United News of Bangladesh

The Indian medical team consisting of specialists from two top hospitals of India — Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi — returned to India Monday evening after completing its mission in Bangladesh. The visit of the Indian medical team in the wake of this national tragedy in Bangladesh is a reflection of the "deep-rooted nature of people-to-people relations and the enduring bonds of empathy" that connects the two countries, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The four-member team came to Bangladesh on July 23 in pursuance of the assurance of support and assistance extended by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in the wake of the devastating air crash in the Milestone School and College in Dhaka on July 21.

Saudi Arabia has invited Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to attend the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9) to be held in Riyadh on October 27-30, 2025. Saudi Ambassador to Dhaka Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah handed over the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman to the Chief Adviser during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday, said the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Monday. This is the first time a head of government from Bangladesh has been invited to the annual event being held since 2017. The Chief Adviser thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for the invitation to the event where, he said, he would actively consider joining. The Chief Adviser also thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for accepting the invitation to visit Bangladesh on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia diplomatic relations at a given date. In previous years, the forum has been attended by several heads of state. Last year alone, it drew 8,500 participants, including leading global CEOs.

The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria has expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the people of Bangladesh following the tragic crash of a military aircraft that struck a school in Dhaka, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of the Republic of Algeria, and Nadir Larbaoui, Prime Minister of Algeria, have extended their heartfelt condolences to the President of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, said the Embassy in Dhaka on Monday. Uttara aircraft crash: Bangladesh’s global friends mourn, offer support In their messages, the Algerian leaders conveyed their deepest sympathy to the bereaved families, wished a speedy recovery to the injured, and reaffirmed Algeria’s solidarity with Bangladesh during this time of national mourning. President Tebboune and Prime Minister Larbaoui also underscored the enduring bond of friendship between Algeria and Bangladesh, offering their prayers and support to the people of Bangladesh in overcoming this tragic loss.

Denmark has pledged to continue supporting Bangladesh ready-made garment (RMG) sector and the development of green technology. Denmark stressed partnership with Bangladesh in clean and green technology, expressing a desire to deepen this cooperation, particularly in renewable energy, energy efficiency, circular economy, sustainable water management, climate change adaptation, and information and communication technology (ICT). These remarks came while Christian Brix Møller, Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh, met with Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), on Monday at the BGMEA Complex in Dhaka to discuss avenues for collaboration within the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The discussion focused on the current state of Bangladesh's RMG industry, global market dynamics, emerging challenges, and strategic priorities for sustainable growth. During the meeting, Ambassador Møller reaffirmed Denmark's commitment to allocating 0.7 percent of its GDP to the development of less-developed countries, a pledge consistently honored despite global and domestic political and economic challenges. Key topics of discussion included enhancing sustainability and circularity in the RMG sector and improving energy efficiency within the industry. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted the challenges Bangladesh faces in accessing Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) facilities following its graduation from LDC status, specifically raising concerns about GSP+ threshold criteria. He requested Denmark's support in advocating for Bangladesh's position to EU policymakers. Bangladesh now home to 253 LEED-certified RMG factories Khan also expressed concern over a noticeable decline in garment exports from Bangladesh to the Danish market since the 2023-2024 fiscal year and urged the Ambassador to investigate this trend. Furthermore, he sought the Ambassador's support in encouraging international brands to endorse a Unified Code of Conduct for the apparel sector. The BGMEA President emphasized that such a code would streamline audit processes, alleviate pressure on factories, and foster a more ethical, sustainable, and responsible industry. The meeting also reviewed the progress of ongoing development initiatives in Bangladesh supported by the Danish government, including projects like CREATE, PaCT (Partnership for Cleaner Textile), and SWITCH2CE, all geared towards green transformation and a sustainable industrial economy. Detailed discussions were held regarding energy audits currently being conducted in various industrial factories, particularly in the garment sector, with Danish assistance. Emphasis was placed on ensuring these audits provide accurate and reliable data. Ambassador Møller requested the BGMEA President's cooperation in this regard, noting that the audits would analyze factory energy consumption and recommend energy-saving measures, including the feasibility of rooftop solar projects, benefiting both BGMEA and BKMEA members. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan extended his sincere gratitude to the Government of Denmark for its continuous support in Bangladesh's development, especially concerning the green transition of the garment sector. Also present at the meeting were BGMEA Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim and Director Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz, according to a press release.

