United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman on Sunday urged the Nepalese physicians to act as the catalyst for boosting bilateral engagement between the two countries. The Ambassador underlined the need to building a strong bond of network and fellow-feeling among the alumni to forge greater collaboration among them; and assured them full support and cooperation from the Embassy. Nepal wants deeper ties with Bangladesh: Envoy He made the call when a group of senior Nepali doctors and specialists, who received medical education in Bangladesh, met him at the Embassy premises. The doctors, including the President of the Nepalese Society of Gastroenterologists and General Secretary of the Society of Internal Medicine, congratulated and extended warm welcome to the Ambassador. They expressed their keen willingness to work together to enhance the Bangladesh-Nepal relationship, citing Bangladesh as their second home. The Ambassador commended the doctors for their valuable contribution to the society calling them the bridge between Bangladesh and Nepal.

Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari on Sunday underscored the importance of boosting connectivity and cultural and touristic exchanges to deepen the relations between the two countries at the people-to-people level. He also stressed the need for working together on regional and multilateral platforms, particularly in areas including SDGs, climate change, migration, disaster preparedness and peacekeeping. Speaking at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka titled 'Bangladesh-Nepal Relations: A Renewed Outlook' jointly organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and the Nepal Economic Forum (NEF), he shed light on the ongoing initiatives and suggested ways to enhance bilateral economic partnership. CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun and Chair, Nepal Economic Forum Sujeev Shakya, among others, spoke at the event. Bangladesh wants to become regional hub of halal products: Ashik The Ambassador highlighted the progress made so far in Bangladesh-Nepal ties and called for deeper collaboration in sectors such as trade, investment, energy, education and people-to-people connections. Commending CPD and NEF for their collaboration in fostering dialogue, generating knowledge and ultimately promoting bilateral cooperation, the Ambassador urged them to continue their research efforts aimed at promoting a robust economic partnership between the two countries. The discussion focused on three thematic pillars -- strengthening bilateral trade relations, enhancing people-to-people connectivity and tourism and promoting policy and regulatory harmonisation. This roundtable aimed to identify strategic bottlenecks, build on previous milestones and propose actionable pathways to deepen economic, institutional and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Nepal. It followed the successful dialogue held in Kathmandu on 13 June 2025. Harness youth dividend to build safer future: Nepal envoy Despite geographical proximity and long-standing diplomatic ties dating back to 1972, the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Nepal remains underutilised, particularly in the areas of economic cooperation, institutional collaboration and people-to-people connectivity, according to the CPD. As both countries prepare to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, there is a renewed urgency to deepen strategic engagement, address trade and transit barriers and explore new avenues of cooperation, it said. Discussions explored how to overcome tariff and non-tariff barriers, facilitate digital financial connectivity, reduce logistical costs and enable mutually beneficial sectoral trade, particularly in agriculture, energy, and information technology. The dialogue also addressed the untapped export potential, especially in high-value products such as Nepali cardamom and Bangladeshi readymade garments. Besides, the session explored opportunities to promote cross-border investment, especially in areas such as renewable energy, manufacturing, food processing and digital services, and identified policy actions to encourage joint ventures, enhance investment facilitation.

