United News of Bangladesh

The interim government, in consultation with visiting political leaders, has decided to take appropriate action regarding the recent politically motivated assault upon their return to Bangladesh from the United States. “We - the advisers and political leaders - sat together and had a long discussion,” said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Saturday evening (US time). He said they discussed the possible steps to be taken and the manner in which those actions would be carried out. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan are among the advisers currently visiting New York. The interim government on Tuesday expressed deep regret over Monday’s incident in New York, where BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and NCP leaders Akhter Hossen and Tasnim Jara were subjected to a politically motivated assault. The attack was allegedly carried out by affiliates and supporters of the ousted autocrat Sheikh Hasina. “We reiterate our unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, both at home and internationally. Acts of political violence and intimidation—whether within Bangladesh or beyond its borders—will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate legal and diplomatic responses,” the government said in a statement. As a result of this incident, security measures for the Chief Adviser and all members of the official delegation have been significantly reinforced, the statement added. This reprehensible act is a stark and painful reminder of the toxic and violent political culture that flourished under Hasina’s regime, a legacy the interim government is firmly committed to dismantling in order to build a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Bangladesh, it said. In anticipation of potential security risks during the visit of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and accompanying political leaders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had coordinated a series of precautionary security measures. Upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the delegation was initially directed through a designated VVIP gate and boarded into a specially secured transportation unit. The delegation was, however, required to reroute and proceed through an alternative exit due to unexpected and last-minute visa-related complications. Despite a formal request made at the highest levels of the interim government for continued VVIP access and security facilitation for the political leaders, airport authorities regrettably denied the request. This lapse inadvertently exposed members of the delegation to risk, said the government. Immediately following the incident, the interim government—through the Bangladesh Mission in New York—engaged with the New York Police Department to ensure a swift and lawful response. “We have been informed that one individual has already been apprehended, and a formal investigation into the matter is currently underway.” The interim government said it remains in close and continuous coordination with U.S. federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and dignity of its representatives abroad.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday called on UN-Habitat to expand its presence in Bangladesh to help develop sustainable and affordable housing solutions for communities frequently impacted by climate-induced disasters. Prof Yunus made the remarks during a meeting with Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. They discussed a wide range of issues, including affordable housing for rapidly urbanizing areas, waste management, microfinance-based housing solutions and the global impact of climate change on vulnerable communities, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Prof Yunus urged UN-Habitat to develop context-specific, multipurpose housing models tailored for communities facing recurring floods, river erosion, and cyclones — disasters increasingly intensified by climate change. "Floods, cyclones, and river erosion destroy thousands of homes every year. We urgently need sustainable and affordable housing solutions for these people," Prof Yunus said. He proposed innovative design solutions, such as constructing rooftops that could function as boats during floods. "Design the roof in a way that it can become a boat during a flood," he suggested. Bhutan proposes signing FTA with Bangladesh The Chief Adviser also requested the Nairobi-based agency to explore integrated solutions for housing, sanitation and waste management in slums, favelas, and informal settlements worldwide. He emphasised the importance of designing homes that are women-friendly, saying, "We must ensure our housing designs meet the needs of women and make daily life more convenient for them." The discussion also touched on the urgent need for durable housing for more than one million Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in Bangladesh. Prof Yunus invited UN-Habitat to participate in next week’s high-level UN conference on the Rohingya crisis in New York. He proposed that the UN-Habitat World Urban Forum launch an annual global design competition focused on climate-resilient and affordable housing for different regions.Executive Director Rossbach welcomed the proposal.

Highlighting the significant presence of the Bangladeshi diaspora worldwide, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has urged non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to engage more dynamically with their knowledge, experience and investment, and to join hands in rebuilding the nation in line with people’s aspirations. “Look at the Bangladesh map in a different way. Bangladesh is truly spread all over the world. There is no distance between us. You are very much part of Bangladesh,” he said while addressing a large gathering of NRBs in New York on Saturday evening (US time). Prof Yunus acknowledged the invaluable contributions of NRBs, mentioning that their remittances have been central to strengthening the country’s economy. “Our economy had totally collapsed. Nothing was left. The economy kept drifting from bottom to bottom. Who has helped the economy bounce back? It was remittance. Remittances gave birth to a new Bangladesh,” he said amid huge claps from the audience.  The event, titled 'NRB Connect Day: Empowering Global Bangladeshis', was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Visiting political leaders- BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Foreign Affairs Adviser to BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman Humayun Kabir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of BangladeshJamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami US Spokesperson Mohammad Nakibur Rahman, National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhter Hossen and first senior joint member secretary of National Citizen Party Dr Tasnim Jara spoke at the event.  Dhaka seeks global action to end Israeli violence in Palestine Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun also spoke. Describing NRBs as an integral part of Bangladesh, the Chief Adviser emphasised that they can play a vital role in advancing the changes ushered in by the July Uprising through their respective contributions. “We had always planned to involve you and explore ways to ensure your engagement. Seeing you all here strengthens our resolve to return home with renewed determination,” he said.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has responded to false claims circulating on social media regarding a photo of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus with US President Donald Trump. "I know some people are spreading lies about the photo," he said, making things clear based on facts as some individuals are spreading lies on social media platforms claiming that the photo was AI-generated. The US authorities sent the photo of Chief Adviser and his daughter with US Presidenf Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Friday at 6.09pm New York time, Alam said in a Facebook post from his verified account on Saturday. Dhaka seeks global action to end Israeli violence in Palestine "What we have come to know is that normally, the White House releases these photos a few days after a reception. Hence the photo came three days after the September 23 reception," he said. The photo shows US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump posed with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and his daughter Deena Yunus during a reception hosted by the US President on September 23 in New York. Prof Yunus invited US President Trump to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time during the reception hosted by the President. Prof Yunus attended the event at the invitation of President Trump, who is in New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA). Bangladesh dismisses as propaganda claims of presence during Netanyahu’s UNGA speech At the reception, he exchanged pleasantries with President Trump and several world leaders, including King Felipe VI of Spain, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. The Chief Adviser also met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, his Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said.

Members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly took away two cows belonging to Bangladeshi farmers and assaulted two locals in the Rahmatpur Bansbari area of Patgram upazila in Lalmonirhat. The incident occurred around 3pm on Saturday near the S-5 sub-pillar of main border pillar 830, while bamboo traders Rashedul Islam, 28, and Joynal Hossain, 24, son of Azizul Haque, were cutting bamboo in the area. Locals said BSF personnel crossed the border, physically assaulted the two men, and, when challenged, left the scene with two cows belonging to farmers Javed Ali and Shahabuddin. Lieutenant Colonel Sheikh Muhammad Musahid Masum, Commander of BGB’s 61 Teesta Battalion, said that efforts are underway to take back the cows through proper diplomatic channels.  

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has called for urgent international action to end the Israeli occupation and violence in Palestine. He attended the annual coordination meeting of the OIC Foreign Ministers, held on the sidelines of the 80th UNGA high-level Week at UN Headquarters on Friday (US time). In his statement, the Foreign Affairs Adviser highlighted Bangladesh’s principled position on the question of Palestine. He underlined Bangladesh’s contributions to the OIC’s ‘Ten-Year Programme of Action’ and stressed the need for effective reforms, enhanced resource mobilization and implementation-oriented cooperation within the OIC framework. The meeting provided a platform for the Foreign Ministers of OIC Member States to coordinate their positions on issues of common concern.

Saudia Airlines, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Friday inaugurated its new state-of-the-art City Ticketing Office in Dhaka, marking a major milestone in its operations in Bangladesh. The office, located on the 16th floor of Simpletree Attalika on Gulshan Avenue, was inaugurated by Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. Bin Abiyah, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh. The event was also attended by Musaed Almusaed, Assistant Vice President of International Regions at Saudia Airlines, and Dr. Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East & West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Dr. Abiyah highlighted the longstanding ties between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh and expressed confidence that the new facility would enhance travel convenience and strengthen people-to-people connections, especially for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Dr. Nazrul Islam welcomed Saudia’s investment, saying, “Saudia has been a trusted partner in our aviation sector, and this new investment will support growing travel demand while reinforcing bilateral relations.” Tarik Alowaidi, Saudia’s Country Manager for Bangladesh, said the airline has increased its flight frequency to meet rising demand and that the new office reflects the company’s commitment to providing efficient, comfortable, and accessible services. Ahmed Yusuf Walid, Saudia’s General Sales Agent in Bangladesh, noted that the airline has become a preferred carrier for long-haul travel to Europe and North America and offers convenient options for Umrah pilgrims through its stopover visa program. Built to international standards, the new Gulshan office is Saudia’s most advanced facility in Bangladesh, featuring dedicated counters for general passengers, premium cabin customers, and AlFursan frequent flyers. It also includes a meeting space for travel trade partners and a training and conference room. Bangladesh to announce govt-backed Hajj packages Sunday; costs likely to fall The expansion aims to improve accessibility, reduce waiting times, and enhance the overall passenger experience, with a strong focus on digitized services. Saudia will continue operating its existing ticketing offices at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka and in Agrabad, Chattogram. The inauguration coincided with World Tourism Day 2025, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote its tourism sector through initiatives like Umrah Plus, which encourages travelers to combine spiritual journeys with cultural and leisure experiences across the Kingdom. AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, secretary of Ministry of Religious Affairs was also present at the launching ceremony.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder dismissed as baseless the claims circulating on social media that the Bangladesh delegation was present in the UN General Assembly Hall during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech, calling them “propaganda of the fallen forces.” “Lies are their only recourse now,” he said, emphasising Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’s official engagements on Friday morning, ahead of his address at the 80th UNGA. Azad said the Chief Adviser had two pre-scheduled programmes that morning. The first was a meeting with officials of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, an international platform comprising former presidents and prime ministers of various countries, held at the hotel at 9am (New York time). The second was a meeting with the Prime Minister of Bhutan, which took place at the UN Headquarters at 10:30am. “When the Bangladesh delegation, led by the Chief Adviser, entered the General Assembly Hall after these meetings, the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, was delivering his speech,” Azad came up with the evidence. Prof Yunus delivers a 'powerful call' for justice, reform, renewed international solidarity He said the speeches of the Prime Ministers of Israel, Pakistan, and China had already concluded well before the Bangladesh delegation entered the Assembly Hall. As the Israeli leader spoke, unintelligible shouts echoed around the hall, while applause came from supporters in the gallery. Many seats were vacant; by Iran’s empty chairs stood a compilation of photos of children that Tehran said were killed during Israel’s war there in June. Surrounded by critics and protesters at the United Nations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told fellow world leaders on Friday that his nation “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza, giving a defiant speech despite growing international isolation over his refusal to end the devastating war. “Western leaders may have buckled under the pressure,” he said. “And I guarantee you one thing: Israel won’t.” Bhutan proposes signing FTA with Bangladesh Netanyahu’s speech, aimed as much at his increasingly divided domestic audience as the global one, began after dozens of delegates from multiple nations walked out of the U.N. General Assembly hall en masse Friday morning as he began. Responding to countries’ recent decisions to recognize Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu said, “Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere.”

