United News of Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, on Monday jointly inspected the China-Bangladesh Friendship Residential Hall at the University of Dhaka, accompanied by the Chinese feasibility study expert team. Ambassador Yao said educational cooperation is one of the most fundamental areas of Bangladesh-China relations. He said China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to advance this student-centered, women-focused livelihood project. "It will play the role of a model project for China-Bangladesh educational cooperation," he said. Continued to expand support for Rohingyas: Ambassador Yao Prof.  Niaz Ahmed Khan expressed gratitude for China’s support and assistance in the field of Bangladeshi education. He hoped that this project would serve as a new starting point for further deepening practical cooperation with China in talent cultivation, scientific research collaboration, and youth exchanges, ensuring that the friendship between Bangladesh and China is passed on from generation to generation.  

Like every year, the armies of Bangladesh and India have invited each other’s war veterans and serving officers to participate in the Victory Day celebrations on December 16, marking the end of Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 with the surrender of the Pakistani forces. Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces reached Dhaka on Monday to participate in Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations. Similarly, eight valiant freedom fighters and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces went to India on Sunday to participate in the celebrations at Kolkata, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Monday.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his deepest and heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh, to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, and wished a swift recovery to the injured. “Support is being provided to the wounded peacekeepers ahead of their evacuation,” he said in a statement. The UN chief strongly condemned the horrific drone attacks that targeted the United Nations peacekeeping logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, on December 13, 2025, resulting in six fatalities and eight injuries – all members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent serving in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). He said attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and he reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians. Read more: Int’l community mourns six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in Sudan “Attacks as the one today in South Kordofan against peacekeepers are unjustifiable. There will need to be accountability,” said the UN chief.  He expressed his solidarity with the thousands of peacekeepers who continue to serve under the blue flag in the most dangerous of environments. The UN chief reiterated his call on the warring parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and to resume talks to reach a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process. Meanwhile, the German Embassy in Dhaka extended its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in Sudan. “We wish the injured a swift and full recovery.” Read more: Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed, injured in Sudan identified The Embassy said Germany is committed to standing up for international peace and security and continues to be a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping, through significant financial contributions, personnel, and training. “We deeply value Bangladesh’s vital and courageous contribution to peace and security worldwide,” reads a message from the Embassy. Canada also extended its deepest condolences to the families of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers who recently lost their lives in Sudan, and wished a quick recovery to the injured. “We honour their courage and sacrifice in the service of peace and express our solidarity with the people and the Government of Bangladesh, as well as with the UN peacekeeping community, during this difficult time,” said the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka. Pakistan also condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous attack against UN peacekeepers in Kadugli, Sudan. Read more: Guterres condemns drone attack in Sudan that killed Bangladeshi peacekeepers Pakistan expressed its deepest condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh on the loss of these precious lives, and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families in this tragic hour. The Pakistan government said UN peacekeepers remain at the forefront of international efforts to prevent conflict, protect civilians, and support peace under the UN flag. “We pay homage to the ultimate sacrifice made by these Blue Helmets in the line of duty for peace and stability in the region,” said the South Asian country. Pakistan called for a swift investigation to identify the perpetrators of this cowardly attack and to hold those responsible accountable. “We will also continue to work closely with members of the UN Security Council and the international community to ensure the safety and security of all UN peacekeepers.” Earlier on Sunday, the international community, including the European Union (EU), the United States, the United Kingdom and France, stood beside Bangladeshi peacekeepers and extended their condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers killed in Sudan. Read more: Bangladeshi peacekeepers' deaths: UN chief calls CA Yunus to offer condolences

The US Embassy in Dhaka on Monday issued a security alert for US citizens in Bangladesh, saying they should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful in this period leading up to elections can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. “You should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings,” said the Embassy in the security alert shared from its verified Facebook page. Bangladesh’s Election Commission announced that the next parliamentary election and a national referendum will occur simultaneously on February 12, 2026.  Political rallies and demonstrations may become more frequent and intense as the election date approaches, said the Embassy. Talking about actions to take, the Embassy said, “Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for updates. Avoid crowds. Avoid demonstrations.”   

