United News of Bangladesh

Former US diplomat Jon Danilowicz has backed Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s decision to seek the resignation of Ishraque Hossain following controversy over his actions during an anti-drug operation in Dhaka. “Bangladesh PM Tarique made the right call in asking for the resignation of Ishraque Hossain after his insane stunt,” Danilowicz said in a social media post. He said the development is the latest sign that Prime Minister Tarique is serious about holding members of his government accountable for their actions. “His leadership is critical in ensuring Bangladesh’s future is different than its past,” the former US diplomat added. Ishraque, the state minister for Liberation War Affairs, announced his resignation at a press conference at the National Press Club on Monday amid public criticism over video footage showing him carrying a firearm during an anti-drug operation near Gandaria Railway Station in Dhaka. He said he had voluntarily sought to step down to avoid embarrassing the government and his party, while reaffirming his commitment to continuing the anti-drug campaign as a BNP activist.

United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office in the Secretariat on Monday afternoon. During the meeting, both sides discussed Myanmar's current political and security situation, the overall Rohingya crisis, and the repatriation process of Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN), known as Rohingyas. Salahuddin said Bangladesh has been facing a severe crisis for a long time after providing humanitarian shelter to hundreds of thousands of FDMNs displaced by internal conflict in Myanmar. He urged the international community to play a more effective role in finding a permanent and sustainable solution to the crisis. Julie Bishop highlighted the ongoing conflict situation in Myanmar and assured that she maintains continuous diplomatic communication with all relevant stakeholders to end conflict and ensure civilian protection. Both sides expressed deep concerns over the prevalence of landmines in border areas, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and their regional and global impacts. They underscored the need for political dialogue and mutual cooperation to create a conducive environment for the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of Rohingyas to their homeland. Additional Secretary (Political and Immigration) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary of Political-1 Branch Rebeka Khan, UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak, Senior Political Affairs Officer Duncan Keith Wilson and UNHCR Deputy Representative Juliette Murekeyisoni, among others, were present.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi joined Durga Puja celebrations at several venues in Dhaka, extending greetings to devotees, students and organisers on the occasion of the Hindu festival. Trivedi visited the Durga Puja festivities at Jagannath Hall of the University of Dhaka, where he shared the festive spirit with students, organisers and devotees. On the occasion of Maha Ashtami, he inaugurated the distribution of Mahaprasad at Dhakeshwari National Temple, joining devotees in observing the religious festival.

Family members of Nurul Haque, a Bangladeshi expatriate who died in Saudi Arabia in 2023, have expressed their gratitude to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their assistance in securing compensation from Saudi Arabia. They met the state minister at her office at the ministry on Monday and extended the thanks for the support in obtaining the compensation, which the family received last week. During the meeting, Shama Obaed enquired after the family members' well-being and their overall situation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitated the process of securing the compensation for the family following the expatriate's death in Saudi Arabia in 2023.  

Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) Muhammad Abdul Muhith on Monday presented working copies of his credentials to Assistant Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps Sarah Broughton OBE at the historic Lancaster House, London. The presentation marks the formal commencement of his diplomatic roles in the United Kingdom, ahead of the presentation of credentials to The King, said the High Commission. The High Commissioner said he looks forward to strengthening the longstanding friendship and multifaceted partnership between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. The government appointed Muhith, former Rector of the Foreign Service Academy, as Bangladesh's next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. The Public Administration Ministry issued a gazette notification on August 24 confirming his two-year contractual appointment. A career diplomat and multilateral practitioner, Muhith brings more than three decades of experience spanning postings in New York, Vienna, Washington, DC, and several key Middle Eastern and European capitals. His diplomatic career has focused on UN governance, sustainable development, peacebuilding and institutional reform, with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy and international negotiations. Muhith has worked amid what he describes as a global "polycrisis" - marked by climate change, geopolitical fragmentation, protracted conflicts and rapid technological disruption, including the rise of artificial intelligence.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its mission in Qatar are aware of the arrest of former Air Force Chief Sheikh Abdul Hannan in Doha, adding that the Ministry stands ready to provide any assistance. “It is entirely under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry of Home Affairs is working on it,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to a question. Hannan faces corruption and money laundering charges. He was arrested in Doha, Qatar, on October 15, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan told reporters on Sunday, adding that steps would be taken to bring him back to face the law in Bangladesh. Air Chief Marshal (retd) Sheikh Abdul Hannan served as the 16th Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force from June 12, 2021, to June 11, 2024. The ACC received informal information about his arrest on Saturday and officially confirmed it on Sunday through Interpol via the National Central Bureau (NCB) of Bangladesh Police.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider on Monday paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman at his official residence on Minto Road in the capital. The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding mutual cooperation and building a forward-looking partnership between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Wasif and Political Counsellor at the Pakistan High Commission Kamran Dangal were also present. During the meeting, Haider expressed his interest in further strengthening relations between the two countries. He said bilateral ties have recently been moving in a positive direction, with an increase in trade and a series of visits by officials at different levels. The high commissioner also briefed Shafiqur Rahman on the progress of the Knowledge Corridor project. He said a delegation of Bangladeshi teachers has recently visited Pakistan to learn about its educational infrastructure and system. The discussions also covered ways to expand trade and investment, strengthen cooperation in education and research, promote cultural exchanges and explore new areas of collaboration. Both sides expressed their desire to further strengthen friendly relations through continued communication and positive initiatives. Ali Ahmad Mabrur, a member of the Leader of the Opposition's Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs, was also present at the meeting.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit on Monday encouraged US companies to pursue sustainable partnerships beyond equipment sales, emphasizing lifecycle costs, after-sales support, technology transfer, local manufacturing and assembly, and specialised training for Bangladeshi engineers and healthcare professionals, including those from BUET and the University of Dhaka. Speaking as the chief guest at a roundtable discussion, he outlined the government’s priorities of strengthening primary healthcare, disease prevention, and decentralizing specialized services to divisional and district levels. Highlighting the record health budget of approximately Tk 70,000 crore and recent tax measures, he acknowledged regulatory registration delays and reaffirmed efforts to expedite approvals. The Sate Minister also highlighted plans for a national e-health and digital monitoring dashboard to optimize medical equipment utilization, alongside innovative financing and transparent procurement. Underscoring inclusive healthcare, he urged multinational companies to leverage CSR initiatives to support underserved communities, particularly children with disabilities. American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) President Syed Mohammad Kamal on Monday reaffirmed AmCham’s commitment to strengthening Bangladesh-US economic ties, highlighting over US$5 billion in existing investments by member companies and a commitment to facilitate another US$5 billion over the next five years. Speaking at a dialogue, he emphasised the potential of healthcare and medical technology to advance this ambition through innovation, capacity building, and improved patient care. The AmCham hosted the event on “Unlocking the Potential of Medical Technology to Improve Patient Outcomes in Bangladesh.” The session brought together senior government officials, the U.S. Embassy, and business leaders of AmCham’s medical technology member companies to discuss a dedicated regulatory framework for medical devices and