United News of Bangladesh

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has estimated that 4,955,527 people in Bangladesh are currently internally displaced due to natural disasters, marking the country’s first comprehensive nationwide assessment of disaster-induced displacement. The findings, launched on Wednesday by IOM in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and development partners provide a clear picture of how floods, cyclones, river erosion, and other hazards continue to disrupt lives across the country. Bangladesh faces repeated natural hazards every year, but until now, there was no verified nationwide estimate of how many people were forced to leave their homes due to disasters. To close this gap, IOM conducted an extensive assessment in all eight divisions, 64 districts, 4,579 unions, 329 municipalities, and 480 city corporation wards. The assessment collectively interviewed more than 29,000 key informants through 5,388 field visits, making it the most extensive exercise of its kind in Bangladesh. Speaking at the event, Lance Bonneau, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh, said understanding the scale of displacement is essential for effective disaster management and long-term planning. "These findings give national authorities, local leaders and development partners a shared foundation to respond to displacement with greater clarity and coordination.” Key assessment findings include: two out of three IDPs (63%) were displaced before April 2020, pointing to long-term, unresolved displacement across the country. One in four IDPs (25%) were displaced between April 2020 and April 2024. The assessment found that Chattogram Division hosts the largest share of IDPs (1.21 million), followed by Dhaka (0.79 million) and Rajshahi (0.66 million). Four districts — Chattogram, Sirajganj, Bhola and Noakhali — account for a quarter of all displaced persons. Most IDPs (85%) live in rural union areas. Representatives of the Government of Bangladesh welcomed the report as a major step toward strengthening implementation of the National Strategy on Internal Displacement Management, which calls for regular, systematic data collection on displaced populations. Aleya Akter, Secretary of the Statistics and Informatics Division, delivered virtual remarks as the chief guest. Other speakers included K M Abdul Wadud, Additional Secretary, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR); Mohammad Navid Saifullah, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC); and Eva Atanassova from the European Union. Korea, IOM sign USD 5 Million assistance to Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar The event included a presentation on the methodology, an official unveiling of the report and a panel discussion on how to incorporate IDP estimation into government data systems, featuring representatives from the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and development partners. Partners who supported this initiative reaffirmed their commitment to work with Bangladesh in building more resilient and inclusive systems for disaster response. Representatives from the Government of Bangladesh and other   partners also attended the event. The new estimate marks an important milestone in Bangladesh’s effort to better understand and address internal displacement. It will help guide policies on disaster preparedness, relocation planning, social protection, climate adaptation and long-term development, IOM said.  

Working closely with international partners such as UNDP, Japan remains committed to making contributions towards a sustainable solution to the Rohingya response, said Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Bangladesh Takahashi Naoki. "I am hopeful that this comprehensive solid waste management facility will help improve the lives of both Rohingya refugees and host communities," said the diplomat. Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has supported the Rohingya refugee response in Bangladesh, contributing over US$240 million, said UNDP in a media release on Wednesday. The Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Japan, inaugurated the expanded sanitary landfill facility at Camp 20 Extension in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar recently. The expansion marks a significant milestone in strengthening safe, sustainable and system-based solid waste management for both Rohingya refugees and the surrounding host communities. The upgraded facility is designed to handle an additional 60,000 m³ of non-recyclable waste, ensuring uninterrupted waste disposal for the next seven to eight years. This will help prevent environmental contamination, reduce public health risks, and improve living conditions across 26 camps, where nearly 140 tonnes of waste are generated daily. The landfill serves as the backbone of a wider waste management system developed by UNDP since 2019. Bangladesh, Sweden, and Ukraine unite through 'Grain from Ukraine' to support Rohingyas With support from government entities, the WASH Sector, and partners including the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE), BRAC as implementing partner, and ManTech as construction partner, the expansion strengthens a comprehensive system that includes segregated waste collection, leachate treatment, and hygiene campaigns benefitting over 900,000 people. Abu Saleh Mohammad Obaidullah, Additional Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, said proper waste management is essential for preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring safer living conditions. "This expanded landfill will greatly benefit both Rohingya refugees and local host communities. We appreciate Japan and UNDP for their continued cooperation and hope this support will further strengthen public health protection in the camps.” Speaking at the ceremony, Stefan Liller, UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative, said managing over 100 tons of waste every day in the camps is not just about disposal, it is about safeguarding health, protecting the environment, and preserving dignity.  "This expanded facility helps ensure that the communities here can live in cleaner, safer conditions today, while building a system that remains resilient for the years ahead.” He further said, "This is a clear example of what sustained collaboration between humanitarian and development partners can deliver: practical, scalable solutions that serve both Rohingya and local communities.” The expansion site was selected in Ukhiya to minimize environmental impact. Situated next to the existing facility, the naturally contoured land required no tree removal, hill cutting, or shelter relocation. As part of a complementary USD 1.48 million Sustainable Solid Waste Management Project in the Rohingya Camps, Japan is also providing support in Teknaf, introducing a new sanitary landfill, sorting facilities, composting units, innovative waste-to-energy options, and community awareness initiatives aimed at promoting circular economy practices. Rohingya crisis returns to global spotlight under interim govt: Shafiqul Alam As a longstanding global partner and among UNDP’s highest core contributors, Japan’s support continues to enable critical initiatives such as this solid waste management intervention in Cox’s Bazar. Senior representatives from RRRC, DPHE, WASH Sector, BRAC, ManTech, local government bodies, and development partners attended the inauguration. The expanded facility reflects continued collaboration for a safer, cleaner, and more resilient Cox’s Bazar.  

