United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said Danish company APM Terminals’ investment in the Laldia Terminal marks the beginning of a new era for Bangladesh’s trade and foreign direct investment. “This is a new beginning for the country. It opens a new door for larger and more diversified investment from Denmark and Europe,” Prof Yunus said. He made the remarks when a delegation from the Maersk Group and the Danish government called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. Robert Maersk Uggla, chairman of the Maersk Group, which owns APM (AP Møller–Maersk) Terminals, led the delegation. Danish State Minister for Trade and Investment Nina Gandløse Hansen also attended the meeting. Uggla, who came to Dhaka to attend the Laldia Terminal inauguration ceremony, said his company’s investment in the Chittagong Port terminal would be the largest by any European company in Bangladesh. He said that once the Laldia Terminal becomes operational in 2030, it will provide a major boost to Bangladesh’s economy by enabling the arrival of larger vessels at Chittagong Port. “It will be a sustainable port. It will create more job opportunities,” Uggla said, adding that Danish investment in such a critical sector would help attract more European investors to Bangladesh. The Maersk Group chairman added that the company—also owner of one of the world’s largest shipping lines—plans to explore further investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s logistics and supply chain sectors. The Chief Adviser thanked Uggla for following through on his commitment to invest in Bangladesh after their meeting in Davos in January. “We are happy and excited,” he said, welcoming the Danish company’s decision. Prof Yunus urged APM Terminals to fast-track construction of the Laldia Terminal, stressing that Bangladesh must create millions of manufacturing jobs and accelerate infrastructure development. “It’ll be our economic gateway. It’ll open doors to the future,” he said, adding that transforming ports along the Chittagong shoreline into world-class facilities is vital for the country’s economic growth and trade prospects. APM Terminals seals deal to build, operate Laldia Container Terminal Recalling his meeting with the Chief Adviser in Davos, Uggla said the Maersk Group—owned by a foundation—was inspired by Professor Yunus’ work. “This investment will make a big impact in the local communities,” he said, adding that the company would also focus on initiatives supporting women. Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi and PPP Authority CEO and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun were also present at the meeting. “This is a milestone for us,” Siddiqi said, praising the Danish investment and noting that it reflects the Interim Government’s strong commitment to attracting foreign direct investment. Danish State Minister Hansen congratulated the Chief Adviser on the recently approved labour act, saying it would encourage more European companies to invest in Bangladesh. SDGs Affairs Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller also attended the meeting.  

Qatar will initially recruit 800 members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces on deputation. An agreement formalising the recruitment was signed on Sunday in Doha, Qatar, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, signed on behalf of Bangladesh while Lieutenant General (Pilot) Jasim bin Mohammed Al Mannai, Chief of Staff, signed for Qatar.  

At least 123 undocumented Asian workers including several Bangladeshis were detained in a raid by Malaysian immigration officers at a plastic factory in Johor under Ops Mahir following weeks of surveillance. During the Nov 14 raid, many workers tried to flee and hide inside storage areas, but enforcement teams from the Johor Immigration Department and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency sealed all exits before rounding them up. The detainees — men and women aged between 20 and 48 — were from Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, India and Pakistan, officials said. All were found working without valid permits and have been sent to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further investigation, reports the Straits Times. Bangladeshi migrant workers demand compensation for abuse in Malaysia State Immigration director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said the factory had long been under watch as intelligence suggested a large number of undocumented workers were employed there. A local employee serving as the factory’s human resources officer was also arrested for allegedly facilitating the illegal hiring, he said. Rusdi warned that employers harbouring undocumented migrants remain a key target. “Intensified operations will continue to curb abuse of foreign labour,” he added.    

At least four Bangladeshi nationals were among those killed after two boats carrying a total of 95 irregular migrants capsized off the coastal city of Al Khums, the Libyan Red Crescent reported on Saturday (November 15). According to a statement posted by the Red Crescent on Facebook, the first vessel was carrying 26 migrants from Bangladesh. Four of them lost their lives when the boat overturned in rough waters. A second boat, carrying 69 migrants—including two Egyptians and dozens of Sudanese nationals—also capsized. Libya boat disaster: 50 Sudanese refugees killed at sea The Red Crescent did not provide details on the condition or fate of those on board the second vessel. Rescue teams continued operations along the Al Khums coastline as authorities worked to assess the full scale of the tragedy. The incident adds to a rising number of perilous attempts by migrants to cross the Mediterranean in hopes of reaching Europe. Read more: Boat carrying hundreds of Myanmar migrants capsizes near Malaysia Source: Agencies

Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey undertook an official visit to Monterrey, Nuevo León, recently as part of the Embassy’s efforts to advance bilateral economic and commercial cooperation between Bangladesh and Nuevo León. During the visit, the Ambassador met with the CEO of Farmacias del Ahorro at the company’s headquarters. They discussed collaboration opportunities in the pharmaceutical and retail health sectors. The Ambassador highlighted Bangladesh’s rapidly expanding pharmaceutical industry, and encouraged deeper engagement through sourcing, investment, and knowledge exchange. He also invited the CEO to visit Bangladesh to explore prospects for partnership. The Ambassador also met Patricio Garza Sada of Laboratorios Corne, where both sides exchanged views on Bangladesh’s competitive pharmaceutical ecosystem. The meeting explored potential areas for collaboration, technological cooperation, and future business linkages between the two countries’ pharmaceutical sectors. In a separate engagement at Base Bank & Textile & Confection Industries, the Ambassador held discussions with Alvaro Barrera Segovia, Owner of Base Bank and a leading business figure in Monterrey. Their meeting covered the economic outlook of Nuevo León and identified opportunities for bilateral trade, partnerships in textiles, garments, and manufacturing.

A vessel with more than 60,000 metric tonnes (MTs) of wheat from the United States (US) has arrived at Mongla Port. The MV WECO TATI  carrying 60,802 MTs of wheat docked at the outer anchorage of the port on Saturday, said a statement of the Ministry of Food. The shipment came under the cash purchase agreement no G to G-01, signed as part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Bangladesh. Bangladesh is importing wheat from the US on a government-to-government (G to G) basis. Under the agreement, a total of 440,000 MTs of wheat will be imported while the first and second consignments of 56,959 MTs and 60,802 MTs arrived on October 25 last. Sample testing of the wheat on board has already started and necessary measures are being taken for its quick clearance.

Suwaidi Park in Riyadh overflowed with thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis as renowned artist Asif Akbar made his presence felt among the Bangladesh community and their friends from other participating countries, including the host - the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The atmosphere was electric—yet deeply emotional—as their beloved singer connected heart-to-heart with the very people who keep Bangladesh’s economy moving from miles away. Speaking with warmth and sincerity, Asif Akbar emphasised that the remittance fighters - the expatriate workers who sacrifice comfort, family time, and their personal dreams - deserve more than just appreciation. They deserve joy, he said. Bangladesh’s colourful heritage takes centre‐stage at Riyadh’s Global Harmony festival “Remittance fighters need entertainment to breathe, to stay human,” Asif said passionately. “Without moments of happiness with entertainment, people become hardened by the struggles they carry every day." Asif who sang a huge number of hit songs like ‘O Priya Tumi Kothai’ shed light on the silent battles these workers face abroad - loneliness, isolation, tireless labor, and the emotional burden of constantly giving while rarely receiving. Yet, despite the weight on their shoulders, they continue to send money home, build futures for their families, and strengthen the foundations of Bangladesh’s economy, he remembered. Asif described expatriate Bangladeshis as “the most patriotic sons and daughters of our nation.” He praised their unwavering dedication, calling them pillars of progress whose sacrifices often go unnoticed. “They work in foreign lands, far from loved ones, just to keep joy alive back home. But in doing so, they often lose their own moments of happiness,” Asif mentioned in between the conversation with the audience from the large stage. In Suwaidi Park, surrounded by the cheers and warmth of his compatriots, Asif reminded everyone that behind every remittance sent home lies a story of resilience, sacrifice and unspoken pain. And through music and togetherness, even for a brief moment, those burdens felt a little lighter, said the singer who sang for nearly two hours. With each song, expatriates Bangladeshis were seen singing together with their favourite singers. The Saudi Ministry of Media launched the second edition of the Global Harmony in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority highlighting cultures of 14 countries, including Bangladesh. The ‘Bangladeshi Cultural’ segment began on November 11 and ended on Friday night (Riyadh time, November 14). Asif highly appreciated the Saudi government, Saudi Ministry of Media and everyone involved for hosting such a mega event. He also thanked the organisers for honoring the Bangladeshi expatriate community with an opportunity to enjoy a concert free of charge. Read more: Global Harmony: Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage to shine in Riyadh The event, hosted by popular Bangladeshi actress Prarthana Fardin Dighi and Rabiul Haque Zaman, showcased the rich traditions, music, dance, and cuisine of Bangladesh as part of Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony initiative. Thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis, along with some of their families, gathered to enjoy live performances and sing together, transforming the park into a sea of sounds and lights. For many, it was an emotional and pride-filled night, a moment to reconnect with their roots and share their culture with the wider Saudi community, celebrating unity, friendship, and the growing cultural ties between Bangladesh and the Kingdom. “This is absolutely amazing. We remain busy, struggling every day here to keep our families smiling back home. This event is refreshing and a chance to share joy with friends,” Rumel, a Bangladeshi expatriate who attended with his friends, told UNB. “I came here to host for the first time — a role I’ve never played before. It feels wonderful to be here, close to the Bangladeshi community. The audience is amazing. We are grateful to the Saudi authorities and the Ministry of Media,” Dighi told UNB. Sarry Shaaban, spokesperson for the Global Harmony committee, expressed his excitement at hosting one of the largest expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia as part of the initiative. “We are thrilled to have the Bangladeshi community join us. This event will help Saudi audiences learn more about Bangladesh and its culture,” he said. Other nations and regions to be featured in the event include Egypt (Nov. 15–17); the Levant (Nov. 18–20); Yemen (Nov. 21–28); Pakistan (Nov. 29–Dec. 1); Indonesia (Dec. 2–4); the Philippines (Dec. 5–8); Uganda (Dec. 9–10); Ethiopia (Dec. 11–13); and Sudan (Dec. 14–20). The Global Harmony initiative was first launched in October 2024 to celebrate the diversity of the Kingdom’s residents. Last year’s event celebrated the cultures of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Philippines. Last year’s event featured legendary Bangladeshi rock icon Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica, and popular singers Habib Wahid, Porshi, and Beauty Khan — with James’s first-ever performance in Riyadh being a major highlight. The Global Harmony initiative continues to host a series of cultural weeks representing 14 countries over a span of 49 days. The programme is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a global hub for cultural and civilizational diversity. Read more: Saudi Arabia to allow 78,500 Bangladeshis for 2026 Hajj