The government is hopeful of a positive outcome from the third round of talks between a Bangladeshi delegation and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) aimed at reducing the increased tariffs on Bangladeshi exports to the US, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. “We are well prepared and hopeful of a good conclusion,” he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday. Alam said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus had a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson at the State Guest House Jamuna today ( Monday). Terrorism has no place in Bangladesh: Chief Adviser He said the discussions covered a range of issues, including the US-Bangladesh tariff talks, counter-terrorism, election preparations, and the ongoing dialogues related to the Consensus Commission. Alam said a Bangladeshi delegation is set to leave for the United States tonight as the third round of tariff talks is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. “The government is hopeful that the discussions will lead to a positive conclusion,” he added. The Press Secretary said a group of businessmen will accompany the government delegation although they will not directly take part in the talks. During the meeting with the US Chargé d’Affaires, Professor Yunus made it clear that counter-terrorism is a top priority for his interim government. Bangladesh govt to train 1.5 lakh police for election duty from Sept “He (Chief Adviser) firmly stated that the government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, and that no form of extremism or terrorist activity will be tolerated under any circumstances. He conveyed this message in a strong and unequivocal tone,” Alam said. The third round of talks on the US-imposed tariffs is expected to be held on 29–30 July in Washington, DC, with hopes of reaching a positive consensus before the 1 August deadline.

The United Nations Human Rights Mission in Dhaka will organise a ‘commemoration and dialogue event’ on Tuesday to mark the anniversary of the July 2024 events. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to preside over the session to be held at a city hotel in the afternoon. The event will bring together senior political leaders, civil society members, youth representatives and international partners, according to a media advisory. At the request of the Chief Adviser, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) undertook an independent fact-finding mission into the events of July-August 2024. The report of the mission, released on February 12, 2025, presented comprehensive findings and outlined key recommendations aimed at ensuring non-repetition of similar incidents.