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent organization that promotes press freedom worldwide, has written to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, urging him to mark International Human Rights Day by taking steps that would allow all journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh to return to their families and resume work. "Bangladesh authorities must uphold domestic and international human rights obligations," said the CPJ in a letter sent to Prof Yunus, noting that real reform requires a decisive break from past practices, not replication of previous abuses. CPJ Asia-Pacific Director Beh Lih Yi wrote the letter to the Chief Adviser, a copy of which was also sent to Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam. The CPJ made the letter public through its website ahead of the International Human Rights Day that falls on December 10. The CPJ said it is essential that all political partiesrespect journalists’ right to report freely as the country prepares to vote in February next year. It requested Prof Yunus' urgent attention to the matter of journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh ahead of International Human Rights Day. According to data compiled by CPJ, Bangladesh currently holds four journalists in prison on murder charges — accusations that lack credible evidence and appear to be in retaliation for their reporting and perceivedpolitical affiliations. The families of the journalists have described conditions at Kashimpur Prison that raise serious human rights concerns. They are being held in tiny 36-square-foot (3.34 square meters) cells with metal bars instead of doors, leaving them exposed to cold weather and mosquito infestations. Charting a path towards building equal society; strengthening democracy: Prof Yunus They sleep on the concrete floor, without mattresses, and food supplied by the prison is insufficient and often inedible. Medical care is severely inadequate: the prison has no permanent doctor, routine tests are unobtainable, and prisoners receive no medication unless supplied by their families. Those with serious health conditions — including cancer, diabetes, cardiac issues, and sleep apnea — have gone months without treatment. "Prof. Yunus, in a November 2024 interview with The Daily Star, you acknowledged that murder accusations had been hastily filed against journalists in Bangladesh. In the same interview, you stated that your government had stopped such actions and formed a committee to review these cases," the letter reads. "However, since you took office on August 8 last year, fresh murder charges have been brought against all four journalists imprisoned in Bangladesh — Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, and Shyamal Dutta," CPJ said. They have been repeatedly denied bail and a lawyer representing some of the journalists, ZI Khan Panna, has also been targeted with a murder accusation. Freedom of speech and expression are protected under Article 39 of Bangladesh’s constitution and in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Bangladesh has acceded. CPJ concerned over revocation of 20 journalists’ press accreditation The judiciary has also repeatedly recognized the critical role of an independent press in strengthening democratic institutions and accountability. CPJ's advocacy is supported by more than 1,500 journalists, representing over 100 countries, who joined CPJ in a solidarity action at this year’s Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Malaysia to call on governments around the world to free imprisoned journalists and end impunity for those who attack the press. "Your personal attention to this matter would underscore Bangladesh’s commitment to humane governance, justice, and open public discourse," the letter reads.    

