United News of Bangladesh

The Armed Forces of Bangladesh and the United States military will continue their “longstanding partnership” this summer through three joint exercises and the delivery of a new capability that will reinforce their common security interests. These efforts help to make the United States and Bangladesh stronger, and the region safer, said the US Embassy in Dhaka in a media note on Sunday.   Exercise Tiger Lightning For the fourth year in a row, the Bangladesh Army and U.S. Army Pacific will conduct Exercise Tiger Lightning.   Through realistic training, the soldiers will develop readiness for counterterrorism, peacekeeping, jungle operations, medical evacuations and countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs).     Exercise Tiger Shark 2025 Tiger Shark (part of the Flash Bengal series) is a joint training exercise where the two countries’ Special Forces practice combat tasks.  The exercise, ongoing since 2009, will feature patrol boat handling and small arms marksmanship that will strengthen Bangladesh's Special Warfare Diving and Salvage and the Para Commando Brigade ability to respond to crises.   One of the highlights of this combined exercise is the use of U.S. equipment by both countries.  Army refutes false claims of political transport support Exercise Pacific Angel   This will be the fourth iteration of Pacific Angel with Bangladesh.  It will highlight one of the hallmarks of the defense relationship, C-130 fleets, which are critical in disaster response airdrops and air mobility operations.  The exercise also focuses on Search and Rescue (SAR) and Aeromedical operations further developing Bangladesh’s ability to respond to humanitarian disasters.  RQ-21 Program Launch: The United States is working with Bangladesh’s Army and Navy to develop an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capability for Bangladesh, said the Embassy.  A Bangladesh Regiment comprised of Army and Navy personnel will operate the new RQ-21 Blackjack system.  This joint effort will enable Bangladesh to monitor its maritime domain, secure its borders, and conduct peacekeeping missions.  

Dhaka and Washington on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure Bangladesh’s overall food security, nutritional standards and stable food supply. Director General of Directorate General of Food Md Abul Hasanat Humayun Kabir and Vice President of the US Wheat Associates Joseph K. Sowers signed the deal on behalf of their respective countries. Under the deal, Bangladesh will import 700,000 metric tonnes (MTs) of high-quality wheat annually from the US over the next five years at competitive prices. UN rights office to open mission in Bangladesh; MoU signed  Speaking on the occasion, Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder said the MoU will foster deeper trust and expand trade cooperation between the two countries, ultimately benefiting both countries. Ambassador Tracey Ann Jacobson, chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy in Dhaka, the Commerce Secretary, and other senior officials from both sides were present at the event held at the conference room of the Ministry of Food, with Food Secretary Md Masudul Hasan in the chair.

South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik on Saturday highly appreciated all those Bangladesh young girls and boys who showed great interest in K-POP by participating in the contest. He said the future of Bangladesh is very bright for its young people who are smart, talented and eager to make a better life and better future, and wished the young winners’ dreams come true. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea on Saturday announced the winners of the K-pop contests held in in Dhaka. The event was organised by the Embassy in collaboration with Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). Talented Bangladeshi people, especially youngsters, interested in Korean culture and K-pop participated in the event. A total of 105 videos were submitted on K-pop performance this year. A total of 15 teams were selected for the stage performance at the auditorim of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). Rudhin | HHSBD | Hridita Maitra | A-Maze | OMADA | Tahana Prionty | Rakuzan Klan | Knight Sisters | Lumen-I | Acu-Bi | Lazina Chowdhury | Lost Dynasty | Heaven's Law | Last Min8 | Renessus. Five best teams were awarded at the performance stage. The 2025 K-POP World Festival will be held in October in Changwon city, Korea. The national winners of Bangladesh are to be recommended to the 2025 K-pop World Festival organiser for its final selection for invitation to the festival. If selected by the organiser, he/she/they will be invited to the competition in Changwon, Korea, said the Korean Embassy in Dhaka. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has been holding regularly various cultural events, such as Korean film festivals and K-POP concert, with a view to deepening the mutual understanding between Korean and Bangladeshi people through culture and strengthen the bilateral ties. The Korean Embassy expressed sincere appreciation to all participants of the contests and hoped the excellent works of the participants will help everyone get through the challenging times.  

