United News of Bangladesh

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Sunday congratulated the new Board of Directors of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh and Syed Mohammad Kamal of Mastercard, its new President.  "Our partnership strengthens the U.S.-Bangladesh economic relationship and supports a predictable, transparent, and accountable business climate for U.S. companies," he said. The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) celebrated the Installation of its newly elected Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 term in Dhaka, ushering in a new chapter of leadership and commitment to advancing Bangladesh-US business relations. At the helm of the newly elected Executive Committee are Syed Mohammad Kamal, Vice President of Mastercard Bangladesh, who assumes the role of President; Ala Uddin Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of MetLife Bangladesh, as Vice President; and Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud, Managing Director of Philip Morris International Bangladesh, as Treasurer. The newly elected office bearers bring extensive leadership experience across diverse sectors, as outlined below. Syed Mohammad Kamal combines 35 years of leadership experience across financial services, FMCG, Remittances, and digital payments. He has held senior roles at Western Union, Berger Paints Bangladesh, and ACI Limited, and previously served as Vice President of AmCham Bangladesh and Director of FICCI. He is perceived as the country’s top thought leader for the financial industry. Ala Uddin Ahmad brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across Asia. He is recognized for strong policy advocacy, driving trade and investment growth by aligning global investor priorities with Bangladesh’s economic landscape. A Fellow Chartered Accountant and member of CAANZ, he has served in key leadership roles within AmCham, FICCI, and BEF. Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud has over 22 years of experience in finance, strategy, and public affairs, with leadership experience at DHL Express and Banglalink. He has led impactful policy advocacy initiatives and pioneered Bangladesh's first smoke-free product manufacturing facility. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant, Chartered Secretary, and CMA (Australia). Joining the Executive Committee are Al-Mamun M. Rashel, Managing Director of NATco Bangladesh Ltd.; Habib Bhuiyan, Country Manager of Excelerate Energy Bangladesh; Sazzad Hossain, General Manager of Avery Dennison Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; and Ataur Rahim Chowdhury, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of ShopUp Bangladesh. Their collective expertise across diverse sectors further strengthens the Committee’s leadership and broadens its industry representation. The newly installed Executive Committee pledged to strengthen AmCham’s role in advancing trade, investment, and policy advocacy. Key priorities include deepening U.S.–Bangladesh economic ties, positioning Bangladesh as a preferred investment destination, relaunching the U.S. Trade Show, expanding membership and engagement, empowering sector-focused subcommittees, championing forward-looking policy reforms, and building a more accessible and influential Chamber that is closer to members, stronger in stakeholder engagement, and delivers greater value to the business community. In his farewell remarks, outgoing President Syed Ershad Ahmed reflected on the Chamber's significant institutional progress during his tenure. The newly elected Executive Committee expressed its deep appreciation for his leadership and legacy, and recognized the outgoing Executive Committee members for their dedicated service and contributions to AmCham's growth and success. The Chamber also formally recognized the outgoing Executive Committee, along with the members of the Election Board and Appeal Board, through commemorative plaques honoring their exemplary service and invaluable contributions to upholding the integrity, transparency, and credibility of AmCham's governance process. The evening brought together a distinguished gathering of AmCham members, senior government officials, representatives of the U.S. Embassy and other diplomatic missions, chamber and corporate leaders, policy scholars, development partners, and media professionals. Brent T. Christensen, Ambassador of the United States to Bangladesh, conveyed his confidence in and continued support for AmCham's new leadership as it advances the Chamber's mission of strengthening bilateral economic ties. The evening was capped by a soulful musical performance featuring popular American and Bangladeshi songs, celebrating the longstanding friendship, cultural affinity, and strong people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Türkiye M Amanul Haq has urged the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Turkish government’s implementing agency for international development cooperation, to enhance its engagement in Bangladesh within a formal structure and long-term process of cooperation. The Bangladeshi ambassador made a courtesy call on the Chairman of TIKA, Abdullah Eren, at the latter’s office in Ankara recently and highlighted areas for collaboration in technical capacity building, vocational training, digital transformation, renewable energy, and community-based development projects. Bangladesh-Türkiye sign MoU to protect cultural property, heritage He highlighted the health industry as a possible area for cooperation and called on TİKA to take steps to improve healthcare services and facilities for Bangladesh's general population on a larger scale. The ambassador underlined Bangladesh’s impressive socio-economic progress and its desire to attain upper-middle-income status. Abdullah Eren praised Bangladesh's remarkable development achievements and reiterated TİKA’s commitment to supporting the country's development priorities, according to Bangladesh Embassy in Türkiye. Bangladesh has significant human and economic potential, and greater access to technology, technical know-how, institutional capacity, and information sharing could further boost the country’s sustained progress, he said. Eren said TIKA is ready to assist in these efforts and stressed that the Agency is now undergoing a detailed evaluation of possible areas of cooperation in Bangladesh, and that, following this evaluation, a roadmap for future projects and initiatives will be prepared. The conversations took place in a pleasant, amicable setting, reflecting the strong relations between Bangladesh and Türkiye. The Ambassador of Bangladesh, at the outset, congratulated Eren on assuming the role of Chairman of TIKA and wished him every success in his new responsibilities. The Ambassador said that the long-standing collaboration between Bangladesh and TIKA is reflected in the vast range of significant initiatives that the agency has been implementing across several sectors in Bangladesh since its founding there in 2014. The Ambassador underlined Bangladesh’s impressive socio-economic progress and its desire to attain upper-middle-income status.