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said they are now preparing to hold a democratic, free and fair general election in early February 2026, charting a path towards building a just and equal society and strengthening their democracy. He renew Bangladesh’s pledge to work resolutely with their international partners and the UN system to further strengthen the country’s national human rights regime and engage meaningfully with the international community in advancing global human rights standards. He also reiterated Bangladesh’s call that human rights ought to be promoted as an article of faith to assert the worth and value of every human life with dignity and without any discrimination. Marking the Human Rights Day 2025 that falls on December 10, Prof Yunus, on behalf of the people and the government of Bangladesh, reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to upholding the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Charter. This year, the world observes the day under the theme 'Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials'. "In Bangladesh, we celebrate this day about a year and a half after the historic youth-led 'July Uprising'. People from all walks of life rose against oppression and tyranny, defeating a fascist regime in pursuit of dignity and human rights," Prof Yunus said. A 'New Bangladesh' has emerged from this tumultuous period, he said in a message, marking the Day. With the overwhelming support of the people, Prof Yunus said they have further upheld their commitment to justice through the recent verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal-Bangladesh, which convicted members of the deposed regime of crimes against humanity in connection with the 'July Uprising'. "Today, we stand proud as a nation that has acceded to all nine core international human rights treaties, most recently the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance," he said. The Chief Adviser said they have also acceded to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and all core ILO conventions, underscoring our dedication to labour rights and ethical workplace practices. Internationally, he said, Bangladesh continues to play an active role in global norm-setting as a member of the Human Rights Council. Prof Yunus said they remain engaged in international efforts to address emerging global challenges that hinder the full enjoyment of human rights, including conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate change and forced displacement. Yunus interim govt's economics team a class apart: Press Secretary "We remain steadfast in advocating for the rights of the persecuted Rohingyas, who face oppression rooted in ethnicity-based politics," he said. Even after eight years, not a single Rohingya has been able to return to Myanmar. "We continue to shoulder a significant humanitarian burden by providing temporary shelter, while persistently drawing global attention to their plight, most recently at the UN High-level Conference on 30 September 2025," said the Chief Adviser. Likewise, he said, they remain vocal in condemning human rights violations anywhere in the world, including in the Gaza Strip, and we continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine in their legitimate struggle for statehood, justice and freedom.      

Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo S.p.A have signed a letter of intent (LOI), paving the way for the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft for the force. The LOI was signed on Tuesday at the Air Force Headquarters in the presence of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division and representatives from the Italian side also attended the signing ceremony. US Chargé d' Affaires Jacobson meets Bangladesh Air Force Chief According to BAF, it is a step towards inducting modern multi-role combat aircraft into the frontline fleet of the Bangladesh Air Force.  

Bangladesh’s Tangail saree weaving industry has been recognised as an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO. The ongoing 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee under the 2003 UNESCO Convention in New Delhi, India took the decision on Tuesday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This marks the country’s sixth individual registration under the convention and the second registration since Bangladesh was elected as a member of the committee four years ago. Dedicating the achievement to all weavers and women of Bangladesh, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO and President of the General Council, Ambassador Ambassador Khondker M. Talha, said, “This is a remarkable honor for Bangladesh. It represents global recognition of the exquisite craftsmanship of Tangail weavers, who have preserved this art for over two centuries. Tangail sarees, worn daily by Bangladeshi women, inspired this international acknowledgment.” He said that the recognition adds a new dimension to the country’s overall efforts to safeguard its intangible cultural heritage. The ambassador emphasised that Bangladesh has numerous other cultural elements worthy of UNESCO recognition and that enhancing documentation capacity and developing skilled personnel related to the convention could open doors for more such achievements. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the 20th session on December 7 where UNESCO’s newly appointed Director-General Khaled El Enany was also present.

