Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday expressed the hope that the understandings that the two border forces have will be implemented in a cooperative approach in combating the crimes along the border. He had a discussion with Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on India's commitment to ensuring a crime-free border and effectively addressing the challenges. Referring to an understanding in regards to fencing the border, the High Commissioner said the two border forces- BSF and BGB - have been in communication. BGB's firm stand forces India to halt border fence construction: Home Adviser He also talked about addressing the challenges of smuggling. In a move to address escalating tensions along the Bangladesh-India border, the Indian High Commissioner had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Jashim to discuss recent border-related issues. The Indian High Commissioner was seen entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building at around 3pm on Sunday, following reports of heightened tensions along the shared border of the two neighbouring countries. He made a brief statement after the meeting that lasted over half an hour. India extends Hasina’s visa amid Bangladesh’s extradition demand Earlier in the day, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed and the Indian High Commissioner may be summoned soon to discuss the matter. "Work at all disputed points has been halted and we will not allow further activities." The India-Bangladesh border, one of the longest international borders in the world, has often been a point of contention, with incidents ranging from border security issues to the movement of people.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Issa bin Yousef Al-Duhailan on Thursday said his country has all the necessary capabilities to support any crude oil-based project on commercial terms of supply. US Embassy Dhaka welcomes Tracey Ann Jacobson as Chargé d’affaires  He also emphasised that Saudi Aramco's investment plans do not include investing in the refinery construction project in Bangladesh.

Apparently referring to deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported visa extension, the interim government on Thursday said visa issue does not exist once passport is cancelled. “I would give you general answer – if passport is cancelled, no visa issue remains there,” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters while responding to a question at a weekly briefing at the ministry. Hasina’s visa extension not taken positively by people: Rizvi He also said the passport cancellation issues are notified through Bangladesh Missions abroad so that the countries which have diplomatic relations with Bangladesh know about the cancellation. “As we don’t have additional information, we would not speculate,” Alam added. Earlier, the Department of Immigration and Passports revoked the passports of 97 people, including Hasina, due to their alleged involvement in the July killings and alleged involved in enforced disappearances. However, the Hindustan Times, a major national daily of India, reported that Sheikh Hasina’s visa extension was recently approved, facilitated by India’s Union Home Ministry through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). India extends Hasina’s visa amid Bangladesh’s extradition demand Hasina, 77, has been residing in India since fleeing her country in August last year, following widespread protests that culminated in her resignation. "Like you, I too came to know about this (extension of Sheikh Hasina's visa) through the newspaper. What can we do?" Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain posed a counter question when journalists approached him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. He also said they have not yet received a response to the letter (note verbale) sent to India requesting Sheikh Hasina's extradition. “At this moment, we are waiting for India’s reply,” Spokesperson Alam said on Thursday, adding that there is no relation between former Prime Minister’s status in India and Dhaka’s request for her extradition. The Spokesperson said everyone knows that she in India and Bangladesh requested her extradition as a citizen of Bangladesh. BFIU summons bank transaction details of Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, their children The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, formally requested Hasina’s extradition through a note verbale sent to India’s Ministry of External Affairs on December 23.