United News of Bangladesh

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad paid tribute on behalf of Bangladesh at the state funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Saturday. At the solemn ceremony held at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, the Speaker offered prayers for the departed leader and conveyed condolences and solidarity from the government and people of Bangladesh to the Iranian nation. During the visit, according to a press release, he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior leaders, expressing sympathy over Khamenei’s death. He also signed the condolence book opened in honour of the late Iranian leader. Earlier, the Speaker held a bilateral meeting with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly. Hafiz Uddin arrived in Tehran on Friday to attend the state funeral and was received at the airport by Iranian Deputy Speaker Hamid Reza Haji Babaei. During the meeting, the Speaker condemned what he described as the “brutal killing” of Iran’s Supreme Leader and reaffirmed the centuries-old friendship, as well as the deep cultural and diplomatic ties, between Bangladesh and Iran. He also praised Ghalibaf’s constructive role in implementing the recently signed peace memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, expressing hope that the agreement would contribute to lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Iran and the wider region. The Speaker said Bangladesh would continue to support the peace process and expressed optimism that dialogue and diplomacy would lead to lasting solutions to regional challenges. He invited Ghalibaf to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time to further strengthen bilateral parliamentary relations. Later, the Speaker met Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, who sought Bangladesh’s assistance in developing cricket in Iran and expressed interest in signing a memorandum of understanding to expand sports cooperation between the two countries. Hafiz Uddin said he would convey the proposal to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Youth and Sports. The Speaker also gave an interview to the Bangla Service of Iran Radio, where he discussed Bangladesh-Iran bilateral relations and regional issues. He said he would urge the relevant authorities in Bangladesh to enhance consular services for Bangladeshi expatriates living in Iran.  

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal on Saturday expressed optimism that Bangladesh and the United States will continue to broaden and deepen their partnership in the years ahead. “Together, we can promote peace, democratic values, sustainable development, and shared prosperity through deeper economic integration and stronger collaboration in technological innovation. These efforts will help ensure that our nations remain resilient and close partners in a rapidly changing world,” he said, expressing hope that the friendship between Bangladesh and the United States will continue to flourish for generations to come. The Deputy Speaker made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the “Freedom 250” musical performance marking the 250th anniversary of American independence at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Adviser and Spokesperson to the Prime Minister’s Office Mahdi Amin on Saturday highlighted Bangladesh’s investment potential, ongoing reforms and a business-friendly environment, encouraging US investment across key sectors. He made the remarks while speaking at a function in the city. The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) and the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh, jointly hosted the commemorative event, celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. The milestone highlighted two and a half centuries of American freedom and reaffirmed the enduring Bangladesh-US partnership, underscoring strong bilateral ties and shared commitment to economic cooperation and people-to-people engagement. In his welcome remarks, Syed Mohammad Kamal, President of AmCham, emphasised opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment and reiterated AmCham’s commitment to strengthening the business environment for U.S. investors. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to deepening economic collaboration and recognised AmCham’s role in advancing commercial ties. The event also featured a cultural segment showcasing American music, reflecting shared values and cultural exchange between the two nations. Ala Ahmad, Vice President of AmCham and CEO of MetLife Bangladesh, expressed appreciation to all partners and participants. Moderated by Paul Frost, Commercial Counsellor, U.S. Embassy in Dhaka and Reza Ur Rahman Mahmud, Treasurer of AmCham, the event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and media, reflecting the depth and diversity of the Bangladesh-US partnership.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Saturday said they want to share more of their history with Bangladesh and to help build people-to-people understanding between the two countries. "We believe the story of America has inspired many across the world, including many here in Bangladesh," he told reporters at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan. The Ambassador visited the "American Fair" celebrating Freedom 250 at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park. The US Embassy in Dhaka earlier announced the launch of ‘America Week 2026’, a seven-day, multi-city celebration in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Rajshahi honoring the 250th anniversary of American independence as part of President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 initiative.

The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh hashosted a cultural celebration at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) to mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March. The event was attended by over 500 people, including officials from the Chinese Embassy, friends from all walks of life in Bangladesh, university faculty and students, teachers and students from the Confucius Institute, as well as representatives of Chinese and Bangladeshi media. Under the theme "Great Journey, Shared Future," the celebration featured a cultural performance (including Sending Off the Red Army and Vast Territory), a photo and video exhibition on the Party's history, a book fair on "Chinese Modernization and the Stories of the Communist Party of China," and a lecture on Party history. These activities vividly presented to the Bangladeshi public the 105-year struggle of the CPC and the profound essence of the Long March spirit, paying tribute to history and honoring heroes. Attendees expressed that they would draw spiritual strength from the stories of the CPC, further carry forward the China-Bangladesh friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and jointly embark on building a China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era, said a press release on Saturday.