Welcoming the newly appointed Regional Representative on his first visit to Dhaka, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He expressed the hope that the conclusion of the proposed Cooperation Framework between the Government of Bangladesh and UNODC would yield tangible results in future. Adviser Hossain also underscored the necessity of establishing a UNODC Country Office in Dhaka to support the expanding nature of its work and collaboration with Bangladesh. The Foreign Adviser emphasised that the early repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is crucial for effectively mitigating the challenges faced by Bangladesh related to drugs and other related organised crimes in the region. The newly appointed UNODC Regional Representative in South Asia based in New Delhi, Kristian Hölge, presented his credentials to Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. BIMSTEC-UNODC MoU to be instrumental in addressing security concerns: BIMSTEC After offering his Letter of Credence, Hölge highlighted UNODC’s ongoing engagements and provided a brief overview of his plans to further strengthen its partnership with Bangladesh in combating drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption, terrorism and other transnational organized crimes. He expressed the hope to work closely with partners in Bangladesh to deliver wider impact, advance key initiatives and provide capacity building of relevant officials on key areas of UNODC’s engagement, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hölge also met Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same day.  

Bangladesh and India on Tuesday completed the release and repatriation of 47 Indian and 38 Bangladeshi fishermen underscoring their shared commitment to humanitarian and livelihood concerns of coastal communities, said officials in Dhaka and Delhi. The repatriation process has been implemented through the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Police, local administration, and other relevant agencies, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. "Committed to the safety, security and welfare of our fishermen," said Indian Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal in message from his verified X handle. The government of India said it attaches the highest importance to the "safety, security and welfare" of Indian fishermen. To this end, the MEA in a media release said, it continues to work assiduously to secure the release of their fishermen from Bangladesh custody. Indian fishermen who happened to inadvertently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line had been arrested by Bangladesh authorities recently. Bangladesh fishermen had also been apprehended by Indian authorities similarly. The two governments successfully concluded the release and repatriation of 47 Indian fishermen and 38 Bangladesh fishermen, along with their operable vessel. In January 2025, the government of India facilitated the release of 95 Indian fishermen, and in a reciprocal manner, released 90 Bangladesh fishermen. The mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessel has been worked out keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides. Indian fisherman lands in Rajshahi jail The reciprocal repatriation of 32 Bangladeshi fishermen detained in India and 47 Indian fishermen detained in Bangladesh has been completed in the afternoon. In the Bay of Bengal, on the International Maritime Boundary Line, the Bangladesh Coast Guard received 32 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Indian Coast Guard and handed over 47 Indian fishermen to them. Simultaneously, the Indian Coast Guard returned one Bangladesh-owned fishing boat, while the Bangladesh Coast Guard returned three India-owned fishing boats. At the same time, six Bangladeshi fishermen who were detained in Meghalaya, India will be repatriated through Nakugaon Land Port of Sherpur district under the supervision of the Border Guard Bangladesh. BGB and BSF are working towards that end.

The Canadian High Commission in Dhaka has said Canada values Bangladesh’s significant contributions to international peace and security and expressed its interest in expanding engagement with Bangladesh’s defence institutions. The High Commission says it explores opportunities for collaboration with reputable Canadian industry partners. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh recently met Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, for productive discussions on Bangladesh-Canada defence cooperation.  

Wing Tai Garments (Bangladesh) Co. Ltd., a Chinese company, has signed a land lease agreement with Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) to set up a garment industry at BEPZA Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ) at Mirsarai in Chattogram. The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka with a proposed investment of US$ 10.32 million, creating employment opportunities for 3,158 Bangladeshi nationals. Wing Tai Garments (Bangladesh) will produce a diverse range of apparel, including knitwear garments like ladies, kids & men’s tops, t-shirts, trousers & shorts with an annual production target of 1.56 million pcs, alongside woven garments such as ladies, kids & men’s jackets, pants & shorts, with an annual production target of 4.01 million pcs, said a press release. Md. Ashraful Kabir, Member (Investment Promotion), signed the agreement on behalf of BEPZA, while Li Qingqi, General Manager of Wing Tai Garments (Bangladesh) Co. Ltd., signed on behalf of the investing company. BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain witnessed the signing ceremony. The signing ceremony was attended by A N M Foyzul Haque, Member (Finance); Md. Khorshid Alam, Executive Director (Enterprise Services); Samir Biswas, Executive Director (Admin); A.S.M. Anwar Parvez, Executive Director (Public Relations), Md. Fazlul Haque Mazumder, Executive Director (Investment Promotion-Addl. Charge); Company Advisor of Wing Tai Garments (Bangladesh) AZM Azizur Rahman along with senior officials of BEPZA and representatives from investing company.