United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and the United Nations (UN) on Tuesday emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth as Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming national elections in February and enters a new chapter in its development journey. UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis paid a farewell call on Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna and both sides discussed the issues.  During the meeting, Lewis commended the Chief Adviser for his highly successful mission to New York during High-Level Week when the professor joined the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, held bilateral meetings with more than a dozen world leaders and spoke at the landmark UN conference on the Rohingya crisis. She highlighted the powerful demonstration of national unity reflected in the diverse composition of the Bangladesh delegation, as it for the first time included six leaders of major political parties. Reflecting on her tenure, Gwyn Lewis shared, "Serving the people of Bangladesh over the past three and a half years has been one of the greatest honours and privileges of my career." "I have witnessed firsthand the resilience, creativity, and generosity that define this nation. Working alongside government, civil society, and development partners has been deeply inspiring," Lewis said. "I hold immense respect for Professor Yunus and his lifelong dedication to social innovation and equity—his leadership continues to inspire millions around the world and shape global thinking on inclusive development," she added. During her tenure, under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026), the United Nations has partnered with the Government of Bangladesh to deliver impactful programmes aligned with the country’s 8th Five-Year Plan.  These efforts span five strategic priorities: inclusive economic development, equitable human well-being, environmental resilience, participatory governance, and gender equality. A landmark achievement during this period was the opening of a new OHCHR mission in Dhaka, strengthening the UN’s human rights presence and deepening engagement on rights-based development. The UN also played a pivotal role in supporting Bangladesh’s preparation for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status while advancing reforms in the labour sector and health and education systems.  Climate action remained a cross-cutting priority, with integrated programming to strengthen environmental sustainability and disaster preparedness. Lewis further praised Bangladesh’s leadership in global initiatives such as Early Warning for All, Transforming Education, and the Food Systems Summit, all of which saw significant progress in 2023. “Our partnership with Bangladesh is rooted in shared values and a vision for a prosperous, climate-resilient future,” she added.  “We remain committed to ensuring that no one is left behind, with gender equality and human rights embedded in all our efforts," she added.    

Bangladesh and Türkiye Tuesday discussed various measures to diversify trade, enhance connectivity, boost investment and promote joint ventures, while emphasising the importance of convening the next round of the Joint Economic Commission at the earliest opportunity. The issues were discussed at the 4th Political Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye that took place at the State Guest House Padma. The Bangladesh side invited further Turkish investments in Bangladesh. In light of its LDC graduation, Bangladesh sought Türkiye’s support in addressing the transitional challenges both during and beyond the post-graduation period. Both sides reviewed the existing defence and security cooperation and expressed satisfaction with the growing collaboration in defence industries, procurement, training and capacity building. Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Asad Alam Siam and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye A. Berris Ekinci led their respective delegations. The consultations, held in a warm, cordial and constructive atmosphere, reflected the  close friendship, mutual respect, cultural affinity and religious values that bind the two nations. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the historic ties between the two countries, based on solidarity, mutual trust and common aspirations for peace, stability,development and prosperity, according to a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Bangladesh side expressed deep appreciation for Türkiye’s steadfast support for the interim government of Bangladesh and its reform initiatives aimed at consolidating democracy, the rule of law, human rights and promoting inclusive governance. The Turkish side reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its democratic transition and institution-building efforts. Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in countering terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The two sides acknowledged the potential for partnership in the energy sector, with a view to leveraging Türkiye’s advanced expertise in green technologies and supporting Bangladesh’s growing demand for diversified and sustainable energy solutions. They expressed satisfaction with the expanding cooperation in education, culture, science and technology. Both sides exchanged views to strengthen collaboration in research and innovation, vocational training, ICT, youth and sports and cultural exchanges to further enhance people-to-people contacts. The Bangladesh side expressed sincere appreciation for Türkiye’s continued support in the health sector, including medical treatment for the injured during the ‘July Revolution’ as well as the operation of Türkiye’s Field Hospital based in Cox’s Bazar Rohingya Camps. Both sides exchanged views on possible ways to enhance cooperation in health sector. The Bangladesh side conveyed deep appreciation for Türkiye’s sustained political and humanitarian support in addressing the Rohingya crisis. Both sides emphasised the urgent need for increased aid, justice and accountability for atrocities against the Rohingyas and their voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return to their homeland in Myanmar. Bangladesh also expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its active participation in the High-Level Conference on the Rohingya, held on 30 September 2025 on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Both sides exchanged views on various regional and global developments and welcomed recent international recognitions of the State of Palestine by many more countries. They reiterated their steadfast support for the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The two sides strongly condemned the ongoing genocide against civilians, including women and children, in the Gaza Strip, extremist Israeli rhetoric about West Banks’ annexation and attemptsto change the status quo in Jerusalem, while emphasising the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access and the unequivocal rejection of starvation as a weapon of war. Both delegations reaffirmed their strong commitment to close cooperation in multilateral fora, including the United Nations, Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and D-8.   Bangladesh congratulated Türkiye on successfully hosting the 51st Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul in June 2025, as well as the 49th Session of the D-8 Commission held in Istanbul in May 2025. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the existing bilateral instruments, which have contributed significantly to deepening and broadening bilateral relations across various sectors. They also reviewed the status of pending bilateral agreements and MoUs and agreed to expedite their finalization with a view to early signing. The discussions concluded in a spirit of shared purpose. Both sides agreed to convene the next round of Political Consultations in Ankara on a mutually agreed date. The delegations affirmed that the outcomes of the 4th Political Consultations would further solidify the growing partnership between Bangladesh and Türkiye.