The interim government on Saturday said the UN Human Rights Office’s mission in Bangladesh will focus on addressing and preventing serious human rights abuses, such as those perpetrated by the previous government, and ensuring accountability for violations. “It will not serve to promote any social agenda that falls outside the country’s established legal, social and cultural framework,” the government said in a statement, acknowledging that some groups in Bangladesh have expressed ’concerns’ about the perceived ideological orientation of UN human rights bodies. The statement issued by the Chief Adviser’ press wing said Bangladesh is a society grounded in strong cultural and religious traditions. “We have received feedback from citizens who have said that any international partnership should be respectful of these values.” The government of Bangladesh signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to field a mission in the country aimed at supporting the promotion and protection of human rights. The purpose of the mission is to provide training and technical assistance to government institutions and civil society organisations. Its objective is to help Bangladesh fulfill its national and international human rights obligations through capacity-building, legal support and institutional strengthening, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. “This initiative reflects our continuing commitment to reform and accountability, particularly in response to serious human rights violations that occurred during July–August 2024,” said a media release issued by the press wing. The government expects that the mission will always demonstrate transparency and maintain close cooperation with local stakeholders. The UN has committed to operating in full respect of Bangladesh’s cultural and religious reality, the media release said.  The government retains the sovereign right to withdraw from the agreement if it determines that the partnership no longer serves the national interest. UN rights office to open mission in Bangladesh; MoU signed  “It is worth noting that if such an office had existed during the previous administration when extrajudicial killings and public massacres occurred with impunity, many of those crimes might have been properly investigated, documented and prosecuted,” the statement said. “Our commitment to human rights today must be rooted in justice, not ideology. The government considers this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen our institutions and enhance protections for our citizens, guided by our values, shaped by our laws and accountable to our people,” it added. The memorandum was signed by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary, on behalf of the government of Bangladesh, said the UN rights office on Friday in a press statement issued from Geneva. “The signing of this memorandum sends an important message of the country’s commitment to human rights as a cornerstone of the transition,” said Türk. He said it will enable his office to better support implementation of the recommendations made in their fact-finding report, as well as to engage directly on the ground with the government, civil society and others with their expertise and assistance on the fundamental reforms Bangladesh is undertaking going forward. Since last August, the UN Human Rights Office’s engagement with Bangladesh has significantly increased. The office has been working with various stakeholders in advancing human rights reforms and conducting a comprehensive fact-finding inquiry into deadly repression of mass protests.

A group art exhibition 'Origins of Vision' was inaugurated on Friday at the multipurpose hall of the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, reflecting Japan’s broader cultural engagement with Bangladesh. Renowned artist Monirul Islam attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest co-organised by HerNet Fine Arts and the Embassy of Japan as a vibrant celebration of cultural harmony and artistic excellence. Ambassador of Spain to Bangladesh Gabriel Sistiaga, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Park Young-sik, diplomats, artists and cultural leaders were present. CDA Takahashi reaffirmed the embassy’s longstanding commitment to supporting the arts through scholarships, curated exhibitions, and artist exchanges. He also noted that Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus had concurred in strengthening cultural ties during their meeting in Japan on May 30. CDA Takahashi expressed confidence that initiatives like this exhibition will continue to deepen mutual understanding and bilateral relations.

The government of Bangladesh and the UN Human Rights Office have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to open a mission in Bangladesh to support the promotion and protection of human rights. The memorandum was signed this week by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary, on behalf of the government of Bangladesh, said the UN rights office on Friday in a press statement issued from Geneva. UNHCR reports voluntary return of Rohingyas “The signing of this memorandum sends an important message of the country’s commitment to human rights as a cornerstone of the transition,” said Türk. He said it will enable his office to better support implementation of the recommendations made in their fact-finding report, as well as to engage directly on the ground with the government, civil society and others with their expertise and assistance on the fundamental reforms Bangladesh is undertaking going forward. The new mission will offer training and technical assistance to the authorities across a range of areas, towards meeting the country’s national and international human rights commitments, as well as undertake capacity-building for government institutions and civil society actors. Since last August, the UN Human Rights Office’s engagement with Bangladesh has significantly increased.  The office has been working with various stakeholders in advancing human rights reforms and conducting a comprehensive fact-finding inquiry into deadly repression of mass protests.    

Emphasising inclusive healthcare, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday said they are prioritising digital healthcare so that people in Bangladesh's remote areas can consult doctors online.  Their medical histories will be stored digitally, making future consultations easier, the Chief Adviser said when Vice President of SpaceX Lauren Dreyer met him at the State Guest House Jamuna. "This is particularly important during pregnancy, a time when women often need male assistance to visit a doctor. With digital services, they can consult doctors from home,” he said. Richard Griffiths, Global Engagement Consultant of SpaceX; National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman; Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb; and Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, were also present at the meeting, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. She commended the coordinated efforts of government officials in Bangladesh for supporting the effective launching of Starlink in the country. “We operate in 150 countries and territories. We have never seen such efficiency and decisiveness. On behalf of all my colleagues at SpaceX, I extend our appreciation to you. We look forward to working closely with your team,” she said. The Chief Adviser thanked the Vice President for visiting Bangladesh. “It’s a lovely time of year here, the monsoon season. Greenery and water everywhere. Prof Yunus sending mangoes to South Asian leaders as gesture of goodwill At the same time, we face challenges of flooding and waterlogging, which highlight the need for dependable technology to maintain connectivity.”  “There is also a pressing need for improved connectivity in the remote areas of our hill tracts. These regions lack proper schools, teachers, and doctors. We have set a target to introduce online education in 100 schools, which will benefit students in isolated areas,” he said.    

Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli hosted a breakfast meeting on Thursday and discussed challenges as well as opportunities and the investment climate in Bangladesh. The meeting was attended by some key representatives from the Swiss business community in Bangladesh and Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Chair of the commission that published the White Paper on the State of the Bangladesh Economy. It was a most interesting discussion on a wide array of topics, including macroeconomic issues, the state of financial industries, challenges as well as opportunities and the investment climate in Bangladesh, according to the Embassy of Switzerland in Dhaka. The Ambassador hosted the breakfast meeting at his residence.