equipment. At the roundtable, AmCham presented five key policy recommendations for the government’s consideration, aimed at fostering a more transparent, predictable, and enabling regulatory environment for medical technology. These included distinct DGDA guidelines for medical devices, streamlined registration with defined timelines and parallel dossier reviews, predictable MRP approvals consistent with the markup guideline and 7.5% VAT, rationalization of duties and taxes on medical devices and spare parts, and simplified provisions for equipment re-export for repairs and spare parts importation. As a longer-term initiative, AmCham proposed a collaborative workshop with the DGDA, American and European medical technology companies, and relevant stakeholders to explore a dedicated regulatory framework aligned with international standards and best practices. Director General (Additional Secretary), DGDA Md. Alamgir Hossain shared the Directorate’s regulatory priorities and reform initiatives for the medical technology sector. He highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline registration procedures and facilitate the resumption of inspections by international regulators, while underscoring the importance of timely, transparent, and predictable regulatory approvals. Former Chairman and CEO of Medtronic plc and former Chairman of Intel Corporation Dr Omar Ishrak shared his global perspective on the evolving medical technology landscape, highlighting emerging innovations and the opportunities for Bangladesh to harness technological advancements to strengthen its healthcare system, expand access to quality care, and improve patient outcomes. Senior representatives of AmCham’s medical technology member companies also shared industry perspectives, including Mayank Tripathi, Country Director, Medtronic Bangladesh; Mirza Shajib Raihan, Business Leader-Bangladesh, Becton Dickinson; and Muhammad Asaduzzaman (Romel), Country Head and Director, GE HealthCare Bangladesh. Paul Frost, Commercial Counselor at the US Embassy in Dhaka, along with other US Embassy officials, also participated in the discussion. Welcoming the Government’s constructive approach to dialogue, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) to promote a transparent, predictable, and enabling regulatory environment for medical technology in Bangladesh. The roundtable was moderated by Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh, Executive Director of AmCham Bangladesh, while Al-Mamun M. Rashel, Country Manager & Managing Director, NATCO Bangladesh, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was supported by Medtronic Bangladesh.

Amid concern over the execution of two Bangladeshis  in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) without prior communication, Dhaka on Monday said the government is still waiting for a copy of the verdict from the Saudi authorities to know the details. Bangladesh has also sought an explanation from its friendly bilateral partner, citing a possible gap in information sharing and communication between the two countries. It expects foreign countries to notify it when Bangladeshi nationals face criminal proceedings abroad so that consular access can be provided to them. State Minister-1 for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and State Minister-2 Shama Obaed Islam briefed reporters separately at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We have sought an explanation from our friendly bilateral partner to look into the matter and know why the gap in information sharing and exchanges happened here. We are in discussions,” said State Minister Kobir, describing the execution of two Bangladeshis as “very disappointing.” The State Minister, however, said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his government enjoy good and deep relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressing hope that the ties would reach a new height. He said there appeared to have been a lapse somewhere in the process. Talking to reporters separately, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed said they are still waiting for a copy of the verdict to know the details. “Please wait until we know what the verdict says. After that, we will discuss the matter with the Saudi authorities and explore what can be done,” she said, noting that the government is awaiting detailed information from Saudi Arabia. “Periodically, they provide us with a list, and we officially come to know through such a list how many people have been arrested and when. We are checking the list to see whether their names are included,” Shama said. She said the government is yet to receive detailed information about the individuals concerned and formally sought further details from the Saudi authorities. “As of now, we do not have any additional information. We have sought detailed information from them. Once they provide it, we may have a clearer picture of the situation,” Shama said. Regarding Bangladeshis who die abroad, she said the government tries its best to communicate with their families and provide the necessary assistance. Citing an incident in Saudi Arabia in 2023, she said the government had ensured compensation for the two children of a Bangladeshi who was killed there, and the family received the compensation on Monday. She said legal procedures varied from country to country, adding that Saudi Arabia has its own legal framework. State Minister Kobir said Bangladesh would inform the Saudi authorities if a Saudi national was arrested here on a criminal charge, enabling them to provide consular access. “At the very least, they should know that one of their citizens has become involved in criminal activities on Bangladeshi soil,” he said. Bangladesh expected similar communication from Saudi Arabia and other countries so that it could extend assistance to its nationals, he added. Kobir said Saudi Arabia had its own laws and that anyone travelling there was subject