United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam will undertake an official visit to Spain and the United Kingdom from October 26 to 30 to deepen economic partnerships and promote cultural diplomacy. The two-nation visit reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy, attracting investment, and expanding cultural cooperation with European partners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday. During the visit, Shama will meet dignitaries from various institutions to explore cooperation in trade, investment, business, tourism, skills development, and cultural exchange, with a view to further strengthening bilateral ties. The visit will begin in Seville, Spain, where the state minister will inaugurate the 3rd Spain-Bangladesh Expo 2026 on October 26. Organised by the Spain-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SBCCI) under the theme “Stronger Partnership, Shared Prosperity,” the expo aims to connect Bangladeshi exporters with Spanish manufacturers, importers and investors. Following her engagements in Spain, Shama will travel to the United Kingdom for a visit from October 29 to 30. Her engagements in the UK will focus on promoting Bangladeshi art and culture, expanding international cultural partnerships, and exploring opportunities to develop the country’s creative economy.

As Bangladesh stands on the threshold of a crucial economic transformation, Germany is looking to reaffirm its long-standing partnership with the country through high-level talks on development cooperation. A delegation from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), led by Vice Minister Dr. Bärbel Kofler, will arrive in Dhaka on Sunday. As Bangladesh takes its next steps onto the global economic stage, Dr. Kofler’s visit underscores Germany’s continued commitment to standing alongside the country as a strategic partner in sustainable progress, said the German Embassy in Dhaka on Saturday. The upcoming discussions in Dhaka will look beyond traditional aid frameworks to focus on long-term resilience, economic adaptability and sustainable growth. The three-day official visit marks an important moment in bilateral relations, with government-to-government (G2G) negotiations aimed at shaping the future of Bangladesh-German development cooperation. The visit comes at a significant juncture as Bangladesh navigates economic transformation and prepares for its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Germany has long been one of Bangladesh’s most steadfast development partners. Yet, as Bangladesh moves beyond the safety net of LDC status, the nature of international cooperation must also evolve, said the Embassy. Beyond the negotiation table, Dr. Kofler will also hold political talks and visit projects in Chattogram. In Dhaka, she will join the celebration of German Reunification Day at the German Embassy in Dhaka, commemorating the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990, following decades of division during the Cold War. The event will bring together senior government leaders, civil society representatives, members of the diplomatic community, and prominent cultural and media figures both from Bangladesh and Germany.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called on developed countries to fulfil their climate finance commitments through grants instead of loans, warning that debt-based support would increase the burden on climate-vulnerable communities in Bangladesh. She also stressed the need for the government, private sector, civil society and experts to work together to strengthen Bangladesh’s unified position at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). The state minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a national dialogue titled “People-Led Policy: Bangladesh Position at COP31” at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday. The event was organised through a joint initiative of 33 national and international organisations working on climate change in Bangladesh. It presented key demands and recommendations from a civil society position paper on climate action. Shama Obaed Islam said that, a decade after the Paris Agreement, it was essential to assess progress in implementation alongside existing commitments. She said Bangladesh needed adequate financing to address the impacts of climate change, adding that adaptation and mitigation should receive equal attention and transparency in international climate negotiations should be strengthened. She also said initiatives were under way to improve coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. She expressed interest in involving young people working on climate issues in the process. The state minister said Bangladesh planned to showcase environmentally friendly jute products at COP31 through a dedicated Jute Pavilion. The initiative could help expand international markets for jute products and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers. Mirza Shawkat Ali, director of Climate Change and International Convention at the Department of Environment, attended the event as a special guest. He said initiatives were being taken to reduce industrial emissions, stressing that credible evidence and specific plans were essential to presenting Bangladesh’s demands effectively at international negotiations. In his welcome address, Dr SM Munjurul Hannan Khan, executive director of Nature Conservation Management (NACOM), highlighted the need for coordinated planning on climate finance, the blue economy, waste management and urban heat stress. Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh and moderator of the dialogue, called for collective action to secure grant-based climate finance. She said Bangladesh was among the countries bearing a disproportionate burden of climate change and needed united efforts to secure financial support at international climate conferences. Financing needs and key demands Presentations at the dialogue examined six major areas of climate action, including financing requirements, pollution control, energy transition, marine resources and youth participation. According to figures presented at the event, Bangladesh’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20.31 percent, equivalent to 84.97 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, by 2035. Implementing the plan for 2026-2035 is estimated to require US$116.18 billion, including US$90.23 billion in international support. The National Adaptation Plan for 2023-2050 identifies 113 initiatives requiring approximately US$230 billion. Roufa Khanum of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) presented figures on global emissions and Bangladesh’s climate risks. Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), emphasised better waste management and measures to reduce air pollution and industrial emissions. Mahzabeen Mahfuz of ActionAid Bangladesh discussed a just energy transition, while Chowdhury Abrar Zahin and Helena Khatun addressed marine resources and international finance. Representing young people, Shohail Bin Saifullah presented six demands covering climate finance, education, employment, gender justice and meaningful youth participation in decision-making. Participants also stressed the need to ensure that climate finance reaches affected communities, displaced people receive support for resettlement, and women, persons with disabilities and marginalised groups have meaningful roles in climate policymaking. The civil society position paper outlined six key demands: debt-free, grant-based international climate finance; a unified national position at international negotiations; promotion of environmentally friendly products, including jute; reduction of industrial and air pollution alongside a just energy transition; meaningful participation of young people and marginalised communities; and adequate funding for safe housing for climate migrants, improved waste management and measures to address extreme urban heat. The position paper was developed by a coalition of 33 platforms representing civil society, international NGOs, academic and research institutions, and young people in Bangladesh.