Chief Advisor’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi held bilateral talks with Singapore’s Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and State Minister (Manpower) Dinesh Vasu Dash at their respective offices recently. At the invitation of Grace Foo, Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, Siddiqi also joined a high-level dinner at the Singapore Grand Prix on October 5. Apart from Minister Foo, Siddiqi was greeted at his table by Minister for Manpower, Science and Technology Dr. Tan See Leng, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Gan Siow Huang; and Senior Minister of State for Transport Murali Pillai. In addition, he exchanged views about Bangladesh and global trends with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister & Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah and State Minister of National Development Alvin Tan. Singapore looks forward to 'working closely' with Bangladesh At the same event, he reconnected with private sector leaders, including Ray Dalio, CEO of Grab Anthony Tan, CEO of Antler Magnus Grimeland, CEO of GIC Lim Chow Kiat, CEO of Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX) Loh Boon Chye, Asia Chairman of Evercore Keith Magnus and Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce Anindya Bakrie, amongst others. He rounded up the visit with bilateral meetings with Chairman of Enterprise Singapore Lee Chuan Teck, Regional CEO of PSA (Ports) Vincent Ng, and Regional Lead of PayPal Amir Valliani, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Tuesday. The Special Envoy took the opportunity to provide first-hand updates and answer questions on developments in Bangladesh and pursue areas of collaboration with both the public and private sectors. He also thanked Singapore for the support and engagement on multiple fronts. In a social media post recounting his meeting with Special Envoy Siddiqi, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said, “With a young and hard-working population, Bangladesh has immense potential. It is undergoing a new phase of political and economic transformation and is implementing reforms, diversifying its economy, and seeking investments in renewable energy, digital innovation, and connectivity … Singapore looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh as it pursues its next phase of growth and development.” Special Envoy Siddiqi also gave an interview to Channel News Asia, where he highlighted online disinformation as a lingering risk, especially in the run-up to elections, and underscored the need for everyone to remain alert to that. He spoke to colleagues at the Bangladesh High Commission and members of the migrant workers' community to get an update on service levels. Appointments for ePassport biometrics are now available within twenty-four hours. Just a couple of months ago, the waiting time was longer than four months, and there was an overhang of over twelve thousand applications. Besides, the requirement to get work visas (“IPAs”) physically endorsed at the High Commission has been suspended, removing a burden on Bangladeshi workers and their employers. Special Envoy Siddiqi had earlier worked with Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Expatriates’ Affairs Advisor Asif Nazrul to resolve these two issues.  

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said India will continue discussions on water-related issues, including the Ganges and Teesta water-sharing treaties, within the framework of the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC). “The Ganges Water Treaty is still valid and we will continue to discuss related issues within the framework of the JRC,” Misri said. He said all are aware that there is a joint rivers commission between the two sides and all the issues of the agenda have been taken up. The Foreign Secretary noted that India’s objective regarding the Teesta water-sharing agreement remains the same as that discussed with the previous government. "We have put proposals on the table, we remain ready to discuss those proposals, including with the future government that would be elected.” Misri made the remarks during an interaction with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The Indian highlighted the warm and historic Bangladesh-India ties emphasising that India has always approached the Dhaka-Delhi relationship in a positive and constructive manner with a people-centric orientation. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B. Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present. Bangladesh and India share 54 rivers, including the Ganges, and have maintained cooperation through the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), a bilateral mechanism established to address shared water management issues. Rizvi slams India for depicting Dr Yunus as ‘Asur’ during Durga Puja Officials from both countries held the 86th meeting of the JRC in Kolkata a few months ago, where they discussed the renewal of the 30-year-old Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which is set to expire next year. Bangladesh has also reiterated its long-standing request to finalize an interim agreement on the sharing of Teesta River waters, a draft of which was completed in 2011.

