United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and Japan on Wednesday expressed interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, with a focus on research, technology transfer, agro-processing and market access. The views were shared at a bilateral meeting held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in Dhaka. At the meeting, the Bangladesh delegation was led by Agriculture, and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, while the Japanese delegation was led by SUZUKI Norikazu, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. During discussion, the Japanese side emphasised the importance of strengthening inter-ministerial coordination and enhancing private-sector engagement. Japan also encouraged Bangladesh to pursue the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), including coordination on operational procedures related to the export of Japanese Wagyu beef. Opportunities for collaboration in halal food production were also highlighted. In addition, the Japanese delegation underscored the importance of joint initiatives in sustainable agriculture through frameworks such as the Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM). The Bangladesh side outlined several priority areas for enhanced cooperation, including advanced agricultural research – particularly in speed breeding technologies such as genomics and phenomics-as well as vegetable seed production. Bangladesh also requested improved market access for its agricultural products, including mangoes and frozen foods. Bangladesh explored opportunities for Japanese collaboration in agricultural mechanisation and the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, including drones, big data, and artificial intelligence. The Bangladesh side also invited Japanese investment in agro-processing industries, especially in the drying and dehydration of jackfruit and mango. Cooperation in deep-sea fishing and food safety compliance were identified as additional areas of mutual interest. In his remarks, Minister Aminur Rashid said agriculture remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy, and they highly value Japan’s cooperation in advancing agricultural modernisation, mechanisation, value chain development, and climate-resilient practices. Japanese expertise, innovation, and investment have played an important role in enhancing productivity and promoting agro-industrial growth in Bangladesh, he said. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote sustainable, technology-driven agricultural development for the mutual benefit of both countries.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has emphasised that the government of Bangladesh places high priority on fostering constructive relations with neighbouring countries. She reaffirmed the government of Bangladesh’s commitment to revitalising SAARC for the benefit of the peoples of the region. The issues were discussed when High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Bangladesh Dharmapala Weerakkody paid a courtesy call on the State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Shama Obaed says July uprising proved youth patriotism, raises corruption concerns over post-Aug 5 govt During the meeting, the State Minister and the High Commissioner reviewed various aspects of the ongoing bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interests, said the Ministry. Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, health, education, tourism, connectivity, culture, and sports to unlock the significant untapped potential between the two countries. The State Minister highlighted Bangladesh’s export strengths in sectors such as jute, pharmaceuticals, leather goods and information technology.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir has said that technology is not only driving development but also transforming the nature of crime, with criminals increasingly adopting new methods using digital tools. He made the remarks on Wednesday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of nine new apps and software developed through the initiative of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) at its headquarters. The IGP said the world is now moving through the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where technology plays a dual role—supporting progress while also enabling new forms of criminal activity. In this context, he stressed the need for the police force to maximize the use of modern technology. He described the newly launched DMP-developed systems as timely and forward-looking initiatives that would strengthen modern policing. Among the tools introduced is a Road Transport Law Violation Detection System powered by artificial intelligence, which will help quickly identify traffic law violators, improve road discipline, reduce accidents, and enhance traffic management efficiency. He also highlighted the Hotel Occupancy Information System, which is expected to improve the monitoring and management of guest information in city hotels, thereby strengthening crime prevention and intelligence operations. The ‘Hello DMP’ app was also launched, designed to serve as a direct communication platform between citizens and police. Through the app, people will be able to access services, file complaints, and seek assistance more easily, contributing to more citizen-friendly policing. Other newly introduced digital tools include the DMP Online Training Course, Residence Allocation Software, League Management Software, Traffic Duty Distribution Software, Employee Performance Evaluation Software, and Traffic News Archive. The IGP expressed hope that these initiatives will make police administrative functions more modern, transparent, and dynamic, while further strengthening technology-based policing for public safety.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Wednesday inaugurated the American Founders Museum at the Edward M Kennedy Center in Dhaka and hoped that the ideas behind the story of America’s independence will resonate here in Bangladesh as well. “I know many of you here are alumni of US universities or have participated in one of our exchange programmes. You have brought some of the best ideas from America back to Bangladesh, and we hope the Founders Museum here will help do that for a broader audience,” he said. The museum, a White House initiative developed with the US Department of Education and PragerU, explores the ideas, people, and events that shaped America's independence. US announces $235,000 grant to restore historic Musa Khan Mosque at DU

