Bangladesh and India are preparing for a high-level Foreign Secretary meeting in Dhaka next month, with discussions likely to cover a range of bilateral issues, including the potential extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. At the Foreign Ministry's weekly briefing on Thursday, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing Toufique Hasan confirmed that an inter-ministerial meeting has already taken place to coordinate preparations for the upcoming talks. The Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) is scheduled to be held early December in Dhaka. “There is scope for discussion on the matter (extradition of Sheikh Hasina),” Hasan said at a weekly media briefing. Sheikh Hasina, who fled Dhaka on August 5 and has been residing in India since then, is facing trial in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for alleged involvement in mass killings during the July-August uprising. While the government intends to bring her back, Hasan emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet received any formal directive to initiate the extradition process. “We will engage with Delhi and begin the formal process in accordance with the existing extradition treaty once we receive the necessary instructions,” he clarified in response to queries. The FOC will be led by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Regarding the review of existing agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, Hasan noted that these fall under the jurisdiction of various ministries in Bangladesh. “Consultations with all relevant stakeholders are crucial, and implementing any measure will take time,” he said, adding that although there has been limited progress over the past 100 days, there is hope for “significant progress” in the coming months. On the topic of Indian visas, Hasan confirmed that the Indian Visa Center is operational but is currently prioritizing medical and student visa applications. He also addressed the issue of negative media campaigns in certain Indian outlets against Bangladesh. No decision yet on repatriation of Sheikh Hasina: MoFA Concerning direct air travel between Dhaka and Karachi, Hasan informed that Pakistan had submitted a request to resume connectivity. “The matter is under review and has been forwarded to the Ministry of Civil Aviation,” the Foreign Ministry official added, noting that updates will be provided in due course.

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West on Sunday said the United Kingdom expects Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to layout his vision for how all things will unfold as the government is committed to promoting national reconciliation. After her meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she said the UK will seek to support the people of Bangladesh as they move forward in the next phase. A journalist wanted to know whether there will be a level playing field for all political parties in the changed political scenario. In reply she said, "Of course, and we expect Prof Yunus to lay out his vision for how all that will unfold." West said they know that the interim government in Bangladesh has committed to restoring peace and order, ensuring accountability and promoting national reconciliation, and it has the full support of the UK government in these objectives. Responding to a question on BNP acting chairperson Tarique Rahman's return, the British minister said they did not discuss individual cases but they want to support the government because it is in the period of transition. "We want to support the interim government in all the works that it is doing," she said. 
 "We know that there are very strong people to people ties between Bangladesh and the UK," the UK minister said. During her meeting with the foreign affairs adviser, she welcomed the interim government's determination to build a better democratic future for the people of Bangladesh. "We have a very strong, steadfast friendship with the people of Bangladesh, we want to build the strong partnerships and build on that important building block of the strong ties and also with moving towards that democratic future," West said. Read: UK backs Bangladesh’s democratic recovery; Minister Catherine West to meet Chief Adviser Yunus Fom economics and trade to security, migration and climate change, she said there is so much that they do together that they must continue to work on. The UK minister, who arrived here on Saturday, said the people of Bangladesh deserve a pathway to a "peaceful future and accountability" after a turbulent few months. "I am here to discuss how the UK can best support the work of the interim government to stabilise its economy and move towards a peaceful and democratic future," she said. Regarding the Rohingya issue, she said they are pleased that they have been able to announce another 10 million pounds so that there can be more building of appropriate shelter for the refugees and ensure that there is proper food, medical supplies and education for the children. Her visit marks the first UK ministerial visit to the country since the formation of the interim government in August. She discussed her country's ongoing support for political and economic reforms, security, trade cooperation and UK-Bangladesh migration. The British minister said Bangladesh and the UK share a unique and historic partnership, cemented by people-to-people ties and shared commonwealth values. The visit also includes meetings with political and business leaders and civil society. Catherine West said, "The UK supports the interim government’s work to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the Bangladeshi people." British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said, "I am delighted to welcome UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West to Bangladesh." Read more: Britain keen to invest in Bangladesh’s youth education: UK Deputy High Commissioner This visit will deepen and broaden the UK’s economic and security partnership with Bangladesh, said the high commissioner. “Bangladesh is currently undergoing a transformation, and as a longstanding friend, the UK will assist in the economic and political