to those laws. He also said involvement in criminal activities by anyone at a sacred site visited by people for religious purposes is unacceptable. BBC, the world’s leading public service broadcaster, quoting the Saudi interior ministry, said the two Bangladeshi nationals were convicted and sentenced to death under "tazir", which in Islamic law refers to punishments left to the discretion of the judge. The ministry statement said they were handed the sentences because of the severity of the offence, and the fact that they violated the "sanctity" of the mosque, reports BBC. Saudi Envoy’s Talks with MoFA Bangladesh on Sunday sought further information from Saudi Arabia regarding the recent execution of two Bangladeshi nationals, raising the issue with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah. Secretary (East & West) Dr Md Nazrul Islam sought detailed information about the executions during a meeting with the Saudi Ambassador, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. When asked whether the move could be described as a summons, another official told UNB, “No, it was not.” Although Dhaka raised the issue with the Saudi envoy, it expressed confidence that the incident would not affect the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. The importance of staying “mindful” of the laws of the host country was also discussed. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia across various sectors. Earlier, Saudi media reported that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had executed the two Bangladeshis after they were convicted of committing “indecent acts” inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca. Quoting the Saudi Interior Ministry, Gulf News reported that the court imposed the sentences because of the seriousness of the offence, the violation of the sanctity of the mosque, and the circumstances in which the acts were committed. The Saudi authorities identified the two Bangladeshis as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar. “On October 14, we learned that two Bangladeshi nationals had been sentenced to death under Saudi Arabian law and that the executions had been carried out,” State Minister Shama said, noting that neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the Bangladesh Mission in Saudi Arabia had been informed in advance. “We wanted to know whatever we needed to know. Let the reply come. I will be able to let you know,” Shama said. Upon learning of the incident, the Bangladesh Mission notified the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, sharing all the information it had gathered from the Saudi authorities. The State Minister said the government had sent a formal inquiry to ascertain the full details, including the identities of the individuals, their backgrounds in Bangladesh, and when they had originally arrived in Saudi Arabia for work. Based on past experience, the State Minister said Saudi Arabia had its own legal framework and that anyone found guilty of a grave offence was punished in accordance with the country’s laws. “The execution of two Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia serves as a major lesson for us,” she said. Shama said the repatriation of the bodies could be arranged once a response to the letter was received from Saudi Arabia. Kobir’s Engagements in Baku, Bagdad Briefing journalists on his overseas visit, Kobir said he had attended the CICA summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, before travelling to Baghdad to attend the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting. He described the visit as productive and said international stakeholders showed considerable interest in Bangladesh during meetings held on the sidelines. At the OIC meeting, he made a strong appeal on behalf of the government for member states to come forward and help resolve the Rohingya crisis. Kobir also co-chaired an ad hoc ministerial meeting on Rohingya accountability with the Foreign Minister of The Gambia. He said the discussions prioritised the Rohingya issue and explored how OIC member states could work together to promote peace. Asked about discussions on a possible Bangladeshi role in maintaining stability in the Middle East, drawing on the country's peacekeeping experience, he said no substantive discussions took place during the visit on Bangladesh's participation in any specific initiative.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday informed Türkiye that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would participate in the World Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for November 11-12. She also congratulated Türkiye on hosting COP31, which is scheduled to be held in Antalya from November 9-20. Ambassador of Türkiye to Bangladesh Ramis Şen met the State Minister at her office and enquired about the participation of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. During the courtesy meeting, Ambassador Ramis Şen briefed the State Minister on Türkiye’s preparations for the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31). The State Minister expressed hope that the leaders of the two countries would have an opportunity to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the conference. She emphasised the importance of deepening cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye to address climate change and promote sustainable development. The Presidency of the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP31) will convene a COP31 World Leaders’ Summit in Antalya in November 2026, during the early days of the conference, to give leaders an opportunity “to announce new, concrete, and implementable climate commitments and to launch initiatives that address key gaps and will support positive outcomes in the negotiations.” Türkiye will host COP31 in Antalya under an arrangement with Australia to share the COP31 presidency, with Australia designated as the “President of Negotiations.”