United News of Bangladesh

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Tokyo has expressed its deepest condolences at the passing of Tadateru Konoe, former President of the Japan Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), who passed away at the age of 87. On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan, Md Daud Ali extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, and the people of Japan during this time of profound loss. Committed to advancing key projects with Bangladesh, safety remains top priority: Japan "Tadateru Konoe was a true and distinguished friend of Bangladesh, and his invaluable support during our historic Liberation War in 1971 remains deeply etched in our hearts," said the Embassy in a message. As a passionate humanitarian activist, he played a significant role in raising public awareness, mobilizing support, and collecting funds for refugees and freedom fighters, which helped shape public opinion in Japan in favour of Bangladesh. Throughout his exemplary life and leadership at the Japan Red Cross Society and the IFRC, he dedicated himself to global humanitarian service and further strengthening the bonds of friendship between Bangladesh and Japan. "His legacy of compassion and selfless service to humanity will continue to inspire generations to come," the message reads. "We pray for the eternal peace of his departed soul."

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi on Monday said Japan remains committed to steadily advancing key projects with the new government in Bangladesh, thereby supporting  the country’s continued growth and development. To further drive this cooperation between the two countries forward, ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals residing in Bangladesh remains the top priority of the Embassy, he said. "In the field of development cooperation, Japan has been Bangladesh’s largest bilateral development partner, providing assistance across a wide range of sectors," the envoy said in a message. In particular, the Ambassador highlighted infrastructure projects such as the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), the third terminal of Dhaka International Airport, and the development of the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, serve as flagship initiatives under the “Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B)” initiative. In the field of security cooperation, both countries signed the Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology in February this year. Furthermore, the envoy said Japan is currently making arrangements to deliver patrol boats to the Bangladesh Navy within the year through its Official Security Assistance (OSA) framework. This year notably marks the 10th anniversary of the Dhaka cafe attack. "We remain fully committed to safeguarding the lives and security of Japanese nationals, ensuring that the memory of this tragedy is never forgotten," the envoy said. Highlighting the Bangladesh-Japan relations following the inauguration of the new government in February, Ambassador Saida said the relationship between the two countries has long been firmly grounded in mutual trust and friendship. "Working together with all of you, I remain committed to doing my utmost to further elevate our bilateral ties to new heights," he said. Following the "political uprising" in the summer of 2024, Bangladesh continued to advance in various initiatives for nation-building under the interim government, despite facing numerous challenges, the envoy said. "The successful political transition represents a historic achievement. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Bangladesh and the people of Bangladesh on this occasion," he said. Looking back on the history of Bangladesh-Japan relations, the envoy said Japan has, since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, cultivated a friendly relationship with Bangladesh as a sincere development partner for over half a century. In recent years, under the “Strategic Partnership,” bilateral relations have advanced remarkably across a wide range of fields, said the Ambassador. During the interim government period beginning in August 2024, Japan has continued to promote various forms of cooperation without interrupting this positive momentum. "The inauguration of the new BNP government in February this year has provided fresh momentum to bilateral relations," the envoy said. At the end of April, Norikazu Suzuki, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, visited Dhaka and paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and, during the meeting, Minister Suzuki delivered a letter from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and reaffirmed Japan’s intention to support the efforts of the new BNP government and further advance cooperation under the “Strategic Partnership.” From an economic perspective, he said Japanese companies have continued their operations in Bangladesh without withdrawing, even after the political uprising in the summer of 2024. The Japan–Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signed in February of this year, provides a highly significant legal framework for strengthening economic relations between our two countries, the envoy said. Bangladesh expands diplomatic presence with new Honorary Consulate in Cape Town The Embassy of Japan, in close cooperation between the public and private sectors, will continue to support the improvement of the investment environment and assist the further growth and development of Japanese companies in Bangladesh, he said. "Furthermore, people-to-people and cultural exchanges between our two countries have been steadily expanding," he said. "It is gratifying to see that the people of Bangladesh show a strong interest in learning the Japanese language. Japan remains committed to further promoting the study of Japanese language and the appreciation of Japanese culture in Bangladesh." Earlier in May, Prime Minister Takaichi, during her visit to Hanoi, announced the concept of an “Updated FOIP (Free and Open Indo-Pacific),” expressing the vision of fostering a region where all countries “grow stronger and more prosperous together throughout the Indo-Pacific.” Bangladesh, located along the Bay of Bengal at a strategic juncture connecting the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, plays a vital role in the development of the region. For Japan, the envoy said Bangladesh is an important partner in realizing the FOIP vision. "Under the banner of the “Updated FOIP,” Japan intends to work hand in hand with Bangladesh, steadily advancing concrete cooperation on the ground in Bangladesh," he said.

