United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday called for enhanced international cooperation to expand regular migration pathways and prevent irregular migration, promote ethical recruitment and strengthen the skills of prospective migrants in line with evolving international labour-market demands.  She sought IOM’s support in matching Bangladesh’s workforce, with global demand, promoting talent mobility and facilitating talent partnerships with destination countries, including in healthcare, caregiving and agriculture. The issues were discussed when Deputy Director General (DDG) of Operations of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ugochi Daniels paid a courtesy call on her in Dhaka.  The IOM-DDG was accompanied by Iori Kato, Regional Director of IOM for Asia and Pacific, and Priya Marwah, Special Adviser to the IOM-DDG. Senior Officials of the Ministry were also present.  The State Minister underscored the importance of protecting the rights and welfare of migrant workers, particularly women, through awareness raising and appropriate support services.  Appreciating IOM’s assistance in evacuating and repatriating stranded Bangladeshi nationals from crisis-affected countries, Shama Obaed called for continued cooperation on safe return and sustainable reintegration, climate-related mobility, and coordinated action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling.   

Bangladesh has proposed importing natural gas from Myanmar via a cross-border pipeline to meet its growing domestic energy demand and deepen regional energy cooperation. Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud placed the proposal during a meeting with Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh U Kyaw Soe Moe at his Secretariat office on Sunday. Highlighting the significant demand for natural gas within Bangladesh, Minister Mahmud stated that the country prioritizes enhancing energy collaboration with Myanmar as an immediate neighbor. He expressed keen interest in retrieving and reviving the long-standing proposal to construct a gas pipeline connecting Myanmar to Chattogram. In response, the Myanmar Ambassador welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal positively and noted that in addition to a pipeline, the feasibility of supplying gas in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) could also be discussed in detail. The minister responded favorably to the LNG exploration suggestion. To accelerate bilateral talks in the energy sector, Minister Mahmud proposed holding ministerial-level meetings between the two countries. He announced plans to extend a formal invitation to Myanmar’s Energy Minister to visit Bangladesh, adding that he is also prepared to travel to Myanmar if necessary. Recalling Prime Minister Tariq Rahman’s recent official visit to China, the power and energy minister noted that a proposal was made to establish a China-Myanmar-Bangladesh Economic Corridor. He emphasized that establishing a gas pipeline between Bangladesh and Myanmar would play a supportive role in facilitating that regional corridor. Reiterating the government's commitment to long-term trade and energy cooperation, Minister Mahmud conveyed Prime Minister Tariq Rahman's sincere goodwill to strengthen bilateral ties under a "Neighbor First" policy, noting that numerous potential areas of cooperation remain to be explored between the two nations. Myanmar Ambassador U Kyaw Soe Moe suggested that the proposals be thoroughly reviewed in upcoming meetings of the Bangladesh-Myanmar Joint Technical Committee. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit, Energy Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam, and Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh were also present during the meeting.

The government of Bangladesh, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), on Sunday officially launched the National Action Plan (NAP) 2026-2030 for implementing the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The event was convened by the co-chairs of the Bangladesh Migration Compact Taskforce (BMCT) - the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, in coordination with IOM. The development process of the NAP was supported by the European Union through the EU-funded Prottasha II project, implemented by IOM. The event also included a debriefing on the outcomes of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026, highlighting Bangladesh’s leadership and contributions to the global migration agenda. The National Action Plan was approved by the Cabinet on 21 May 2026.  Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury attended the event as the chief guest. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque, Adviser to the Prime Minister Mahdi Amin, and Deputy Director General for Operations of the International Organization for Migration Ugochi Daniels also attended the event. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Mokhtar Ahmed delivered remarks on the NAP and shared their reflections on the 2026 IMRF. The speakers laid emphasis sustained collaboration among government institutions, international partners, civil society, the private sector, and migrants for the successful implementation of the NAP. They underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that migration remains safe, orderly, and regular while maximising its contribution to national development and protecting the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi migrants. The event also featured Bangladesh’s renewed commitments and pledged toward the implementation of the GCM, remarks from civil society, and the official unveiling of the National Action Plan. Bangladesh’s GCM journey, achievements, and challenges were showcased at the venue through a video documentary and a thematic exhibition.