Highlighting the commitment to the halal industry, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun has said the interim government is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for the halal economy, ensuring that Bangladesh becomes a hub for halal products in the region. Speaking at a seminar titled ‘Halal Economy 360: Driving Global Growth’ on Saturday, he underscored the importance of strategic initiatives aimed at fostering growth in this sector. High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh Mohd Shuhada Othman reaffirmed the strength of bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed Malaysia’s readiness to share its expertise in developing the halal economy. “This collaboration can yield significant benefits for both nations.” Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) organised the seminar focusing on the vast potential of the halal economy and potential collaboration with Malaysia in fostering sustainable and inclusive growth and development in this $7 trillion economy. Deal information to be made public with US’ consent: Commerce Adviser Currently, trade between Bangladesh and Malaysia has been marked by a substantial imbalance, with Bangladesh’s imports from Malaysia reaching approximately $ 2.6 billion in FY2023- 24. On the other hand, Bangladesh’s exports to Malaysia totaled only $ 293.51 million in FY2023- 24, according to the BMCCI. BMCCI Secretary General Md Motaher Hoshan Khan also spoke at the seminar that brought together the industry leaders, policymakers and experts to explore the current landscape and future opportunities within this burgeoning sector. Chowdhury highlighted that most halal products are currently produced by non-Muslim countries, which is unfortunate for Muslim-majority countries like ours. Malaysia to recruit limited number of Bangladeshi workers through BOESL He, however, emphasised that this also presents a significant opportunity for Bangladesh. With the right policies and initiatives, Bangladesh is well-positioned to capitalise on this potential and enter the halal market effectively. Chowdhury elaborated on the various measures being implemented to attract investment and enhance infrastructure for halal production. He called for increased collaboration between public and private sectors to harness the full potential of the halal economy, emphasising that such partnerships are essential for driving innovation and sustainability. BMCCI President Shabbir A Khan emphasised the halal economy’s role as a crucial driver of international trade and investment. He highlighted the surging global demand for halal products and services, calling on stakeholders to collaborate in positioning Bangladesh as a competitive force in this lucrative market. He also emphasised that "beyond our traditional garment exports, Bangladesh has the potential to become a significant supplier of Halal products. With coordinated policy, streamlining certification and a favorable investment climate, we can realistically achieve US$ 7-8 billion in halal exports to Malaysia alone by 2030." Handa to invest $250mn in Bangladesh, create 25,000 jobs The BMCCI President said the global halal food market size is accounted for at USD 3.30 trillion in 2025 and is forecasted to hit around USD 9.45 trillion by 2034, representing a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 12.42% from 2025 to 2034. The seminar included a working session chaired by Syed Alamgir, adviser at the School of Business of Uttara University. Dr Mominul Islam, Assistant Professor at the College of Business Administration, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), presented the keynote paper that provided a comprehensive overview of the halal economy's potential, outlining effective strategies for growth. China favours ‘smooth, successful, participatory’ election in Bangladesh Panel discussions featured insights from distinguished experts across various industries, followed by an engaging open discussion where participants exchanged views on different perspectives of the halal economy. The discussants expressed a strong desire for collaborative efforts with the government to propel the sector forward.

Bangladesh High Commission in Canada has opened “July Beyond Borders” on Friday — a stirring photo exhibition and documentary screening marking the first anniversary of the 2024 July Uprising. The exhibition remains open to the public through to 5 August. Held at the High Commission auditorium in Ottawa, the launch event gathered members of the Bangladesh diaspora and other Canadian guests. The exhibition presents powerful visual testimony from a movement that began with students on the streets and grew into a nationwide cry for justice, dignity, non-discrimination, and emancipation. What started as peaceful protests against a job quota system in mid-2024 became a sweeping uprising against state repression.

The Bangladesh Ikebana Association (BIA) made its debut presentation at India House in North Gulshan, showcasing a traditional Ikebana arrangement during a recent cultural event. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the High Commission of India in Bangladesh invited the BIA to participate in the program, said a press release on Saturday. Themed ‘Stripes of Green: A Celebration of Tigers and Our Planet’, the event is aimed at raising awareness about environmental conservation with a particular focus on the Royal Bengal Tiger. In line with this theme, BIA’s Immediate Past President, Shahinoor Baby, created a captivating Ikebana composition inspired by the natural beauty of the Sundarbans—the homeland of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. The Ikebana corner drew significant attention from attendees, who praised both the artistry and the meaningful message conveyed through the floral display. Ann Merry George, First Secretary (Culture & Political) at the High Commission of India, honored the BIA team during the event, presenting crests to Masud Karim, Shahinoor Baby and Shormila Yesmin in recognition of their contributions. The event was followed by dinner and a group photo session.