Amid Dhaka's apparently deepening relations with Beijing on a number of fronts, India on Friday served a terse reminder that it is keenly observing all such developments, and would act accordingly if required. "We closely follow all such developments in our neighborhood and take appropriate measures as required," shot off Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), when a reporter flagged the issue of the reported defence purchase by Dhaka from Beijing, during the MEA’s weekly press briefing.  Responding to a question on China’s involvement in the Teesta project, the MEA spokesperson said India's development assistance for projects in Bangladesh is based on a mutually agreed roadmap, which is regularly reviewed. "Our views on the Teesta river project have been previously conveyed to the Bangladesh side. We will factor all related developments into our overall approach to the Teesta issue," Jaiswal said. China said the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) was highlighted during the visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as the livelihoods of Bangladeshi people in the north of the country are involved. At the same time the Chinese are keen to point out the project serves only Bangladeshi, not Chinese, interests. "Teesta is a Bangladesh project. It's your project," Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen told a press conference in Dhaka on Thursday, that was organised by his embassy as a debriefing on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s China visit.  The envoy said the Teesta project has been one of the most closely watched issues. “During the visit, the Prime Minister met with Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying. The two sides had in-depth exchanges on water resources cooperation," he said. Regarding the proposed China-Bangladesh-Myanmar Economic Corridor, the MEA spokesperson said they closely monitor all such issues. "Whenever necessary, we take whatever appropriate steps are required in response to these developments," he said. China is determined to build an economic corridor with Bangladesh and Myanmar, stressing that the game does not end here and that it remains open to other countries joining. “This cooperation is not the end of the game. We are open, and we welcome other countries if they are ready (to join). But it is up to them to decide whether they want to be part of it or whether they prefer to wait and see. China is determined to work with Bangladesh and Myanmar to build the economic corridor,” Ambassador Yao said while responding to a question during a media briefing at the Embassy of China on Thursday. He said China firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and respects the choice of the Bangladeshi people for an independent development path suited to their national conditions. “China reaffirmed its policy of good-neighborliness toward all the people of Bangladesh,” he said while briefing the media at the Embassy. Responding to a question, Ambassador Yao said they fully understand the situation currently faced by Bangladesh, and the message was conveyed very clearly to Bangladesh that China supports Bangladesh in opposing any foreign intervention. He also said China will never intervene in the internal affairs of any country.

The Embassy of France in Bangladesh has congratulated the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University of Dhaka on the anniversary of its founding (July 1). France values its academic, scientific, and cultural cooperation with Bangladesh and looks forward to further strengthening partnerships between the higher education and research institutions of the two countries, said the Embassy on Friday. For more than a century, the University of Dhaka has stood as a beacon of learning, research, and intellectual excellence, shaping generations of students and contributing to Bangladesh's academic and national development. “This occasion also recalls the visit of French author and first Minister of Cultural Affairs André Malraux to the University of Dhaka during his visit to Bangladesh in April 1973,” said the Embassy in a message. A steadfast international supporter of Bangladesh during the Liberation War of 1971, Malraux's visit remains a symbol of the enduring friendship between France and Bangladesh.

The High Commission of India on Friday said it remains committed to strengthening people-to-people ties and deepening the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and India. “We are truly encouraged by the overwhelming response from those wishing to travel to India for various purposes,” said the High Commission in Dhaka in a message. “As we continue to expand our visa services and make the application process smoother and more convenient, we sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation,” said the Indian diplomatic mission in Dhaka. Nearly two years later, India announced the resumption of tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens from June 28 as part of efforts to further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two sovereign nations. Newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi made the announcement after visiting the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park on June 25. “I feel the visa issue is the most important one. This is the first thing I have done as High Commissioner. I am very happy. I hope the common people will also be happy. I feel very proud to begin my work as the High Commissioner of India,” he told reporters at the IVAC. Visas will continue to be issued through the five centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet and Khulna. He expressed hope that the move would further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two sovereign nations.

Japan has handed over five patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy under the Official Security Assistance (OSA) as part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries. This is the first OSA project for Bangladesh, which was decided by the government of Japan as the OSA FY2023 project, said the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. This aims to assist the Bangladesh Navy operating in the Bay of Bengal by enhancing its operational capabilities for monitoring, surveillance and disaster relief through the provision of the patrol boats. Through this assistance, it is expected to contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of maritime security not only in the Bay of Bengal but also in the Indo-Pacific region. Bangladesh is located on the Bay of Bengal, which lies along vital sea lanes for Japan, and is a strategic partner of Japan, Tokyo said. The ceremony was held at BNS Nirvik, located in Chattogram, on July 2. Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomoaki, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi, and Defence Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam were present. At the ceremony, the Bangladeshi side expressed its gratitude for the provision of equipment through OSA, expressed its expectation of the "deepening of security cooperation" with Japan triggered by the OSA project, and appreciated Japan's contribution to regional peace and stability. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Shimada expressed his hope that this assistance would further strengthen cooperation between Japan and Bangladesh in the area of security. Official Security Assistance is a grant aid cooperation framework that provides equipment and supplies, as well as assistance for the development of infrastructure, to the armed forces and other related organisations of recipient countries. By enhancing their security and deterrence capabilities, OSA aims to strengthen security cooperation with the recipient countries, create a desirable security environment for Japan, and contribute to maintaining and strengthening international peace and security.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Friday expressed his profound condolences at the tragic demise of Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and condemned his brutal killing. He conveyed the solidarity of the government and the people of Bangladesh with the government and the brotherly people of Iran during this period of national mourning. The Speaker held a meeting with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, in Tehran, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaker Ghalibaf warmly welcomed Speaker Hafiz Uddin and the Bangladesh delegation on the occasion of the state funeral of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He also highlighted the centuries-old friendship and deep cultural and people-to-people ties between Iran and Bangladesh. Speaker Hafiz Uddin appreciated Speaker Ghalibaf's constructive role in facilitating the recent peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States, expressing hope that the agreement will usher in lasting peace, stability and prosperity for the Iranian people and the wider region. He reaffirmed Bangladesh's support for the ongoing peace process and hoped all parties will build on this momentum to achieve a durable resolution of outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy. The Speaker extended an invitation to Ghalibaf to pay an official visit to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. Hafiz Uddin arrived in Tehran on Thursday to lead the Bangladesh delegation to the state funeral. Upon his arrival, the delegation was warmly received at the airport by Hamid Reza Haji Babaei, Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran.