United News of Bangladesh

Md. Shafiqur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal, hosted an iftar-dinner on Tuesday in honor of the Heads of Mission and members of the diplomatic corps in Kathmandu. Senior officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other distinguished guests attended the event. In his welcome remarks, the Ambassador conveyed Ramadan greetings and reflected on the spirit and teachings of the holy month. He highlighted the longstanding friendly ties between Bangladesh and Nepal and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening the partnership. The envoy also congratulated the people of Nepal on the peaceful and successful elections, calling it a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey, and expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to work with the new government.

Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Thitiporn Chirasawadi paid a maiden courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Bangladesh–Thailand relations and expanding cooperation in trade, tourism, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Discussions also covered convening the 4th Foreign Office Consultations and prospects for high-level visits later this year. The State Minister highlighted the need to address tariff barriers affecting Bangladeshi exports and explored opportunities for labour mobility and skilled manpower cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional cooperation under ASEAN and BIMSTEC, as well as support for resolving the Rohingya crisis.

Bangladesh and the Republic of the Philippines have discussed expanding cooperation in areas such as skills development, labour mobility, health services, ICT, education, and seafarers’ training. Trade and investment opportunities, including prospects in renewable energy, food processing, and agro-processing, were also highlighted, alongside potential Bangladeshi exports such as pharmaceuticals, jute products, ceramics, and ready-made garments. The issues were discussed when Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Bangladesh Nina Padilla Cainglet, paid a maiden courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between Bangladesh and the Philippines. Both sides also reviewed the status of several pending bilateral agreements and discussed cooperation in culture, youth exchanges, and the creative economy. The meeting concluded with optimism about deepening Bangladesh–Philippines relations and enhancing collaboration in the years ahead.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening cooperation based on mutual benefit and highlighted the contribution of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in strengthening bilateral ties. Malaysia conveyed greetings from the government of Malaysia to the newly elected Government of Bangladesh led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral relations, including through a prospective visit of the Prime Minister to Malaysia. Both sides discussed expanding trade and investment, cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, energy, halal industry, and semiconductors, as well as enhanced private sector engagement, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The issues were discussed when High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman paid a maiden courtesy call on the State Minister. The State Minister also emphasised skilled manpower mobility and sought Malaysia’s support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, while both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening Bangladesh–Malaysia relations.

The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Dhaka, in cooperation with the Alliance Française de Dhaka, has organised a screening of the documentary “Destination Francophonie: Kosovo -Welcome to the Heart of the Balkans”, produced by TV5MONDE and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Republic of Kosovo. As part of the Francophonie Festival in Dhaka, the event on Monday brought together members of the diplomatic community, representatives of cultural institutions, academics, students, and friends of the Francophonie. Kosovo holds snap vote to break political deadlock The screening also formed part of Kosovo’s broader cultural diplomacy efforts in Bangladesh, said a media release. In his opening remarks, Lulzim Pllana, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Bangladesh, thanked François Chambraud, Director of the Alliance Française de Dhaka, and his team for their hospitality and cooperation in promoting cultural dialogue and linguistic diversity. The Ambassador noted the significance of the Francophonie movement in Kosovo and remarked, "Francophonie in Kosovo is not symbolic; it is lived; in classrooms, cultural centres, and through partnerships with institutions such as the French Institute and international networks." Referring to the relations between Kosovo and Bangladesh, the Ambassador said Bangladesh, a country rich in linguistic heritage and proud of its Language Movement, the promotion of language and culture carries special meaning. “Events like this create a space where our two countries, though geographically distant, discover common ground in the appreciation of diversity and cultural expression." The documentary presents Kosovo as a dynamic European country, highlighting the vibrancy of Prishtina, the archaeological heritage of Ulpiana, the cultural life of Prizren and Gjakovë, and the achievements of Kosovo’s Olympic athletes. Following the screening, guests were invited to remain for Iftar snacks in observance of the holy month of Ramadan, providing an opportunity for informal dialogue and cultural exchange. Through initiatives such as this, the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo continues to promote Kosovo’s culture and strengthen people-to-people ties between Kosovo and Bangladesh.

