United News of Bangladesh

Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday morning. During the meeting, both sides discussed mutual trade facilitation initiatives, fair trade practices, elimination of trade barriers, and enhanced trade and investment cooperation. They also reaffirmed their commitment to carry forward bilateral trade relations between Bangladesh and the United States on a positive trajectory.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday defended Bangladesh’s position in its reciprocal trade agreement with the US, urging critics to view the deal in a global context and compare it with similar agreements signed by other countries. He made the remarks after a meeting with a delegation led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch in the capital. Responding to a question on the conditions of the deal, the foreign minister said open discussion on such agreements is important. “It is very good that there is discussion on this and any agreement should be open to debate.” “We are not the only country to sign such agreements. Other countries around the world have done the same,” said the foreign minister. He cited examples, saying that countries like Indonesia have agreed to even higher numbers of similar provisions. “So, when you read Bangladesh’s agreement, you should read it alongside those of Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and others. That way, you will be able to better understand the context,” he added. Responding to a question regarding the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement—stalled since 2011 due to objections from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee—the minister said Bangladesh does not want to sit idle waiting for India’s initiative. “Look, a government has not yet been formed in West Bengal and what they are thinking or planning is for them to say. It is not my job to read their minds,” he said. “Of course, there will be expectations that the agreement reached earlier could be reconsidered in the current context. But we cannot remain idle for that we have to carry on with our own work,” he added. Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir also said on Tuesday that the Bangladesh-US trade agreement should be utilised for mutual benefit, stressing that there is no reason for concern over the deal. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch at the conference room of his ministry in the morning. The minister said international agreements are always built on mutual cooperation. “Any international agreement is shaped by both parties. It is designed to create a win-win situation, taking into account the interests of both sides. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about this agreement,” he said. He noted that the current government did not initiate the agreement but inherited it as part of state continuity. “A state-level agreement is not like a personal contract that can be cancelled at will. It is a reality, and we want to utilise it to expand trade and investment in the country,” Muktadir added. On the possibility of cancelling the agreement with the US, Muktadir said the government, as the elected representative of the people, always prioritises national interest. “If any clause in the agreement goes against Bangladesh’s interests, there is scope for amendment within the agreement itself. It has a self-correcting mechanism,” he said.

Expressing concern over a significant decline in global assistance for the Rohingyas Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said it is now imperative to enhance international support to improve their living standards and meet their humanitarian needs. Despite being one of the world’s most densely populated countries Bangladesh has sheltered a large number of Rohingya refugees purely on humanitarian grounds, said the minister. He came up with the remarks when Ivo Freijsen, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bangladesh, met the Home Minister at the Ministry of Home Affairs at Secretariat. He also noted that the United States has recently reduced its funding allocation by 50 percent. During the meeting, they discussed the overall situation of the Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh, including international funding and repatriation issues. Highlighting the current condition in the camps, the UNHCR representative said refugees are facing severe challenges due to high population density in a very limited space. In response, the minister said expansion of camp areas is difficult given Bangladesh’s socio-economic and geographical realities. He stressed that safe, dignified and voluntary repatriation of the Rohingyas remains the most viable solution to the crisis. Referring to the prevailing geopolitical situation, the minister said the Rohingya crisis should not be overshadowed by global issues such as the Gaza conflict, the Ukraine war and tensions between Israel and Iran. He urged the United Nations and UNHCR to play a more proactive role in keeping the Rohingya issue high on the agenda at international platforms. The UNHCR representative invited the minister to attend the Joint Response Plan (JRP) presentation on Rohingya refugees scheduled to be held on May 20.

Bangladesh and China eye an enhanced cooperation as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is set begin his first official visit to China- May 5-7 at the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. Through this visit, China hopes to work with the new government of Bangladesh to enhance political mutual trust, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. During the visit, the Foreign Minister will hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB.The two Foreign Minister are expected to engage in comprehensive bilateral discussions on issues of mutual interest alongside exchange of views on contemporary regional and global developments, including the situation in the Middle East. The two Ministers are also expected to discuss about possible alignment of their development policies and strategic priorities.During the visit Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur is scheduled to meet the Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning. Minister for International Department of the Communist Party of China Liu Haixing will host a lunch in honor of Bangladesh Foreign Minister, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Humaiun Kobir, Adviser for Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister, Ashiq Chowdhury, Chairman of BIDA, and senior Government officials will accompany the Foreign Minister. Bangladesh and China have long been each other's friends and close neighbors and are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. Over the past five decades and more since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have been developing friendly ties on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and with mutual respect and equality, and the bilateral ties have enjoyed sustained and steady progress and delivered tangibly for the two peoples, said the Chinese side. China said it attaches high importance to its relations with Bangladesh.