Bangladesh is set to receive 40 megawatts of electricity from Nepal via India for five months, starting from June 15 to November, under a tripartite agreement signed between Bangladesh, Nepal and India on October 3, 2024. Though it is symbolic given the demands that Bangladesh has now, both sides see potential to increase in the future, officials told UNB. Nepal’s hydropower potential and the increasing energy needs of Bangladesh provide ample opportunities to enhance energy cooperation between the countries. In the first ten months of the current fiscal, Nepal exported electricity worth almost Rs 21 billion (about Tk 25.6 billion) to India and Bangladesh. Last year, the number stood at above Rs 13 billion. Bangladesh and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Power Sector on 10 August 2018. Under this MoU, a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) at the energy/power secretary level and a Joint Working Group (JWG) at the joint secretary level were established to facilitate collaboration and advance initiatives in the power sector. The 7th meetings of JSC and JWG on Nepal-Bangladesh Cooperation in Power Sector were held in Dhaka on 26-27 November 2025. A tripartite Power Sales Agreement (PSA) to export 40 MW of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh was signed on 3 October 2024 between the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. (NVVN) of India. The agreement came into fruition with the commencement of the export of 40 MW of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh on 15 November 2024. As per the Agreement, Nepal has been exporting 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh each year from 15 June to 15 November. Negotiations are also underway regarding the 683 MW Sunkoshi III hydropower project on a joint venture basis. Bangladesh highlighted its commitment to working on long-term plans to ensure strategic partnerships, and said that increasing trade volume between the two countries would be mutually beneficial.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir has urged Bangladeshis living in the United States and Bangladeshi-Americans to become more actively involved in mainstream business, politics and civic activities in their adopted country. He made the call while addressing an exchange of views meeting with members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, organised by the BNP in Washington, DC, at a hotel in Virginia on Friday. Titumir also said the Bangladesh economy remained active despite numerous challenges, thanks in part to the contribution of Bangladeshis living abroad. He praised the role of Bangladeshi expatriates in the US, saying they had helped raise awareness among American policymakers and institutions about developments in Bangladesh. “Our expectation is that Bangladeshis living in the US and Bangladeshi-Americans will become more involved in mainstream politics and other activities. This will create greater opportunities for them to contribute to Bangladesh,” he said. Referring to the national budget, Titumir said, "This year’s budget is an equality-based budget for regional development without discrimination." “The Prime Minister’s ‘I have a plan’ means a plan to implement a realistic action plan through which he wants to change the fate of all the people of Bangladesh and has started it,” the Dhaka University professor of development economics said. Speaking on the country's political and economic situation, Titumir said people had placed their confidence in Tarique Rahman during what he described as a critical period for Bangladesh. He alleged that the previous government had left behind a weakened economy and claimed that BNP had historically been entrusted by the people to restore stability during periods of national crisis. Drawing parallels with previous BNP governments led by the Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Titumir said the party had earned public trust through its handling of economic challenges in the past. He expressed optimism that the current leadership would continue efforts to address economic difficulties and meet public expectations. Washington, DC BNP General Secretary Zakir Hossain moderated the programme.

