United News of Bangladesh

Outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday reaffirmed India’s willingness to deepen multifaceted engagement with Bangladesh for the mutual benefit and shared prosperity of the peoples of both countries. He paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and they briefly discussed various potential areas of cooperation driven by the development priorities of the two countries. The Prime Minister thanked High Commissioner Pranay Verma for his contributions to bilateral relations and conveyed best wishes for his next assignment, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The meeting was held in the afternoon at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman was also present at the meeting.

Outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday. The meeting was held in the afternoon at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman was present at the meeting. During the meeting, they discussed issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and India.

A battalion commander-level flag meeting was held between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) following tension over an alleged attempt by BSF to erect fencing near the zero line at the Dahagram Tin Bigha Corridor border in Patgram upazila. The meeting took place inside Indian territory from 11am to 12:25pm on Saturday near International Border Pillar 812 under the Panbari BOP of the 51 BGB Rangpur Battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Naziur Rahman, commander of the 51 BGB Rangpur Battalion, led the Bangladesh side, while BSF’s 174 Battalion Commander Vinod Kumar represented India. During the meeting, BGB strongly objected to the reported initiative to install bamboo poles and fencing within 50 yards of the zero line, saying such activities violate border regulations. According to BGB, international border rules do not allow construction of permanent structures or barbed-wire fences within 150 yards of the international boundary. In response, the BSF commander said the activities were part of a land measurement process related to land acquisition on the Indian side of the border. He also alleged that some Bangladeshi farmers had harvested paddy and maize from Indian territory. In reply, the BGB commander expressed regret over the allegation and assured that steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in future. Lieutenant Colonel Naziur Rahman said Bangladesh has no objection to land acquisition inside Indian territory but reiterated that no permanent structure or fence can be built within 150 yards of the zero line under international rules. On the issue of alleged push-ins, the BGB commander said no such incidents had occurred along the border and stressed that any Bangladeshi citizen detained in India should be returned through legal procedures and flag meetings instead of push-ins. The BSF commander assured that no permanent structure would be built within the restricted border area and that no push-ins would take place in future. Both sides also emphasised increasing communication between Border Outposts (BOPs) and company commanders to resolve border-related issues quickly and peacefully. The meeting ended cordially and the border situation is currently normal, officials said. Tension had earlier spread in the area on Friday after BSF personnel and Indian workers reportedly began installing measuring rods and bamboo poles within 10 to 20 yards of the zero line. BGB members later intervened and stopped the work.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is interested in recruiting trained manpower from Bangladesh as there is a huge demand for skilled drivers and gardeners in the gulf-country. UAE ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Khaseif AlHmoudi showed the interest at a meeting with Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office in the Secretariat. Home Minister, UAE Ambassador discuss issues of mutual interest During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest, including law and order and security issues, prevention of human trafficking, export of skilled manpower including drivers and gardeners from Bangladesh and arranging necessary training for them, increasing UAE investment and trade in Bangladesh, and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. The Home Minister assured the Ambassador of the Bangladesh government's full support in sending trained and skilled manpower to the UAE. At this time, he said both countries could jointly organise a six-month international-standard driver training course in Bangladesh. Those who successfully complete this training could be recruited as skilled drivers in the UAE, he added. Salahuddin put special emphasis on introducing a uniform driver training course for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or Gulf countries, and assured the Ambassador that a proposal regarding this would be sent to the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh for taking necessary steps. The UAE Ambassador said Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates are very close and long-standing friendly nations. Currently, around 2 million Bangladeshi migrants are working with a high reputation in the UAE, contributing significantly to the economies of both countries, he said. The envoy said there is currently a huge demand for skilled drivers and gardeners in his country, and the UAE is particularly interested in recruiting trained manpower from Bangladesh in these fields. According to the UAE's state policy, specifically for the recruitment of drivers, undergoing a six-month specialized training course is mandatory, he mentioned. Ambassador AlHmoudi said various leading companies of the UAE are interested in making large-scale investments in Bangladesh's IT and emerging sectors, including cyber security. The meeting also featured discussions on the joint efforts of both countries to prevent and suppress human trafficking. The Ambassador said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address the human trafficking issue between the two countries is finalized and ready for signature. In response, the Home Minister suggested that a comprehensive 'Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty' could be signed between the two countries, which would encompass all types of criminal matters, including human trafficking prevention, said a PID handout.

