United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said the regional cooperation remained an important element of Bangladesh's foreign policy, stressing that differences among countries should not prevent them from pursuing areas of common interest. Bangladesh wants to promote regional peace and stability by expanding trade and economic cooperation, strengthening connectivity, enhancing energy cooperation and addressing transnational challenges through collective action, she said at a seminar in the capital. Asked about the current situation in India, the State Minister said Bangladesh has no assessment or evaluation to offer at the moment, describing the matter as an internal issue of India. The State Minister laid particular emphasis on revitalising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and said SAARC could serve as an important platform for dialogue, cooperation and shared development in South Asia. Alongside SAARC, Bangladesh is working to deepen practical cooperation through the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), she added. The State Minister said their regional diplomacy is guided by clear objective - strengthen mutual trust, and ensure that institutions deliver tangible benefits for the people. “In this regard, we attach particular importance to revitalising SAARC as a platform for dialogue, cooperation and shared development in South Asia,” she said. The State Minister said economic diplomacy is the central pillar of Bangladesh’s foreign policy, stressing the need to translate diplomatic engagements into tangible economic opportunities for people. “Economic diplomacy is the central pillar of our foreign policy. We are determined to ensure that our diplomatic relations translate into tangible economic opportunities for our people through expanded trade, wider investment, access to new markets and stronger international economic partnerships,” she said. Shama said Bangladesh is pursuing an independent and pragmatic foreign policy guided by national interests, strategic autonomy and the goal of ensuring economic prosperity for its people. She outlined the government’s foreign policy priorities, including regional cooperation, investment promotion, migration diplomacy, climate justice, multilateralism and the resolution of the protracted Rohingya crisis. Shama said Bangladesh wants to engage with countries across the world on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests, without compromising its sovereign decision-making. “This is the essence of strategic autonomy - the ability to engage independently, assess opportunities on their merits and make sovereign decisions in accordance with our national priorities,” she said. Shama said Bangladesh is seeking to expand partnerships with countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Central Asia and Eastern Europe, alongside its traditional partners, including the United States, the European Union, China and Russia. She said the government wants to explore new avenues of cooperation, particularly in investment, energy, food security, infrastructure, technology, security and skills development. Migration diplomacy and workers' welfare Shama said Bangladesh is pursuing proactive migration diplomacy through a whole-of-government approach to ensure safe, orderly and dignified migration. The government is working to expand legitimate overseas employment opportunities while protecting the rights, welfare and interests of Bangladeshi migrant workers, she said. Shama stressed that stronger international partnerships were necessary to create more employment opportunities and improve the protection of workers abroad. Multilateralism and global engagement The State Minister said multilateralism remained a cornerstone of Bangladesh's foreign policy, describing the United Nations system as an essential platform for countries, large and small, to engage on an equal footing, address shared challenges and advance common interests. On the Rohingya crisis, Shama said Bangladesh has demonstrated humanitarian responsibility by providing shelter to more than one million displaced Rohingyas who fled Myanmar. She reiterated that the crisis originated in Myanmar and that a sustainable solution must be found there, with the safe, voluntary and dignified return of the displaced people to their homeland. Shama said Bangladesh would continue working with the United Nations, regional partners and the wider international community to intensify efforts towards resolving the crisis. She stressed the need for an effective roadmap for the sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas, an end to violence against civilians, predictable humanitarian assistance, justice and accountability, and stronger international cooperation to combat transnational crimes. Shama said the prolonged displacement is placing a significant burden on Bangladesh and host communities, adding that the ultimate objective should be to end the crisis rather than merely manage its consequences. Shama said Bangladesh's foreign policy would focus on strengthening cooperation through bilateral and multilateral platforms and pursuing balanced, confident and effective diplomacy. She said the success of the country's foreign policy should be measured not simply by the scale of its international engagements but by their contribution to national prosperity. “Our government is committed to translating diplomatic engagement into measurable national gains, partnerships into prosperity and our international relations into greater opportunities for our people,” she said. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar titled “Foreign Policy of Bangladesh: Navigating Pathways in a Shifting World” at the BIISS auditorium. BIISS Director General Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman began the session with welcome remarks and chaired it. Four papers were presented by BIISS researchers Dr. Mahfuz Kabir, Research Director, Dr. Sufia Khanom, Research Director, ASM Tarek Hassan Semul, Research Fellow, and Ayesha Binte Towhid, Research Fellow. The speakers explored the importance of advancing a national interest-driven foreign policy responsive to emerging geopolitical realities while safeguarding national sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Particular emphasis was placed on aligning foreign policy with contemporary defence and security priorities to address emerging challenges and preserve regional stability. The programme examined ways to prioritise Bangladesh’s economic interests within an increasingly uncertain multilateral system, notably amidst the rapid growth of AI, with a view to strengthening economic resilience and expanding international cooperation. Significance of upholding ideological commitments and principled values in shaping a consistent credible foreign policy was underscored. Discussions stressed on the need of building a balanced, pragmatic, and forward-looking foreign policy framework that would advance Bangladesh’s national interests while reinforcing its role as a responsible actor in the global arena. Senior officials from different ministries of Bangladesh, foreign diplomatic missions, media, businesspeople, teachers and students from various universities, researchers, representatives from various think tanks were present.