Marking the United Nations Day, Bangladesh has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the UN Charter, international cooperation and a rules-based multilateral order. "Let us work together to restore trust, bridge divisions and build a world where peace, justice and prosperity are shared by all," said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir in a message on Saturday. Bangladesh continues to host more than 1.3 million Rohingyas forcibly displaced from Myanmar. "We call for sustained international support for their early and sustainable return to Myanmar," Kobir said. He extended warm greetings to the UN and its Member States on the occasion of United Nations Day. "United Nations Day reminds us of the enduring relevance of the UN Charter and the importance of collective action in addressing shared global challenges," Kobir said. At a time of growing geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, humanitarian crises and widening inequalities, multilateralism is not merely an option, it is an imperative, he said. "We must renew our commitment to dialogue, peaceful settlement of disputes, sovereign equality and respect for international law," Kobir said. The government of Bangladesh remains firmly committed to multilateralism. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh is determined to strengthen democratic governance, uphold human rights and the rule of law and promote accountable institutions," he said. Kobir said the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister as President of the 81st UN General Assembly underscores the Government’s renewed impetus for multilateral engagement. Bangladesh’s contribution to the UN is rooted in action and solidarity. "As one of the leading contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, our brave peacekeepers continue to serve in challenging environments around the world," Kobir said. He said they remain committed to advancing women’s participation in peacekeeping and decision-making on peace and security. "Our partnership with the UN extends to sustainable development, disaster resilience, poverty reduction, gender equality and humanitarian action," Kobir said. As the international community pursues the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he said they must ensure that developing countries, least developed countries and climate-vulnerable nations receive finance, technology and capacity-building support they need. "Bangladesh also supports a more representative, transparent and effective UN, including meaningful reform of the Security Council so that the Organization can respond to today’s realities and deliver for all;" he said.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Saturday stressed that predictable international support, affordable financing and continued market access are essential for countries like Bangladesh in the context of their LDC graduation aspirations. She said an effective UN and stronger international solidarity are essential to addressing today’s global challenges and building a peaceful, prosperous and just world,. The State Minister made the remarks while celebrating the UN Day organised by Zonta International, District 25 and Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh at Crowne Plaza Dhaka. Reiterating the government’s resolve to advance multilateralism under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s renewed commitment to the UN’s three pillars of development, peace and security and human rights.

Bangladesh has strongly condemned the Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on Dammam airport, which caused casualties and injuries. In a statement on Friday, Bangladesh expressed heartfelt sympathy to the affected families and solidarity with the government and people of Saudi Arabia. It also called for an immediate cessation of all attacks and a peaceful resolution of the situation through diplomacy. Two people were killed and eight others, including two Bangladeshi nationals, injured after Houthis carried out an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam on Wednesday evening.

