United News of Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman’s recent visit to China had injected fresh momentum into ‘Belt and Road’ cooperation, noting that the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership would continue to advance and bring greater benefits to the people of both countries. Referring to the foreign minister’s ‘successful’ visit to China, the envoy said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, infrastructure, water resource management, the digital economy, green development, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges through practical projects. Ambassador Yao made the remarks at a launching ceremony for the “2026 Chinese Government Training Programs” at the Embassy on Thursday evening. Director General of the East Asia and Pacific Wing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Nore-Alam and Joint Secretary of the Economic Relations Division under the Ministry of Finance Kawshar Jahan, among others, were present. Since the formation of the new government, at least four Chinese enterprises have signed investment agreements with Bangladesh in just over three months, with intended investments totaling nearly $100 million, Ambassador Yao said. He said China has become the largest source of foreign investment in Bangladesh since the new government took office and is actively advancing several priority projects, including the expansion and modernization of Mongla Port facilities, the China-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital project, and the China-Bangladesh Friendship Residential Hall at the University of Dhaka.  

Fifteen indigenous youth from communities in Bangladesh’s Sylhet division have completed a five-day UNESCO-supported programme aimed at strengthening youth leadership and community-based efforts to safeguard living heritage, contributing to the preservation of cultural traditions and indigenous knowledge systems across communities. Organised by UNESCO in partnership with the International Training Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (CRIHAP) and Anubad, the workshop was held from May 17-21 at the BRAC Learning Centre in Sreemangal, said a media release on Thursday. Participants from the Bishnupriya, Meitei and tea garden communities strengthened practical skills in community-based inventorying of intangible cultural heritage, including oral traditions, cultural practices, traditional craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge systems. Opening the workshop, Dr. Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, emphasised the importance of keeping communities at the centre of safeguarding efforts, noting that “Young people are not only future custodians of heritage; they are active cultural actors today. The role of communities must remain central throughout the safeguarding process.” Joining the opening session virtually, CRIHAP Director General Zhang Jing highlighted the broader role of youth in sustaining living heritage across generations. “Young people are essential partners in safeguarding living heritage. Strengthening their capacities today helps ensure that heritage continues to live and evolve tomorrow,” she said. Facilitated by UNESCO-accredited Intangible Cultural Heritage expert Dr. Alexandra Dennes and National ICH Trainer Rifat Munim, the workshop combined technical sessions with field-based learning in Sreemangal and Kamalganj Upazilas. Participants worked directly with elders, cultural practitioners and community members to identify and document living heritage elements and prepare draft inventory entries for their communities. The programme also introduced participants to the principles of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, ethical documentation practices and free, prior and informed consent. Beyond technical learning, the workshop also created opportunities for participants to reconnect with their own cultural traditions while learning from and exchanging experiences with other communities. Reflecting on her experience, Trisha Sinha from the Bishnupriya Manipuri community said the workshop gave them practical experience and helped understand more deeply why documenting and preserving our living heritage matters. The experience was equally meaningful for participants from tea communities. Jiyana Madrajee from Shamshernagar, Kamalganj, described the programme as a space for both learning and representation. “The workshop allowed us to share the stories and traditions of our communities while learning from others,” she added. Building on previous UNESCO-CRIHAP youth initiatives in Bangladesh, the programme aims to strengthen community-led safeguarding efforts and support a new generation of young heritage practitioners.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has formally inaugurated the first-ever Bangladesh-Morocco B2B meeting platform in Rabat, opening a new corridor for trade, investment and green innovation linking South Asia with Morocco’s gateway to Africa, Europe and beyond. Dhaka described the launch of the platform as a ‘landmark moment’ for South-South commerce and said it marked the flagship event of the State Minister’s two-day visit to Morocco and one of the visit’s most significant outcomes. “The platform is established to catalyse high-value, innovation-driven and people-centred partnerships, not trade for trade’s sake, but trade that builds industries, creates jobs, accelerates technology transfer and drives sustainable growth on both sides,” said Shama Obaed. The State Minister is scheduled to return home on Friday, a senior official told UNB. Highlighting Bangladesh’s strategic position between South and Southeast Asia, the State Minister shed light on the country’s emergence as the world’s second-largest garment exporter, a pharmaceutical supplier to more than 150 countries and a growing hub for ICT, leather, ceramics, light engineering and food processing. She also conveyed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s invitation to Moroccan businesses to consider Bangladesh as a key investment destination, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, noting that Moroccan business delegation is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in November this year. The promotion of Bangladesh’s jute and jute-based products emerged as one of the key priorities of the new platform. Bangladesh’s modernised jute industry - producing biodegradable, carbon-absorbing products increasingly utilised in the automotive and fashion sectors - aligns closely with Morocco’s expanding industrial landscape. “As African countries increasingly move to restrict single-use plastics, demand for biodegradable alternatives made from jute is expected to rise significantly, positioning Bangladesh as a major supplier,” the State Minister said.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said Bangladesh is looking forward to deeper engagement from American investors and institutions including the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), particularly in infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity, logistics and services sectors. He said Bangladesh welcomed increased American investment and stronger supply chain cooperation between the two countries. “We envision deeper cooperation between our universities, researchers, entrepreneurs and diaspora communities living across different states of the United States,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at the US National Day reception held at United Convention Center in Dhaka on Wednesday evening. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen hosted the reception where ministers, senior political leaders, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, business leaders, senior journalists and civil society members, among others, were present. The theme at the celebration was - Revolutionary America, an homage to the brave men and women who fought against English colonial rule and won, leading to democratic governance based on liberty, self-determination, and the rights of individuals. To mark America's 250th anniversary, Ambassador Christensen launched 50 red, white, and blue rickshaws to honor American independence and highlight the strong US-Bangladesh partnership. The Finance Minister said Bangladesh and the United States have built strong bridges through diplomacy, trade and educational exchanges over the years. “Our responsibility now is to deepen that partnership for future generations. I remain confident that the best chapters of Bangladesh-United States relations are still ahead of us,” he added. Investing in Future of Bangladesh Then and now, the US Ambassador said America First does not mean America alone and often, they find things that are mutually beneficial. "This is the nature of diplomacy. For example, the recent deal between Boeing and Biman Airlines. This deal represents American investment in the modernisation of Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector," said the US envoy, noting that Boeing is not just providing planes, but helping Bangladesh develop its pilots, engineers, and systems. Ambassador Christensen said Boeing and Biman are investing in the future of Bangladesh. On the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, also known as the ART, the envoy said it is a joint investment in both American and Bangladeshi prosperity. "This agreement allows for a modern, balanced trade and investment partnership," Ambassador Christensen said, adding that the ART includes numerous provisions that will benefit most of the people in this room. He said it preserves Bangladesh’s access to the US market with competitive 19 percent tariffs, down from 37 percent without the agreement, while supporting a level playing field where businesses and workers in both our economies can prosper and thrive. "This is really just common sense." Strategic Cooperation Last week, the two countries signed a new memorandum of understanding on strategic cooperation in the field of energy, an agreement that enables millions of dollars in energy projects and enhances Bangladesh’s energy security, industrial development, and fuel diversification.  

Bangladesh-born American lawmaker Sheikh Rahman has won his re-election bid for the Georgia State Senate, defeating Democratic challenger Robin Emilia McCoy. With the victory, Rahman secured re-election for a fifth term. According to election results published on Wednesday (May 20), Rahman secured 54.49 percent of the vote, retaining his seat in the Georgia State Senate and reaffirming his political strength in the district. Rahman campaigned on issues including support for working families, education, healthcare access, and economic opportunities. Following the victory, members of the Bangladeshi-American community across the United States congratulated him, describing the result as a significant milestone for immigrant political representation in American politics. During the campaign, Rahman pledged to continue advocating for diverse communities and improving the quality of life for families across his district. Rahman has represented Georgia’s 5th State Senate District since 2019. He made history as the first Muslim and first Bangladeshi-American elected to the Georgia State Senate. Born in Sararchar village in Bajitpur, Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, Rahman moved to the United States in 1981. He studied at Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina and later earned a higher degree from the University of Georgia. Before entering politics, he was active in community organizing and Democratic Party politics in Gwinnett County. In the Senate, Rahman has focused on education, immigrant rights, healthcare access, economic opportunity, and support for working families. He lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia, with his family and remains active in the Bangladeshi-American community.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Wednesday described the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed in February as a “joint investment” in the prosperity of both Bangladesh and the US, saying it will help build a modern, balanced trade and investment partnership between the two countries. “The agreement on reciprocal trade, also known as the ART, is a joint investment in both American and Bangladeshi prosperity. This agreement allows for a modern, balanced trade and investment partnership,” he said, while addressing the US National Day Reception at the United Convention Centre in Dhaka. Bangladesh eyes deeper engagement with US investors, institutions Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury spoke as the chief guest at the programme. The ART includes numerous provisions that will benefit most of the people in this room. “It preserves Bangladesh’s access to the US market with competitive 19 percent tariffs – down from 37 percent without the agreement – while supporting a level playing field where businesses and workers in both economies can prosper and thrive.” He said just last week, the US and Bangladesh signed a new memorandum of understanding on strategic cooperation in the field of energy – an agreement that enables millions of dollars in energy projects and enhances Bangladesh’s energy security, industrial development, and fuel diversification. “The United States remains a reliable partner for Bangladesh’s energy needs.” The Ambassador said in Bangladesh, they have worked together to address health security challenges such as the recent measles outbreak and to deliver effective lifesaving assistance, including measles vaccination campaign. “Our partnership strengthens both our nations and showcases American leadership.” Mentioning that “America First” does not mean America alone, he said during the Revolutionary War, Americans received critical help from France, Spain, and even from Native American groups. “Today, in the same way, we are pursuing policies that make sense for the American people—just as all of you are pursuing policies that make sense for the people of your nation. And often, we find things that are mutually beneficial. This is the nature of diplomacy.” Citing the recent deal between Boeing and Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Christensen said the deal represents American investment in the modernisation of Bangladesh’s civil aviation sector. “Boeing is not just providing planes, but helping Bangladesh develop its pilots, its engineers, and its systems.  Boeing and Biman are investing in the future of Bangladesh.” Ministers, senior political leaders, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, business leaders, senior journalists and civil society members, among others, were present. On the occasion of 250 years of freedom, the US Embassy here launched 50 red-white-and-blue rickshaws in Gulshan and Banani.   During America Week, the first week of July, they will travel across Bangladesh with an American Roadshow, featuring a US military band, to celebrate America’s Independence in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi and Sylhet.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said Bangladesh is looking forward to deeper engagement with US investors and institutions, including the US International Development Finance Corporation, particularly in infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity, logistics and service sectors. He said Bangladesh welcomed increased US investment and stronger supply chain cooperation between the two countries. SelectUSA Summit: Bangladesh delegation accorded reception in Washington “We envision deeper cooperation between our universities, researchers, entrepreneurs and diaspora communities living across different states of the United States,” the minister said while speaking as the chief guest at the US National Day Reception held at United Convention Centre in Dhaka. He said Bangladesh and the US have built strong bridges through diplomacy, trade and educational exchanges over the years. “Our responsibility now is to deepen that partnership for future generations. I remain confident that the best chapters of Bangladesh-United States relations are still ahead of us,” Khosru added. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen hosted the reception.

Calling for stronger project controls, better planning and wider adoption of modern technologies, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad on Wednesday said excessive industrial water consumption and persistent inefficiencies in development project implementation are undermining sustainability and economic efficiency.  He was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Basic Concepts of Project Controls in Engineering Projects” organised by the Chemical Engineering Division of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) at its headquarters in Ramna, Dhaka. The State Minister said Bangladesh’s industrial sector – particularly the garment industry – consumes significantly higher volumes of water in processes such as dyeing, washing and production compared to global benchmarks. “This excessive use of water is resulting in wastage and is also creating environmental stress,” he said, adding that industries must urgently adopt water recycling systems, low-water-consuming machinery and improved waste management practices. Azad stressed that efficient water management is now central to sustainable industrialisation, particularly as environmental pressures and resource constraints increase. Turning to development projects under the Water Resources Ministry, he said delays and cost escalations during implementation have become a recurring challenge, weakening the impact of public investment. The State Minister also pointed to past incidents of alleged financial irregularities in the name of projects, describing them as “deeply concerning” and detrimental to public trust. To address these issues, he underscored the need for robust feasibility studies, realistic planning and effective project control systems before project approval. “Without proper governance, transparency and accountability, project outcomes cannot be ensured as intended,” Azad said, adding that disciplined implementation practices are essential to safeguard public resources and ensure timely delivery of development initiatives.  

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Wednesday launched 50 red, white, and blue rickshaws to honor American independence marking America's 250th anniversary and highlighted the strong U.S.-Bangladesh partnership.