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.

The government of Bangladesh on Monday 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. 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 28 November 2024. “This particular act in Agartala stands in violation of the inviolability of diplomatic missions, as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, asks for,” the ministry said. BNP demands withdrawal of Mamata's UN peacekeeper statement The government of India, in a separate statement, said they are taking action to step up security arrangements for the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi and their Deputy/Assistant High Commissions in the country. "The incident earlier today of the breach of premises at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala is deeply regrettable," said the Ministry of External Affairs. Security enhanced for Bangladesh missions in India Diplomatic and consular properties should not be targeted under any circumstances, the Indian ministry said. As it is the responsibility of the host government to protect the diplomatic missions from any form of intrusion or damage, the government of Bangladesh called upon the government of India to take immediate action to address this incident, to undertake a thorough investigation into the incident. Bangladesh sought steps to prevent any further acts of violence against the diplomatic missions of Bangladesh in India, including the safety and security of the diplomats and the non-diplomatic members of staff and members of their families. The accounts received conclusively attest that the protesters were allowed to aggress into the premises, by breaking down the main gate of Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in a pre-planned manner, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Indian media spreading propaganda about Bangladesh: Home Affairs Adviser In the process, in the presence of the members of the local law enforcement agencies, they vandalised the flag pole, desecrated the national flag of Bangladesh and also damaged properties inside the Assistant High Commission, the government of Bangladesh said. Regrettably, the ministry said, the local police persons present in charge of protecting the premises were found not to be active in containing the situation from the beginning. Bangladesh wants friendly, normal relations with India: Foreign Affairs Adviser All members of the Assistant High Commission are left with a deep sense of insecurity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday called for global collaboration to address rising threats to religious sites and combat disinformation campaigns undermining interfaith unity. Representing Bangladesh at the “United Nations Global Conference on Safeguarding Religious Sites: A Multistakeholder Approach” held in Cascais, Portugal, he reaffirmed Bangladesh's dedication to safeguarding religious sites and fostering interfaith harmony. UNAOC: Dhaka highlights its unwavering commitment to peace, humanity Highlighting acts of unity, the adviser shared how young Muslim students recently protected Hindu temples during a major festival, showcasing the spirit of peaceful coexistence. He said that the government of Bangladesh ensures equal respect for all faiths through inclusive policies, national holidays for diverse religious occasions and transparency via open media access.  

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.