Extending additional funding for the Rohingyas, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said the situation of vulnerable groups - the Rohingyas - has become increasingly difficult at a time when global humanitarian resources are shrinking and some countries are significantly reducing their commitments. "China, as Bangladesh’s steadfast development partner and true friend, has continued to expand its support,” said Ambassador Yao. He said China will work closely with UNHCR and the government of Bangladesh to ensure the effective implementation of this project so that the displaced people from Rakhine State in Bangladesh can benefit at the earliest possible. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on Sunday, welcomed China’s USD 2.5 million contribution to provide liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to meet the cooking needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The contribution from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund will enable UNHCR to supply cleaner cooking energy to approximately 458,000 refugees, or 94,000 households, until October 2026 — offering vital relief and protection in one of the world’s most densely populated refugee settings.  “This generous support from China comes at a crucial time, as resources shrink globally and many life-saving programmes risk being scaled back,” said Ivo Frejsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh.  “We are deeply grateful for China’s solidarity. Their contribution does much more than provide cooking gas - it helps restore dignity, ensures safety, and reaffirms that refugees are not forgotten," Frejsen  said. Eight years into the Rohingya refugee crisis, Bangladesh continues to host 1.3 million Rohingya refugees, who remain dependent on humanitarian assistance to meet their daily needs.  The Chinese funding will secure refugees’ continued access to LPG—reducing dependence on firewood, improving safety, health, and nutrition, and protecting the forests around the camps, said the UNHCR.  “Rohingya refugees regularly tell me how essential LPG is to their daily lives,” said Ivo Freijsen.  “Since its introduction in 2018, they no longer have to venture out to collect firewood—avoiding significant risks. Women and girls face fewer protection challenges, and children can spend more time in schools. The use of LPG is also key in halting environmental degradation, regreening camps, and surrounding areas.” UNHCR continues to work closely with the government of Bangladesh and all partners committed to enhancing the well-being of Rohingya refugees.  Sustained international solidarity is essential for both refugees and hosting communities, said the UN Refugee Agency.  The LPG initiative shows the tangible impact of such support on families who fled conflict and persecution, and the generous assistance of countries, including China, remains vital to bolstering Bangladesh’s humanitarian response to the Rohingya refugee situation.  

Highlighting the importance of Dhaka-Delhi friendship, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said they are willing to work together to fulfil the aspirations of their people and forge closer people-to-people ties, inspired by their shared sacrifices of the past and guided by the new aspirations for the future. "The bonds we share with Bangladesh are not transient; they are everlasting. A relationship forged in blood and sacrifice cannot be weakened. Together, we will carry this shared legacy forward into the future," he said while speaking at a programme in the evening. The High Commissioner said Bangladesh and India have come a long way since 1971. "We are today two fast-growing economies. Our societies and economies are closely linked, so closely that we are interdependent on each other. Our geographical proximity with each other offers us new opportunities driven by our growing capabilities and new ambitions," he said. India rejects assertions made by Bangladesh interim govt Pranay Verma said India stood with the people of Bangladesh in 1971 and will continue to support them, in realising the vision for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive nation. Itihash O Oitijjo Parishad hosted the programme where the High Commissioner and his wife joined marking the anniversary of Bangladesh’s Mahaan Muktijuddha – the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh. "December is the Victory Month. It is a time of remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices millions of people made during Bangladesh’s freedom struggle," Pranay Verma said. He paid tributes to the people of Bangladesh who overcame the long ordeals of oppression, killings and subjugation, with valour, grit and determination. "It is a time to cherish the values that underpinned that freedom struggle," said the High Commissioner. "Today is the Martyred Intellectuals Day. This day takes us back to one of the darkest chapters of 1971, when Bangladesh stood on the threshold of freedom," Verma said. The systematic elimination of scholars, doctors, journalists, artists and educators by the occupation forces was an act of desperation aimed at destroying the very soul of a future nation, he said. Dhaka urges stand against hatred, violence - online and offline "We remember and honour all those martyred intellectuals whose sacrifices serve as a guiding light – inspiring us to uphold the values of knowledge, wisdom, intellectual pursuit, and the courage of conviction," he mentioned. During the Liberation War, the envoy said, India stood with their brothers and sisters in Bangladesh, with immense pride, supporting them at every step in their cause for truth, justice, dignity and freedom of Bangladesh. "And in doing so, we also lost our own soldiers – in thousands. Countless more were left wounded," he said. There are many historical moments in India's support to Bangladesh during the Liberation War that are milestones in the history of our two countries that cannot be erased, said the High Commissioner. Just eight days ago, on 6th of December, he said, they commemorated the historic anniversary of the Maitri Dibos, the day when India recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation 54 years ago, ten days ahead of Bangladesh’s liberation. He said the Liberation War of 1971 was the beginning of a relationship built upon humanism, empathy and trust that has sustained, despite changes, challenges and ups and downs in our relationship. "As we approach the Victory Day on the 16th of December, we reflect on the historic triumphs and the indomitable spirit of the people of Bangladesh that led to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation," Pranay Verma said. Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over Hasina’s statements  He said it has been fifty-four years since the Bangladesh achieved its liberation, and it is as important as ever that today’s youth and children—the future custodians of this nation—learn and carry forward this indelible history. "The programme organized today by the Itihash O Oitijjo Parishad reflects this responsibility, which we greatly commend," the envoy said. He made a special mention of the remarkable paintings depicting the glorious Liberation War, created by school students from Daka, that we just saw. 'Their creativity, empathy and sense of history are truly inspiring." In the presence of the heroic war-wounded freedom fighters of 1971, he said the place their hopes in today’s children—that they will uphold the ideals, spirit, and values of the great Liberation War. "Only then will the sacrifices of all our martyrs find their true meaning." "Occasions like today’s are meant to reflect on what we have achieved together. But these are also the moments when we look forward, rising above distractions, to see new horizons of our partnership," the High Commissioner said.  

