United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday said comments made by a defeated political leader in another country is not a matter for Bangladesh to discuss but they are working directly with the Indian government through diplomatic channel to bring back Osman Hadi's killers. "An election has taken place in another country, and a political leader has made certain remarks. That is not our matter to discuss," she told reporters when asked about remarks made by West Bengal's former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Referring to the murder of Osman Hadi, the State Minister said Bangladesh would give due consideration to any official communication from the government of India regarding the issue. She said both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are actively and seriously engaged in the matter, adding that significant progress has already been made. "We want justice for Hadi's murder. Efforts are underway, and we expect those arrested in India to be returned to Bangladesh so that the legal process can proceed here," she said. Shama Obaed emphasised that Bangladesh remains committed to pursuing the case through appropriate diplomatic and legal channels and is maintaining close engagement on the issue. She also said it would not be appropriate to give a response based solely on comments made by an individual political leader in Kolkata. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that Indian home minister Amit Shah asked her to keep quiet about the arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a Bangladeshi political activist. She also claimed that she knew the identities of those behind the murder of the activist whose killing sparked widespread unrest in Bangladesh, but said she would not reveal their names because doing so could trigger turmoil in Bangladesh. Though she did not mention the victim’s name, her comments appeared to refer to Sharif Osman bin Hadi, slain spokesperson of Bangladesh’s Inquilab Mancha.

Ambassador of Bangladesh Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has said Bangladesh has returned to the global stage with ‘honor and dignity’ under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, following the election of FM Dr Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st Session of the UNGA. In a post on X, Ambassador Mushfiqul congratulated Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election. “Bangladesh is back on the global stage with honor and dignity. We have achieved this under the leadership of Bangladesh’s elected Prime Minister @trahmanbnp,” he wrote.

The United States has proposed additional tariffs on imports from a good number of countries, including Bangladesh, after concluding that their efforts to curb trade in goods produced with forced labour are inadequate and restrict US commerce. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) in its report found that Bangladesh has failed to impose and effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition. It found that the failure to impose and effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition is unreasonable. The USTR also found that the failure to impose and effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition burdens or restricts US commerce. “Bangladesh has, however, taken on commitments under the US-Bangladesh ART (Agreement on Reciprocal Trade) with respect to a forced labor import prohibition. For the foregoing reasons, the results of this investigation indicate that the acts, policies and practices of Bangladesh related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition are unreasonable and burden or restrict US commerce,” said  the 92-page report. The USTR on Tuesday determined under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 that the acts, policies, and practices of 60 economies, related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor is unreasonable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce, and are thus actionable under Section 301(b) of the Trade Act.  The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has prepared a comprehensive report titled “Acts, Policies, and Practices of Various Economies Related to the Failure to Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced with Forced Labor” that supports the findings in each investigation. “The failure of our most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labor is unacceptable. This creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field,” said Ambassador Jamieson Greer.  “We will no longer tolerate this disparity. Some trading partners have taken initial steps to prevent the importation of forced labor goods, including through USMCA and commitments in Agreements on Reciprocal Trade. However, each of our trading partners must do more to ensure that trade does not perversely encourage and entrench forced labor globally.”  To be assured of consideration, interested persons should submit requests to appear at the hearings, along with a summary of testimony by June 22, 2026, according to USTR. Written comments are due by July 6, 2026. The USTR will hold hearings about the proposed actions in these investigations on July 7, 2026. As a result of these determinations in the investigations, the U.S. Trade Representative has proposed responsive action for public comment. Specifically, the US Trade Representative proposes additional duties on all products of the investigated economies, except as provided in Annex A to the Federal Register notice.  For economies that impose a forced labor import prohibition, that have committed to impose and enforce such a prohibition through an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, or economies that have imposed a partial regime with the effect of preventing the importation of certain forced labor goods, the US Trade Representative proposes 10% as the rate of additional duties.  For all other economies, the US Trade Representative proposes 12.5% as the rate of additional duty.  The US Trade Representative also proposes a textile mechanism that would allow for a certain volume of apparel and textile imports from certain economies to enter the United States at a reduced Section 301 tariff rate. On March 12, 2026, the US Trade Representative initiated 60 investigations related to the failure of various economies to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. Pursuant to the Trade Act, USTR provided the public and interested persons with opportunities to present their views through a public comment process and through a public hearing.  The US Trade Representative has determined that the failure of each of the 60 investigated economies to impose and effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or restricts US commerce, and thus is actionable under the Trade Act.  In particular, the US Trade Representative determined that the following 54 economies have failed to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour: Algeria; Angola; Argentina; Australia; the Bahamas; Bahrain; Bangladesh; Brazil; Cambodia; Chile; China, People’s Republic of; Colombia; Costa Rica; Dominican Republic; Egypt; El Salvador; Guatemala; Guyana; Honduras; Hong Kong, China; India; Iraq; Israel; Japan; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kuwait; Libya; Malaysia; Morocco; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Nigeria; Norway; Oman; Peru; the Philippines; Qatar; Russia; Saudi Arabia; Singapore; South Africa; South Korea; Sri Lanka; Switzerland; Taiwan; Thailand; Trinidad and Tobago; Türkiye; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom; Uruguay; Venezuela; and Vietnam. The following six economies have failed to effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor: Canada; Ecuador, the European Union; Indonesia; Mexico; and Pakistan. Therefore, USTR said, all of the investigated economies have failed both to impose a forced labor import prohibition and to effectively enforce such a prohibition. The failure of each of the investigated economies to impose and effectively enforce a forced labor import prohibition is unreasonable because it: (1) undermines the universal aim of eliminating forced labor; (2) permits firms that avail themselves of forced labor to produce goods at lower cost and thereby distort market conditions for firms that do not use forced labor; (3) undermines the profitability of firms that do not use forced labor; and (4) contributes to the circumvention of existing forced labor import prohibitions.

