United News of Bangladesh

Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have reaffirmed their support for the case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the Rohingya, expressing hope that it will pave the way for a lasting solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis. The pledge was made at the meeting of the OIC Ministerial Ad-Hoc Committee on Accountability for Human Rights Violation against the Rohingya held on the sideline of the 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Baghdad, Iraq. 

Bangladesh on Sunday sought further information from Saudi Arabia regarding the recent execution of two Bangladeshi nationals, raising the issue with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah. Secretary (East & West) Dr Md Nazrul Islam sought detailed information about the executions during a meeting with the Saudi Ambassador, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. When asked whether the move could be described as summoned, another official told UNB, “No, it was not." Although Dhaka raised the issue with the Saudi envoy, it expressed confidence that the incident would not affect the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. The importance of staying “mindful” of the laws of the host country was also discussed. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia across various sectors. On Saturday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the government had yet to receive detailed official information from Saudi authorities regarding the execution of a Bangladeshi man and a woman, adding that such unfortunate news was unexpected. “We have yet to receive any official detailed information from the Saudi government,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that Bangladesh sent a letter to the Saudi government requesting detailed information. Earlier, Saudi media reported that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia executed the two Bangladeshis after they were convicted of committing “indecent acts” inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca. Quoting the Saudi Interior Ministry, Gulf News reported that the court imposed the sentences because of the seriousness of the offence, the violation of the sanctity of the mosque, and the circumstances in which the acts were committed. The Saudi authorities identified the two Bangladeshis as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar. “On October 14, we learned that two Bangladeshi nationals had been sentenced to death under Saudi Arabian law and that the executions had been carried out,” the State Minister said, noting that neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the Bangladesh Mission in Saudi Arabia had been informed in advance. “We wanted to know whatever we needed to know. Let the reply come. I will be able to let you know,” Shama said. Upon learning of the incident, the Bangladesh Mission notified the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, sharing all the information it had gathered from Saudi authorities. The State Minister said the government sent a formal inquiry to ascertain the full details, including the identities of the individuals, their backgrounds in Bangladesh, and when they had originally arrived in Saudi Arabia for work. Based on past experience, the State Minister said Saudi Arabia has its own legal framework and that anyone found guilty of a grave offence is punished in accordance with the country’s laws. “The execution of two Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia serves as a major lesson for us,” she said. Shama Obaid said the repatriation of the bodies could be arranged once a response to the letter is received from Saudi Arabia.

Bangladesh and Uzbekistan on Sunday discussed possibility of free trade agreement to boost the trade and investment between the two countries. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir received Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Aloyev Bakhromjon Juraboyevich in Baghdad on the sidelines of the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers and discussed the issues of mutual interest. The two sides discussed advancing bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors including cooperation in trade and investment, air connectivity, tourism, reciprocal support in multilateral fora and enhancing business to business contacts. The State Minister is leading the Bangladesh delegation to the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad taking place from October 17-18. On Saturday, he delivered his statement in the plenary session of the Council and called for a stronger, modernised and dynamic OIC to address the challenges facing the entire Muslim Ummah. D-8’s Restructuring, Result-oriented Activities State Minister Kobir on Saturday suggested restructuring the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (Developing-8) and undertaking more result-oriented activities to make the organization more meaningful. He met D-8 Secretary General Sohail Mahmood on the sidelines of the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad and discussed issues of mutual interest. The State Minister discussed various issues under the D-8 framework, including the promotion of intra-D-8 trade and investment, contract farming and visa waivers among member states. The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation is an organization for economic cooperation among Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Türkiye. Azerbaijan joined the organization in 2025. Bangladesh-Oman Ties Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Oman on Saturday discussed ways to explore partnerships in trade and investment, skilled migration, and the possibility of institutionalising a trade framework to advance bilateral relations beyond labour market-centric relations. The State Minister received the Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Oman Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy in Baghdad on the margin of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).  