reforms which will help Bangladesh to continue its social and economic growth as it moves towards an inclusive and democratic future.” The UK’s support following this has included the deployment of a specialised medical team to care for some of those more critically wounded during protests over the summer. Rohingya refugees and the communities which host them in Bangladesh will receive essential assistance and services through new UK funding. Bangladeshis affected by natural disasters this year will also receive UK funded assistance. Since the establishment of the interim government in August 2024, the UK has been clear in its support for interim government’s work on accountability and creating a pathway to an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh. The UK minister will meet with student leaders and political parties to discuss the UK's support for Bangladesh's democratic recovery, and with business leaders to discuss how the UK government can continue to create strong ties and boost mutually beneficial trade and investment. The recently announced UK funding has already provided food to 200,000 Rohingya refugees for a three-month period. It will now provide further support to Rohingya refugees with clean water, hygiene and sanitation services, primary healthcare, protection services and shelter materials. It will also provide assistance to those impacted by natural disasters in Bangladesh earlier this year.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday described the “campaign” against some of Bangladesh envoys abroad and those who are going to be posted afresh as “very unfortunate.”   “It’s truly very unfortunate, because an ambassador/high commissioner goes to the highest level with a long experience of 20-25 years. If he or she does not have enough experience then the government does not appoint him/her,” said Toufique Hasan, Director General (Public Diplomacy). Toufique Hasan urged journalists to verify facts before publishing any report. Foreign Ministry denounces corruption allegations against foreign cadre officials, citing audit objections misinterpretation The DG said they are not doing the good things who are working behind the Bangladesh envoys and with this they are actually portraying a negative image of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Bangladesh government abroad. On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he requested all to publish reports after being sure about facts. “Don't do anything that projects a negative image of Bangladesh.” Briefing the reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Toufique said the government has decided not to extend the service tenure of the envoys after their retirement. Around seven to eight ambassadors are scheduled to complete their assignments, and as part of ongoing reforms, they will not get extensions, he said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM), which will take place in Apia, Samoa from October 21-26. While briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will not attend the meeting. Bangladesh to take steps to bring Hasina back following arrest warrant: Foreign Adviser The Chief Adviser will, however, attend the Bimstec Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. But the Summit date is yet to be announced.   The CHOGM will be the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State. Building on progress since CHOGM 2022, leaders will deliberate on global economic, environmental and security challenges and discuss how Commonwealth countries can work together to build resilience, boost trade, innovation, growth and empower the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people for a more peaceful and sustainable future. Govt to bring back willing  expats in Lebanon first: Foreign Adviser  Leaders of Commonwealth countries meet every two years for the CHOGM, hosted by different member countries on a rotating basis. Since 1971, a total of 25 meetings have been held, with the most recent one being in Rwanda in 2022. Commonwealth Leaders meeting at CHOGM to shape Commonwealth policies and priorities on shared goals like development, democracy and peace, trade and economy, climate change and environment. The Commonwealth’s values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has called upon Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to facilitate the entry of more skilled and semi-skilled workers from Bangladesh into Malaysia. The President made the request during a meeting with the Malsysian PM at Bangabhaban on Friday. Welcoming Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with flowers, President Shahabuddin expressed optimism that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Malaysia will be further strengthened through this visit. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including bilateral trade and investment, economic and technical cooperation, the labour market, and the Rohingya crisis. President seeks global support to solve Rohingya issue President Shahabuddin requested Malaysia’s support in implementing the economic reform programme of Bangladesh’s interim government and congratulated Prime Minister Anwar for assuming the chairmanship of Asean in 2025. He conveyed Bangladesh’s interest in becoming a sectoral dialogue partner of the regional bloc and sought Malaysia’s assistance in achieving this status. Highlighting Malaysia as Bangladesh’s second-largest destination for manpower export, the President reiterated his request for increased cooperation to enable more skilled manpower to work in Malaysia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim acknowledged the significant contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia’s socio-economic development and emphasised the need for a transparent process in the recruitment of manpower. He assured Bangladesh of his support for the implementation of the interim government's reform agenda. During the meeting, the President’s foreign adviser, Tauhid Hossain, legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, and other high-ranking officials were present. The Malaysian Prime Minister concluded his visit to Bangabhaban by signing the visitors’ book.

