United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday acknowledged that the conflict could have an immediate impact on remittances as many Bangladeshi workers in the Middle East have lost their jobs, while some have been forced to return home and others are struggling to remain in the region without employment. Such disruptions could affect remittance inflows, she said, noting that Saudi Arabia alone hosts more than three million Bangladeshis. Responding to a question after attending a seminar, Shama, however, expressed optimism that the government would be able to overcome the challenges in the long run by exploring new overseas employment markets. The Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working to identify new destinations for Bangladeshi workers.

Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood met Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdelouahab Saïdani at his office at the ministry on Sunday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation. The discussions focused on potential memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cooperation, as well as preparations for the minister’s upcoming visit to Algeria. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening longstanding ties, advancing mutual interests and expanding cooperation in the energy sector. Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division Md Ziaul Huq was also present at the meeting.

Bangladesh has decided to send a senior secretary of the Home Ministry to the first-ever meeting of BIMSTEC Home Ministers in New Delhi on Tuesday, instead of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. Home Ministry Senior Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the meeting, scheduled for October 13, a diplomatic source told UNB on Sunday. The inaugural meeting of Home Ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will review regional security cooperation and explore ways to expand it under the regional grouping, officials said. The meeting will bring together ministers and representatives from the seven BIMSTEC member states - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Bhutan’s Home Minister, Myanmar’s Union Minister for Home Affairs, Nepal’s Home Minister, Sri Lanka’s Minister for Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, and Thailand’s Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council are expected to attend, an official told UNB. The meeting comes as BIMSTEC seeks to strengthen regional cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence sharing and security. At the fourth BIMSTEC Summit, held in Kathmandu on August 30-31, 2018, the leaders expressed their determination to strengthen cooperation and coordination among law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies. They also decided to hold meetings of BIMSTEC Home Ministers while continuing meetings of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs to promote cooperation and coordination in combating terrorism and transnational crime. The BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ meeting will be supported by a Senior Officials’ Meeting of Home and Interior Ministries.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz on Sunday delivered a special lecture on diplomacy in an interconnected world at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, highlighting the growing vulnerabilities arising from global economic interdependence and the challenges of multilateral cooperation. Reflecting on today’s global challenges, the Ambassador highlighted a key paradox - economic interconnectedness has increased, but so has vulnerability - a reality underscored by current disruptions to energy supplies. He also noted that a multipolar world does not necessarily translate into multilateral cooperation, stressing the importance of dialogue and collaboration in navigating an increasingly complex international landscape. The lecture was delivered to participants of the 32nd Specialized Diplomatic Training Course (SDTC) and the 4th Professional Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy (PMIRD), according to the German Embassy in Dhaka.

Acting Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pawan Badhe on Sunday said strong Bangladesh-India relations can contribute to regional peace, prosperity and people-to-people understanding. “India and Bangladesh share a language of the heart: a history, a culture, a river system, and a future. Our relationship is wide, covering trade, connectivity, energy, education, health, and the bond between our people,” he said. The acting Indian envoy made the remarks at a function marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the International Day of Non-Violence at the Liberation War Museum. Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee attended the discussion as the chief guest. Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, MP, and Gandhi Ashram Trustee Board Chairman Major General Jiban Kanai Das (retd.), among others, also spoke. Pawan Badhe said Gandhi’s relevance in the contemporary world is profound. “At a time marked by geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, environmental challenges and social inequalities, Gandhi’s principles offer a moral compass for humanity,” he said. He said Gandhi’s belief in simple living, ethical leadership, truth and service to the most vulnerable challenged people to measure progress not merely by economic growth but also by compassion, justice and human welfare. “His life reminds us that moral courage can be more powerful than physical force,” he said. Pawan Badhe shared three ideas of Gandhi that he said were extremely relevant to the present time.  “Gandhi never saw non-violence as weakness. He called it the weapon of the strong, because it takes more courage to hold your ground without hatred than to strike. In an age of polarisation, his lesson is that we can disagree firmly and still remain humane,” he said. The acting envoy said the United Nations' recognition of Gandhi’s birth anniversary as the International Day of Non-Violence demonstrated how widely this principle is valued. He highlighted the primacy of truth, noting that Gandhi titled his autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth.” “He believed that public life without honesty is hollow. Today, when a falsehood can circle the globe before the truth has dressed, his insistence on integrity, in speech, in politics, and in what we share online, is not old-fashioned. It is essential,” Pawan Badhe said.  “He reminded us that the earth provides enough for everyone's need, but not for everyone's greed. South Asia is among the regions most exposed to climate change, from rising seas along our coasts to floods and cyclones that respect no border,” he said. Pawan Badhe said Gandhi’s ideas about simple living, local self-reliance and the responsible use of shared resources directly addressed the challenges facing both Bangladesh and India. He also highlighted Gandhi’s close ties with Bengal’s intellectual world, particularly his relationship with Rabindranath Tagore, who is equally cherished in Bangladesh and India. He said their relationship was marked by mutual respect and friendly disagreement. “Tagore gave him the name ‘Mahatma’. Their conversations show that two great minds can differ and still enrich each other. That is a good model for our two countries, and for the region,” the Indian diplomat said. He noted that Gandhi’s spirit of dialogue, mutual respect and shared well-being offered guidance for strengthening bilateral relations and building a better future for the region.

