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.

After a period of growing tensions in a changed political scenario since August 5, Bangladesh and India are increasingly demonstrating their willingness to recognise the value of fostering stability, mutual trust, and cooperation in addressing shared challenges for greater prosperity on both sides. The winds of positive change in Dhaka-Delhi relations indicate a promising turn for the two South Asian neighbours though many feared that the relations would only deteriorate further with a growing anti-India sentiment. Recent diplomatic exchanges including the foreign secretary-level meeting have shown a commitment to sewing ties and addressing areas of discord. On January 1, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made it clear that maintaining good relationships with three big countries - India, China and the United States- is among the priorities in 2025. He stressed that Dhaka’s ties with Delhi will advance beyond a single issue. There are questions around on how the Bangladesh-India relations will navigate this year if Dhaka's request for returning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains unaddressed. Adviser Hossain, however, addressed such a question saying this is one of the issues and the two countries have many bilateral issues. "I think both will continue simultaneously. We have many issues of mutual interest. We will advance with all these issues side by side," said the adviser. Dhaka's ties with Delhi won’t get stuck on single issue: Foreign Adviser Bangladesh is expecting a reply from India regarding its request for Hasina’s extradition and was supposed to send a reminder after a certain period if no reply is received from New Delhi. India has refrained from commenting further on Hasina's extradition request. "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 on January 3. Foreign Secretary of India Vikram Misri, during his official visit to Bangladesh on December 9, reiterated India's willingness to build a “positive and constructive” relationship with Bangladesh based on mutual trust, respect and mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns and interests. He also emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in Bangladesh-India relations and noted that India's development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh including in areas of trade, connectivity and other capacity building areas are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh. “So, that has been our approach. There are several developments that are happening. There are developments happening on a daily basis, but our generic approach to Bangladesh is what I told you. We would like to foster these ties,” said MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal on January 3. India’s approach is to foster ties with Bangladesh was made very clear during the Indian foreign secretary's visit to Dhaka, where he highlighted India's support for a “democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive” Bangladesh. India unlikely to extradite Hasina as heard: Adviser Mahfuj On December 31, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma welcomed Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the High Commission when Dr Yunus went there to pay tributes to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away recently. New Delhi's reaction was rather soft when on January 2 a Chattogram court rejected the bail prayer of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for Bangladesh Sammilito Sanatan Jagran Jote and former ISKCON leader, in a sedition case.  It simply voiced expectation that the individuals who have been arrested receive a fair trial and the ongoing proceedings in Bangladesh will ensure that. “This is our expectation,” says MEA Spokesperson on January 3. Meanwhile, the reciprocal repatriation of 95 Indian fishermen or crew detained in Bangladesh and 90 Bangladeshi fishermen or crew detained in India began on Thursday. The process is expected to be completed on January 5. After the handing over on January 5 at the International Maritime Border, the Bangladeshi fishermen or crew, along with their fishing vessels, are expected to return to Chattogram in the afternoon of January 6. Essential commodities are coming from India to Bangladesh. In December, 2024, a consignment of 24, 690 metric tonnes (MT) of parboiled rice arrived at Chattogram Port from India. It was the first batch of rice imports from India since Yunus-led interim government assumed office.