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to express his profound condolences over the tragic death of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers in a drone attack in Sudan. “I am calling to express my deep deep condolences. I am devastated,” Guterres told Professor Yunus, adding that he was horrified by the attack. The UN chief expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh and requested the Chief Adviser to convey his condolences to the bereaved families, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Professor Yunus said he was deeply saddened by the loss of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers and urged the UN to facilitate the evacuation of the injured soldiers to top medical facilities, as well as to ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies. Guterres informed him that the injured peacekeepers were initially treated at a local hospital in Sudan and that arrangements were underway to transfer the seriously wounded to better-equipped hospitals. Professor Yunus thanked the UN chief for paying attention to the treatment and evacuation of Bangladesh soldiers. During the phone call, which took place at 7:00 pm Bangladesh time, Professor Yunus also recalled UN Secretary-General's visit to Bangladesh during last Ramadan. The two leaders discussed the upcoming general election, with Professor Yunus assuring Guterres that the Interim Government would hold a free, fair, peaceful, and festive election on February 12. Guterres expressed confidence that Bangladesh would successfully conduct the election.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid, now in Riyadh, on Sunday said they must reject every incitement to hatred, including across digital platforms and stand against violence, intolerance and discrimination. "Keeping this in mind, let us promote the values of unity, illuminate the path of understanding, celebrate the beauty of diversity and uphold our shared humanity," he said while speaking at the 11th Global Forum of UNAOC. Adviser Hossain said they must empower youth, foster intergenerational dialogue and place young people at the heart of global efforts to champion respect across civilizations, cultures and beliefs. "We must invest in inclusive education that nurtures peace, tolerance and cohesion," he said, highlighting the importance of expanding cultural exchanges, arts, sports and responsible media to build empathy and trust. The Adviser also said they must uphold justice and ensure accountability for victims of forced displacement caused by ethnic discrimination. The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hosting the two-day Forum. The Adviser, who reached Riyadh on Saturday, is expected to return home on Tuesday, a senior at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Adviser Hossain also expressed their appreciation to the governments of Spain and Türkiye, Group of Friends of the Alliance and the High Representative for their forward-looking leadership. "Peace is the ultimate destination of UNAOC," he said, mentioning that Bangladesh is one of the leading troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations. "In line with our commitment to global peace, we strongly condemn yesterday's cowardly attack on the UN peacekeeping logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, which tragically claimed the lives of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and left several others injured," Adviser Hossain said. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that they live in a world where conflicts continue to surge, and humanitarian crises deepen, he said. "Shadows of xenophobia, intolerance, racism and Islamophobia stretch across continents. Persecution and displacement based on ethnicity or religion wound our collective conscience," saif the ForeignAffairsAdviser. At the same time, he said, division is travelling faster than ever in this digital age, misinformation, hate speech and deep fakes threaten peace and corrode their shared humanity. Against this backdrop, he said, Bangladesh proudly aligns with the Group of Friends in its steadfast commitment to intercultural and interfaith dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect. "Our annual UN resolution on the Culture of Peace demonstrates our pledge that peace rests not merely on the absence of conflict but on justice, compassion and human dignity," Hossain said. "True to this conviction, we opened our doors to over 1.2 million Rohingyas - victims of genocide in Myanmar, who must be allowed to return to their homes," he added. This Alliance has become a beacon of dialogue, where differences converge into understanding, mistrust yields to empathy and diversity becomes a source of shared strength, yet more must be done, said the Adviser.