The government of Malta has formally bestowed a special recognition upon Shoeb Chowdhury, the Honorary Consul of Malta in Bangladesh, in appreciation of his distinguished service to bilateral diplomacy. The certificate of recognition was presented by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malta, Ian Borg, during an official ceremony. The event was also attended by the Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Christopher Cutajar, said a media release on Wednesday. Malta Consul, EU envoy hold talks on cooperation, Europe Day plans Besides, Shoeb Chowdhury was received in a courtesy audience by the President of the Republic of Malta at the historic Grand Master's Palace in Valleta. High Commissioner of Malta to Bangladesh Reuben Gauci congratulated Shoeb Chowdhury, commending his steadfast dedication to strengthening the diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has said that international commerce and global trade channels should be free and open, stressing that everybody suffers if the free flow of international commerce is impeded. “It’s very important that the Strait of Hormuz is open for navigation. Not only the Strait of Hormuz, but international commerce should also be free and open. If they are not open and are impeded, everybody suffers. Global growth suffers, countries suffer. So it’s very important that these channels of global trade remain open,” he said. During an interview titled ADF Talks on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum recently, the Foreign Minister said the news that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open was very welcome. “You saw the impact on oil prices immediately.” He called for coordinated international action to contain the global energy crisis, warning that developing countries could face severe economic shocks if supply disruptions persist. Referring to past experiences, Dr Khalilur said they do not want a repetition of history, and it is very important that countries around the world work not only to bring peace but also to minimide the effects that the crisis might have on various countries, especially developing nations. He said the International Energy Agency has already indicated that the scope of the current crisis could be much larger than that of the 1970s. “So if the impact is very similar, then we have very rough days ahead. It is only through collective action that we will be able to withstand the negative effects emanating from the crisis and its impact on the energy market,” said the Foreign Minister. He said the world is currently facing a serious energy crisis and significant energy challenges and expressed hope that the situation would improve soon so that countries can return to normal economic activities. The 5th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF 2026), hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, took place on April 17–19 in Antalya, Türkiye. In the face of geopolitical tensions, shifting balances of power, rising trade barriers and mounting pressure on multilateralism, the current global landscape is marked by increasing unpredictability. This year’s theme, “Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties,” emphasized the importance of anticipating and addressing emerging issues in order to shape a better future. The theme underscored the need to stay ahead of future developments by identifying risks and opportunities, developing strategies, and turning insights into action. “Young nations and developing economies suffered deeply in the 1980s after earlier oil shocks. We do not want a repetition of history,” said the Foreign Minister.

Bangladesh on Wednesday underscored its interest in advancing a forward-looking partnership with the European Union (EU), infusing fresh dynamism into bilateral engagement to realise the untapped potential of the relations. During the fifth round of diplomatic consultations in Dhaka, both sides exchanged views on democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law while discussing migration and skills development. Bangladesh highlighted the importance of preferential market access in underpinning its trade relations with the EU and outlined its perspective on ensuring continuity of such arrangements in the future including through possible instruments such as a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA). Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Managing Director for Asia Pacific of the European External Action Service Erik Kurzweil co-chaired the meeting in Dhaka that reflected the growing strategic importance of Bangladesh-EU relations. The two sides renewed commitment to deepening a long-standing and multifaceted partnership between Bangladesh and the European Union. The consultations, convened after a pause of nearly five years, provided an opportunity to review the breadth of bilateral cooperation of mutual interest, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting reviewed the current state of Bangladesh-EU relations and discussed avenues for further engagement across priority sectors. The discussions welcomed the recent ‘initialling’ of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and noted the expectation that following completion of the respective internal processes, the agreement would provide a structured and comprehensive framework for future cooperation.