Bangladesh has said there is immense untapped potential for further cooperation with Russia in the energy sector beyond the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP), including LNG, oil refining, and renewable energy. “Bangladesh looks forward to exploring these avenues with its Russian partners in the days ahead,” said Secretary (East & West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, noting that Russia today stands as one of Bangladesh’s important partners with robust bilateral cooperation. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a reception on Friday evening marking Russia’s National Day. The event brought together representatives of the Bangladeshi government and parliament, diplomats, military officials, journalists, and graduates of Soviet and Russian universities.  

A four-member parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal returned home on Saturday after completing a four-day official visit to China. The delegation arrived in Dhaka at around 2pm. Before their departure from Kunming, Vice Governor of China's Yunnan Province Yuan Fang saw off the delegation at Kunming International Airport at noon local time. During the visit, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal attended the opening ceremony of the 7th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum in Kunming as an invited guest at the invitation of the Governor of Yunnan Province. The Deputy Speaker also participated as a special guest in the 10th China-South Asia Exposition. Bangladesh participated in this year's exposition as the theme country, with 84 pavilions showcasing Bangladeshi products. A total of 68 countries participated in the international trade fair, which runs until June 16 in Kunming. During the visit, the Deputy Speaker held separate meetings with Vice Chairman of China's National People's Congress He Wei, Secretary of the Yunnan provincial committee of Chinese Communist Party Wang Ning and Yunnan Governor Wang Yubo. On his way to the airport on Saturday morning, the Deputy Speaker visited a pilot project on autonomous or driverless transportation systems in Yunnan Province. Other members of the delegation were NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossen, MP, BNP lawmaker Khaled Hossain Mahbub and Independent lawmaker (Reserved Seat) Jesmin Sultana Jui, said a press release from parliament secretariat.

Bangladesh’s position as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter is expected to gain further momentum as preparations are underway for Intex Bangladesh 2026, one of South Asia’s largest textile sourcing exhibitions, scheduled to be held from June 18 to 20 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) on the Purbachal Express Highway in Dhaka. The international B2B textile sourcing platform will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, buyers and industry stakeholders from across the global textile value chain, creating opportunities for sourcing, investment and cross-border partnerships. Organisers said exhibitors from more than 12 countries and regions, including India, China, Taiwan, Japan, Bangladesh, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Thailand, Pakistan, Hong Kong and Uzbekistan, will participate in the event. The exhibition will showcase a wide range of products, including natural and man-made fibres, yarns, fabrics, trims, accessories, dyes, chemicals, compliance services and sustainable supply chain solutions. With increasing global demand for man-made fibre (MMF) fabrics, performance textiles, recycled fibres and traceable supply chains, this year’s edition aims to provide Bangladeshi manufacturers with access to advanced materials and innovative sourcing solutions. One of the major attractions will be the Incredible Textiles of India Pavilion, supported by export promotion councils including TEXPROCIL, MATEXIL and PDEXCIL, featuring more than 75 Indian companies. The China Fashion Textiles Pavilion will host over 70 Chinese companies representing major textile-producing provinces and showcasing innovations in MMF, sustainable materials, garment accessories and advanced fabrics for the ready-made garment sector. Textile and apparel buyers from more than 20 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Argentina, India, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates, are also expected to attend. The exhibition will feature the Interactive Business Forum (IBF) Seminar Series, organised in association with Fashion Business Journal, where industry leaders will discuss sustainability, supply chain resilience, traceability and emerging market trends. A B2B Connect One-to-One Matchmaking programme will facilitate direct meetings between buyers and suppliers to help establish long-term business partnerships. TextileGenesis has joined the event as the Official Traceability Partner to promote discussions on digital supply chain visibility and responsible sourcing practices. Mohammad Hatem, President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said Intex Bangladesh continues to serve as an important platform connecting global textile suppliers with Bangladesh’s apparel industry and helps strengthen sourcing capabilities, encourage innovation and create collaboration opportunities across the textile value chain. Md Abdul Hamid, President of the Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association (BGBA), said platforms such as Intex Bangladesh play a significant role in connecting international suppliers, buyers and manufacturers as Bangladesh strengthens its position as a global apparel sourcing destination. Having facilitated thousands of business meetings across Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India, Intex has contributed to strengthening intra-regional textile trade in South Asia. Organisers believe Intex Bangladesh 2026 will serve as a key meeting point for Bangladesh’s apparel sector and the global textile supply chain.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday visited the grave of Wasim Akram, a martyr of 2024 July uprising, in Pekua upazila of Cox’s Bazar. The Prime Minister visited the grave in the afternoon in Mehernama Bazarpara area the upazila and offered fateha there, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. A munajat was also offered praying for the salvation of the departed soul. PM visits Dulahazara Safari Park in Cox’s Bazar Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, MP Lutfur Rahman Kajal and other local leaders were present during the visit. Later, the Prime Minister met the family members of Wasim Akram and enquired about their wellbeing. As a gesture of support, he handed over savings certificates worth Tk 20 lakh to his mother Josna Begum. Wasim Akram, a second-year student of the Sociology Department at Chattogram College and a member of the Chhatra Dal’s college unit, was killed on July 16, 2024, during clashes between protesters and police, along with activists of the Chhatra League, in Muradpur area of Chattogram amid the anti-discrimination movement. During the daylong programme in Cox’s Bazar, the Prime Minister also inaugurated a nationwide tree plantation campaign and visited key development sites, including the re-excavation of historic Patali Canal in Pmkhali Union.