The High Commission of India has hosted an interaction with a group of women journalists from prominent print and television media of Bangladesh, following their visit to India from May 11-24. They attended a special training programme “Journalism for a better world: Reporting for SDGs” under ITEC at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. During the session on Tuesday, C’dA Pawankumar Badhe reviewed the visit of the media delegation and underlined the importance of deeper engagement between the media of the two countries in shaping a future-oriented, positive narrative of the India-Bangladesh partnership. As part of the programme, the delegation also visited key cultural and educational landmarks in Kolkata, including the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore, Science City, the Indian Museum, and other important sites, providing participants with a deeper understanding of India’s cultural heritage and contemporary developments. Such capacity-building programmes contribute to promoting and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) has warmly congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Emrul Kayesh, in a statement on Wednesday, described the victory as a historic and landmark achievement for Bangladesh, reflecting the international community’s confidence in the country's  constructive engagement in global affairs. They said that despite having only around three months to campaign, Bangladesh secured a remarkable victory against Cyprus, demonstrating the country's growing diplomatic influence and global acceptability. Dr Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, receiving 99 votes from the 193-member UN body, while the candidate of Cyprus secured 91 votes. The DCAB leaders said this achievement has elevated Bangladesh’s global standing and brought immense pride to the nation. DCAB expressed hope that under Dr Khalilur Rahman’s leadership, the UN General Assembly will continue to advance the causes of multilateralism, international peace and security, sustainable development, and global cooperation. The DCAB leaders wished Dr Khalilur Rahman every success in discharging his responsibilities in one of the most distinguished positions within the United Nations system.

The United States has congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly which will begin in September this year. "Congratulations Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on your election as President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly," said US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen. The 81st session will open on September 8, with world leaders gathering two weeks later for the annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters, in New York. In a secret-ballot election on Tuesday, Dr Khalilur secured 99 votes to Kakouris’s 91. A total of 190 ballots were cast, with no invalid votes or abstentions.

Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and President-elect of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session Dr Khalilur Rahman has said he is taking on the role “with humility and respect” at a moment when confidence in the international system is under strain. His Presidency will coincide with one of the most consequential processes on the UN calendar - the selection of Secretary-General António Guterres’s successor, whose term ends on December 31, 2026. The 81st session will open on September 8, with world leaders gathering two weeks later for the annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters, in New York. “The UN will commence its ninth decade at a time when trust in our organization is being tested on multiple fronts,” the Foreign Minister told the UN Member States. Taken together, Dr Khalilur said, these challenges tend to undermine the public trust and confidence in the ability of our organization to deliver its promises.” The President-elect said he intends to act as a bridge-builder, promising to engage all Member States and seek common ground despite growing divisions. “As your president, I will dedicate myself to rebuilding trust, nurturing consensus, and opening space for good faith negotiations that will lead to outcomes for all that are owned by all,” he said. Dr Khalilur also pledged to uphold the UN Charter, maintain geographical and gender balance within his office and support the needs of smaller delegations. He was elected UNGA President on Tuesday after defeating Andreas Kakouris of Cyprus in a closely contested vote, positioning himself to steer the world body through a pivotal year marked by intensifying global crises, UN reform efforts and major leadership transitions. The international community is pouring in congratulatory messages for Dr Khalilur, following his election as the President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This milestone is being widely celebrated as a reflection of Bangladesh's growing global stature and Dr Rahman’s distinguished diplomatic career, an official told UNB. In a secret-ballot election, Dr Khalilur secured 99 votes to Kakouris’s 91. A total of 190 ballots were cast, with no invalid votes or abstentions. The Presidency rotates among the UN’s five regional groups, and the 81st session falls to the Asia-Pacific group. Dr Rahman will serve a one-year term starting on September 8. Dr Khalilur brings more than four decades of diplomatic and multilateral experience to the role. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister since February, he previously served as National Security Adviser and High Representative on the Rohingya Issue during the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Hakan Fidan is scheduled to pay a three-day visit to Bangladesh from June 4 as the two countries eye expanding strategic engagement. During the visit, he is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, which is likely to be held on June 6. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, along with PM's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, who are now in New York, will arrive in Dhaka on Thursday morning, hours before the arrival of the Turkish foreign minister. "You know, the Turkish foreign minister is coming. So, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman will return home soon," a senior official told UNB. Hakan 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 foreign 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.

The African Union has congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). "The election of Dr Rahman is a major milestone for Bangladesh, allowing it to enhance its global presence among others," said the African Union in a message through X. It added that Khalilur Rahman significantly influenced his country’s foreign policy. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was elected president of the 81st session of the UNGA after defeating Cyprus in the election held at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. In the ballot, 190 votes were cast, with Bangladesh receiving 99 and Cyprus 91.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar on Tuesday congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as president of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). "Heartiest felicitations to my dear brother, H.E. Dr Khalilur Rahman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly,” he said in a post on his X handle. “Having had closely engaged with him, I am confident that his vast diplomatic experience and steadfast commitment to multilateralism will guide the Assembly with distinction,” Ishaq Dar said. “I look forward to continuing our engagement at the United Nations and working together to strengthen multilateral cooperation, advance shared global priorities, and promote dialogue, peace, and sustainable development,” he added. The Pakistani deputy prime minister also wished Khalilur Rahman every success in this important responsibility and endeavour. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was elected president of the 81st session of the UNGA after defeating Cyprus in the election held at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday. In the ballot, 190 votes were cast, with Bangladesh receiving 99 and Cyprus 91.