Canada has said it remains “committed to support” the people of Bangladesh in their aspirations for a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future. “Fair elections with a viable opposition, independent democratic institutions and freedom of the press are critical to ensuring a strong and healthy democracy,” said the Canadian government in a statement. Will continue to work with government of Bangladesh on priorities that characterise longstanding relations: EU Canada expressed its “disappointment” that this electoral process has “fallen short of” the principles of democracy and freedom upon which Bangladesh was founded, and called on the relevant authorities to work transparently with all parties to move forward towards democracy, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms in line with the interests of the people of Bangladesh. New Bangladesh Ambassador Rezina Ahmed presents credentials to Portuguese president Global Affairs Canada on January 9 issued the statement regarding the parliamentary election held in Bangladesh on January 7, 2024.  “Canada commends and supports the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshi citizens and condemns the acts of intimidation and violence that took place ahead and during the elections,” said the Canadian government. Scottish MP congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, praises election process The country extended sympathy to all of those who have been affected by the violence that has occurred. Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said they will leave no stone unturned to identify the perpetrators of the heinous crime of setting a train on fire. "Each and every one will be brought to justice and exemplary punishment shall be rendered to the culprit(s), according to the law of the land," he said in a statement today. Momen said this blatant attempt to instill fear and panic among the masses is an affront to the spirit of the democracy and the enthusiastic participation of Bangladeshi citizens in the upcoming election. Government firmly committed to hold "free, fair, peaceful" polls with people’s participation: FS tells foreigners "This act of setting a train on fire, with people burning inside is characteristic of the pattern of violence that we have witnessed before as well. This has shocked the conscience of our whole society — and indeed — the whole world," he said. When people of Bangladesh are eagerly preparing for a festive national election, a horrifying act of arson took place on the evening of January 5, 2024, when the Benapole Express train was intentionally set on fire by miscreants, Momen observed. This deliberate and heinous act, which occurred at approximately 9 pm around Gopibag Kacha Bazar area when the train was on its way to Kamalapur Railway Station, has resulted in the deaths of four people including two children and scores were injured, he said. BIMSTEC chief vows to translate its grand vision into reality for deepening cooperation  “This reprehensible incident, undoubtedly orchestrated by those with malicious intent, strikes at the very heart of our democratic values,” Momen said. "The timing of this tragedy, just a day before the election scheduled for January 7, 2024, shows an absolute intention to hinder the festivity, safety and security of the democratic processes of the country," he said. Momen said it is an affront to democracy, an attack on the democratic process, and a grave violation of the rights of citizens. Bangladesh election is domestic affair: India "This deliberate act of setting a train on fire, where innocent passengers were subjected to unimaginable horror and forced to endure the unforgivable sight of fellow humans being burned alive, is an act of absolute abomination," the foreign minister said.

