United News of Bangladesh

Noting that Bangladesh is at a very important moment, UNDP’s outgoing Resident Representative in Bangladesh Stefan Liller has said utimately, the interests of the Bangladeshi people are best served when political actors can compete, disagree, and still work within shared democratic rules. "Political differences are natural in any democracy. The strength of democratic culture lies not in avoiding disagreement, but in creating institutions where disagreement can be expressed peacefully, responsibly and constructively," he told UNB in an exclusive interview.  The UN official, who is set to end his four-year tenure in Bangladesh soon, said accepting different voices and views is not a weakness; it is part of how democratic institutions become stronger.  In Bangladesh, as in many countries emerging from a period of intense political contestation, building a culture of restraint, inclusion and consensus will be essential for lasting stability and growth, he said, highlighting the importance of dialogue and democratic culture.  He said the political transition, the election, and the formation of a new government have created both renewed hope and significant public expectations.  At the request of national counterparts, UNDP supported the Bangladesh Election Commission through technical and institutional assistance for the recent national election.  "But elections are not the end of a democratic process. Their value is also tested in what follows: whether institutions are strengthened, whether citizens feel heard, and whether public trust is rebuilt through visible and credible change," said Stefan Liller. He is a Swedish development worker with over 20 years of experience in serving the United Nations (UNDP and UNODC) at headquarters, regional and country office levels in Asia, Latin America, Europe and CIS and Africa. Talking about institutional trust, Liller said citizens need to see that institutions are independent, fair, responsive and accountable.  "This includes electoral institutions, the judiciary, Parliament, oversight public administration, local government and security institutions. Reform is not a technical undertaking," he said .  Over time, it must be felt by people in their everyday lives and livelihoods, and in a stronger, fairer relationship between citizens and the state, Liller said. A second priority is inclusion, especially the meaningful participation and leadership of women, he said. He said women represent half of Bangladesh’s population, and the country cannot reach its full potential if women’s voices, leadership and economic participation are not fully reflected in national life. "This means supporting women’s leadership from communities to courts, from local government to the private sector, and from Parliament to Cabinet," Liller said, noting that Bangladesh has a proud history of women’s leadership at all levels, and it is important that progress does not move backwards - women’s participation must deepen. Finally, the UN official said, reforms must deliver. "Given the nature of the current transition, expectations are understandably high." He said people will judge this moment not only by announcements, but by whether they see improvements in justice, services, jobs, social protection, safety, accountability and dignity.  The UN official said Bangladesh has the capacity to make this transition meaningful and the key will be to sustain reform developments with patience, openness, and a focus on all citizens.  "I sincerely hope the present government will be able to continue progressing this forward in a way that strengthens institutions, builds trust and serves the people of Bangladesh," he said.  Since 1972, UNDP has stood alongside #Bangladesh as a "trusted" development partner, evolving its work with the development priorities of successive governments and the aspirations of its people.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand Faiyaz Murshid Kazi paid a farewell call on Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, executive secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), at its Secretariat in Bangkok on Friday. During the meeting, they exchanged views on regional and global developments, the importance of multilateral cooperation, and the role of ESCAP in addressing common challenges, particularly for Asia-Pacific countries. The ESCAP executive secretary expressed appreciation for Ambassador Faiyaz Murshid’s leadership and contribution to advancing regional cooperation and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation and best wishes for continued success in their future endeavours.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Hakan Fidan on Friday said Bangladesh is a country of “strategic importance” for the stability, peace, and security of South Asia, stressing that they will continue to take steps to solidify their shared commitment to strengthening the relations between the two countries. “We will continue to take steps to solidify our shared commitment to strengthening our relations through new projects and reinforcing stability, peace, and prosperity in South Asia,” he said, describing Bangladesh as an “exceptional country” with a broad network of cooperation within the regional and international platforms and a strong voice of the Global South. The Turkish foreign minister was speaking at a joint press briefing after a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at a city hotel. He is in Dhaka on a two-day visit at the invitation of his Bangladesh counterpart.  