A high-level delegation from Bangladesh, led by Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, has reached Türkiye on a strategic mission to deepen investment ties and advance institutional reform and capacity development. The delegation includes senior officials from the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and other key government agencies. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is providing technical support for the visit. During the four-day mission from October 7 to 9, the team will hold a series of Government-to-Business (G2B) meetings with major Turkish conglomerates, including existing investors in Bangladesh and potential new investors exploring opportunities in sectors such as textiles, energy, processed foods, ICT, logistics, FMCG, healthcare and electronics. The visit also includes a formal institutional exchange with Invest in Türkiye, the country’s national investment promotion agency. With technical assistance from IFC, BIDA officials will participate in capacity-building workshops on foreign direct investment (FDI) pipeline development, investor services, and policy reform. The mission will culminate with the Bangladesh–Türkiye Investment Seminar in Istanbul on October 9, co-hosted by BIDA and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Türkiye. The seminar aims to showcase Bangladesh’s growing investment potential and highlight success stories of leading Turkish companies, including Koç Holding and Aygaz. It will feature sector-focused presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities for Turkish business leaders and Bangladeshi officials to promote cross-border collaboration.

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia on Monday signed their first formal labour recruitment agreement, aimed at ensuring fair hiring practices and safeguarding the rights of workers. Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul and Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Engineer Ahmad Bin Solaiman Al-Rajhi signed the deal in the capital of Saudi Arabia. Although Saudi Arabia has been recruiting workers from Bangladesh since 1976, this is the first general labour agreement between the two countries. Previously, two special agreements were in place—one signed in 2015 for domestic workers, and another in 2022 regarding skill verification. Experts believe the new agreement will boost the recruitment of skilled workers from Bangladesh across various sectors, while better protecting the rights of both workers and employers. The agreement also mentioned that it would contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Alice Mogwe, President of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday at the Guest House Jamuna on Monday The two leaders held a wide-ranging discussion on the human rights situation in Bangladesh and across the globe. Professor Yunus thanked Mogwe for her visit and emphasised the importance of increased international engagement during this pivotal period for the country. “I have met many international human rights defenders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month. I urged them all to come to Bangladesh as the country approaches a critical time,” he said. “Every visit helps surface neglected issues and compels us to take notice,” Professor Yunus said. He also spoke warmly of his late friend, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, recalling their shared commitment to justice and human dignity. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza was a key topic during the meeting. Mogwe outlined FIDH’s ongoing efforts to support the people of Gaza and expressed appreciation for Professor Yunus’s steadfast solidarity. She commended the interim government led by Professor Yunus for its commitment to upholding human rights and democratic principles. “You are doing a remarkable job under the trying conditions,” she noted. Reflecting on 15 years of autocratic rule; Mogwe expressed concern over enforced disappearances and the silencing of dissent under the previous Bangladesh administration. No more powerless 'Human Rights Commission' needed: Debapriya She also acknowledged the growing momentum for change among Bangladesh’s youth. “Young people are showing a powerful thirst for change,” she said, adding that she keeps Bangladesh in her thoughts and morning prayers. Taskin Fahmina, Senior Researcher at Odhikar, also attended the meeting.