European Union (EU) Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner on Monday met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and presented the EU’s “Eastern Corridor Initiative” that aims at combating irregular migration to the EU by engaging with countries of origin, transit and all stakeholders. Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller was also present at the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions covered cooperation on migration management, returns, combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to safe, orderly and regular migration and urged the EU and its Member States to expand opportunities for Bangladeshi skilled workers and professionals through practical, demand-driven and results-oriented mobility corridors as a way to incentivize regular migration. She also highlighted the Government’s adoption of the National Action Plan (NAP) 2026-2030 for implementing the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The EU Commissioner presented the EU’s “Eastern Corridor Initiative” that aims at combating irregular migration to the EU by engaging with countries of origin, transit and all stakeholders. The State Minister expressed Bangladesh’s openness to cooperation and informed the Commissioner of the steps being taken by Bangladesh, including initiatives against documents frauds and criminal networks, to prevent and combat irregular migration. She reiterated the importance of addressing the root causes of irregular migration for facilitating pathways for regular migration. Acknowledging the importance of coordinated initiatives to comprehensively address the issue, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of migration. The State Minister expressed Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening its multifaceted partnership with the European Union (EU) including expanding trade and investment cooperation. Both sides agreed to continued dialogue and closer cooperation on shared priorities.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday acknowledged that the conflict could have an immediate impact on remittances as many Bangladeshi workers in the Middle East have lost their jobs, while some have been forced to return home and others are struggling to remain in the region without employment. Such disruptions could affect remittance inflows, she said, noting that Saudi Arabia alone hosts more than three million Bangladeshis. Responding to a question after attending a seminar, Shama, however, expressed optimism that the government would be able to overcome the challenges in the long run by exploring new overseas employment markets. The Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working to identify new destinations for Bangladeshi workers.

Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood met Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdelouahab Saïdani at his office at the ministry on Sunday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral energy cooperation. The discussions focused on potential memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cooperation, as well as preparations for the minister’s upcoming visit to Algeria. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening longstanding ties, advancing mutual interests and expanding cooperation in the energy sector. Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division Md Ziaul Huq was also present at the meeting.

Bangladesh has decided to send a senior secretary of the Home Ministry to the first-ever meeting of BIMSTEC Home Ministers in New Delhi on Tuesday, instead of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. Home Ministry Senior Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the meeting, scheduled for October 13, a diplomatic source told UNB on Sunday. The inaugural meeting of Home Ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will review regional security cooperation and explore ways to expand it under the regional grouping, officials said. The meeting will bring together ministers and representatives from the seven BIMSTEC member states - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Bhutan’s Home Minister, Myanmar’s Union Minister for Home Affairs, Nepal’s Home Minister, Sri Lanka’s Minister for Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, and Thailand’s Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council are expected to attend, an official told UNB. The meeting comes as BIMSTEC seeks to strengthen regional cooperation in law enforcement, intelligence sharing and security. At the fourth BIMSTEC Summit, held in Kathmandu on August 30-31, 2018, the leaders expressed their determination to strengthen cooperation and coordination among law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies. They also decided to hold meetings of BIMSTEC Home Ministers while continuing meetings of BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs to promote cooperation and coordination in combating terrorism and transnational crime. The BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ meeting will be supported by a Senior Officials’ Meeting of Home and Interior Ministries.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz on Sunday delivered a special lecture on diplomacy in an interconnected world at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, highlighting the growing vulnerabilities arising from global economic interdependence and the challenges of multilateral cooperation. Reflecting on today’s global challenges, the Ambassador highlighted a key paradox - economic interconnectedness has increased, but so has vulnerability - a reality underscored by current disruptions to energy supplies. He also noted that a multipolar world does not necessarily translate into multilateral cooperation, stressing the importance of dialogue and collaboration in navigating an increasingly complex international landscape. The lecture was delivered to participants of the 32nd Specialized Diplomatic Training Course (SDTC) and the 4th Professional Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy (PMIRD), according to the German Embassy in Dhaka.