Bangladesh and the United States have concluded Tiger Shark, a bilateral military exercise designed to enhance regional security cooperation, improve interoperability and build mutual capacity between the armed forces of both nations.  “This joint military exercise reaffirms our commitment to a safer, stronger and more prosperous Indo-Pacific. It also symbolises the strong US-Bangladesh partnership,” said US Chargé d’ Affaires Ambassador Tracey Jacobson marking the conclusion of the joint military exercise. Tiger Shark reflects the enduring commitment of the United States and Bangladesh to promote peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region, said the US Embassy in Dhaka in a media release on Saturday.

Environmental adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the recent advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate finance, while not legally binding, establishes a moral obligation for responsible states to act. She made the remarks at a roundtable discussion held on Saturday at the Department of Environment in the capital’s Agargaon. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Department of Environment, said a media release. Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the special significance of the ICJ’s opinion, creating a moral obligation that pressures states to meet their climate responsibilities - when combined with citizen pressure, can compel action. It has created moral pressure on high-emitting states. She said the court’s reaffirmation of the 1.5°C temperature limit and stressed the urgency to phase out fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy.” She also said that the future generations—especially youth, who are already deeply engaged—will be the most impacted, and we cannot ignore this rule on their behalf. Dr. Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) said the ICJ’s opinion is not just about international obligations—it brings domestic climate justice to the forefront. “All ministries, from Planning to Finance, must now integrate a climate and vulnerability lens into their work. The opinion provides a strong basis to push for accountability, both globally and within our own systems.” She mentioned it as a wake-up call to strengthen institutions and ensure no one is left behind. “We invite NGOs and civil society to continue engaging with us in shaping an inclusive and just climate future,” she added. The event was co-organised by Friendship, Centre for Climate Justice-Bangladesh (CCJ-B), BRAC and Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD). Environmental lawyer Adv. M. Hafijul Islam Khan delivered the keynote presentation at the event. He said that the ICJ’s opinion makes it clear—climate action is no longer discretionary but a binding legal obligation. Legal counsel to Bangladesh at the ICJ, Professor Payam Akhavan, described the opinion as a turning point that transforms climate negotiations from voluntary commitments into enforceable legal duties. He urged Bangladesh to use international law to amplify its calls for climate finance, compensation, and accountability. Prof Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, professor of the University of Cambridge, emphasised the importance of collaborative initiatives, highlighting the partnership between the Government of Bangladesh and the University of Cambridge, which includes scholarships for online courses. Youth climate activist Sohanur Rahman said “Following the ICJ’s advisory opinion, Bangladesh must enact a strong climate law to ensure equity in NDCs, protect vulnerable communities, and guarantee justice for future generations.” On July 23 2025, the ICJ delivered this landmark advisory opinion from The Hague, addressing climate finance, compensation, and adaptation. The court warned that failure to provide compensation for climate damages could expose responsible states to legal action. This followed the March 29, 2023 resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which unanimously requested the ICJ to provide its advisory opinion. Bangladesh was among the 18 core countries that led the initiative and helped draft the legal questions considered by the court.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin has said the information in the trade agreement following the negotiations with the United States will be released after the agreement is signed, subject to the consent of the United States. “So, due to our rights to information (Right to Information Act- RTI), and based on the US’ consent, we will definitely disclose the agreement,” he said, adding that there will be a joint statement once the deal is signed. The Commerce Adviser said it was to some extent unfortunate that the issue of the agreement was leaked. “You have seen, too. There is nothing against the country’s interest actually.” He made the remarks during a conversation with Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington Golam Mortoza who shared it from his verified Facebook page for the media.  The Commerce Adviser said they have clearly come out from those issues which might go indirectly against the country’s interest and mainly they involved the private sector. He said there is no alternative to increasing Bangladesh’s capacity if they want to implement the trade agreement. “At the same time, there is no room for complacency about this.” “Its success or failure will depend on our capacity and competitiveness. To get fruits from this, we need to boost our capacity and competitiveness. I have heard that there is no room for complacency. I hundred percent agree on this. Under no circumstances, we have no room for complacency,” he added. Asked about the purchase of 25 Boeing aircraft from the United States, Bashir said the United States did not raise the issue at all in the trade talks. “This issue is one-sided. Boeing made 12 aircraft last year. So according to this agreement, they may be able to deliver the first aircraft in 2037.” The United States was interested in agricultural products. Bangladesh imports food products worth $ 15 to 20 billion and the US is also a large producer of agricultural products. Bangladesh has mainly talked about reducing the trade deficit on the basis of energy and agricultural products, products that Bangladesh already has to import. The Commerce Adviser said the trade deficit with Bangladesh is about $6 billion. Bangladesh can try to reduce the trade deficit of $2 billion by increasing the import of cotton, soybean, corn and wheat products. He said this approach will help Bangladesh significantly to reduce the trade deficit. “Boeing aircraft are not a very important issue,” Bashir said, adding that “You don’t buy it every day but you buy soybean every day.” The Adviser laid emphasis on boosting the operational capacity of the aircraft and the interim government is trying to do that. Bangladesh’s national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has the potential to transport an additional 10 million passengers, he said, adding that considering that, 25 aircraft are not much. The Commerce Adviser dismissed the speculations of any secret deal with the United States in exchange for the reciprocal tariff reduction on Bangladeshi exports from 35 percent to 20 percent, saying all discussions prioritised the national interests. “There is no room to ignore our own interests. Whatever we did, we did by prioritising our country—just as the US prioritises its national security," the Adviser said. He also noted that a Bangladeshi business delegation is currently in the USA, and "they will not do anything that goes against their own interests."