The US-Bangladesh Business Council on Monday hosted a reception in honour of the visiting Bangladesh business delegation in Washington on the sidelines of the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026. The reception was held on the rooftop of the historic headquarters of the US Chamber of Commerce, a landmark institution with more than a century of history. US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen and Bangladesh Ambassador to US Tareq Md Ariful Islam, among others, addressed the event. Officials of the US Chamber of Commerce and diplomats from the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington were also present. A 25-member business delegation from Bangladesh is currently visiting the United States to participate in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026, being held from May 3 to 6. The summit has brought together nearly 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries, including around 2,700 investors, making it one of the world’s largest investment promotion events.

Ambassador of Egypt to Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Omar Mohie Eldin Ahmed Fahmy, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Shama Obaed Islam, M.P., Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, on 04 May 2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and growing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Egypt. The State Minister appreciated the Government of Egypt for hosting a considerable number of Bangladeshi students and professionals. She particularly thanked the Government of Egypt for its recent decision to increase the number of fully funded scholarships for Bangladeshi students from 12 to 24. Dhaka seeks constructive relations with neighbouring countries: Shama Obaed  The discussions focused on further enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, particularly in the sectors of energy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, jute and manpower. The State Minister also underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration in the field of culture and education. The Ambassador reiterated Egypt’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation across all sectors, including the recruitment of skilled and semi skilled manpower, as well as collaboration in energy, agriculture and cultural sectors. He assured Egypt’s continued support for Bangladesh. The State Minister underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts, including cultural and sports exchanges, mutual visa waiver agreement and stressed the need for regular bilateral engagements and high-level visits to further deepen the partnership. The Ambassador reaffirmed Egypt’s continued support for Bangladesh and expressed strong commitment to further strengthening the brotherly relations between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday reiterated that Bangladesh looked forward to a mutually beneficial and forward-looking relationship with India. He made the remarks when outgoing High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, paid a farewell call on the Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Minister congratulated the Indian High Commissioner on completing his tenure in Dhaka. Govt advancing ties with India based on fairness, mutual respect: FM The Indian High Commissioner expressed his gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh for cooperation and support extended to him throughout his tenure and reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister wished the High Commissioner success in his future endeavours.

India’s leading industry body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Monday said the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Bangladesh and India could significantly expand bilateral trade and investment by moving beyond trade in goods to include services, investment facilitation, technology collaboration and skills development. It sees strong alignment between the new Government of Bangladesh’s “Bangladesh First” strategy and India’s own development experience, underscoring vast opportunities for deeper economic partnership. Speaking during an interaction with a Bangladesh media delegation at the headquarters of CII in New Delhi, its Senior Vice President (Int’l Business) Pankaj Tandon said the current phase in Bangladesh-India relations was crucial not only for sustaining existing ties but also for shaping the next stage of economic partnership to support Bangladesh’s long-term growth and competitiveness, . “We see strong alignment between the new Government of Bangladesh’s ‘Bangladesh First’ approach and India’s own development experience,” he said. At its core, Tandon said, ‘Bangladesh First’ emphasises domestic capacity building, job creation, productivity enhancement, export diversification, digital transformation and long-term resilience. “Importantly, this is not an inward-looking strategy. It is about strengthening national capabilities through well-designed partnerships,” he added. Describing Bangladesh as India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, Tandon said India remained Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade standing at around US$13.5 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal. He said economic cooperation remained the backbone of bilateral relations, adding that expanding market access, reducing non-tariff barriers and improving border infrastructure could significantly boost trade. Tandon said Bangladesh’s industrial strength and India’s manufacturing and services sectors complement each other, creating opportunities for integrated regional value chains. Highlighting sector-specific opportunities, he said textiles and apparel would continue to remain central to Bangladesh’s economy even after its graduation from the least developed country status, while future competitiveness would increasingly depend on productivity, compliance standards, machinery and design capabilities. He also identified medical tourism, food processing, agricultural value chains, digital economy, startups, energy cooperation and MSME linkages as promising areas for expanded collaboration. Tandon said Indian expertise in digital public infrastructure, fintech, renewable energy, manufacturing excellence and sustainable development could support Bangladesh’s economic transformation. He reaffirmed CII’s commitment to working closely with partner organisations in Bangladesh to deepen business-to-business engagement and strengthen economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries. CII senior director Manish Mohan, President of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) AKM Moinuddin, former DCAB president and the Daily Sun Editor Rezaul Karim Lotus also spoke on the occasion. Dr. Geethanjali Nataraj, Principal, International Trade Policy, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) made a presentation.