The first Bangladesh Trade and Investment Conference 2026 will be held in Dhaka on June 13 which will discuss Bangladesh’s evolving trade, investment, and economic priorities. The initiative comes as Bangladesh prepares for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026 and advances negotiations on several bilateral trade and investment agreements while seeking to strengthen foreign direct investment and economic resilience. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed Islam on Sunday presided over a high-level preparatory meeting to organise the event at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka. The conference is being jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) under the theme “Navigating Risks – Unlocking Resilience”. The single-day event will bring together senior government ministers and advisers, Heads of Mission accredited to Dhaka, representatives of multilateral development institutions, business leaders, and private sector stakeholders to discuss Bangladesh’s evolving trade, investment, and economic priorities. The conference will feature plenary discussions and roundtable sessions focusing on trade and investment policy, financing and capital mobilisation, market access, industrial competitiveness, artificial intelligence, creative industries, and sports. Approximately 350 delegates are expected to attend the conference, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

A total of 170 Bangladeshi nationals have been repatriated from Libya. They arrived at Dhaka at 8:35 am on Monday on Burak Air flight, according the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The repatriation was coordinated by the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Most of the returnees had entered Libya with the intention of traveling illegally to Europe via human traffickers. Many had experienced abductions and abuse during their stay. Officials from the foreign ministry and the IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport and requested them to share their difficult experiences to raise public awareness. Each returnee received travel allowances, food supplies, basic medical care, and temporary shelter from the IOM. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration are jointly working to ensure the safe return of Bangladeshi nationals held in different detention centers in Libya.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet has announced a new edition of the “Ambassador’s Prize” for three students from the Institutes of Modern Languages (IMLs) in Dhaka and Chattogram. The awards will be based on the students’ motivation and genuine interest in the French language. Two students will receive a free course at Alliance Française, while the first-prize winner will be awarded an intensive French language course in France in August 2026. The winners will be announced on July 14, Bastille Day. The French Ambassador said he was delighted to see that the French language continues to attract young students in Bangladesh. He visited the Institute of Modern Languages (IML) at the University of Dhaka recently and interacted with faculty members as well as students, said the Embassy on Sunday.

In light of the ongoing regional situation in West Asia, the government of Bangladesh on Sunday symbolically handed over a goodwill consignment of food supplies to the government of Kuwait as a gesture of solidarity and friendship from the people of Bangladesh to the brotherly people of Kuwait. The initiative forms part of a broader support effort under which a total of 240 tons of essential food items from Bangladesh are scheduled to reach Kuwait through multiple flights beginning on May 25, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Bangladesh thanks Kuwait for safeguarding 3 lakh expatriates Prime Minister's Special Envoy and Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, who is currently visiting Kuwait, formally handed over a letter from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, addressed to Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, conveying heartfelt wishes for the peace, security, and well-being of the people of Kuwait.  On this occasion, a ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, where the consignment was symbolically handed over to Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, by Humaiun Kobir. Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between the two brotherly nations. This contribution is expected to help strengthen Kuwait’s strategic food reserves and support emergency needs amid the prevailing regional circumstances, including the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting pressure on Kuwait’s supply chains. The other members of the three-member high-level delegation from the Government of Bangladesh-State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Rashiduzzaman Millat and the Director General (West Asia) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh - were also present at the ceremony.  The Ambassador of Bangladesh to Kuwait, Major General Syed Tareq Hussain, participated in the delegation’s official engagements, bilateral meetings, and the handover ceremony. During the discussions, the two sides reviewed bilateral relations, the prevailing regional situation, humanitarian cooperation, and other issues of mutual interest.  Both sides expressed satisfaction with the longstanding friendly and brotherly relations between Bangladesh and Kuwait and reiterated their commitment to further expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, manpower, food security, civil aviation, and other promising sectors. The dispatch of this goodwill food consignment by the Government of Bangladesh to the State of Kuwait reflects the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two countries and demonstrates Bangladesh’s continued commitment to supporting friendly nations during times of regional uncertainty and challenge. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, friendship, and multifaceted cooperation.