Highlighting the importance of joint efforts to advance peace, stability, and economic prosperity, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Friday said Bangladesh and Türkiye identified key sectors for Turkish investment, including textiles and apparel, defence manufacturing, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, renewable energy, ICT, and smart technologies, with a view to elevating bilateral relations to new heights. “Bangladesh will continue to play an active and responsible role in international forums, working together with partners and friends like Türkiye to promote peace, stability, economic progress, shared prosperity, wider cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, and sustainable development,” he said, noting that they believe multilateral cooperation is essential in addressing the global challenges of the time. The foreign minister made the remarks while speaking at a joint press briefing with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Hakan Fidan at a city hotel following a bilateral meeting. Khalilur Rahman said they emphasised that the visit comes at a significant moment of Bangladesh-Türkiye relations and demonstrates the shared commitment of both countries to deepen cooperation and elevate the bilateral partnership to a strategic level. Different bilateral, regional and global issues, including Rohingya crisis, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Preferential Trade Arrangement (PTA), were discussed at the meeting. As per the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Khalilur Rahman said, they shed light on the possibility to sign an FTA with Türkiye. “Alternatively, we also discussed possibility of a Preferential Trade Agreement. We discussed about the scope to promote bilateral trade,” he said, noting that there is a steady growth in bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Türkiye. The two countries vowed to work towards further increasing the trade volume to US$ 2 billion from the existing $ 1.3 billion. Khalilur Rahman apprised his Turkish counterpart of the incentives for foreign investors in Bangladesh and invited the prospective Turkish investors to invest in different Private Economic Zones and Special Economic Zones in Bangladesh. “We offered our support towards Türkiye to establish a dedicated SEZ in Bangladesh,” he said, adding that they also requested expansion of cooperation by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) towards investment, trade, and industrial partnerships, taking advantage of Bangladesh's current political stability, business-friendly environment, and growing market. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said they are continuing their efforts to strengthen relationship with Bangladesh and take it to new heights. He extended his country’s support to Bangladesh in ensuring voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to their homeland. Hakan Fidan said Bangladesh has demonstrated a historical sacrifice and appreciated its efforts to address the Rohingya issue. The Turkish foreign minister is now in Dhaka on a two-day visit at the invitation of his Bangladesh counterpart. He will also meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Hakan Fidan also visited the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, where he inspected humanitarian assistance projects carried out by the TIKA, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority of Türkiye, the Turkish Red Crescent, the Turkish Diyanet Foundation and Türkiye's Health Ministry, and visited the Turkish Field Hospital operating in the camps. “The engagement (Friday morning) truly reflects the long-standing partnership between Bangladesh and Türkiye. We have been maintaining extraordinary relationship with Turkiye,” Khalilur Rahman said. The two sides believe that this visit will deepen and widen mutually beneficial cooperation, collaboration, and understanding between the two countries. The foreign minister expressed Bangladesh’s gratitude to the Turkish government for its substantial support for Bangladesh's candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. “We are very pleased to receiving you in Dhaka after winning the UN PGA81.” He said the foreign policy of the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is guided by the philosophy: 'Bangladesh Before All’. “This principle reflects our resolute commitment to safeguarding Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, national interests and the welfare of our people. At the same time, it also reflects our belief that beyond our borders we have friends and partners, not masters,” said Khalilur Rahman. Bangladesh believes strongly in diplomacy based on equality, fairness, and mutual respect, he said. “We are committed to building constructive bilateral and multilateral relations with all countries of the world.”

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) foiled attempts by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to push 33 people into Bangladesh through three separate border points in Lalmonirhat early Friday. The incidents occurred in the border areas under Hatibandha, Patgram and Aditmari upazilas of the district. According to BGB and local sources, BSF attempted to push in 11 people through the Barakhata BOP area in Hatibandha, 10 more through the Paishattabari BOP area in Patgram, and 12 other people through the Durgapur Dighaltari border area in Aditmari. On information, BGB personnel rushed to the spots and took preventive measures along the border. With the support of local residents, the paramilitary force successfully blocked the attempted push-ins. The individuals involved were unable to enter Bangladesh and were staying in the no-man’s land or zero-line area, sources said. BGB said surveillance and patrols along the border have been strengthened and the situation is being closely monitored. In a statement, the media cell of the Lalmonirhat BGB Battalion-15 said the force remains on high alert to prevent any infiltration or push-in attempts. “All necessary steps have been taken to safeguard the country’s border and sovereignty,” reads the statement.

Md. Nurul Amin, 44, was among the 22 nationals from seven countries who tragically lost their lives in the devastating fire incident at a New Delhi hotel on Wednesday. The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Thursday night said they are facilitating the earliest repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased. As of 4th June evening, two Bangladesh families have been particularly affected by the fire that broke out on June 3. Both families staying in the hotel were in Delhi to avail medical treatment at the nearby Max Hospital. The High Commission remains in constant contact with the victims and their families who are under treatment at various hospitals in New Delhi. Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah visited all the Bangladesh nationals under treatment at the Max Hospital and inquired about their condition with the attending physicians. The High Commission officials remain positioned at the Hospital to liaise round-the-clock with the patients and the Hospital and address any exigency. The High Commission is also in contact with the India authorities to ensure necessary treatment and support for the victims.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Thursday said his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) reflects the confidence and support of the international community in Bangladesh and its people. Speaking at a reception hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in his honour, Dr Khalilur noted that the achievement underscores Bangladesh’s strengthened diplomatic standing.  He paid tribute to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for his guidance and leadership throughout the campaign, emphasising that the successful outcome was made possible by the Prime Minister’s commitment to advancing Bangladesh’s global engagement. The reception was attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, and other senior officials. Earlier, upon his arrival in Dhaka following the election, the Foreign Minister was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Principal Secretary and Foreign Ministry officials.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Kuwait Major General Syed Tareq Hussain visited injured Bangladeshi nationals on Wednesday and Thursday following a drone attack at Kuwait International Airport. He urged the concerned Kuwaiti authorities to ensure their proper treatment and medical care. Five Bangladeshi nationals were injured in a drone attack on Kuwait International Airport in the early hours of Wednesday. The attack on the airport—the first since the ceasefire announced on April 7, 2026, following 38 days of intense conflict in the GCC region—left five Bangladeshi nationals injured. Of them, two sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving treatment at two hospitals, while another remains under medical observation. The remaining two injured individuals have since been discharged after receiving the necessary medical care. During his visit, the Ambassador inquired about the condition of the injured Bangladeshi workers and conveyed the solidarity and support of the Government of Bangladesh. The Embassy remains in close coordination with hospital authorities and the concerned employers to ensure that the injured Bangladeshis receive proper medical treatment and all necessary assistance during this difficult time. As a gesture of solidarity and humanitarian support, the Bangladesh Ambassador, accompanied by Embassy officials, donated blood to the Kuwait Central Blood Bank to support the treatment of all those injured in the attack, irrespective of nationality.  