Bangladesh on Sunday described its relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) as a "strategic" one and said its joining a Saudi-led alliance is aimed at tackling Houthi challenges. "It is an alliance to tackle the activities of the Houthis. Whatever resources we have, we will extend," Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when asked about the background of Bangladesh joining the Saudi-led maritime defense alliance. Fourteen countries including Bangladesh have expressed their support for a multinational maritime defense alliance headed by Saudi Arabia and welcomed the consensus reached on its foundational arrangements. Kobir said the relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will be a strategic one and will become even stronger. "We have a very special relationship with Saudi Arabia. The relationship with Saudi Arabia will not simply be limited to pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, nor is it just from a religious perspective," said the Foreign Affairs Adviser, noting that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. He said any cooperation in the security area, moral and ethical support, and tackling the Houthi challenge are all part of that special relationship. The other signatories are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen,  Nigeria, Sudan, Djibouti and Somalia. Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries  announced the creation of the maritime military coalition to safeguard freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In a statement published on Thursday, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance was established as a framework to strengthen collective maritime defense cooperation. The Saudi Ministry of Defense on Thursday hosted a meeting of chiefs of staff and representatives of friendly countries, as well as the Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia, to discuss the Kingdom's initiative to establish a multinational maritime defense alliance. As an outcome of the meeting, 14 participating countries issued a joint declaration, while other countries participating in the meeting also expressed support for the initiative and are in the process of completing their internal national procedures and approvals to join the joint declaration. The declaration will remain open to those countries, as well as other interested states, once they complete their national procedures. The meeting concluded with participants reaffirming their shared determination to complete the foundational procedures for establishing the multinational maritime defense alliance. They underscored that the alliance would strengthen the collective ability to counter and deter threats to maritime security, protect international sea lanes, safeguard freedom of navigation and global trade, and promote regional and international security and stability. The initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen maritime security, protect international sea lanes, and counter threats targeting maritime navigation and global trade. The meeting saw broad participation from chiefs of staff and their representatives from 43 countries, alongside the EU delegation, out of 51 countries and organizations invited. Participants attended either in person or via videoconference. The extensive participation reflects growing international interest in strengthening maritime defense cooperation and underscores the importance of unifying efforts to address shared threats to the security of international sea lanes within the alliance's designated area of responsibility. Participants discussed the growing threats to maritime security, including attacks targeting commercial vessels, energy tankers and maritime infrastructure. Discussions highlighted the risks these threats pose to maritime navigation safety, global supply chain stability and the international economy. They stressed the importance of enhancing multilateral defense cooperation to counter and deter these threats and to safeguard the security of international sea lanes. The meeting also reviewed the draft charter of the multinational maritime defense alliance, along with its reference documents, organizational structure, command-and-control arrangements, operating mechanisms and future work plan. These arrangements are intended to establish an effective institutional framework that strengthens maritime defense cooperation among participating countries and addresses shared maritime threats in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The meeting also discussed the foundational arrangements for the multinational maritime defense alliance initiative, foremost among them that Saudi Arabia would serve as the founding and leading state of the alliance and host its headquarters. This reflects international confidence in the Kingdom's leadership role in promoting collective maritime security. The participants agreed that military planners from countries wishing to join the alliance would continue their work during the next phase to complete the alliance's foundational procedures. The work includes finalising the alliance's charter and reference documents, completing its organizational structure, command-and-control arrangements and operating mechanisms, and establishing the necessary technical groups and frameworks. In parallel, countries wishing to join the alliance will complete their national procedures in preparation for signing the charter, launching the alliance and commencing its operations. Saudi Arabia affirmed that the multinational maritime defense alliance is an open international initiative that welcomes all countries sharing its objectives and principles. The Kingdom welcomed their accession to and participation in the alliance's efforts in accordance with their national procedures. The Kingdom noted that the initiative aims to strengthen collective maritime security, safeguard freedom of navigation and global trade, and embody the principle of shared international responsibility in addressing common threats. It stressed that the initiative is based on the firm conviction that the security of international sea lanes is a collective responsibility requiring an effective and sustainable international partnership.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said the government is in touch with the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and expressed hope that former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed would be brought back to Bangladesh soon. “Communication between the two sides is underway and the required documents have been exchanged. They (the UAE) wanted some specific information which was provided accordingly,” she told reporters after attending a programme in the city. The State Minister said the UAE is taking steps in accordance with its laws, and the Bangladesh government will take the next step through due process. Earlier, she spoke at an event where Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury attended as the chief guest. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said the government is initiating the process of bringing back former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Home Ministry has started the necessary process, and discussions are ongoing, he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to a question about media reports that Benazir had been released on bail in the UAE. “If there is progress, you will be informed by the Home Ministry or our Foreign Ministry. You will get an update from the Home Ministry. I have just come from the meeting. It would not be right to talk about something that I am not fully aware of yet,” the adviser said. Several media outlets have reported that Benazir Ahmed has been released on bail in the UAE. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) police in connection with a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bangladesh. On June 14, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the development in Parliament. He said the UAE authorities informed the Bangladesh government of the arrest on June 12. “We will bring him back to Bangladesh soon,” the minister said, describing it as a major success for Bangladesh Police. In April 2025, Interpol issued a red notice against the former police chief. The government of Bangladesh, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), officially launched the National Action Plan (NAP) 2026–2030 for implementing the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in Dhaka. The development of the NAP was supported by the European Union through the EU-funded Prottasha II project, implemented by IOM. The event also included a debriefing on the outcomes of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026, highlighting Bangladesh’s leadership and contributions to the global migration agenda. The National Action Plan was approved by the Cabinet on May 21, 2026. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque, Adviser to the Prime Minister Mahdi Amin, and Deputy Director General for Operations of the International Organization for Migration Ugochi Daniels also attended the event. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Secretary of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Mokhtar Ahmed delivered remarks on the NAP and shared their reflections on the 2026 IMRF. The speakers, emphasising sustained collaboration among government institutions, international partners, civil society, the private sector, and migrants for the successful implementation of the NAP, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that migration remains safe, orderly, and regular while maximizing its contribution to national development and protecting the rights and dignity of Bangladeshi migrants. The event also featured Bangladesh’s renewed commitments and pledges toward the implementation of the GCM, remarks from civil society, and the official unveiling of the National Action Plan. Bangladesh’s GCM journey, achievements, and challenges were showcased at the venue through a video documentary and a thematic exhibition.

Nepal's Foreign Minister has reiterated the high importance that Nepal attaches to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey recently paid an official visit to Nepal and called on the country's Minister for Foreign Affairs. Their discussion focused on the progress achieved in regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, including in sectors led by Nepal, such as culture, tourism, people-to-people contact forums, and poverty alleviation, the BIMSTEC headquarters said on Sunday. Their deliberations also covered steps to strengthen regional cooperation under BIMSTEC and Nepal's role in advancing it. The Secretary General also called on Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel (Ganesh) and apprised him of the progress achieved in regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, including in sectors led by Nepal, such as tourism, culture, people-to-people contact forums, and connectivity. Their discussion focused on Nepal's vital role in strengthening cooperation under BIMSTEC and the celebration of BIMSTEC's 30th anniversary. In his meeting with Nepal's Foreign Secretary, Amrit Bahadur Rai, the Secretary General discussed Nepal's important role in advancing regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, including in sectors led by the country. The Foreign Secretary reiterated Nepal's commitment to BIMSTEC, including support for the various key initiatives the organisation is pursuing to enhance regional cooperation and integration among the member states. The Secretary General also addressed a high-level policy dialogue organised by the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, focusing on the evolution of BIMSTEC, its vision, agenda, achievements, and ongoing initiatives to advance regional cooperation and integration. The dialogue was attended by diplomats from BIMSTEC member states, government officials, academics, policy experts, think tank representatives, researchers, and others. Secretary General Pandey also delivered a lecture at the Department of International Relations at Tribhuvan University and interacted with faculty members and students on BIMSTEC's mission, agenda, and efforts to promote regional cooperation in the Bay of Bengal region. During the visit, Secretary General Pandey also met Philomena Gnanapragasam, Chief Executive Officer of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development. He was interviewed by Nepal Television, where he shared his views on the evolving international order, the role of regional organisations such as BIMSTEC, and Nepal's role in advancing regional cooperation and connectivity. Nepal is one of the seven member states of BIMSTEC and leads regional cooperation in culture, tourism, people-to-people contact forums, and poverty alleviation. Nepal joined BIMSTEC in February 2004. BIMSTEC comprises seven countries in the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe on Sunday discussed ways to expand bilateral trade, strengthen shipping connectivity and expedite the safe return of forcibly displaced Rohingyas. During a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce, the two sides discussed expanding bilateral trade, increasing exports and imports, strengthening maritime transport links, importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and creating greater opportunities for mutual investment. The minister said Bangladesh remains committed to strengthening relations with neighbouring countries based on mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation. He said issues relating to trade, transport, investment and border connectivity that involve other ministries will be reviewed through inter-ministerial coordination. Muktadir said the geographical proximity of Bangladesh and Myanmar and existing opportunities could be utilised to significantly increase bilateral trade. "Bangladesh and Myanmar will work together to make the economic relationship more meaningful and dynamic after resolving issues of mutual interest through dialogue," he said. Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe expressed Myanmar's interest in increasing bilateral trade and said resuming the long-suspended border trade will benefit businesses and people in both countries. He suggested that, if necessary, border trade could initially be resumed on a limited or temporary basis. The meeting also explored opportunities to increase trade in agricultural and fisheries products, rice, pharmaceuticals and frozen food, while stressing the importance of strengthening business-to-business (B2B) engagement. The issue of the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh also featured prominently in the discussions. The Myanmar ambassador said the verification process of the repatriation lists submitted by Bangladesh is ongoing and that initiatives will be taken to move forward with repatriation once the security situation and conditions on the ground become favourable. The Bangladesh side emphasised the need to create conditions conducive to an early repatriation and called for effective and visible progress on the issue. Both sides agreed to hold regular institutional dialogues and meetings of the Joint Committee, and also discussed holding the next joint meeting in Bangladesh. The meeting further underscored the importance of establishing direct maritime and shipping links between the two countries and finalising a proposed agreement on the matter at the earliest. Both sides expressed optimism that direct shipping connectivity will reduce transportation costs and transit time while significantly boosting bilateral trade. Both sides expressed their commitment to elevating bilateral trade, investment, connectivity and regional cooperation to a new level. Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akther, and Myanmar Embassy Counsellor Myat Lwin were also present at the meeting.

