United News of Bangladesh

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has described the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as a significant milestone achieved through sustained dialogue between the two countries. Speaking at a seminar, he noted that it is Bangladesh’s first full-fledged EPA and Japan’s first Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with a least developed country. The Ambassador emphasised that the agreement goes beyond tariff reductions and establishes rules and procedures to facilitate trade and investment, expressing hope that it will encourage greater foreign direct investment and strengthen Bangladesh’s industrial capabilities. As Bangladesh and Japan move towards implementing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), policymakers and stakeholders are increasingly focusing on how the country can maximise the benefits of this new framework of economic cooperation. The agreement is expected to expand trade, strengthen investment linkages, and support industrial upgrading while helping Bangladesh integrate more deeply into regional and global value chains. Against this backdrop, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, organised the seminar titled “Maximising the Opportunities of the Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)” on Monday. The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, academics, development partners, and business leaders from Bangladesh and Japan. The seminar was organised in four segments: an inaugural session;sessions on “Rethinking Development and Industrial Policy in Bangladesh” and “Exploring the Future Bangladesh–Japan Economic Cooperation in a Time of Transition”; and a concluding session, said the CPD. Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of CPD, delivered the welcome remarks and chaired the seminar. She highlighted that the EPA presents an important opportunity to deepen Bangladesh–Japan economic relations and move beyond traditional aid-driven cooperation towards a partnership centred on trade, investment, and technology collaboration. Presenting CPD’s analysis of the agreement, she noted that enhanced market access and deeper economic cooperation could support export diversification and attract greater foreign investment, while emphasising that Bangladesh will need coordinated policies prioritising trade facilitation, industrial upgrading, and supportive fiscal measures to fully realise the agreement’s potential. The seminar featured keynote presentations on Bangladesh’s development trajectory and lessons from international industrialisation experiences.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. He was delivering the national statement at the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) held at the UN Headquarters in New York on March 17. Reiterating Bangladesh’s full commitment to advancing the goals of the Beijing  Declaration and Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Foreign Minister emphasized that access to justice for women and girls remains a central priority for Bangladesh.  He also highlighted the vital contributions of Bangladeshi women in UN peacekeeping. Dr. Rahman further noted that climate change, economic uncertainty, conflicts, and the digital divide continue to create new barriers, particularly for women in rural and vulnerable communities.  To address these challenges, Bangladesh proposed strengthening justice systems through women’s leadership and enhancing regional and international cooperation to combat trafficking, according to Bangladesh Mission in New York. The CSW70 is being held from March 9-19 in New York, focusing on strengthening access to justice, eliminating discriminatory laws, and addressing structural barriers for all women and girls.

On the second day of the Global Fraud Summit in Vienna, Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed met with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for the Home Office, Rt Hon Lord Hanson, for a key bilateral discussion on Tuesday. The meeting took place in the ‘MOE3’ room of the Vienna International Centre in the afternoon local time and focused on mutual security and strategic interests between the two countries. At the start of the meeting, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed warmly greeted Lord Hanson and praised the historic and partnership-based relations between Bangladesh and the UK. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, and maritime security. Lord Hanson also expressed his agreement on elevating the strategic partnership to a new level. The minister thanked the UK for its continued support in maintaining Bangladesh’s stability and democratic reforms following the 2026 national elections. Referring to a recent meeting with British High Commissioner Sarah Cook in Dhaka, Salahuddin Ahmed called for accelerated cooperation in security reform, migration management, and criminal justice. A key topic of discussion was the reform and modernization of the Bangladesh Police. The Home Minister highlighted the UK police’s professional experience and expertise, seeking technical and training assistance to ensure strategic reform, human rights protection, and institutional accountability in Bangladesh’s law enforcement. He noted that the UK’s specialized knowledge would be invaluable in building a modern and citizen-friendly police force. Salahuddin Ahmed also urged continued international pressure to ensure the safe and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya population. He emphasized the importance of the UK’s active role in maintaining regional stability and providing humanitarian aid to the displaced populations. Lord Hanson praised Bangladesh’s security sector reform plans and its role in safeguarding regional stability, assuring support in the areas discussed. Representatives from the diplomatic missions of Bangladesh and the UK in Vienna attended the meeting.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin on Tuesday met Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and discussed issues of mutual interest, including the situation in the Middle East. During the meeting, they discussed Bangladesh-Russia cooperation, including interaction at the United Nations (UN). Particular attention was paid to the situation in the Middle East in connection with the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, as well as assistance to Bangladesh in the context of the current global fuel and energy crisis, said the Russian Embassy in Dhaka. Ruling out any uncertainty over the country’s energy security, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Ministries Prof Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir on Sunday said a midterm roadmap for energy security will be presented in the upcoming national budget. “In the upcoming national budget, we will get a roadmap on midterm energy security. In addition, we need a clear investment plan because a roadmap alone is not enough without the necessary financing,” he told reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday, highlighting the government’s efforts to address the current energy situation. Prof Titumir said the government is taking all necessary steps to tackle energy supply challenges. He stressed that diversifying energy sources is essential to ensuring long-term energy security for the country.

Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen has said judicial independence is essential for democratic governance, economic stability, and public confidence. "Norway is pleased to support Bangladesh in consolidating the important reforms already underway, reforms that modernize court administration, strengthen accountability, and improve dispute resolution for both citizens and businesses," the Ambassador said. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the government of Norway signed an agreement at the Embassy of Norway on Tuesday to support “Consolidating Justice Reforms for Long Term Stability and Economic Growth in Bangladesh 2026.” Norway reaffirms support for Rohingyas with $1m aid The envoy said they believe this initiative will make a meaningful contribution to long‑term stability, stronger institutions, and a justice system that people can trust. The initiative aims to strengthen judicial independence, enhance the operational readiness of the Supreme Court Secretariat, and drive long‑term justice sector reforms to improve public trust and democratic governance. The agreement was signed by Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, and Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh. Under this partnership, UNDP and Norway will support infrastructure development and provide essential equipment required to operationalise the Supreme Court Secretariat. The initiative will also build the capacity of newly appointed secretariat staff through specialised training to enhance effective judicial self‑administration. In addition, the project will convene dialogues among the judiciary, government, legal professionals, academia, and civil society to foster deeper understanding and support for judicial independence. Signing the agreement, Stefan Liller said Bangladesh has made significant progress in strengthening the justice sector, from establishing the Supreme Court Secretariat to advancing merit‑based judicial appointments and expanding citizen‑focused services. "This new partnership with Norway will help translate these reforms into sustained institutional practice.” Through this agreement, UNDP and Norway reaffirm their commitment to advancing justice sector reforms and strengthening the rule of law as a foundation for sustainable development and democratic governance in Bangladesh.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday said Bangladesh and China are 'comprehensive strategic cooperative partners’ and his country will continue to implement more projects that benefit people and enhance the well-being of both nations. He emphasised that Bangladesh and China are a community with a shared future. "Eid al-Fitr is a time for gratitude and sharing blessings. Through this donation, China aims to convey warmth and support residents in celebrating a peaceful festival," he said at a Eid al-Fitr food packages donation ceremony in Dhaka. Bangladesh, China seek to deepen cultural cooperation, strengthen diplomatic ties The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh donated the Eid al-Fitr food packages . Dr. Shafiqul Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, also attended the donation ceremony, with over 1,000 local residents participating. Ameer Dr. Shafiqul expressed gratitude for the generous donation, noting that the food packages reflect China’s sincere friendship toward the people of Bangladesh, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. He highlighted the importance Jamaat-e-Islami places on friendly relations with China and expressed willingness to deepen inter-party exchanges, promote more grassroots-level cooperation, and jointly enhance the welfare of the people. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in a message on Tuesday night said they noted with concern some social media’s contents about the charity event attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh were not in consistence with the fact. "We would like to reiterate China’s friendly policy towards Bangladesh and stress that we support the smooth governance by the elected government," said the Embassy. The Chinese side said they will continue to work together with the Bangladesh government to promote their friendship so as to bring more benefits to the people of the two countries.

President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended condolences in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, following the tragic death of five Bangladeshi nationals and injuries sustained by two others in the devastating fire. The fire broke out in the early hours of March 13 at an accommodation block on the island of ADh. Dhigurah. In his letter, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu expressed profound sadness, stating that during this difficult time, the government and people of the Maldives join in extending deepest condolences to the Prime Minister and the government of Bangladesh, especially to the bereaved families. Maldives gas explosion: Bangladesh envoy visits injured, pays respects to victims He said the thoughts of Maldivians are with all those affected and wished a swift and complete recovery to those receiving treatment, said the government of Maldives on March 17. Noting that the Bangladeshi community in the Maldives plays a valuable role in society and that the Maldives shares in the grievous loss and sorrow caused by this incident, the President said he has instructed the relevant authorities to closely investigate the matter and take every necessary step to prevent an incident of this scale from occurring again.

Bangladesh and the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have observed that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East created major risks to the global economy. UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan called on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York on Monday (NY Time). During the meeting, they discussed the current global economic situation against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. They urged all relevant parties to avoid further escalation and urgently seek diplomatic solution, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Disruptions in international trade and turmoil in the energy markets are already negatively affecting the developing countries, particularly the poorest among them, who are witnessing reversal of years of progress. Grynspan, who was previously Vice President of Costa Rica, is a candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations, while Foreign Minister Dr Rahman is a candidate for the President of the 81st session of the United Nations. The two officials discussed their respective candidatures. Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, was present during the meeting. UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday expressed optimism that India will cooperate with Bangladesh as Dhaka seeks further investigation following consular access to those arrested in Kolkata in connection with the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi. “We will be able to comment in detail after we receive consular access and conduct our investigation. Efforts are underway from our side, and we hope India will cooperate with us,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. When asked whether consular access had already been granted, the State Minister said the process is currently underway. Earlier, Bangladesh requested consular access to the two main suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. A week after the arrest of the two suspects, the Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police detained Philip Sangma, who is accused of helping the key suspects flee the country following Hadi’s killing. Shama Obaed said Bangladesh remains in contact with the Indian authorities and the government is making every effort to secure consular access for the arrested individuals and bring them back. She said the Ministry of Home Affairs is working in this regard.

Bangladesh and France on Monday explored avenues for expanding cooperation in trade and investment, climate action, culture, women empowerment, sustainable development, education and skills development, connectivity, migration, and global peace and security. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, emphasising the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, restraint, and respect for international law for maintaining peace, stability and security across the world. The issues were discussed when Ambassador of France to Bangladesh Jean‑Marc Séré‑Charlet paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador warmly congratulated the State Minister on her recent assumption of duties and expressed optimism that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and France would be further strengthened during her tenure. The State Minister acknowledged France’s longstanding development cooperation with Bangladesh across diverse sectors. She expressed Bangladesh’s interest in exploring additional opportunities to deepen trade and investment relations with the European Union within the framework of existing arrangements and cooperation mechanisms, with a view to sustaining the competitiveness of Bangladeshi exports in the EU market. The State Minister sought France’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the upcoming Presidency of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly for the term 2026-2027, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Séré‑Charlet reaffirmed France’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh to advance the shared vision of peace, prosperity, and progress.