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Hakan Fidan will meet his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Khalilur Rahman on Friday in Dhaka as the two countries eye expanding strategic engagement, in addition to strengthening the trade and investment relations. The Turkish Foreign Minister is paying a two-day visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur, a senior official told UNB, noting that bilateral issues, including trade, security, regional developments, will be discussed. The Turkish Foreign Minister, who arrived in Dhaka on Thursday night, will also meet Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and visit the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar. The visit will mark Fidan's first trip to Bangladesh. He was received at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Foreign Minister Dr Kahlilur. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, PM's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, and Ambassador of Bangladesh to Türkiye M Amanul Haq were also present at the airport to welcome the Turkish Foreign Minister. He is scheduled to inspect humanitarian assistance projects carried out by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Turkish Red Crescent, the Turkish Diyanet Foundation and Türkiye's Health Ministry, and visit the Turkish Field Hospital operating in the camps. The two sides are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation in trade, defense industry, energy, education, culture, science and health. The two countries are keen to increase bilateral trade volume from $1.35 billion in 2025 to $2 billion. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur, along with PM's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, returned from New York on Thursday. Fidan and Khalilur Rahman held a bilateral meeting at the former’s office in Ankara on March 14. Both sides expressed optimism that the outcomes of the meeting would contribute to further strengthening cooperation and deepening the strategic partnership between Türkiye and Bangladesh in the years ahead. Bangladesh highlighted the importance of enhancing Turkish investment in Bangladesh and emphasised the prospects for expanding skilled human resource exports from Bangladesh to Türkiye. Türkiye reiterated its commitment to maintaining friendly and brotherly relations with Bangladesh in both bilateral and multilateral fora. Humaiun Kobir was also present during the meeting in Ankara. This marked the first bilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries following the formation of the BNP government in Bangladesh. During the meeting, both sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the long-standing friendly and brotherly relations. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and expressed their shared commitment to working together in support of peace efforts concerning Gaza. Notably, to enhance institutional cooperation in diplomatic training and capacity building, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Diplomacy Academy of Türkiye and the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy during the bilateral meeting.

Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli on Thursday said Switzerland supports practical solutions in Bangladesh that help communities, government institutions and businesses adapt to climate risks and seize new opportunities. “Climate change is no longer a challenge of the future. It is a challenge of today. For Switzerland, addressing climate change is a central priority of both our domestic and foreign policy,” he said while speaking at a special event to mark World Environment Day 2026 at Edge Gallery in Dhaka. The Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh the hosted the event titled “Swiss Partnerships for a Greener Bangladesh.” The programme was organised in support of the Government of Bangladesh’s efforts to protect nature and the environment. A key highlight of the event was the announcement of Switzerland’s commitment to support the planting of 300’000 climate-resilient trees across Satkhira and Naogaon. The initiative will be implemented through Swiss-supported programmes, including Climate Action at Local Level and Governance for climate-resilient public service delivery, with a focus on strengthening local environmental action in climate-vulnerable areas. Water Resources Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee virtually attended the event as the chief guest. In his address, he said, “Bangladesh is among the countries most exposed to climate risks. This is why the Government of Bangladesh is strongly committed to locally led adaptation. Our efforts - from river and canal re-excavation to large-scale afforestation - are rooted in this principle.” The event brought together representatives from the Government of Bangladesh, development partners, Swiss NGOs, civil society, academia and climate experts to highlight collective action for nature, climate resilience and environmental sustainability. In closing, Diepak Elmer, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at Embassy of Switzerland, emphasised, “Swiss cooperation in Bangladesh is rooted in partnership. By supporting local climate and environmental initiatives, we aim to contribute to practical solutions that respond to people’s needs and strengthen long-term resilience.” The event underscored Switzerland’s partnership with Bangladesh in advancing locally grounded and science-based responses to climate change and environmental degradation. It also showcased the contribution of Swiss-supported programmes, including Climate Action at Local Level and Governance for climate-resilient public service delivery. Climate Action at Local Level works with Swiss NGOs and local organisations to strengthen community-led climate resilience, while Governance for climate-resilient public service delivery supports more climate-resilient public service delivery through local government institutions, particularly in water and solid waste management.