The government of Malaysia has decided to allow the recruitment of a selected number of Bangladeshi workers—who were unable to enter the country by the May 31, 2024 deadline—through Bangladesh Overseas Employment and Services Limited (BOESL). The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur said this in an amended notice on Friday. These workers will be recruited specifically for the Construction and Tourism sectors. To facilitate recruitment in the Tourism Sector, Malaysian employers and relevant stakeholders have been advised to submit the required information via the FWCMS (Foreign Workers Centralized Management System) online portal, in accordance with a checklist provided by the authorities. For the Construction Sector, all applications must be processed through the Construction Labour Exchange Centre Berhad (CLAB), which will forward the necessary documentation to the FWCMS portal. Besides, a complete set of both original documents and photocopies must be submitted to the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur for verification and further processing. The move follows an earlier formal notice from the High Commission warning against organised fraud rings targeting Bangladeshis seeking employment in Malaysia’s Sabah province. According to the notice, scammers have been collecting passports and money from job seekers under false promises of employment in Sabah, though no official agreement or MoU existing between the two countries for worker recruitment in that region. The High Commission has urged all job seekers to remain cautious and follow only official recruitment channels.

Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Friday issued a formal notice warning against an organised fraud ring targeting Bangladeshis who wish to work in the Malaysian province of Sabah. In the notice, Bangladesh High Commission said the scams involve the collection of passports and cash under false promises of employment in Sabah—despite there being no official agreement or MoU between the Bangladeshi and Malaysian authorities for worker recruitment to that region. The Commission made clear that the Bangladesh government has neither signed any recruitment pact with Sabah authorities nor received instructions from Sabah to recruit workers from Bangladesh. Discussions are ongoing with the relevant authorities in this regard, added the High Commission. The Commission also urged people not to engage with these dishonest syndicates or provide any personal documents or payments until a formal agreement is properly signed between the Sabah Province and the Bangladesh government. Recruitment updates will be announced via the official website of the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, it added.