Describing national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam as a poet of harmony and human solidarity, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said the poet could serve as a powerful cultural ambassador whose works convey messages of humanity and harmony across borders. Speaking at a seminar, she said the present government attaches great importance to cultural diplomacy as a key instrument of soft power to strengthen Bangladesh’s international partnerships, promote people-to-people exchanges and enhance the country’s global standing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, hosted the seminar titled “Kazi Nazrul Islam: The Universal Voice of Freedom and Humanity” at the Foreign Service Academy to commemorate the life and enduring legacy of Bangladesh’s national poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam and to highlight his potential as a global cultural ambassador for Bangladesh. A cultural programme featuring performances inspired by Nazrul’s rich artistic legacy followed the seminar. The event brought together diplomatic corps, academics, researchers, artists, writers and senior government officers to reflect on the unwavering legacy of the national poet of Bangladesh and the universal relevance of his literary and musical contributions. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest, while State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom was among the special guests. They shared their perspectives on the significance of Nazrul’s legacy and its relevance to contemporary Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Rector of the Foreign Service Academy Ambassador Nahida Sobhan, among others, spoke at the seminar.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said two Bangladeshis were killed and four others are receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital following an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The State Minister said the government is working to identify the deceased, determine their districts of origin and collect information about their families so that they could be contacted without delay. “Our mission is working closely with the Saudi government to identify those killed and injured, as nationals of many countries have been affected amid the conflict situation,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shama said the identities of the four Bangladeshis undergoing treatment in the ICU at King Khalid Hospital are being verified, a process that could take time. She said Bangladesh's missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are maintaining close contact with Saudi authorities and relevant ministries to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi nationals. The missions are also in touch with other Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia, monitoring their conditions and providing necessary safety guidelines, she added. Expressing concern over the loss of lives of Bangladeshis, the State Minister said it is particularly painful that people who went abroad in search of livelihoods and worked hard to support their families had become victims of the conflict. “These are our remittance warriors who leave their families behind, work hard and send money home,” she said hoping that the war and attacks would stop and no further casualties would be reported. Shama said they have already lost 14 Bangladeshis in recent days due to this Middle East conflict. "Naturally, this is a matter of profound sorrow,” she said, expressing deep condolences over the deaths. She reiterated that the safety, security and well-being of expatriate Bangladeshis has been the government's top priority since it assumed office. Regarding the repatriation of the deceased, Shama Obaed said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment are working jointly to provide all necessary support to the affected families. She said the government routinely bears the expenses of repatriating the remains of Bangladeshi citizens who die abroad, and the same arrangement would apply in this case. The State Minister also said flights to and from Riyadh have been suspended following the incident as a precautionary measure. However, she said the government has received no information indicating that any specific Bangladeshi airline or flight has been damaged or directly affected by the attack. The suspension was likely imposed immediately after news of the attack emerged to ensure passenger safety, she added. Bangladesh, earlier, strongly and unequivocally condemned the deadly Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 October 2026, which resulted in casualties, including the tragic loss of two Bangladeshi nationals, and left numerous others injured, many of them critically. Bangladesh mission in Riyadh is in contact with the Saudi authorities to obtain details of the deceased and injured Bangladeshis and to facilitate necessary assistance to those affected. Bangladesh extended its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, including the families of the Bangladeshi victims, and prays for the swift and full recovery of all those injured. "Attacks endangering civilian lives and targeting civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must cease immediately," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. Bangladesh reiterated its firm solidarity with the government and the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of this attack. Bangladesh called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and a peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis through dialogue and diplomacy, in the interest of regional peace, security and stability.