Queen Mother Dorji Wanmgmo Wangchuckand and her Royal delegation of Bhutan made a stopover in Dhaka on Friday. UN wants full investigation into arson attack on train that killed 4 including mother and child Naheed Ezaher Khan, MP and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen received Queen Mother Dorji Wanmgmo Wangchuckand and her Royal delegation of Bhutan during their transit at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. 140 more Bangladeshis return home from Libya

A fresh batch of 140 Bangladeshi citizens returned home from Libya on Thursday by a chartered flight of Buraq Air. Among them, 113 people were affected by floods in the city of Derna in the eastern Libya and 27 were detained at Ganfouda detention centre in Benghazi,  according to a foreign ministry press release. Over 60 people have drowned in the capsizing of a migrant vessel off Libya, the UN says A flight of Buraq Air carrying the Bangladeshi nationals landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 6:30 am on Thursday, said the release, Foreign ministry officials and officials of International Organisation for Migration (IOM) received them at the airport. Upon their arrival at the airport, the IOM provided Tk 5,919 and some food to each of the returnees. 136 more Bangladeshis repatriated from Libya At that time, Mostofa Jamil Khan, director (Welfare) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, inquired about the repatriated Bangladeshis. He advised the returnees who were detained at Ganfouda detention centre to talk to neighbours and relatives about their terrible experiences in Libya. He said that the returnees can play an important role in creating awareness about illegal migration among people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the financial support of the IOM, is facilitating the return of illegal Bangladeshi migrants stranded in Libya. 145 more Bangladeshis return from Libya As part of this initiative, a total of 975 Bangladeshis have been brought back to the country from Libya from July 2023, according to the foreign ministry press release. All irregular Bangladeshi citizens will be repatriated from Libya soon, reads the press release.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Thursday said China stands ready to further integrate development strategies with Bangladesh, deepen practical cooperation in various fields and bring the Bangladesh-China strategic partnership of cooperation to a new level. He said that China is also keen to deliver more benefits to the people of the two countries. "After Bangladesh’s national parliament election to be held on January 7th next year, China-Bangladesh relations and practical cooperation in various fields will develop in a wider range," he said while speaking at a seminar in Dhaka. Beyond the bilateral level, Ambassador Yao said the Bangladesh-China cooperation would further extend to regional and international arenas and play a greater role in maintaining peace, stability and development for the sake of the entire mankind. "Thus it calls for people from all walks of life of the two countries, including all of you present here, to cherish, care for and shape the China-Bangladesh relations," he said, adding that think tanks and scholars of the two countries can play a unique and irreplaceable role. Bangladesh deserves the best, says Kosovo envoy to Dhaka The Centre for Alternatives (CA), in collaboration with the Embassy of China in Bangladesh, hosted the seminar on “National Image of China in Bangladesh.” The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka and Executive Director of the Centre for Alternatives (CA). Two speakers Dr. Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Professor, Director, SIPG Programme, Chair, Department of Political Science and Sociology, North South University, Dhaka, and Dr. Shahab Enam Khan, Professor, Jahangirnagar University, delivered the speech. Dr. Amena Mohsin, Professor of International Relations at the University of Dhaka, delivered the vote of thanks. Dr. Imtiaz pointed out China’s national image among Bangladeshis, especially their socioeconomic, political, developmental, and geographical differences. Bangladesh remains extra vigilant about Myanmar violence: MoFA spokesperson The primary focus was on what young people were thinking about the Bangladesh-China relationship. Dr Tawfique Haque addressed two areas the Chinese government needs to consider regarding Bangladesh; firstly, China should clarify that its way of resolving the Rohingya crisis differs from that of other Western nations. Secondly, China should create a counter-narrative against the debt trap narrative, as Bangladeshis are still suspicious of this narrative. Dr. Shahab Enam Khan pointed out that ‘acts of balancing’ best describe relations between Bangladesh and China. Regarding supply chain management, failing traditional international institutions and national economic priorities, Bangladesh must ensure a balanced relationship with China and other development partners. "We welcome and support the top minds of China and Bangladesh to further strengthen in-depth research on our bilateral relations, in particular from the perspectives of country studies, regional cooperation and geopolitics, and make valuable suggestions," said Ambassador Yao. It is also expected that the academia of the two countries could pay closer attention to China-Bangladesh economic and trade cooperation, think about the way to cope with a series of new challenges that the two countries are facing, and propose creative suggestions for the betterment of China-Bangladesh relations under new circumstances, he said. ‘If US can raise hourly wage, we can follow that model; inflation is high there’: Momen Yao said that the report and relative data show a positive perception of China among Bangladesh's young people, as well as identifying several areas where China can concentrate more to improve its image in the future. Former Ambassador Tariq Karim, former Foreign Affairs Adviser to a caretaker government Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, former Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque, Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Professor Dr. Barkat-E-Khuda also attended the seminar.