Reiterating that India firmly supports “free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections” in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said that India will work with any government that emerges through the mandate of the people of Bangladesh. The Indian Foreign Secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an "inclusive and participatory" election. “We remain ready to engage with any government that emerges from these elections with a popular mandate,” he said while responding to a question during an interaction with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B. Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were also present. During the nearly hour-long discussion, the Indian Foreign Secretary responded to questions on bilateral relations, border management, water-sharing issues, and matters concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently staying in India. The Foreign Secretary acknowledged that some issues exist, which is natural in any bilateral relationship. A 23-member DCAB delegation is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India. The Foreign Secretary said one important issue being closely watched not only in the region but also globally is the next steps in Bangladesh’s internal political process. “We have all seen the announcements and statements regarding the next elections in Bangladesh. I understand that a time frame around February has been indicated in this regard,” he said. He added that India is encouraged by the fact that Bangladeshi authorities themselves have spoken about a timeline for the elections and that India looks forward to their successful conduct.  “It will be a government elected with a popular mandate, and we will work with whichever government the people of Bangladesh choose to represent them,” Foreign Secretary Misri said. Peace and Stability Referring to India’s role in the region, the Foreign Secretary said that India has a significant stake in the peace, progress, stability, and development of Bangladesh. “All of these issues are linked to regional stability, and we attach the highest importance to that — not just for ourselves but also because it serves our mutual interests,” he said. When asked about the possibility of elections excluding a major political party, Misri said, "I obviously cannot get into the middle of decisions made by authorities in Bangladesh. The authorities, the people, and civil society in Bangladesh will have to make their own assessment of how these elections are viewed both domestically and internationally.” Hasina’s stay in India a legal matter requiring bilateral engagement: Misri He added that it is not only a matter of internal legitimacy but also one of external perception.  “These decisions will not just affect the present but will have implications in the medium to long term. Ultimately, it is for the people of Bangladesh to decide,” Misri said. He noted that the elections will undoubtedly express a certain mandate. “When it comes to the conditions shaping that mandate, India will not interfere. That is something for the people of Bangladesh to determine,” he said. Engaging Interim Govt He also mentioned that even after the events of July and August last year, India has continued to work with the authorities in Dhaka, despite the unusual nature of the current political arrangement. “That hasn’t prevented us from working with or engaging the authorities,” he said. Misri noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to congratulate Professor Muhammad when he assumed charge as the head of the interim government, followed by a series of subsequent engagements. When asked about Pakistan–Bangladesh relations, the Foreign Secretary said he would not comment on Bangladesh’s relations with a third country. Time-Tested Relationship “I can only say that we value our relationship with Bangladesh. We have a stake in its peace, progress, stability, and development. All of these have a bearing on regional security and stability,” he said. “We have had close discussions with the authorities in Bangladesh on these matters in the past, and I am sure we will continue to do so,” he added, expressing confidence that Bangladesh recognizes the importance of regional stability and security for all. The Foreign Secretary said the India–Bangladesh relationship is rooted in strong cultural, linguistic, religious, and historical ties. “These are factors that continue to underpin our relationship. We have always approached it with a people-first mindset,” he said. “This is a time-tested relationship — more than five decades old — and I am confident it will continue to flourish,” Misri added. He said India’s approach toward Bangladesh has always been pragmatic. “We are no strangers to the momentous developments that have taken place in the region, the world, and in Bangladesh. Our pragmatic approach has guided our engagement with the authorities, including the interim government,” he said. “The only point I would make is that for this engagement to be sustained and to serve as the basis for even stronger ties in the future, both sides need to work toward creating a conducive environment,” he noted. The Foreign Secretary concluded by emphasizing the importance of avoiding statements or actions that could harm the bilateral atmosphere.

Explaining former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's presence in India and its impacts on bilateral relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said this is a ‘judicial legal process’ and it requires ‘engagement and consultations’ between the two governments. "We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues," he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Beyond that, the Indian Foreign Secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh & Myanmar) B. Shyam, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present. Responding to a question, Foreign Secretary Misri said they should set aside the perception that they have a favourite or they are trying to engage with one set of people or ignore another set of people. He said they want the earliest possible expression of the mandate of people through which a democratically elected government will emerge. Asked whether India is trying to reinstate Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh Awami League, the Indian Foreign Secretary said they are only in favour of an early election in Bangladesh for an opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to express their mandate to the popularly elected government. India wants free, fair and inclusive election in Bangladesh: Misri "We will deal with the government. We are prepared to deal with the government. I don't think there is anything else to say with regards to that," said the Foreign Secretary. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently said Bangladesh is yet to receive any positive response from India regarding its request for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition to face trial at home. "There is no new information on this. Bangladesh has asked India to return Sheikh Hasina to face trial. There has been no positive response from India yet," he told reporters in Dhaka recently. Hasina fled Bangladesh to India on August 5 last year in the face of massive student-led protests. Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh is waiting for a response from New Delhi. He said Hasina's trial has already begun and whether someone comes or not, the trial does not stop. Responding to a question on whether the government will seek international assistance to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country, the Foreign Affairs Adviser said the government can seek assistance if it deems it necessary. "However, I do not see any need at the moment." The Foreign Adviser said the government would continue to pursue the extradition of former Prime Minister Hasina, currently reported to be in India since August 5 last year. India bins Bangladesh Home Adviser’s remarks as 'false, baseless' Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note (note verbale) to India in December last year, along with a set of supporting documents, formally requesting Hasina's extradition. He said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time. The Indian Foreign Secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. During nearly an hour of interaction, the Indian Foreign Secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India. The Foreign Secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship. A 23-member delegation of the DCAB is currently visiting India at the invitation of the government of India.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday said they want to see a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh at the earliest possible time. The Indian Foreign Secretary said they are ready to work with the democratically elected government following the results of an inclusive and participatory election. He made the remarks while interacting with the visiting delegation of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), New Delhi. Senior officials of the MEA, DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun were present. India bins Bangladesh Home Adviser’s remarks as 'false, baseless' During nearly an hour-long interaction, the Indian Foreign Secretary responded to questions on bilateral issues, border issues, water sharing issues and issues related to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who is staying in India. The Foreign Secretary acknowledged that there are some issues which are natural in any relationship.