On the occasion of Turkish Cuisine Week, Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Şen on Sunday hosted a dinner for food tasting with the participation of Chefs and General Managers of well-known hotels in Dhaka. The rich Turkish cuisine shaped by millennia of culture, tradition, social heritage, and deep-rooted experience continues to share its unique journey in the world.  Turkish Cuisine Week is celebrated each year from May 21 to 27, both in Türkiye and around the globe, under the auspices of Emine Erdoğan, First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye. This year's Turkish Cuisine Week theme, "The Heritage Table," highlights the stories, memories, culture, traditions as well as heritage embedded in a shared culinary heritage.  It encourages food lovers to remember that it's not only the unique flavours we taste that matter but also the shared heritage on our tables. The week will be celebrated across Türkiye and at Turkish diplomatic missions and cultural centres worldwide.  This year's theme presents Turkish cuisine not just as a set of dishes but as a vibrant, shared cultural heritage developed over centuries through migration, rituals, collective effort, and longstanding traditions at the table.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Zahir Uddin Swapan has expressed deep sympathy and solidarity with the people of Palestine. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s firm stance in support of Palestine. The Information Minister made the remarks on Sunday while addressing a film screening programme on the ‘Nakba’ or ‘Catastrophe’ organized by the Palestinian Embassy in Dhaka. Palestine withdraws UNGA presidency bid; Dhaka nominates candidate Palestinians commemorate the forced displacement of a vast number of Palestinians from the occupied Palestinian territories by Israel in 1948 as the “Nakba” or “Catastrophe.” Marking the occasion, the Palestinian Embassy organised a nearly two-hour film screening based on the event. Ambassadors, diplomats, distinguished personalities, and media representatives attended the programme. At the beginning of the event, Ambassador of Palestine Yousef S.Y. Ramadan presented a commemorative crest to the Information Minister. He also expressed sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Bangladesh for their continued support on the Palestinian issue.

The Head of the Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Bangladesh, Nicolas Fleury, paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office in the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon. During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest, including ensuring health and medical facilities for prisoners, modernizing the Jail Code, providing first aid and human rights training to enhance police capacity, and addressing the Rohingya crisis, said a media statement. RAB to be restructured as people-friendly, responsible force: Salahuddin The Home Minister welcomed the Head of the ICRC Bangladesh Delegation. The ICRC Head of Delegation also extended his sincere congratulations and best wishes to the Minister on assuming his new portfolio. The Head of the ICRC Bangladesh Delegation informed that they have submitted necessary recommendations aimed at modernizing the existing Jail Code of Bangladesh. Furthermore, a proposal has been sent to the Ministry of Health to improve healthcare facilities inside prisons. At this time, the Minister stated that prisoners are sent to relevant specialized hospitals for advanced medical treatment when necessary. Besides, primary healthcare services are being ensured through the internal medical units of the prisons. Appreciating the various training proposals by the ICRC to enhance the efficiency of the Police and Prison Police, the Minister remarked that such initiatives would be helpful in increasing professionalism. Nicolas Fleury expressed that they are interested in organizing training on first aid and human rights for the police, as well as high-level training for senior officials of the police and prison departments. The Minister assured full cooperation in this regard and requested the ICRC to send international-standard skilled trainers. Thanking the ICRC for providing humanitarian and medical services to the Rohingyas, the Minister said that the Government of Bangladesh always wishes to keep the Rohingya crisis in the attention of the international community. He sought the continuous cooperation of the ICRC in this matter. Assuring the ICRC Chief, the Minister stated that the Government of Bangladesh is always respectful of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and is committed to providing all kinds of administrative and policy support to the humanitarian activities of the ICRC. He also expressed his gratitude for the ongoing technical and training assistance provided by the ICRC in complying with the Geneva Conventions and implementing International Humanitarian Law. Additional Secretary of the Political Wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary of the Political-1 Branch Rebeka Khan, and Deputy Secretary of the Political-1 Section Begum Minara Nazmin, among others, were also present.