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged Türkiye to bring their technologies to Bangladesh, invest more, relocate factories and use Bangladesh’s youth forces. “You are the leader of the technology; you can build your defence industry here. Let’s make a beginning…we are available for anything that you need,” he said when a delegation led by Türkiye Trade Minister Prof Dr Ömer Bolat called on him at the state guest house Jamuna. We back interim govt, reform agenda: EIB VP tells Dr Yunus Mentioning Bangladesh as the 8th most populous country in the world, Dr Yunus said that the interim government was working to create work opportunities for the country’s youths and sought Turkey's help in this regard. “We have to give our young people an opportunity, so we want your help; this is my appeal to your country. Use our young people to run your factories here so that you can supply your products in the region,” he said. The Chief Adviser said Bangladesh and Turkey have the potential to build a dream relationship through mutual cooperation in various fields. Jamaat Ameer discusses reforms, national unity with Chief Adviser Yunus “The relationship between Bangladesh and Turkey is very warm; we want to build it in all sectors.”  There are so many things to be done, some we want your support, your technology, and your investments," Dr Yunus said. Turkey Trade Minister Prof Dr Ömer Bolat said that Bangladesh and Turkey can diversify their cooperation beyond the textile industry, which was their primary import from Bangladesh. He said that there can be economic cooperation in the field of defence industry, health care, pharmaceuticals, and farm machinery. “We can replace India and other markets in Bangladesh’s imports. There can be cooperation in economic and social fields at all levels.” He also said that Bangladesh and Turkish universities can have reciprocal cooperation. Bangladesh's exports to Turkey stood at around 581 million USD in 2023-24, while imports were around 424 million USD. Now nearly 20 large Turkish companies are operating in Bangladesh in garments and textiles, accessories, chemicals, engineering, construction, and energy sectors. Among the Turkish companies operating in Bangladesh, notable ones include the Turkish LPG company AYGAZ, Coca-Cola Içecek, and the refrigerator and AC manufacturer ARCILIK (which has acquired Singer Bangladesh Ltd.). During the meeting, the Chief Adviser recalled his telephone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in August, following which an eight-member Turkish delegation visited Bangladesh in October. Create a team for economic diplomacy; promote Bangladesh abroad: Dr Yunus asks BEPZA Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Adviser Mahfuz Alam, Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, SDG Affairs Secretary Lamiya Morshed, and BIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Chowdhory were, among others, present on the occasion.

India has refrained from commenting further on deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition request, though Bangladesh is awaiting a reply from India. "You know, a week back, I had confirmed that we have received a communication from the Bangladesh authorities in respect of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Further than that, I have nothing to add at this point in time," said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs. He made the remarks when a journalist wanted to know specifically about the issue during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday. CA Dr Yunus pays tribute to Manmohan Singh at Indian High Commission Interim government adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday said they heard that India would not return her. "Our observation is that they have made a political decision that they will not return her. We are hearing as such," the adviser said. Bangladesh was supposed to send a reminder after a certain period if no reply is received from New Delhi. “Surely, we will wait until a certain period. The diplomatic letter (note verbale) was handed over on Monday only. A reminder will be given writing again if no reply comes (from Indian side),” spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters while responding to a question at the weekly briefing recently. He said the government will take the next step based on the reply from the Indian side. "At this moment, we won’t make any comments as we will wait for the reply.” Hasina is facing over 100 cases with a wide range of charges, including murder, genocide and crimes against humanity in charge of killings during the July uprising that led to make her flee to India on August 5. Bangladesh and India signed an extradition treaty in 2013, which was later amended in 2016, providing a legal framework for such requests. India, Bangladesh set to exchange apprehended fishermen in humanitarian repatriation effort 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. Meanwhile, a Chattogram court on Thursday rejected the bail application of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote and former ISKCON leader, in a sedition case. Responding to a question on Chinmoy’s bail rejection, Jaiswal on Thursday reiterated that it is their expectation that the ongoing proceedings in Bangladesh will be ensured that the individuals who have been arrested receive a fair trial. "This is our expectation."

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.

President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus acknowledged the importance of finalising an air services agreement between the two friendly countries on Sunday. They also recognised the significance of cooperation in sectors such as SMEs, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, manpower, ICT, and disaster management. The Chief Adviser urged President Ramos-Horta to consider granting permanent residency to expatriate Bangladeshis residing in Timor-Leste for extended periods, to ease the challenges of visa renewal. Timor-Leste President assures support for resolving Rohingya crisis: CA The Timorese side assured its support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, following its full membership. The visit holds historical significance, as it marks the first-ever official visit by a head of state from Timor-Leste, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Official engagements began on Sunday morning with a welcome call on the President by Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and President José Ramos-Horta held a one-to-one meeting, followed by a bilateral delegation-level discussion at the Chief Adviser’s Office. Both leaders engaged in talks covering a wide range of issues concerning Bangladesh-Timor-Leste relations, including bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest. The Chief Adviser briefed President Ramos-Horta on the July-August Revolution and the ongoing reforms being undertaken by the interim government toward a democratic and just Bangladesh. President Ramos-Horta expressed support for the interim government’s efforts to build a new Bangladesh and commended the youth representation in the Advisory Council. The two leaders underscored the need to enhance trade and economic relations, recognising the potential for growth in bilateral trade. They also discussed collaborating on microcredit and social business initiatives. Prof Yunus requested the President’s support for Bangladesh’s stance on the repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals at the ASEAN forum, advocating for their safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation. President Ramos-Horta expressed strong backing for an early resolution of the prolonged crisis. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) and an agreement on the exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders were signed following the delegation-level talks. Timor-Leste President seeks to boost trade ties with Bangladesh After the MoU signing ceremony, both leaders addressed the press, discussing the outcomes of their meetings and the potential for further strengthening bilateral relations. The two Nobel Peace Laureates also emphasised the importance of global peace and stability, urging the international community to take action toward resolving ongoing conflicts in various regions. President José Ramos-Horta is on an official visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. A 15-member delegation, including the Foreign Minister, Principal Adviser, Chief of State Protocol, and senior officials from Timor-Leste, is accompanying the President. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus warmly welcomed President Ramos-Horta at the airport yesterday evening, where he received a red-carpet reception and a ceremonial guard of honour. President Ramos-Horta is scheduled to attend Bangladesh's 54th Victory Day celebrations on Monday and will also deliver a keynote address on "The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World" at a Dhaka think tank.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has highlighted the importance of clearing the political clouds that once overshadowed Bangladesh-India relations, emphasising the need for fostering a harmonious partnership between the two nations.  “The political clouds that once overshadowed our relations with India had to be cleared in the interest of both nations,” she said on Friday. She was speaking at an awareness and driver retraining programme on noise pollution control in the capital. Bangladesh, Morocco reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral ties While acknowledging the historical significance of Bangladesh’s the recent mass uprising, Rizwana stressed the importance of balancing this legacy with a forward-looking approach to bilateral relations.  “We cannot deny the impact of the recent movement in our nation while building friendly ties with India,” she added.   Noise Pollution and Environmental Initiatives In the same event, Rizwana announced that the Noise Pollution Control Act will soon be published as a gazette, reinforcing legal measures to combat noise pollution and protect public health. “Efforts are underway to finalise the necessary steps, and the act will be published shortly,” she said. India refrains from backing Hasina's criticism of interim government: Misri Political Reforms Rizwana also questioned the lack of progress in political reforms, urging political parties to take accountability for decades of stagnation. “If political reforms cannot be achieved without the involvement of political parties, why haven’t they been implemented in the last 53 years?” she asked, calling for immediate action.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday expressed optimism that Bangladesh and India would be able to overcome the kind of stalemate that two neighbouring countries witnessed over the last few months. “We expect that we will be able to overcome this impasse. Establishing mutual communication and meeting each other are very important to overcome any such stalemate,” he said, adding that Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is coming to Bangladesh on Monday. Speaking at a seminar at the Jatiya Press Club, Hossain said the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) is a standing mechanism and such a meeting at foreign secretary-level is nothing abnormal. “I hope they (foreign secretaries) will have a fruitful discussion,” said the Adviser, noting that it is important to acknowledge that there is a problem if they want to solve any problem. He said it is also important to note that the relations between Bangladesh and India witnessed changes after August 5 and both sides need to try and take forward the relations accepting this changed reality. The downturn that the two countries witnessed over the last few months in terms of bilateral business activities affected both Bangladesh and India, not just Bangladesh got affected, said the Adviser. He referred to the impacts that had on businesses in Kolkata and West Bengal. Bangladesh Chapter of the SAARC Journalists Forum hosted the seminar titled “The SAARC: People of South Asia Crave For” to commemorate the SAARC Day. SAARC Journalists Forum is a regional organisation of working journalists headquartered in Kathmandu. Former FBCCI President Abdul Awal Mintoo and strategic expert Brig Gen Hasan Nasir also spoke at the seminar.  