The University of South Florida (USF) community gathered in grief to honour two Bangladeshi students who were murdered last month, with hundreds attending a solemn vigil on campus. Students, faculty and administrators lined up at Crescent Hill, near the Marshall Student Center, on Friday afternoon to place flowers in memory of Nahida Sultana Bristy and Zamil Limon, said a press release. Participants at the vigil offered condolences and support to the victims’ families and friends. Murdered in US: Limon starts final journey for home in coffin “We become the village for one another,” said Imam Hassan Sultan while opening the programme with a prayer.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Friday responded to remarks made by Opposition Leader in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman, stressing that Bangladesh’s stance on the ongoing conflict in the West Asia region has been widely appreciated across the region. In his speech at the Jatiya Sangsad on April 30, the Opposition Leader questioned why a friendly country appeared to suggest that Bangladesh had not stood by them during a difficult time. The MoFA, in a statement however, said Bangladesh’s balanced and constructive policy has received positive recognition from regional countries. As an example, the ministry cited a recent statement from the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka, which commended Bangladesh’s approach.  The embassy also expressed concern over what it described as selective and fragmented reporting of its remarks in certain media outlets. On April 23, at a ceremony held at the Iranian Embassy marking the handover of emergency medical assistance from Bangladesh to Iran, Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi underscored the deep and friendly ties between the two countries. He also conveyed appreciation for Bangladesh’s compassion and sincere support for the Iranian people during this challenging period.On April 21, the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka welcomed the meeting held between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The Embassy said they will earnestly pursue the constructive and fruitful engagements and initiatives between the officials of the two countries and underscores the importance of further expanding bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest. Iran appreciated the balanced and constructive position of the government of Bangladesh in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy, which remain essential for the region and the wider international community. The Embassy also expressed its sincere appreciation for the messages of condolence conveyed by the government of Bangladesh following the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the Leader of the Ummah and the great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei. Particular appreciation is extended for the adoption of a condolence motion at the opening session of the 13th Parliament, which constitutes a notable and exceptional gesture. The Embassy further expressed its gratitude for the presence of a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka to sign the condolence book. Iran also appreciated the decision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to send emergency medical assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The Islamic Republic of Iran, while appreciating the support of the government and people of Bangladesh, expressed its heartfelt condolences over the loss of Bangladeshi nationals resulting from the war ‘initiated by the United States and the Zionist regime and their unlawful aggression’ against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in these unfortunate incidents.  It will continue its efforts to facilitate the safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and has also facilitated the safe evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan. The Embassy, in a press statement, called upon all concerned to refrain from any actions or statements that may create misperceptions, and to uphold the spirit of mutual respect that governs the enduring ties between the two brotherly nations. Iran reiterates its firm commitment to strengthening the close and amicable relations between the two nations. The Embassy expressed its dissatisfaction with the selective dissemination of excerpts from recent media interviews concerning developments in the Middle East, which have been republished by certain media outlets and social media platforms. “Such actions are deemed inconsistent with the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries,” said the Embassy, noting that these inaccurate and selective representations are regrettable and contrary to the principles of responsible media conduct. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of Bangladesh enjoy longstanding, friendly, and brotherly relations founded upon mutual respect and shared values. Iran reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.