Dozens of global leaders gathered on Friday to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his hotel suite in New York, offering their full support to him and his interim government.    They expressed readiness to provide their expertise and assistance to Bangladesh during this pivotal time, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder.   The delegation, led by former President of Latvia Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, met Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.    Vīķe-Freiberga is also co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), named after the renowned 11th-century Persian poet.   The high-profile group included:Borut Pahor, former President of Slovenia, Boris Tadić, former President of Serbia, Egils Levits, former President of Latvia, Charles Michel, President Emeritus of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Belgium, George Papandreou, former Prime Minister of Greece, Rosen Plevneliev and Petar Stoyanov, former Presidents of Bulgaria, Ivo Josipović, former President of Croatia, Mladen Ivanić, former President of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius.   Return wealth to its rightful owners: Prof Yunus    Also in attendance were a former secretary general of Commonwealth, a former deputy Prime Minister of Georgia, four former Presidents of the UN General Assembly, several former foreign ministers, Ismail Serageldin, former Vice President of the World Bank and NGIC co-chair, Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and senior representatives from the IAEA and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.

The Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, has expressed strong interest in signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh and linking the two countries’ economic zones to boost trade and investment. Prime Minister Tobgay made the proposal during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly. During the talks on Friday, Prime Minister Tobgay said both countries could greatly benefit if Bhutan’s Special Economic Zone, Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), is connected with the Special Economic Zone in Kurigram that Bangladesh has officially allocated for Bhutanese investors. Chief Adviser Professor Yunus welcomed the proposals, stressing that both countries should explore all avenues to expand trade and investment. “Bangladesh and Bhutan can take their bilateral relations to a new level through improved connectivity, trade and investment,” Professor Yunus said. Albania seeks Bangladeshi workers amid growing economy Prime Minister Tobgay also highlighted Bhutan’s plans to promote religious tourism, noting that Buddhist monks from Bangladesh spread the faith in their country. He said Bhutan is eager to share its hydroelectric potential and is ready to welcome investment from Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical companies. He also sought Bangladesh’s support to set up fiber optic connectivity in Bhutan. The two leaders also discussed the Rohingya crisis, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. The Bhutanese Prime Minister confirmed that Bhutan would join the upcoming UN organised plenary session on the Rohingya issue in New York on September 30. Prof Yunus seeks Dutch cooperation in water management, ocean research Praising Professor Yunus’ leadership, Prime Minister Tobgay remarked that Bangladesh is in “good hands” under his stewardship. Referring to Professor Yunus as his “role model,” he warmly hailed him as “My Professor.” He also commended the design of Bangladesh’s new chancery building in Thimphu, inaugurated on September 9, which was built with the theme “Bay of Bengal at the Foothills of the Himalayas.” Prof Yunus invited Prime Minister Tobgay to visit Bangladesh. The Bhutanese leader accepted, suggesting he might undertake the visit before Bangladesh’s planned general elections in February next.