Noting that the story of Bangladesh-China relations extends far beyond the fifty years of formal diplomatic ties, scholars from both countries at a book launching-cum-seminar have said the next fifty years promise even greater opportunities for both nations and for the wider region with vision, patience, and continued cooperation. Ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s scheduled visit to China later this month, the experts highlighted that understanding history is essential for shaping the future and that the friendship between Bangladesh and China, nurtured over generations, remains a bridge connecting civilizations, economies, and people. China supports Bangladesh’s development: Mirza Fakhrul The event marking the formal launching of a book titled “50 Years of Bangladesh-China Relations: Achievements, Challenges & Prospects” was held in city’s Baridhara on Friday evening as part of the Cosmos Dialogue hosted by Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group. The seminar was chaired by renowned scholar and Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury while Catherine Grace Gardner Khan made the formal announcement of the event with her brief remarks. The book is co-edited by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan and Professor Imtiaz Ahmed.

Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir on Saturday said Bangladesh wants cooperation and good working relations with India based on mutual respect despite the challenges that the relationship is facing. "We want cooperation with India, but it must be based on mutual respect. We should have a good working relationship with India," he said while responding to a question during a panel discussion. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Education Mahdi Amin also spoke, with the discussion moderated by Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam. Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud, among others, spoke at the event. The Adviser said it is the norm of diplomacy to regularise working relationships within the neighborhood, and the government intends to do that. "You know, we've made a visit. We expect visits to Dhaka, and either way, we will build the visibility of a working relationship with India. We intend to do that. But the environment must be conducive to accommodating this approach." Adviser Humaiun Kobir said there are challenges in the relationship, and there has been a "tremendous deficit" in the relationship that they picked up over the last 15 years. "It was one way, and it was not done with the interests of the people of Bangladesh in mind," he said. He, however, said they remain positive, given the recent visit of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman to New Delhi. Adviser Humaiun Kobir was part of the visit. The Adviser highlighted the positive mindset of the leadership of both countries, who are committed to moving forward and making progress. "We can do that. And it can be achievable. Of course, there are challenges. There are always challenges. When you have a terrorist who has fled from Bangladesh after killing one and a half thousand people, and who, to date, has shown no remorse and is trying to destabilise the country from over there, of course, there are challenges," Humaiun Kobir said.