Acting Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pawan Badhe on Sunday said strong Bangladesh-India relations can contribute to regional peace, prosperity and people-to-people understanding. “India and Bangladesh share a language of the heart: a history, a culture, a river system, and a future. Our relationship is wide, covering trade, connectivity, energy, education, health, and the bond between our people,” he said. The acting Indian envoy made the remarks at a function marking the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the International Day of Non-Violence at the Liberation War Museum. Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee attended the discussion as the chief guest. Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, MP, and Gandhi Ashram Trustee Board Chairman Major General Jiban Kanai Das (retd.), among others, also spoke. Pawan Badhe said Gandhi’s relevance in the contemporary world is profound. “At a time marked by geopolitical tensions, armed conflicts, environmental challenges and social inequalities, Gandhi’s principles offer a moral compass for humanity,” he said. He said Gandhi’s belief in simple living, ethical leadership, truth and service to the most vulnerable challenged people to measure progress not merely by economic growth but also by compassion, justice and human welfare. “His life reminds us that moral courage can be more powerful than physical force,” he said. Pawan Badhe shared three ideas of Gandhi that he said were extremely relevant to the present time.  “Gandhi never saw non-violence as weakness. He called it the weapon of the strong, because it takes more courage to hold your ground without hatred than to strike. In an age of polarisation, his lesson is that we can disagree firmly and still remain humane,” he said. The acting envoy said the United Nations' recognition of Gandhi’s birth anniversary as the International Day of Non-Violence demonstrated how widely this principle is valued. He highlighted the primacy of truth, noting that Gandhi titled his autobiography “The Story of My Experiments with Truth.” “He believed that public life without honesty is hollow. Today, when a falsehood can circle the globe before the truth has dressed, his insistence on integrity, in speech, in politics, and in what we share online, is not old-fashioned. It is essential,” Pawan Badhe said.  “He reminded us that the earth provides enough for everyone's need, but not for everyone's greed. South Asia is among the regions most exposed to climate change, from rising seas along our coasts to floods and cyclones that respect no border,” he said. Pawan Badhe said Gandhi’s ideas about simple living, local self-reliance and the responsible use of shared resources directly addressed the challenges facing both Bangladesh and India. He also highlighted Gandhi’s close ties with Bengal’s intellectual world, particularly his relationship with Rabindranath Tagore, who is equally cherished in Bangladesh and India. He said their relationship was marked by mutual respect and friendly disagreement. “Tagore gave him the name ‘Mahatma’. Their conversations show that two great minds can differ and still enrich each other. That is a good model for our two countries, and for the region,” the Indian diplomat said. He noted that Gandhi’s spirit of dialogue, mutual respect and shared well-being offered guidance for strengthening bilateral relations and building a better future for the region.