The government on Thursday urged all quarters to refrain from spreading misleading or factually inaccurate narratives, in any form, that end up creating confusion and disrupting harmony amongst the people. The government made the call taking note of certain media reports claiming that the ancestral property of the renowned filmmaker and author Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh -- originally owned by his grandfather, the distinguished litterateur Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury -- is being demolished by Bangladeshi authorities. Drawing on the factual and meticulous re-examination of all records, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said detailed inquiry into the archival records re-confirmed that the house in question never had any relation with the ancestors of the esteemed laureate Satyajit Ray. It was built by a local Zamindar Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury, next to his bungalow house ‘Shashi Lodge’, for his employees. Upon the abolition of the zamindari system, it came under the control of the government. The government later allocated it to the Bangladesh ‘Shishu Academy’. Ever since, the house has been used as the office of the District Shishu Academy, said the Ministry in a media release. And, the land itself was non-agricultural government (Khas) land and leased to Shishu Academy on a long term basis. Proud to stand with Bangladesh in empowering youth through skills: EU The district authorities have reviewed the land records related to the house and confirmed that -- as per the past records -- the land belongs to the government and has no association with the Ray family whatsoever. Local senior citizens and respected people from various communities also attested that there is no known historical connection between the Ray family and the house and land currently leased to the Shishu Academy, said the MoFA. The house is not listed as an archaeological monument, either, said the government. However, the road in front of the house, ‘Harikishore Ray Road’, is named after Satyajit Ray's great-grandfather Harikishore Ray, the adoptive parent of Satyajit Ray's grandfather Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury.   The Ray family had a house on Harikishore Ray Road, which they had sold long ago and thus no longer exists. A multi-storied building was constructed there by the new owner. The building that is now being demolished was dilapidated, risky and unusable. Since 2014, the Academy had shifted to a rented property elsewhere in Mymensingh city; and the abandoned house became a den for unlawful activities by local anti-social elements. "Hence, an initiative was taken to construct a semi-permanent building at the site in the first half of 2024. Later, following due process, Bangladesh Shishu Academy accorded permission to the District authorities to remove the old, dilapidated building through an auction," the government said. As per the decision of the Auction Committee, the general public was "widely notified" through national and local newspapers, on March 7, 2025. Last (Wednesday) afternoon, the Deputy Commissioner of Mymensingh convened a discussion participated by senior citizens, literary and cultural personalities, journalists and other distinguished members of the local community. "During the meeting, eminent writer Kangal Shahin elaborated how the dilapidated building, which is under the authority of Bangladesh Shishu Academy and being demolished, does not belong to Hari Kishore Ray or Satyajit Ray," the government said. Prof Bimal Kanti Dey, a respected member of the civil society in Mymensingh, shared additional details about the misperception about the house belonging to the Ray family. Local poet and writer Farid Ahmed Dulal also affirmed that the house has no connection with Satyajit Ray or his family. All present unanimously supported the construction of a new building for the Shishu Academy considering the benefit of the children of Mymensingh and urged it to proceed without delay. All attendees were in unequivocal agreement that the abandoned building of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy has no historical or familial ties with Satyajit Ray or his family, the government said. In this regard, Swapan Dhar, an archaeology researcher from Mymensingh, also stated that the house in question is not the ancestral home of Satyajit Ray, said the ministry. The government of India on Tuesday said they are willing to cooperate with the government of Bangladesh for the repair and reconstruction of the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh. "We note with profound regret that the ancestral property of noted filmmaker and litterateur Satyajit Ray in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, belonging to his grandfather and eminent litterateur, Upendra Kishor Ray Chowdhury, is being demolished," said the Ministry of External Affairs in its reaction. The property, presently owned by the government of Bangladesh, is in a state of disrepair, said the Indian government. Archbishop invites Prof Yunus to attend interfaith dialogue in Sept    Given the building’s landmark status, India said, symbolising Bangla cultural renaissance, it would be preferable to reconsider the demolition and examine options for its repair and reconstruction as a museum of literature and a symbol of the shared culture of India and Bangladesh. "The government of India would be willing to extend cooperation for this purpose," said the MEA.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said no border guard force has the right to shoot and kill someone who violates the law along the border, stressing that those who do this should be tried under Indian law. “We are clearly saying that the border guard force does not have the right to shoot and kill someone who violates the law at the border. It is illegal. We have been protesting about this regularly. We keep continuing our protest,” he said while talking to reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. A journalist wanted to know whether the interim government, although initially strict in its stance on protesting the border killings, has become a little softer now. In response, Adviser Hossain said, “Not at all.” 2 more held in Malaysia with indication of more arrests: Foreign Adviser Regarding push-ins from India to Bangladesh, the Adviser said these are still happening but it is against the existing arrangements between the two countries. The Foreign Affairs Adviser said that there is a prescribed process between the two countries to identify and take back citizens through exchange of lists, but if push-ins are carried out without following it, it is a clear violation of the rules. He said they have recently taken back several citizens through the existing arrangement. “We insist that they maintain this procedure. This is our expectation.”