Bangladesh has reiterated that there will be no major change in Dhaka-Washington relations with US President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House next month. "If we review our long five-decade relationship, it is easy to understand that their foreign policy and strategic positions and national goals have remained largely unchanged even though the ruling party has changed," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam told reporters on Thursday. Responding to a question at the weekly media briefing, he stressed that the possibility of contradictions on issues of mutual interest between the two countries is "slim" and noted that they had worked with the previous Trump administration, too. Rafiqul Alam, who is also Director General of the Public Diplomacy wing, said the bilateral relationship with the United States is long and multifaceted. President Shahabuddin seeks Malaysian investment "The United States is one of our largest trade and investment partners," Rafiqul Alam said, adding that there are many issues of mutual interest between the two countries. Over the past five decades, Bangladesh has worked with governments under both Democratic and Republican parties. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently said they do not need to speculate and it would not be right to think that there will be any big change in the relationship with the Trump Administration. Trump secured a second term in the White House after winning the US presidential election on November 5, marking a significant comeback following his loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has said that no decision has been made yet regarding the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Toufique Hasan, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Division and the MoFA spokesperson, said that the issue is political in nature and any decision will come from the highest authorities within the government. Hasan said that the ministry had not received any instructions regarding the matter and that it would likely be discussed in the upcoming Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultation (FOC). He explained that while media reports had circulated on the issue, the MoFA was not aware about any official discussions and would act in accordance with government decisions. Hasan also shared updates on several diplomatic efforts being pursued by Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultation, reiterating that the FOC will be the first step in that direction. Responding to questions from journalists about international pressures on domestic political matters, Hasan denied any external influence on Bangladesh's internal affairs, particularly regarding the Awami League. He said that no foreign government had raised concerns or made requests about banning the political party. Bhutanese envoy meets Fakhrul, discusses Saarc revival The spokesperson also talked about the ongoing situation involving Bangladeshi nationals detained in the UAE following protests in July. He said the ministry continues to monitor these developments closely and will provide further updates as the situation progresses.

The government has said that Bangladesh’s democratic polity has reached a stage where smooth and peaceful transition of power between elected governments has been ensured without any undemocratic arrangement. "Democracies have weaknesses, but they attain maturity only through practicing democracy," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a briefing note shared with diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Tuesday. Although many leaders and activists of BNP were keen to participate, it is regrettable that its top leadership decided otherwise on the pretext of their unconstitutional demand for the provision of a caretaker government, the ministry conveyed to diplomats. In 2011, Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared the unelected caretaker provision "ultra vires" (any deed performed beyond the scope of legal authority) and void as it conflicts with the spirit of democracy. Read more: Australia urges Bangladesh govt to prioritise strengthening its democratic institutions The Election Commission repeatedly called upon BNP to participate, and the EC was even willing to revise the election schedule if BNP joined. BNP made this "irrational demand" as its principal political capital and chose to destroy the lives and properties of people, holding them hostage, said the government. The state of horrific violence that BNP and its allies unleashed throughout the country is only a vivid reminder of their drills in 2001, 2013, 2014 and 2018, the ministry of foreign affairs said. Since October 28, 2023, they set ablaze nearly a thousand public and private vehicles and over 200 establishments including police hospital premises and ambulances, vandalized nearly a thousand vehicles and many establishments including the residences of Chief Justice and other judges, caused injury to around 1,500 police personnel and around 500 civilians, attacked reporters and camera personnel, killed 24 individuals including two police personnel – one of them mercilessly beaten to death in broad daylight, the foreign ministry observed. "They sabotaged our railway system, leading to tragic incidents claiming five precious lives including burning a mother and her 3-year-old son alive and leaving many others severely injured," reads the briefing note. In the lead-up to the election, BNP "geared up its violence" in its efforts to spread fear and terror. On the preceding day of the elections, they carried out arson attacks on polling centres with a view to intimidating the voters, the ministry conveyed to the diplomats. Read more: Foreign friends continue to send congratulations to PM Hasina on her election win BNP called for a 48-hour nationwide strike to cut off the communication system and obstruct voters from traveling to their constituencies to cast their votes, it said. The Benapole Express train was set on fire, killing four passengers, causing severe injuries to many, and burning the passenger train to ashes, it said. The 12th Parliamentary Election of Bangladesh were held on January 7 in a "free, fair, impartial and transparent" manner with spontaneous participation of the voters. The people of Bangladesh as well as the international community have witnessed that the Bangladesh Election Commission, an independent and empowered constitutional body, supported by the incumbent government, can effectively conduct free, fair and credible elections, the ministry said. The 2024 polls have set a new milestone in the history of the journey of parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh, it said. People of Bangladesh have demonstrated their unyielding resolve to a rule-based democratic system and peace, progress and stability through their active participation, the foreign ministry said. "The incumbent government also manifested its unprecedented political commitment to take forward the democratic process, uphold the constitutional mandate, and ensure people’s right to vote." Despite the calls to boycott, violence and persistent intimidation by the BNP, the people of Bangladesh reinforced their commitment to and aspiration for a peaceful and ‘Smart Bangladesh’ vision, said the government. "This is a new paradigm in Bangladesh’s electoral history within the constitutional framework, based on trust, credibility, and impartiality in the election process in line with people’s aspirations," it said. The Indian High Commission's representative, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas, European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytsky, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis, and high commissioners and ambassadors from various other countries were present at the "meet and greet" where Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen spoke briefly. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present. Read more: Canada disappointed that Bangladesh’s electoral process has ‘fallen short of’ democratic principles