The government has decided that National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Khalilur Rahman will lead Bangladesh delegation to the 7th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave. The Conclave will be held in New Delhi on November 19-20. National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval extended the invitation to Dr Rahman to attend this regional forum, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Friday.  His participation in the Colombo Security Conclave in New Delhi is in continuation of the interim government's efforts to foster mutually beneficial regional cooperation. Rohingya Crisis: Dhaka flags rising security challenges with Canadian delegation The interim government emphasises  regional cooperation as a priority and has actively participated in meetings of various regional bodies.  In April this year, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus was elected BIMSTEC Chair.  He has been working hard to reactivate SAARC, said the press wing. NSA Dr Rahman earlier led Bangladesh delegation to the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum in Kunming, China. 

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring that the upcoming general election will be free, fair and inclusive.   “The election will be participatory. There will be a big turnout,” he said, adding that tens of millions of young people are expected to cast their first ballots, as they had no opportunity to vote during three rigged general elections during the 16-year long autocracy.   Prof Yunus made the remarks on Thursday evening during a meeting with visiting British Minister for International Development Baroness Jenny Chapman at the State Guest House Jamuna.   During their discussions, the two leaders covered a wide range of issues, including the February general election, tackling illegal migration, boosting trade, the Rohingya crisis,and enhancing cooperation in aviation and maritime sectors.   Prof Yunus reiterated that the election would be held on schedule in the first half of February, emphasizing that it would be "inclusive and participatory", with a large voter turnout expected, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Friday.   EU supports Bangladesh’s transition under interim govt The Chief Adviser said the Awami League would not be able to take part in the polls as its activities have been suspended under the country’s anti-terrorism laws, and the Election Commission has subsequently removed the party from the official list of registered political parties.   He said the July Charter would mark “a new beginning” for Bangladesh, reflecting the aspirations of millions who took part in the historic July–August uprising last year.   Minister Chapman thanked Professor Yunus’s leadership since assuming charge of the Interim Government, and commended the ongoing dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties over the July Charter.  

The European Union (EU) has said it supports the transition in Bangladesh under the interim government, leading to democratic elections.  "We welcome the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in view of the holding of participatory, free and fair elections in February next year," said the EU Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday. The EU said they encourage the political parties to engage constructively in the next steps.