Outgoing Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said Bangladesh and India both are more capable, confident, connected and aspirational societies than they ever were. “We both are important stakeholders in the peace, stability and development of our shared region,” he said, in a farewell note, stressing that cooperation between the two countries is critical to address shared challenges like climate change and environmental sustainability. As the two largest economies of the region, the envoy said they both have to be the anchors for closer regional integration. “Because we are so different today from our past, I also believe that we need a new, future-oriented agenda for our engagement,” he said, noting that both Bangladesh and India have come a long way in the 55 years since Bangladesh was born. An agenda that is aligned with the new capabilities, new aspirations and new national development priorities, said the envoy, noting that an agenda that is driven by their strong cultural and economic linkages. “ And an agenda that is based on mutual interest, mutual benefit and mutual respect.” As two rapidly growing countries, he said their geographical proximity is an asset for both of the countries, not a liability and they must constantly endeavour to transform this proximity into new opportunities for both of the countries. “I am hopeful that all well-wishers of India-Bangladesh relations will come together to build upon this shared vision and its realisation. I leave Bangladesh, feeling ever more optimistic about the future of our relationship,” said the High Commissioner. The envoy said four years is a long time, but not long enough with the fondness and emotional attachment that they have developed for this country and its people. “Despite its share of ups and downs, our time in Bangladesh will remain etched in our memory as the most cherished posting for both me and my wife, simply for the incredible friendships we struck here and the warmth and affection we received from its people all across the country,” he said. The envoy said they look forward to remaining in touch with many kind-hearted, gracious friends from literally all walks of life in Bangladesh who touched their hearts so deeply. “We hope our paths will cross again, sometime, somewhere! Until then, all I want to say is — Aabaar Dekha Hobe!” “As I leave Bangladesh moving on to my next assignment as the Ambassador of India to Belgium and the European Union, there are so many thoughts that come to my mind,” he said. They stayed in Dhaka for nearly four years, longer than the usual three-year tenure. “We saw multiple transitions during this time. Each is very different from the other. Each with a new set of interlocutors. Each with its own prism for looking at relations with India. It could be challenging at times. But when I look back, it was an enriching and rewarding experience,” said the High Commissioner. The High Commissioner said his wife Manu and he will carry many indelible memories from here. “Many people touched our lives in remarkable ways, building bonds of friendship that will far outlast our diplomatic association with this country.” Working in Bangladesh, the envoy said he has realised how truly special and unique their relations are. “At one level, we are connected by shared geography, history, language and traditions. We have a cultural affinity and empathy that is difficult to find between any other two societies.” At a deeper level, he said they are emotionally connected by their shared sacrifices of 1971 during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. “Ours is also a relationship of significant interdependencies and interlinkages. A prosperous Bangladesh is in India’s interest, as much as a prosperous India is in the interest of Bangladesh,” the envoy said. The High Commissioner said he is convinced that it is this reality of their societal, cultural and emotional connections, and it is this logic of interdependence and mutual benefit that will continue guiding and taking forward our relations.