The United States has said Bangladesh could become a partner in its Pax Silica initiative in the future, stressing that Bangladesh has significant potential in the information technology (IT) sector. US Special Presidential Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, who paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday, observed that Bangladesh has significant potential in the sector and "could, in the future, become a partner" in the Pax Silica initiative, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Prime Minister highlighted Bangladesh's strong interest in attracting investment in the IT sector. Pax Silica is a US-led strategic initiative to build a secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain - from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and logistics. Rooted in deep cooperation with trusted allies, Pax Silica aims to reduce coercive dependencies, protect the materials and capabilities foundational to artificial intelligence, and ensure aligned nations can develop and deploy transformative technologies at scale. The inaugural Pax Silica Summit convened counterparts from Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. Together, these countries are home to the most important companies and investors powering the global AI supply chain. With a new economic security paradigm across the United States and partner nations, a clear consensus has emerged: secure supply chains, trusted technology, and resilient infrastructure are indispensable to national power and economic growth. Meanwhile Bangladesh has decided to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) initially as an observer, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday. Headquartered in Shanghai, WAICO is an inter-governmental organization which was formed on July 16, 2026. Its stated goals include, among other things, deepening international cooperation on innovation, promoting inclusive development by reducing global digital divide, supporting open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for global AI development, and advancing AI regulations aiming to ensure that this new and evolving technology is beneficial and safe for humans. On July 16, twenty-nine countries signed an agreement in Shanghai on establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, signed the agreement on behalf of the Chinese government. Representatives from the 29 countries, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia, signed the agreement, making their countries the WAICO's founding members. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was among representatives from countries and international organizations present at the signing ceremony, reports Xinhua. The organization will uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, be committed to extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit and adhere to a people-centered approach, according to the agreement. It aims to promote international cooperation and global governance on AI, ensuring that AI is beneficial, safe and fair, thereby promoting its healthy and orderly development to benefit all humanity.

The Deputy Director General for Operations (DDG-O) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Ugochi Daniels, arrived in Dhaka on Saturday on a four-day official visit to Bangladesh. She was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Iori Kato, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, and IOM Chief of Mission in Bangladesh, Dr Laura Tomm Bonde. During her visit, Daniels will meet senior leadership of the Government of Bangladesh, United Nations partners, donors, and communities supported by IOM. Her programme includes the launch of Bangladesh's National Action Plan 2026-2030 for the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), visits to Cox's Bazar and Madaripur, and engagements on migration governance, climate mobility, labour migration, protection, and humanitarian response, said the UN agency.

Bangladesh has decided to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) initially as an observer, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.  Headquartered in Shanghai, WAICO is an inter-governmental organization which was formed on July 16, 2026. Its stated goals include, among other things, deepening international cooperation on innovation, promoting inclusive development by reducing global digital divide, supporting open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for global AI development, and advancing AI regulations aiming to ensure that this new and evolving technology is beneficial and safe for humans. On July 16, twenty-nine countries signed an agreement in Shanghai on establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, signed the agreement on behalf of the Chinese government. Representatives from the 29 countries, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia, signed the agreement, making their countries the WAICO's founding members. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was among representatives from countries and international organizations present at the signing ceremony, reports Xinhua. The organization will uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, be committed to extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit and adhere to a people-centered approach, according to the agreement. It aims to promote international cooperation and global governance on AI, ensuring that AI is beneficial, safe and fair, thereby promoting its healthy and orderly development to benefit all humanity.