Leaders of American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) and AmCham Singapore on Monday exchanged views on shared objectives to support their respective members and explored replicable best practices to promote investment and business facilitation. AmCham Singapore hosted a meeting with an AmCham Bangladesh delegation at the AmCham Singapore office and discussed issues of mutual interest. AmCham Bangladesh President Syed Ershad Ahmed led the delegation. AmCham Bangladesh also expressed its willingness to extend policy advocacy and strategic support to AmCham Singapore member companies operating in Bangladesh with regional offices in Singapore, in the event they face any regulatory or business challenges in the Bangladeshi market, said the AmCham in a media release. From AmCham Singapore, the meeting was attended by Bianca Wong, Vice President, Operations, Southeast Asia, FedEx, James Collison, Technology and Intellectual Property Attorney, Mastercard, Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei, Chief Executive Officer, along with several other board members and officials. Along with the AmCham President representing AmCham Bangladesh were Mohammad Rashel Al Mamun, treasurer, AmCham Bangladesh Abu M Rashed Mujib Noman, executive committee member, AmCham Bangladesh, Rubaba Dowla, executive committee member, AmCham Bangladesh, Mirza Shajib Raihan, executive committee member, AmCham Bangladesh, Muhammad Monir Hossain, founder and CEO, Bdcalling IT Ltd. (AmCham Member), Chowdhury Kaiser Mohammad Riyadh, Executive Director, AmCham Bangladesh and Md. Sanowar Hossain, Deputy Secretary, AmCham Bangladesh.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Monday said the United Kingdom (UK) is working with Bangladesh to unlock new trade opportunities, support business-friendly reforms and connect UK buyers with high-quality Bangladeshi products. “Export diversification is crucial for Bangladesh for sustainable economic growth,” said the High Commissioner who together with Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfey Siddiqi visited Cupcake Exports Ltd, a soft toy manufacturer that exports to the UK, in Ghorashal. She said the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme enables Bangladeshi businesses like Cupcake Exports export to the UK market with zero tariffs. “It benefits consumers in the UK by bringing down the price of goods.” Prof Yunus urges KSA to set up production sector in Bangladesh During the visit, the High Commissioner and the Special Envoy saw the production of toys and spoke to the workers and management of the company. They discussed the opportunities and challenges of diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket and entering the UK market. Exporters of new products face considerable policy and administrative barriers within Bangladesh as well as challenges entering into new markets, according to the British High Commission in Dhaka. The UK government is providing technical assistance to the government of Bangladesh to implement reforms to make it easier for firms to do business and export. The UK will continue to work with Bangladesh to increase and diversify its exports and connect UK buyers with Bangladeshi exporters.  UN General Assembly adopts Bangladesh’s landmark resolution on culture of peace The UK government announced a further simplification of its Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) on July 10. The new measures, which further simplify the rules of origin, make it even easier for Bangladeshi businesses to export to the UK. It will enable Bangladesh to move up the exporting value chain and diversify into new products, helping to create jobs and reduce poverty. Leaders of the UK and Germany to sign a treaty on defense, trade and migration The DCTS, which was launched in June 2023, is one of the most generous preferential trading schemes in the world, said the High Commission. It provides duty-free access to the UK for all of Bangladesh’s exports, excluding arms, until 2029. After 2029, 98% of Bangladesh’s exports will continue to receive duty-free access under the Enhanced Preferences tier. This includes readymade garments. 

The Chinese medical team that arrived to treat victims of the Milestone School tragedy paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday. At that time, Professor Yunus expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the people of Bangladesh for the team’s prompt response and comprehensive support in treating those injured in the recent plane crash at Milestone School and College. Prof Yunus thanks foreign medical teams for treating jet crash victims He wished that the two countries maintain close cooperation and communication in the healthcare sector, so as to bring more benefits to the people. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Yao extended condolences for the loss of lives and emphasised that China and Bangladesh are true friends who share both joy and sorrow. He affirmed China’s readiness to assist Bangladesh in treating the injured to the best of its ability and reiterated the country’s commitment to advancing healthcare cooperation through knowledge and experience sharing, capacity building, and infrastructure development.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A. F. M. Khalid Hossain has said that the construction of iconic mosques, funded by a Tk 244 crore Saudi royal grant, will start shortly. The adviser came up with the remarks after meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah at the Secretariat on Sunday. The adviser mentioned that proposals for land have already been submitted by various departments, and they are maintaining regular communication with all concerned parties to expedite the process. He further emphasised the strength of the longstanding relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, highlighting that approximately 3.2 million Bangladeshis currently reside in the Kingdom. “Our expatriates are not only contributing significantly to the Bangladeshi economy through remittances, but they are also playing a vital role in the realisation of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” he added. The adviser extended heartfelt thanks to the Saudi government and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the efficient and well-managed Hajj operations this year. Looking ahead to next year’s pilgrimage, he requested improvements in infrastructure—specifically an increase in washroom facilities in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, uninterrupted access to water and electricity, and larger beds in the minaret tents. In response, Ambassador Bin Abiyah assured that he would communicate these proposals to the relevant Saudi authorities. He also pledged to support enhanced Saudi collaboration in Bangladesh’s development. During the meeting, discussions extended beyond Hajj matters to include the possible implementation of RFID tagging for pilgrims’ luggage and the proposed establishment of an Arabic Language Institute in Dhaka—both seen as steps to deepen mutual cooperation. Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik and Joint Secretary of the Hajj Division Dr. Md. Manjurul Haque were also present at the meeting.