Mostafa Kamal Majumder, former editor of The New Nation, delivered the keynote address. Govt warns of action against illegal foreigners in Bangladesh The Foreign Adviser said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is very sincere to revitalise the SAARC and the efforts to that end can begin with foreign-secretary level standing committee meeting of the SAARC. It might take some time to see the SAARC Summit take place and noted that SAARC remains relevant, he said. The Adviser urged the foreign journalists to take this message from Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh that they favour revitalising the SAARC, making it effective again. “Media have a big role to play.”  “SAARC is a forgotten word. If you can revitalise it, this will give dividends to the people of the whole region,” Chief Adviser Prof Yunus told Secretary General of SAARC Golam Sarwar recently. Amid strained ties and growing criticisms from both sides on post-August 5 issues, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is coming to Bangladesh on Monday to hold several meetings apart from attending the foreign secretary-level talks to address mutual concerns. This is going to be the first visit to be made by a senior Indian government official to Bangladesh since the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, came to power on August 8. Foreign Secretary Misri and his Bangladesh counterpart, Md Jashim Uddin, will lead their respective delegation at the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). "The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to visit Bangladesh on the 9th of December. He will meet his counterpart, and there will be several other meetings during the visit," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during the weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday. The FOC led by the Foreign Secretaries is a structured engagement between Bangladesh-India. "We look forward to this meeting," said the MEA spokesperson. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said there are always efforts to keep all the elements of the bilateral relations on agenda. "Discussion is underway." He, however, said there are some broad areas - trade, border management, connectivity, and water issues - and these will be discussed. "Maitri Diwas" a milestone, everlasting source of inspiration guiding Dhaka-Delhi ties: Pranay Verma Asked about the situation on the ground in Bangladesh and the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, the MEA reiterated its hope that the legal rights of the concerned individuals are respected and the trial is conducted in a "fair and transparent" manner. Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said Bangladesh wants good relations with India on a reciprocal basis. “It is very clear that we want good relations, but it should be reciprocal. We need to work to that end,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The FOC is likely to cover a range of bilateral issues, including the potential extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India and visa issues. The last FOC, an institutional dialogue mechanism between the two foreign secretaries to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations, was held in New Delhi on 24 November 2023. Both sides held comprehensive discussions on a wide range of issues covering border and security, trade, commerce and connectivity, cooperation in water, power and energy sectors, people to people ties and development cooperation in Bangladesh. They also exchanged views on sub, regional, regional and multilateral issues.  

Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata’s acting mission chief Sikder Mohammad Ashrafur Rahman has returned home and met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday as part of “consultations.” Assistant High Commissioner in Tripura Arifur Rahman was also scheduled to return home following the recent incidents in Kolkata and Agartala, said a diplomatic source. Tensions between Bangladesh and India grow over attack on Agartala mission Tensions between Bangladesh and India escalated following Monday's attack by a Hindu religious group on the Bangladesh mission in Agartala, Tripura, prompting the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry to summon the Indian High Commissioner for a formal protest. Amid the evolving situation, Bangladesh authorities on Tuesday suspended all visa and consular services at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala. The government of Bangladesh said it "deeply resents" the "violent demonstration and attack" by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity of Agartala on the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala. Visa, consular services at Bangladesh mission in Agartala suspended The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, underlined that this "heinous attack" on a diplomatic mission of Bangladesh and desecration of the national flag of Bangladesh comes in a pattern, further to a similar violent demonstration in Kolkata on November 28, 2024. "It is very clear that we want good relations, but it should be reciprocal. We need to work to that end," Adviser Hossain told reporters while responding to a question at the foreign ministry on Wednesday.