BNP on Friday alleged that the foreign ministry has taken an anti-people stance with its statement on social media accusing opposition parties of obstructing the upcoming election slated for January 7. Talking to reporters after distributing leaflets in the capital’s Uttara area, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also alleged that the ministry has been playing a role in favour of a unilateral election. He said the foreign ministry is campaigning on social media that the BNP and its allies are obstructing the elections in Bangladesh and they have stepped up their efforts to enforce the blockade to achieve their goals. National Election: 15-17 security men to guard every polling station “The foreign ministry’s statement on social media is not correct. It has now become clear to the democratic world that a lopsided election is going to be held in Bangladesh. In this situation, the foreign ministry has taken the role of the new Razakar by standing against the people,” the BNP leader said. He also said the foreign ministry is also working as a collaborator of the government with a stance against a free, fair, transparent, and participatory election in the country. “It is an anti-people move. We strongly condemn such activities of the foreign ministry.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (July 02, 2023) summoned Jakob Etaat, Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) at the Swedish Embassy in Dhaka, to protest burning of a copy of the Holy Quran outside a mosque in Stockholm. Salwan Momika, said to be an Iraqi living in Sweden, set fire to a copy of Islam’s holy book outside Stockholm’s central mosque on Wednesday, according to BBC. Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the “deplorable act” in a statement published on the ministry’s official Facebook page. Also read: Dhaka strongly condemns burning of Quran outside Mosque in Sweden “Bangladesh expressed grave concern over such heinous acts of insulting the sacred values and religious symbols of the Muslims in the name of ‘freedom of expression,’” the statement read. “Bangladesh yet again urged all concerned to put an end to such unwarranted provocations for the sake of harmony and peaceful coexistence,” the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added. Also read: Sweden arrest 5 suspected of terror, ties to Quran burning The Quran burning was condemned by many Muslim-majority countries. Meanwhile, the Swedish government said it strongly rejects the Islamophobic act committed by individuals in Sweden. This act in no way reflects the opinions of the Swedish government, according to the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also read: Bangladesh strongly condemns burning of Holy Quran in Denmark

The government has taken measures to bring back Bangladeshi citizens stranded in Sudan, through Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin said that at first the Bangladeshi nationals will be taken to Port Sudan from Khartoum, and from there they will be taken to Jeddah. Later, they will be brought to Bangladesh by several flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. The Bangladesh Embassy in Khartoum has already arranged nine buses to take the Bangladeshi nationals to Port Sudan from Khartoum and adjacent cities and a team from Bangladesh’s Consulate General in Jeddah will reach there to assist them. All the Bangladeshis, stranded in Sudan, will be taken to Port Sudan by May 2. Also read: Bangladeshis stuck in Sudan to be repatriated: MoFA The Bangladeshi nationals are likely to reach Jeddah by May 3 or May 4. Two Bangladeshi schools in Jeddah are providing food, drink, medicine and temporary accommodation for the Bangladeshi nationals being brought from Sudan. Earlier, on April 25, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said a decision has been made to evacuate Bangladeshi nationals from Sudan through other countries. “The Bangladesh Embassy in Khartoum has already started spreading this message among the Bangladeshis living there,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. Read More: Heavy clashes rock Sudan’s capital despite truce extension The state minister urged the Bangladeshi nationals in Sudan to follow the instructions provided by the embassy and complete registration. Meanwhile, a number of Bangladeshi nationals were evacuated by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. More than 420 people, including at least 291 civilians, have been killed and over 3,700 wounded since the fighting erupted between Sudanese military and the country’s largest paramilitary force last week, AP reports. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the situation in Sudan a “catastrophic conflagration” that could engulf the whole region. Read More: Sudan conflict: 187 more people including Bangladeshis evacuated

