United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has paid a visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Mexico and signed the condolence book in honor of the late Try Sutrisno, former Vice-President  of Indonesia.  On behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh, the Ambassador conveyed their deepest condolences on the passing of the Former Vice President of Indonesia. His dedicated service and leadership made significant contributions to the development and stability of Indonesia, said the Bangladesh envoy. Ambassador Mushfiqul said Bangladesh stands in solidarity with the government and the friendly people of Indonesia during this time of mourning.  "May his soul rest in eternal peace," said Ambassador Mushfiqul.

Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Mia Golam Parwar, on Friday signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka in honour of Iran's Supreme Religious Leader, Shaheed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (R.A). Parwar expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Iran on behalf of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. He said that the contributions of influential Muslim religious leaders throughout history are always remembered with respect. He prayed that Allah Almighty may grant His infinite mercy on them and give patience and strength to all concerned. He also mentioned that ongoing conflicts and violence in different parts of the world are causing the loss of countless innocent lives, which is very painful. He said that no political goal or interest can ever justify such loss. Realising that the blood of innocent people is sacred in the eyes of Allah, he called on all parties to show restraint, wisdom, and humanity. Parwar was accompanied by Dhaka-14 MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem. They expressed their sympathy for the people of Iran and the Muslim Ummah, and prayed to Allah Almighty for peace, prosperity, justice, and stability for the Muslim world, including the Middle East.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh’s Minister for Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury and State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmood Khyom, where the two sides discussed ways to enhance cultural cooperation and strengthen diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh. During the meeting, they held in-depth discussions on expanding cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Yao congratulated Minister Nitai and State Minister Khyom on assuming their new posts. He noted that both China and Bangladesh are ancient civilizations with a profound and long-standing friendship and close cultural ties, which have effectively promoted mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples. China is ready to continue deepening practical cooperation in the cultural field with Bangladesh, promote mutual learning among civilizations, and provide stronger people-to-people support for the China-Bangladesh Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. The Bangladesh side extended its appreciation to Ambassador Yao for his congratulations and thanked China for its long-standing support for Bangladesh's cultural development. They expressed their willingness to work hand in hand with China to further promote cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation, injecting new vitality into the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan phoned Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday and discussed the need for immediate halting of the military escalation in the Middle East following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. The UAE President called Tarique Rahman at around 4pm, said Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. “Both sides underscored the need for an immediate halt to the military escalation in the region and address its serious implications for regional and global security,” he said. The Press Secretary said the two leaders also affirmed the importance of dialogue and diplomatic efforts in addressing the issues and finding a peaceful solution. The Prime Minister invited the UAE President to visit Bangladesh, and he accepted it, saying he would visit the country some time soon. He also expressed sincere thanks to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE for taking care of Bangladeshi people living in their country. Amazon says drone attacks damage three facilities in UAE, Bahrain The Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), while the UAE President sincerely thanked Tarique Rahman for standing by the UAE and for his concern over the escalating tensions in the region. He also expressed deep gratitude for the help and support from UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, as well as the UAE Ambassador and the Embassy in Dhaka.

A Bangladeshi worker has been killed in Kuwait amid rising military tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The deceased, Mohammad Zayed, was a resident of Ward 9 in Sandwip Municipality, Chattogram. He was the son of Kamal Dafadar. Local sources said Zayed was working in Kuwait and lost his life due to the recent conflict in the region. His family received the news with shock and relatives are still trying to gather detailed information. This is the second death of a Sandwip resident working abroad in the ongoing Middle East conflict. Earlier, on Monday, Abul Mohsin from Azimpur, Sandwip, was killed while working at a shipyard in Bahrain. 2 construction workers die after falling from Chattogram building Many families of Chattogram residents working in Middle Eastern countries are living in fear and anxiety. Relatives said the prolonged conflict is raising serious concerns about the safety of Bangladeshis in the region.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur wrapped up his two-day visit on Thursday night, discussing key US priorities in Bangladesh, expanding market access for American businesses, strengthening cooperation on illegal immigration, and deepening collaboration on regional security and counterterrorism. Assistant Secretary Kapur and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen honored the legacies of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia at Zia Udyan. They viewed the architecturally renowned National Parliament House, popularly known as Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Designed by American architect Louis Kahn, the building showcases the best of American ingenuity inspired by Bengali culture and landscape, a powerful symbol of collaboration and architectural excellence. Assistant Secretary Kapur and Ambassador Christensen held ‘productive meetings’ with leaders from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. On Wednesday, he met members of American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) to discuss the Trump Administration’s priorities for strengthening US businesses and promoting US exports. US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur pays tribute at graves of Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia

The government of Japan on Thursday renewed its commitment to Rohingyas in Bangladesh, pledging USD 2.6 million for shelter materials, primary healthcare, and clean cooking sets. An exchange of notes was signed by Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh. Japan’s generous support enables UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to maintain critical services in one of the world’s most densely populated refugee camps, where 1.18 million stateless Rohingya reside in precarious conditions. Continued global assistance key to bolstering Bangladesh’s Rohingya response: UNHCR Nine years since being forced to flee targeted persecution and conflict in Myanmar, Rohingya families still depend heavily on humanitarian assistance for safety, protection and survival. In congested camps seasonally exposed to torrential rain, strong winds and drought, most Rohingya shelters are built of bamboo and tarpaulin, and regularly require urgent repairs. Japan’s commitment covers essential repair materials for some 3,300 households, as well as the training and engagement of 300 shelter volunteers from the Rohingya community, said the UN refugee agency. UNHCR welcomes Italy’s contribution of EUR 2.5mn for essential assistance to Rohingyas It also strengthens health services through primary healthcare centres and health posts and engaging 162 refugees as community health workers. These crucial livelihoods opportunities promote self-reliance and community ownership, and create hope. The people of Japan’s steady support is deeply appreciated as the Rohingya enter their ninth year of displacement, said Freijsen. “Steep reductions in global aid threaten lifesaving programmes and risk reversing critical achievements. In partnership with generous Bangladeshi host communities, we must safeguard and improve refugees’ dignity and well-being until political engagement in the context of Myanmar enables conditions for safe and voluntary return.” Ambassador Saida expressed his hope that the support from the government of Japan will lead to improved living conditions for Rohingya refugees. “I am delighted to announce Japan’s supplementary fund to UNHCR for critical assistance to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. We are confident this partnership with UNHCR will bring tangible positive change, and Japan remains committed to supporting a more secure and stable future for the Rohingya community,” said Ambassador Saida. The grant also provides stove sets for 32,000 Rohingya households. Complementing UNHCR’s liquified petroleum gas (LPG) distribution, these stove sets offer refugees cleaner cooking solutions, eliminating risks linked to firewood collection and use. Women and girls face fewer protection challenges, and children spend more time in classrooms. LPG also prevents environmental degradation, allowing restoration of the area’s forested hills. UNHCR and its partners, working with the government of Bangladesh, are preparing to launch the 2026 updated Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. Japan has been a leading partner in the Rohingya response, contributing over USD 260 million to UNHCR and other UN agencies as well as Bangladeshi NGOs since 2017. As humanitarian support continues to shrink globally, sustained and steadfast assistance of donors such as Japan is crucial until a durable solution can be achieved.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur paid tribute at the graves of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Thursday. Paul Kapur arrived on the premises of the graves of Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia around noon. US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen  was also present. As renovation work is currently underway at the grave of Ziaur Rahman, they placed wreaths in front of the gate of the mausoleum and observed a brief silence. Defence issues not discussed in meeting with US assistant secretary: FM Khalilur Paul Kapur arrived in Dhaka last Tuesday on his first official visit to the city.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur met members of American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) to discuss the Trump Administration’s priorities for strengthening US businesses and promoting US exports. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen, AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed and its executive committee members joined the reception at a city hotel on Wednesday evening. BNP delegation meets US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur Assistant Secretary Kapur and Ambassador Christensen joined the American Chamber of Commerce to hear member companies’ perspectives on business and investment opportunities and discuss the Trump Administration’s priorities on promoting US business and US exports, said the US Embassy in Dhaka Thursday. The US official also met the leaders of ruling party BNP and opposition party Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Thursday. A five-member BNP delegation met him the US Ambassador's Gulshan residence. BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan led the delegation. Other members of the delegation were Barrister Nawshad Zamir, Mahbubur Rahman, Nayab Yusuf and Nipun Roy Chowdhury. Assistant Secretary Kapur and Ambassador Christensen met with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday to discuss key US priorities in Bangladesh, expanding market access for American businesses, strengthening cooperation on illegal immigration, and deepening collaboration on regional security and counterterrorism. He also met with Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir to advance US-Bangladesh trade relationship and discuss potential for increased business-to-business cooperation. They met with Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood to discuss US-Bangladesh energy cooperation and opportunities for American companies to supply reliable energy to people and businesses across Bangladesh.

Libyan Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdul Mutalib SM Suleiman on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon. During the meeting, the Libyan envoy expressed his country’s full support for Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as a candidate for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term. The adviser expressed gratitude to the government of Libya for its support, said Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony. He said Bangladesh highly values the gesture and hopes that Libya’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature at the international level will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between the two countries. During the meeting, the two sides also discussed bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Libya, ways to enhance mutual cooperation, and the possibility of working together on various international issues, he added.