Describing national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam as a poet of harmony and human solidarity, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said the poet could serve as a powerful cultural ambassador whose works convey messages of humanity and harmony across borders. Speaking at a seminar, she said the present government attaches great importance to cultural diplomacy as a key instrument of soft power to strengthen Bangladesh’s international partnerships, promote people-to-people exchanges and enhance the country’s global standing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, hosted the seminar titled “Kazi Nazrul Islam: The Universal Voice of Freedom and Humanity” at the Foreign Service Academy to commemorate the life and enduring legacy of Bangladesh’s national poet, Kazi Nazrul Islam and to highlight his potential as a global cultural ambassador for Bangladesh. A cultural programme featuring performances inspired by Nazrul’s rich artistic legacy followed the seminar. The event brought together diplomatic corps, academics, researchers, artists, writers and senior government officers to reflect on the unwavering legacy of the national poet of Bangladesh and the universal relevance of his literary and musical contributions. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest, while State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom was among the special guests. They shared their perspectives on the significance of Nazrul’s legacy and its relevance to contemporary Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and Rector of the Foreign Service Academy Ambassador Nahida Sobhan, among others, spoke at the seminar.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said two Bangladeshis were killed and four others are receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital following an attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The State Minister said the government is working to identify the deceased, determine their districts of origin and collect information about their families so that they could be contacted without delay. “Our mission is working closely with the Saudi government to identify those killed and injured, as nationals of many countries have been affected amid the conflict situation,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shama said the identities of the four Bangladeshis undergoing treatment in the ICU at King Khalid Hospital are being verified, a process that could take time. She said Bangladesh's missions in Riyadh and Jeddah are maintaining close contact with Saudi authorities and relevant ministries to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi nationals. The missions are also in touch with other Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia, monitoring their conditions and providing necessary safety guidelines, she added. Expressing concern over the loss of lives of Bangladeshis, the State Minister said it is particularly painful that people who went abroad in search of livelihoods and worked hard to support their families had become victims of the conflict. “These are our remittance warriors who leave their families behind, work hard and send money home,” she said hoping that the war and attacks would stop and no further casualties would be reported. Shama said they have already lost 14 Bangladeshis in recent days due to this Middle East conflict. "Naturally, this is a matter of profound sorrow,” she said, expressing deep condolences over the deaths. She reiterated that the safety, security and well-being of expatriate Bangladeshis has been the government's top priority since it assumed office. Regarding the repatriation of the deceased, Shama Obaed said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment are working jointly to provide all necessary support to the affected families. She said the government routinely bears the expenses of repatriating the remains of Bangladeshi citizens who die abroad, and the same arrangement would apply in this case. The State Minister also said flights to and from Riyadh have been suspended following the incident as a precautionary measure. However, she said the government has received no information indicating that any specific Bangladeshi airline or flight has been damaged or directly affected by the attack. The suspension was likely imposed immediately after news of the attack emerged to ensure passenger safety, she added. Bangladesh, earlier, strongly and unequivocally condemned the deadly Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on 10 October 2026, which resulted in casualties, including the tragic loss of two Bangladeshi nationals, and left numerous others injured, many of them critically. Bangladesh mission in Riyadh is in contact with the Saudi authorities to obtain details of the deceased and injured Bangladeshis and to facilitate necessary assistance to those affected. Bangladesh extended its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, including the families of the Bangladeshi victims, and prays for the swift and full recovery of all those injured. "Attacks endangering civilian lives and targeting civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must cease immediately," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. Bangladesh reiterated its firm solidarity with the government and the brotherly people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of this attack. Bangladesh called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and a peaceful resolution of the ongoing crisis through dialogue and diplomacy, in the interest of regional peace, security and stability.

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom (UK) have agreed a new framework to strengthen cooperation in tackling organised immigration crime and protecting citizens from criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people through fraudulent migration schemes. The framework establishes a mechanism for cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Sunday. It will support closer collaboration on identifying, disrupting and addressing organised immigration crime, including document and visa fraud and other forms of criminal activity linked to irregular migration. The new partnership reflects the longstanding and close relationship between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom and their shared commitment to protecting Bangladeshi citizens from exploitation by criminal networks that profit from unsafe and irregular migration routes. Under the agreement, both countries will enhance information sharing and operational cooperation, hold regular engagements to review progress, and discuss cases of mutual interest. British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke said Bangladesh and the United Kingdom enjoy a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual respect and close people-to-people ties. “This agreement demonstrates our shared determination to protect citizens from organised criminal groups that seek to exploit migration for financial gain,” she said. The High Commissioner said through closer cooperation, both countries will work together to address organised immigration crime, support lawful migration, and strengthen efforts to protect individuals and families from fraud, exploitation and trafficking.