The government of Bangladesh has said as a party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child it would not tolerate any act of abusing children, noting that Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams was arrested because of “child abuse and exploitation”. "The government would also not accept any such effort aimed at maligning the Independence Day of the nation," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said today (April 01, 2023). The government of Bangladesh is committed to uphold the freedom of expression for all its citizens and the media, the foreign ministry said. Read More: Prothom Alo journalist Shams denied bail, sent to jail However, it said, creating social unrest by undertaking such “fraudulent acts” is contrary to the spirit of honest journalism. The ministry said it has been brought to the notice of the government that some international media and institutions are claiming that a journalist in Bangladesh, named Shamsuzzaman, has been arrested as he wrote about the “cost of living in Bangladesh”. "This information is totally false and fabricated. This journalist was arrested because of ‘child abuse’ and ‘child exploitation," the foreign ministry said. Many media outlets have been continuously reporting on the cost of living in Bangladesh since the beginning of the Ukraine war which has caused inflation around the world. Read More: Prothom Alo journalist Shams taken to court "No one has been arrested due to such reporting. The said journalist was arrested because of child abuse and child exploitation, as he offered ten taka to a 9-year-old boy and then expressed his own views in the name of that child," the ministry said. "That is surely an act of child abuse and exploitation. Secondly, he tried to undermine the independence of Bangladesh on the great Independence Day. These acts are surely tantamount to punishable crimes," the foreign ministry said. Read More: Prothom Alo reporter Shamsuzzaman sued under DSA

At least 18 Bangladeshi pilgrims were killed and 16 others were injured in an accident that killed 24 omrah hajj pilgrims and injured around 23 people in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia on Monday, said a Foreign Ministry official on Wednesday. The deceased were identified as Shahidul Islam, son of Shariat Ulla in Senbagh from Noakhali district, Mamun Mia, son of Abdul Awal and Russel Molla of Muradnagar in Cumilla district, Mohammad Helal of Noakhali district, Sabuj Hossain of Laxmipur district, Md Asif and Shafatul Islam of Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar district, Md Imam Hossain Rony, son of Abdul Latif in Gazipur district, Ruk Mia, son of Kalu Mia of Chandpur district, Gias Hamid of Debidwar in Cumilla district, Mohammad Nazrul Islam, son of Kawsar Mia and Rony, son of Iskandar of Jashore district and Mohammad Hossain of Cox’s Bazar district, Ruhul Amin, Khairul Islam, Tushar Mazumder, Miraz Hossain, Sakib, son of Abdul Awal and Rana Mia.  Previously it was confirmed that 13 Bangladeshis were killed. Later another five Bangladeshi nationals have been identified among the 24 omrah pilgrims who died in the crash, according to information provided by the foreign ministry.   At least 16 Bangladeshi nationals are receiving medical treatments in four different hospitals across the country.   The bus was carrying 47 omrah hajj pilgrims to Makkah and among them thirty-five passengers were Bangladeshi nationals. The accident occurred in Saudi Arabia’s Asir province - around 650 km away from Jeddah - at around 4:00 PM on Monday. According to media reports, the bus collided with a bridge following a brake failure, overturned and burst into flames. Hospital authorities said that it is very difficult to determine the nationality due to the burning and disfiguring of the bodies. Two officers of the Bangladesh Consulate General, Jeddah visited the area immediately after the incident and are trying to identify the victims and contact their family members in Bangladesh, according to a press release sent from Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its heartfelt condolences to the relatives of those who have lost their lives in this tragic accident and remains connected with the wounded and hospitalized and is working for the early repatriation of the dead. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said the number of Bangladeshi nationals who died in the crash could rise as many of the wounded -- who are receiving medical treatment in different hospitals across the country -- are in critical condition.  He hoped that the bodies of the Bangladeshi nationals would be returned as soon as possible.  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the horrific bus crash that killed around 24 omrah hajj pilgrims and injured around 23 people in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia on Monday. In a condolence message, she prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed souls and quick recovery of the injured persons. She asked the Foreign Ministry officials and the Saudi Mission personnel to take necessary actions for recovering the bodies of Bangladeshi nationals and ensure proper treatment for the injured.