic letter to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in an effort to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back. "We have informed India," Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters on Monday, referring to the note verbale addressed to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal has confirmed that they have received the extradition request for Sheikh Hasina from the interim government of Bangladesh. "We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request," he said, adding that at this time, they have no comment to offer on this matter. On December 8, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said they would formally approach India seeking former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition after completing the required legal procedures. "Our government's position on the extradition of Sheikh Hasina is very clear. We want to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country to face the law," he said during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. The interim government claims that Hasina was the key person who passed the order in the "massacre" that took place during her tenure, killing more than 1,500 people in July-August. Bangladesh has an extradition treaty with India. In September, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be extradited and brought to justice if she committed crimes. "Why shouldn't she be? If she committed crimes, she should be extradited and brought to justice… She should be facing justice too," he said while responding to a question at "The New York Times Climate Forward Event." On November 12, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Advocate Md Tajul Islam wrote to Inspector General of Police Md Moinul Islam, urging the issuance of a red notice through Interpol to secure the return of Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives. Earlier, on October 17, a three-member ICT bench led by its Chairman, Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumdar, issued arrest warrants for 46 people, including Sheikh Hasina and former minister Obaidul Quader, in separate cases. Among SAARC member countries, India has extradition treaties with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, as well as an extradition arrangement with Sri Lanka. In July 2016, Bangladesh and India amended Article 10 (3) of their bilateral Extradition Treaty to facilitate the swift extradition of fugitive criminals between the two nations. Sheikh Hasina is facing multiple charges, including murder, following the formation of an interim government on August 8, after her resignation on August 5.

Visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will make a brief statement for the media after his meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain Monday afternoon. There will be a separate briefing by Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 5:30pm. Indian FS Vikram Misri arrives in Dhaka for bilateral talks amid tension Vikram Misri arrived here on Monday morning to hold a several meetings in Dhaka, including Foreign Office Consultations, which is seen as an opportunity to address mutual concerns. Ishrat Jahan, Director General (South Asia wing) received the Indian Foreign Secretary upon his arrival in Dhaka. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma was also present.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain reaffirmed on Tuesday that the government remains committed to providing adequate medical care and ensuring the rehabilitation of those injured in the July revolution. “I reassure that the government is committed to providing support as long as they require it,” said the adviser while visiting the injured in the July revolution, now undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation at Agargaon in the capital. Ganabhaban to become ‘July Revolution Memorial Museum’ highlighting 2024 uprising and 16 years of repression He said the current government is ‘very serious’ about providing treatment to the injured. Hossain enquired about the treatment of the injured and listened to their problems. After the treatment, the injured will be rehabilitated according to their qualifications, the foreign adviser said. "We have a decision - when the doctors tell us that treatment is not possible here, and then we will arrange to send them abroad,” he said regarding the better treatment of the injured abroad.