Bangladesh has called for renewed and strengthened global commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, stressing that the vision of a nuclear-weapon-free world remains unfulfilled. Bangladesh made the call at the 11th review conference of the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on April 28. Speaking at the general debate, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury stressed that despite eight decades of the United Nations, the vision of a nuclear-weapon-free world remains unfulfilled. He warned that continued nuclear proliferation poses a grave threat to international peace and security, while also undermining global development aspirations, said the Bangladesh Mission in New York on Wednesday. Highlighting Bangladesh’s firm commitment to disarmament, the Ambassador said the country has consistently advocated for both nuclear and conventional disarmament and has voluntarily remained non-nuclear despite being located in a nuclear-armed region. Ambassador Chowdhury urged nuclear-weapon States to fulfill their legal obligations under Article VI of the NPT and called for the universalization of disarmament treaties. He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to advancing global disarmament through dialogue, trust-building, and collective action towards a safer world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Tuesday said the UK, since June 2025, has frozen over £250 million in assets in the UK linked to Bangladeshi individuals, underlining their determination to uphold the rule of law and the integrity of the international financial system. “We are very committed to working further in that area. Of course, we can't talk about specific cases. They all need to follow due legal process and make sure that they are evidence-based. But it is a high priority for us,” she said while responding to a question during “DCAB Talk”. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the “DCAB Talk” at Jatiya Press Club. Instability in Middle East pushing up costs from London to Dhaka: UK Envoy High Commissioner Cooke said the United Kingdom is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to strengthen economic governance and tackle illicit finance. The envoy said this is something that they have worked very closely with the government over the last 18 months to two years. “I think that (steps taken so far) gives you a very strong demonstration of the commitments to working with the government on this area,” she said. “The United Kingdom will also host an Illicit Finance Summit in London this June,” said the High Commissioner, noting that the Summit will bring together international partners to strengthen cooperation, share expertise and advance collective action against illicit finance. “We hope to welcome the Finance Minister of Bangladesh (Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury) to London for this important gathering,” she said. Taking place at Lancaster House in London over two days from June 23-24, the Illicit Finance Summit will bring together governments, civil society organisations, and private sector representatives, such as major banks, to build an international coalition to tackle flows of dirty money around the world and strengthen the UK’s national security. In the UK, dirty money lurks behind drug-related violence and organised immigration crime, allowing criminals to store their profits without trace. The Summit will focus on strengthening global enforcement efforts to prevent, disrupt and recover dirty money, including through closer collaboration with the private sector. It will forge new agreements to tackle modern methods for moving dirty money, such as laundering in the property sector, misuse of crypto-assets, and trading in illicit gold.   “And, of course, we hope that Bangladesh will be represented at that Summit. We look forward to welcoming the Finance Minister. So, I hope that gives you a sense of just how committed the UK is to working with Bangladesh in this area,” said the High Commissioner. DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke at the event, where the High Commissioner described the relationship between Bangladesh and the UK as “modern and strategic.”

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Tuesday described the agreement on reciprocal trade (ART) as an excellent agreement, noting that Bangladesh has committed to purchasing $3.5 billion in US agricultural products - wheat, soy, cotton, and corn. The recently concluded agreement on reciprocal trade, the Ambassador said, can propel not just trade between the two countries, but Bangladesh’s economic development to new levels if fully embraced and executed. “The ART is an excellent agreement, which preserves Bangladesh’s access to the critical US market with competitive 19 percent tariffs – down from 35 percent without the agreement -- while making changes in Bangladesh’s tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers designed to encourage imports from the United States to balance our trade. This is really just common sense,” he said while speaking at a luncheon meeting. The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) hosted the luncheon meeting titled, “Advancing US-Bangladesh Economic Partnership” at a city hotel. Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir spoke as the chief guest while the US envoy attended as special guest, underscoring the importance of Bangladesh-United States economic engagement.