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom (UK) have agreed a new framework to strengthen cooperation in tackling organised immigration crime and protecting citizens from criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people through fraudulent migration schemes. The framework establishes a mechanism for cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Sunday. It will support closer collaboration on identifying, disrupting and addressing organised immigration crime, including document and visa fraud and other forms of criminal activity linked to irregular migration. The new partnership reflects the longstanding and close relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom and their shared commitment to protecting Bangladeshi citizens from exploitation by criminal networks that profit from unsafe and irregular migration routes. Under the agreement, both countries will enhance information sharing and operational cooperation, hold regular engagements to review progress, and discuss cases of mutual interest. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said Bangladesh and the United Kingdom enjoy a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual respect and close people-to-people ties. “This agreement demonstrates our shared determination to protect citizens from organised criminal groups that seek to exploit migration for financial gain,” she said. The High Commissioner said through closer cooperation, both countries will work together to address organised immigration crime, support lawful migration, and strengthen efforts to protect individuals and families from fraud, exploitation and trafficking.

Canada’s Secretary of State (International Development) Randeep Sarai on Sunday began his four-day visit to Bangladesh to advance Bangladesh-Canada relations through stronger economic cooperation and strategic partnership. During his visit from October 11 to 14, Sarai is expected to meet government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives, and visit Canadian-supported initiatives in Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar. The visit highlights how Canada’s international assistance helps strengthen institutions, develop skills, and expand opportunities for women and youth, helping create the conditions for sustainable economic growth and future trade and investment, said the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka. Canada has provided more than $6.3 billion CAD of official development assistance to Bangladesh since its independence. This includes championing Bangladesh-based NGOs such as BRAC and icddr,b, which have since become respected global leaders. Canada sees significant potential to build on its long-standing development partnership with Bangladesh by deepening trade, investment, and economic cooperation with bilateral trade in 2025 reaching over $4 billion CAD. Continued governance, regulatory, and economic environment reforms can increase transparency and predictability, build investor confidence, and create new opportunities for mutual prosperity and inclusive growth in both countries, said the High Commission. Canada’s partnership also supports health, education, gender equality and climate resilience as Bangladesh navigates its economic transition. In Cox’s Bazar, Secretary of State Sarai will hear from Rohingyas and the host communities and partners responding to the crisis. Since 2017, Canada has been a top donor for the Rohingya crisis response with more than $600 million CAD in funding, including as a top donor to Rohingya refugees and Bangladesh’s host community. Canada remains committed to humanitarian support and working with Bangladesh towards shared prosperity, inclusive growth and regional stability.

Bangladesh on Sunday strongly and unequivocally condemned Saturday’s deadly Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed 12 people, including two Bangladeshi nationals, and injured more than 300 others, many of them critically. The Bangladesh mission in Riyadh is in contact with the Saudi authorities to ascertain details of the deceased and injured Bangladeshis and to facilitate necessary assistance to those affected. Bangladesh extended its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, including the families of the Bangladeshi victims, and prays for the swift and full recovery of all those injured. "Attacks endangering civilian lives and targeting civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must cease immediately," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. Bangladesh reiterated its firm solidarity with the government and the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of this attack. Bangladesh called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and a peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis through dialogue and diplomacy, in the interest of regional peace, security and stability. A missile attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 12 people, including two Bangladeshis, and injured more than 300 others, Saudi civil aviation authorities said on Sunday, with several victims in critical condition. The Saudi-led coalition blamed Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen for the attack, calling the strike a “fully-fledged war crime” and vowing a firm response, reports AP. The fatalities also included four Saudi citizens, a Palestinian, a US citizen, an Egyptian, a Jordanian, a Syrian and a Sudanese national.