The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) on Tuesday organised a regional webinar focusing on the growing impacts of climate change on fisheries across South Asia and the need for coordinated adaptation strategies. Titled “Climate Change and Fisheries in South Asia,” the virtual event brought together regional experts and policymakers to discuss emerging risks to marine and freshwater fisheries and explore ways to strengthen climate-resilient fisheries systems. Bangladesh reaffirms commitment to revitalise SAARC process In his welcome remarks, SAC Director Md. Harunur Rashid said climate change is increasingly affecting fisheries and aquatic ecosystems across South Asia, posing new challenges to fish production and the livelihoods of millions who depend on the sector. “Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods and changes in water quality are putting additional pressure on fisheries resources,” he said, stressing the need to strengthen regional collaboration, knowledge sharing and research to build climate-resilient fisheries systems. Among the keynote speakers, BK Das, Director of ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), said climate variability is significantly affecting freshwater fisheries by altering river flows and aquatic habitats. He emphasised the importance of adaptive management practices and sustainable resource use to safeguard inland fisheries in the region. Another speaker, Sevvandi Jayakody, Chair Professor at the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries of Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, highlighted the growing vulnerability of marine and coastal fisheries. She said rising sea temperatures and extreme weather events are increasingly affecting marine ecosystems and fish stocks, underscoring the need for stronger research collaboration and regional knowledge sharing. In his concluding remarks, Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD and SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, stressed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate change impacts on fisheries. He noted that fisheries play a crucial role in ensuring food security, nutrition and livelihoods across South Asia and called for enhanced collaboration among SAARC member states to promote sustainable and climate-resilient fisheries management. The webinar was moderated by Md Shariful Islam, Senior Program Specialist (Fisheries) at SAC, who highlighted key regional challenges including salinity intrusion in coastal areas, changing hydrological patterns and increasing climate variability. He also emphasised the need for integrated management approaches and coordinated regional action to protect fisheries resources and the livelihoods of fishing communities. The event concluded with an interactive discussion where participants from different SAARC countries shared experiences and perspectives on addressing climate change impacts in the fisheries sector, stressing that climate-smart management and regional cooperation will be essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of fisheries in South Asia.

Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey has underlined the leadership role of Bangladesh, the current chair of BIMSTEC. He expressed the keenness of the BIMSTEC Secretariat to work closely with the new government of Bangladesh to strengthen and deepen regional cooperation under BIMSTEC. The BIMSTEC chief hosted an Iftar-dinner on Monday evening, bringing together government leaders, diplomatic corps, media, academia and business communities to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan and foster regional peace and harmony. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, who attended the event, lauded BIMSTEC’s role as a vital link between South and Southeast Asia and emphasised the importance of spiritual values in building a more empathetic and integrated regional community.  

India’s flag carrier Air India and its low-cost arm Air India Express hosted an Iftar and prayer gathering in Dhaka on Monday, bringing together aviation stakeholders, travel agents and tour operators. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma attended the event held at a hotel in the capital, said a press release on Tuesday. Welcoming the guests, Air India Country Manager Morgan D’Souza highlighted the airline’s engagement with Bangladesh’s travel trade and the importance of strengthening partnerships with local agents and tour operators. Sohag Hossain, Managing Director of Rhythm Group, the General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air India in Bangladesh, was also present at the gathering. Representatives from leading travel agencies and tour operator companies joined the event, reflecting the airline’s close cooperation with Bangladesh’s travel industry. Air India currently operates services to 102 domestic and international destinations using a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has reaffirmed its partnership with Bangladesh on trade, development and climate priorities following meetings between its Resident Representative and several government ministers on Monday. In posts on his verified social media platform X, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Stefan Liller said he met Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir to discuss their partnership around strengthening cooperation on trade policy, export competitiveness and development priorities as Bangladesh prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. UNDP, IIX join hands to promote gender-inclusive finance in Bangladesh Liller also congratulated Dipen Dewan on his appointment as Minister of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs. During the meeting, the two discussed UNDP’s longstanding presence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and reaffirmed cooperation on inclusive development, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and improved access to health and education. The UNDP official also met Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir following his assumption of office as Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives. Their discussion focused on the long-standing collaboration between UNDP and the ministry in areas including poverty reduction, urban resilience, climate adaptation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Liller was accompanied in the discussions by UNDP management and technical teams.

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom (UK) have explored ways to further strengthen the existing trade and business relationship between the two countries. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir held a bilateral meeting with Sir Chris Bryant MP, the UK Minister of State for Trade in London, said the Bangladesh High Commission in London on Tuesday. They highlighted the importance of unlocking investment in the blue economy sector of Bangladesh, broadening the 'Made in Bangladesh' brand, safeguarding investor interests, enhancing cooperation in the education sector and the expansion of multilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact in the run up to the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in Cameroon later this month. UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster DBE called on Foreign Minister Dr Rahman and Prime Minister's Adviser Kobir at the Bangladesh High Commission in London. They discussed potential cooperation in the aviation sector and action to make Bangladesh a regional aviation hub. The delegation held two separate meetings to advance Bangladesh's aviation sector. Professor Dapo Akande, the UK’s candidate for the position of one of the judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the term 2027–2036, called on Foreign Minister Dr Rahman and Prime Minister's Adviser Kobir and presented his candidature. UK supports Bangladesh in advancing women's leadership The two sides expressed satisfaction at the existing cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom in various multilateral forums and intergovernmental elections. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening this partnership in international legal and diplomatic arenas in the days ahead.