Around 7,500 Bangladeshis are currently imprisoned in different parts of Saudi Arabia, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said on Friday. “More or less 7,500 Bangladeshis are in different jails in Saudi Arabia on various charges. We are checking whether the names of the two Bangladeshis who were executed recently are on the list,” she told the media. The state minister was speaking after the body of Bangladeshi worker Md Shahed Ahmed Ashik, who was killed in a Houthi missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was handed over to his family at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. “We have not received detailed information about the executions. We have officially requested the Saudi authorities to provide copies of the verdicts. We will be able to learn more once we receive them,” she said. Shama Obaed said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not work alone to resolve issues concerning expatriate Bangladeshis, as the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Home Affairs are also involved in dealing with legal matters. “When we learn that any Bangladeshi has been sentenced in Saudi Arabia, we communicate with the Saudi authorities through diplomatic channels to seek a reduction in the sentence or explore whether there is any process for a pardon,” she said. The state minister said the government does its best to protect Bangladeshi nationals while respecting the judicial systems of other countries. “We will definitely not interfere in the judicial system of another country, but the government does its best to save its nationals whenever it learns of such cases,” she said. “The problem is that we were not informed of the sentences imposed on the two Bangladeshis who were executed,” Shama Obaed added. Two Bangladeshi nationals – Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Sweety Akter – were recently executed in Saudi Arabia. They had been detained in the country since August 2023 on separate charges, according to a confidential document sent from the Labour Welfare Wing of the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment on October 18. According to the document, the Saudi authorities did not inform the Bangladesh Embassy or the consulate before the executions, nor did they formally notify them afterwards about the executions. The information about the execution emerged from Saudi media reports citing a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Interior on October 14. According to the Saudi ministry’s statement, as reported in local media, the executions took place in the Makkah region. They were accused of committing “indecent acts” inside a mosque in the holy city of Makkah.

The mortal remains of one of the two Bangladeshis, who were among 13 people killed in a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, arrived home on Friday morning. The body of Shahed Ahmed Ashik reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 8:30am, where State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam received it, according to the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. Later, the body was handed over to the victim's family. During the handover, the Wage Earners' Welfare Board provided immediate financial assistance to the victim's family. The assistance included Tk 35,000 to cover burial and transportation costs and a special grant of Tk 50,000 following his death in the conflict. Meanwhile, the victim's employer, Saad Al-Essa Contracting Company, deposited 27,395.62 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to around Tk 9 lakh, into the account of the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh. The amount covers his outstanding salary, allowances and service benefits. It will be formally handed over to his family through the Wage Earners' Welfare Board soon. The family may also receive an additional Tk 3 lakh, subject to having a valid Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) card or equivalent identification. Besides, the family could be eligible for a further Tk 10 lakh in insurance benefits, depending on the applicable insurance coverage, the ministry said. Thirteen people, including two Bangladeshis, were killed in the attack on King Khalid International Airport on October 10. The attack also left 308 others, including several Bangladeshis, injured. Shahed, 35, son of Rafiqul Islam alias Mithu of Malipara village in Madla union under Shajahanpur upazila of Bogura, was among the deceased.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has assured the Indian Media Correspondents’ Association, Bangladesh (IMCAB) that steps are being taken to simplify the Indian visa process, particularly for Bangladeshi citizens seeking medical treatment in India. The assurance came during a courtesy meeting with an IMCAB delegation at the conference room of the Indian High Commission in Baridhara, Dhaka, at 11:30 am on Thursday (October 22). The delegation, led by IMCAB President Shaheen Chowdhury, included General Secretary Masum Billah and other members of the association’s Executive Committee. During the meeting, IMCAB leaders raised concerns over the difficulties faced by Bangladeshi citizens in obtaining Indian visas, particularly the prolonged delays in securing appointment slots after submitting online applications. They also emphasised the need to facilitate visa processing for patients seeking medical treatment in India. Responding to the concerns, the High Commissioner said, “We are looking into the difficulties people are facing in obtaining Indian visas. Special initiatives are being taken to ensure that patients seeking medical treatment in India can obtain visas more easily.” He further stated that the High Commission was examining the reasons behind delays in securing appointment slots for the physical submission of visa applications following online registration. Expressing optimism, he said the existing problems would be resolved soon. Highlighting the importance of people-to-people contact between the two neighbouring countries, the High Commissioner said, “The more people from Bangladesh and India travel between the two countries, the stronger the friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples will become.” The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, during which the High Commissioner personally interacted with the IMCAB members and enquired about their well-being. Other members of the IMCAB delegation included Basudev Dhar, Quddus Afrad, Mir Afroz Zaman, Abu Ali, Aminul Haque Bhuiyan, Nirmal Chakraborty, Zakir Hossain and Monir Hossain. Gokul V K, First Secretary of the Indian High Commission, was also present at the meeting.

Bangladesh and Algeria on Thursday discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in energy, trade, agriculture, fertilisers, textiles, education and other sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries. The discussions took place at a bilateral meeting between State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in Algiers, where the two sides also shed light on regional and multilateral issues of mutual concern. They discussed ways to expand bilateral trade and investment, particularly in the energy sector. Referring to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Bangladesh and Algeria recently on hydrocarbon cooperation, Kobir said the engagement has opened a new horizon for Bangladesh to import liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products from the North African country under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement. The MoU also offers scope for cooperation in refinery development, LNG infrastructure and the exploration of coal and gas fields in Bangladesh, he said.