The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Bangladesh, Abdulla Ali Khaseif AlHmoudi paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office room in the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Secretariat on Saturday. During the meeting, detailed discussions took place on various issues of mutual interest including law and order and security issues, prevention of human trafficking, export of skilled manpower including drivers and gardeners from Bangladesh and arranging necessary training for them, increasing UAE investment and trade in Bangladesh, and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. Global aid for Rohingyas must increase amid funding decline: Minister Salahuddin The UAE Ambassador said that Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates are very close and long-standing friendly nations. Currently, around 2 million Bangladeshi migrants are working with high reputation in the UAE, contributing significantly to the economies of both countries. He noted that there is currently a huge demand for skilled drivers and gardeners in his country, and the UAE is particularly interested in recruiting trained manpower from Bangladesh in these fields. The Ambassador further informed that according to the UAE's state policy, specifically for the recruitment of drivers, undergoing a six-month specialized training course is mandatory. Assuring the Ambassador of the Bangladesh government's full support in sending trained and skilled manpower to the UAE, the Home Minister said that both countries could jointly organize a six-month international-standard driver training course in Bangladesh. Those who successfully complete this training could be recruited as skilled drivers in the UAE. The Minister placed special emphasis on introducing a uniform driver training course for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or Gulf countries, and assured the Ambassador that a proposal regarding this would be sent to the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh for taking necessary steps. Ambassador AlHmoudi expressed his optimism about taking the bilateral relations to new heights by further expanding the scope of cooperation with Bangladesh. He informed that various leading companies of the UAE are interested in making large-scale investments in Bangladesh's IT and emerging sectors, including cyber security. Sincerely welcoming the UAE's investment interest, the Minister said that Bangladesh is fully prepared to extend any kind of cooperation to the UAE in this regard. The meeting also featured discussions on the joint efforts of both countries to prevent and suppress human trafficking. The Ambassador informed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address the human trafficking issue between the two countries is finalized and ready for signature. In response, the Home Minister suggested that a comprehensive 'Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty' could be signed between the two countries, which would encompass all types of criminal matters, including human trafficking prevention. The Minister expressed hope that this treaty would further consolidate the legal and security cooperation between the two nations. Additional Secretary of the Political Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Branch Rebeka Khan, and Deputy Secretary of the Political-1 Section Begum Minara Nazmin, among others, were also present.

Amid speculation over a likely defence deal with the United States, Bangladesh on Saturday said any deal - whether with the US or any other country - will only be signed when the government and relevant agencies determine that the interests of the country and its people are protected. “Decisions regarding defence deals will not just come from the MoFA. There are relevant agencies where discussions take place and decisions are made. I can’t tell you now from this (MoFA) ministry at what stage this remains,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter drew her attention to a defence deal with the US. A section of media reported that Bangladesh and the US have agreed to reinforce defence cooperation, with both countries advancing negotiations on two long-discussed foundational agreements - the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). “I am reiterating that any agreement, whether with the United States or any other country, will only be signed after the government and all relevant agencies, through consultations, determine that it serves the interests of the country and its people. Beyond that, no deal is expected to be signed,” the State Minister further explained. The GSOMIA is a foundational government-to-government bilateral agreement that will permit greater collaboration and sharing of classified military information in the form of intelligence and classified information US defence equipment, a diplomatic source told UNB. GSOMIA is a reciprocal, legally binding agreement that ensures governments understand and commit to protecting classified military information at an equivalent level of security. The State Minister paid a brief visit to Washington, D.C. on May 18 and met senior US government officials at the Department of State and senior leaderships of International Republican Institute (IRI) and the Atlantic Council. The State Minister met US Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) S Paul Kapur at the State Department. During the meeting, both the Bangladesh State Minister and the US Assistant Secretary expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of Bangladesh-US relations. They reaffirmed commitment to further strengthening the partnership across various aspects of mutual interests including trade, energy, defense, Rohingya crisis, Indo-Pacific and people-to-people contact. They underscored the importance of regular high-level dialogues to maintain momentum in the growing relationship. The meeting was preceded by another meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) Andrew Veprek at the bureau’s office. During the meeting, the State Minister thanked the United States government for their continued support to the Rohingya cause. Both the State Minister and the Assistant Secretary (PRM) agreed to work together to ensure sustainable and safe return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Bangladesh High Commissioner Shah Ahmed Shafi joined the soft opening of Honorary Consulate of Bangladesh in Cape Town, South Africa on May 22. Western Cape Province hosts the second largest Bangladeshi diaspora in South Africa. Bangladesh government nominated Johan Max le Roux, a prominent businessman having long business relations with Bangladesh, as the honorary consul for the region in October 2025. Foreign Secretary Siam was leading the Bangladesh delegation at the 6th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and South Africa.  

The Russian House in Dhaka  on Friday organized a vibrant and engaging Matryoshka doll painting master class to introduce participants to Russian culture and traditional folk art. The event was arranged in association with the Serov Academy of Fine Arts. Around 30 students from various educational institutions, including members of the Serov Academy of Fine Arts, actively participated in this creative workshop. Harassment of Russian nationals: 2 TikTokers held in Natore During the session, participants explored the art of painting traditional Russian Matryoshka dolls using pastel, watercolor, and poster colors.

Indian High Commissioner-designate to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has met Chief of Army Staff of India General Upendra Dwivedi and discussed issues of mutual interest, including border security and military-to-military cooperation, between Bangladesh and India. "The interaction focused on strengthening India-Bangladesh defence ties, border security and enhancing military-to-military engagement," the Indian Army said in a Facebook post on Friday. A diplomatic source told UNB that the meeting took place on Thursday. On April 27 last, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced the appointment of Dinesh Trivedi as the next High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh.  

Bangladesh has been unanimously elected as a member of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Board of Governors for the 2026-28 term. The Commonwealth was the first international organisation that Bangladesh joined following its independence. The Commonwealth Executive Committee comprises 16 members, of which eight are the highest contributing member states and the other eight are elected from the four regions. Bangladesh has been elected a member of the Executive Committee from the Asia-Europe region at the Commonwealth Board of Governors meeting held on May 20 at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. Acting Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Nazrul Islam represented Bangladesh in the Board meeting. The Executive Committee is mandated to oversee all matters related to finance, personnel and administration of the Commonwealth Secretariat. It also makes policy recommendations for the Commonwealth Board of Governors. The Committee scrutinises membership of the new and accredited organisations of the Commonwealth. Bangladesh’s unanimous election to the Executive Committee reflects its deep commitment, active contributions, and strong leadership within the Commonwealth, said the ministry.