The International community, including the European Union (EU), the United States, the United Kingdom and France, stood beside Bangladeshi peacekeepers and extended their condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers killed in Sudan. They prayed and hoped for a speedy recovery for the eight who were injured. The EU Delegation to Bangladesh, in a message on Sunday, extended its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six UN peacekeepers from Bangladesh. "We wish all those injured in the attack a speedy and full recovery. The EU Delegation is grateful to Bangladesh for its invaluable contribution to UN peacekeeping, and for the courage, dedication and professionalism of Bangladeshi peacekeepers across the globe," said the EU. The US Embassy​ in Dhaka noted Bangladesh's long history of support to UN Peacekeeping Operations, and extended its condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers killed in Sudan. The Embassy hoped for a speedy recovery for the eight who were injured. The British High Commission also extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the six Bangladeshi peacekeepers who tragically lost their lives in Sudan, and wished a full and swift recovery to the eight injured. "The UK remains steadfast in supporting Bangladesh's commitment to global peacekeeping," said the High Commission. The Embassy of France, in a separate message, extended its deepest condolences to the families of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in Sudan, and wished a swift recovery to those injured. "France stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and honors its commitment to UN peacekeeping," said the Embassy. Bangladesh strongly condemned the attack on the Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were serving under the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan. Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers have died and eight were injured when a drone attack was carried out on a United Nations base in Abyei, Sudan. Bangladesh mourns the death of her valiant sons and expresses deep condolences to the bereaved families. At the same breath, the government and people of Bangladesh sent prayers for the healing and early recovery of those wounded. The government through its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York requested the UN to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured peacekeepers. The Bangladesh Mission in New York is in close touch with the UN and working together to extend all support to the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent there.

India on Sunday categorically rejected the assertions made by the interim government of Bangladesh, noting that India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh. “We expect that the interim government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures for ensuring internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a media release. The reaction came soon after the report of summoning the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh. In its reaction, India said they have consistently reiterated their position in favour of “free, fair, inclusive and credible” elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma to convey the government of Bangladesh’s serious concern to the government of India over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ministry expressed its objection over India allowing fugitive Sheikh Hasina to continue making incendiary statements, urging her supporters to engage in ‘terrorist’ activities in Bangladesh with the aim of disrupting the upcoming national election. Bangladesh reiterated her call for the expeditious extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face the sentences handed down by the judicial authorities in Bangladesh. Dhaka summons Indian envoy over Hasina’s statements  Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned High Commissioner Pranay Verma at State Guest House Padma, a senior official at the ministry told UNB. The ministry also drew the attention of the envoy to anti-Bangladesh activities by fugitive Awami League members staying in India, including planning, organising and helping to carry out terrorist activities inside Bangladesh in order to hinder the upcoming elections. The Indian government was called upon to expeditiously act to end the criminal actions by these fascist terrorists and extradite them to Bangladesh as soon as possible, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter into Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh. The Ministry emphasised that as a neighbour, India is expected to stand with the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic processes. The High Commissioner of India emphasised that India looked forward to peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed his country’s readiness to extend all cooperation in this regard.