Though the country’s political situation has "stabilised", concerns remain regarding corruption, police accountability and effectiveness and the limited implementation of reforms proposed following the uprising, said a latest report released by the government of the United Kingdom. Political parties, journalists, civil society organisations and human rights groups reported "greater freedom" to operate, express views and engage in public debate than under the previous Awami League (AL) government, according to the report of a fact-finding mission on Bangladesh’s political situation. The UK government published the report official website on October 14. Political violence continues to occur, but is generally localised and most often relates to disputes over local influence, business interests, resources and political control at the local level, the report mentioned. Sources described the 2026 election as generally peaceful and significantly less violent than previous elections and noted that political violence has reduced since the election. From 7 to 15 June 2026, 3 officials from the Country Policy and Information Team (CPIT) carried out a Fact Finding Mission (FFM) to Bangladesh. The purpose of the mission was to gather information from a range of sources about the political situation since the July 2024 uprising and the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in early August of the same year. The political situation has stabilised and generally improved since the July 2024 uprising, following the interim government period and the formation of a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government following the February 2026 elections, according to the executive summary of the report. The BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), National Citizen Party (NCP) and other political opposition groups are able to organise, campaign, protest and criticise the government. The AL remains banned and public hostility towards it as an organisation remains, due to human rights abuses committed during its period in power and the events surrounding the July 2024 uprising. Low-level AL supporters who were not associated with corruption, violence or repression are generally described as able to remain in their communities. However, those openly expressing support for the party may face harassment, societal hostility or violence, said the report. Some former Awami League members have "aligned" themselves with other political parties, relocated within Bangladesh or left the country. Most people arrested on politically motivated charges under the former AL government have been released and most cases have been withdrawn. Police sources stated that more than 21,000 politically motivated or false cases have been withdrawn and that reviews of historical cases remain ongoing. Large numbers of AL politicians, activists and officials "continue to face criminal proceedings" relating to alleged actions during the former government and the July 2024 protests, said the report. Cases are proceeding through both the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and the ordinary courts. Some prominent individuals have been granted bail and released, while others remain detained pending trial. This report contains the (approved) notes of interviews with sources during a fact-finding mission (FFM) to Bangladesh. It does not provide advice on handling particular types of protection claims. The FFM was conducted in Bangladesh between 7–15 June 2026 by 3 officials from Country Policy and Information Team (CPIT), with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The team visited Dhaka. The purpose of the mission was to gather accurate and up-to-date information from a range of sources about the political situation since the July 2024 uprising, primarily on the treatment and activity of different political groups. Additionally, the mission sought to gather accurate and up-to-date information from a range of sources about law and order since 2024, the status of historical politically motivated arrests and the progress of cases involving alleged human rights abuses under the Awami League government.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Saturday suggested restructuring the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (Developing-8) and undertaking more result-oriented activities to make the organization more meaningful. He met D-8 Secretary General Sohail Mahmood on the sidelines of the 52nd OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad and discussed issues of mutual interest. The State Minister discussed various issues under the D-8 framework, including the promotion of intra-D-8 trade and investment, contract farming and visa waivers among member states.  

Bangladesh and Oman on Saturday discussed ways to explore partnerships in trade and investment, skilled migration, and the possibility of institutionalising a trade framework to advance bilateral relations beyond labour market-centric relations. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir received the Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Oman Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy in Baghdad on the margin of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The meeting also stressed the importance of more business-to-business and people-to-people contacts to translate existing bilateral relations into a more meaningful one.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Humaiun Kobir and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq Mohammed Hussein on Saturday signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in Baghdad. The MoUs were signed on the sidelines of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The MoUs provide for the mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports, and for the establishment of a mechanism for regular political consultations between the two countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the signing ceremony, the two Ministers exchanged warm greetings and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the friendly and cooperative relations between Bangladesh and Iraq.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Saturday called for a stronger, modernised and dynamic OIC to address the challenges facing the entire Muslim Ummah. He made the call while addressing the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers as the leader of the Bangladesh delegation. The 52nd session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) is currently being held in Baghdad, Iraq. This year’s CFM carries particular significance as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to severely undermine global peace and stability and disrupt supply chains.

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their inalienable right to self-determination, calling for urgent international action to end Israeli occupation, illegal settlement expansion and human rights violations. Addressing the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on ‘The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question’ on Friday, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Irene Khan strongly condemned the devastation in Gaza and expressed grave concern over escalating land confiscation, violence and illegal settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem. “The deadlock in the Security Council has enabled Israel to operate with impunity,” Ambassador Khan said, urging the Council to act decisively to halt annexation, forced displacement and human rights violations and ensure accountability. She also called for full respect for UNRWA’s mandate and continued humanitarian assistance to Palestinians. Condemning Israeli attacks and occupation in Syria and Lebanon, she emphasized the need for an adequate UN presence in Lebanon and offered Bangladesh's support. She also condemned deadly Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian airports that caused civilian casualties including Bangladeshi migrant workers. Reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to a Culture of Peace, Ambassador Khan urged all parties to protect civilians, exercise maximum restraint and uphold international humanitarian law.

Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu marked the death anniversary of Fakir Lalon Shai, the legendary mystic philosopher, humanist and Baul singer of Bengali language. The event highlighted Lalon’s enduring contributions to Bengali culture, literature and the universal values of humanity, equality and social harmony. Members of the Bangladeshi community in Kathmandu, Nepali literary community, youth leaders, civil society representatives and former Nepali diplomats posted in Dhaka attended the event. In closing remarks, Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal, highlighted the significance of Lalon Shah’s enduring philosophy calling it the foundational pillar of Bengali culture and identity. He stated that Lalon’s songs transcended geographical and religious boundaries of his time and challenged the cultural and societal prejudices while celebrating belief in humanism. Referring to Lalon’s celebrated songs, the Ambassador underscored the importance of looking beyond religious, caste and social identities to recognize shared humanity. He emphasized that Lalon’s teachings continue to inspire the pursuit of a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh. Elaborating on the history and culture of the nonconformist, mystic and spiritual sects of musicians and Bauls, he referred to the essence of the Baul culture as an integral part of Bengali society and culture. He stated that Lalon’s songs are duly recognized by the UNESCO today as an intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity because of their universal appeal. Reflecting on the cultural and people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and Nepal, Ambassador Rahman noted that both countries draw strength from their rich cultural heritage and traditions of harmony and peaceful coexistence. He stressed that cultural exchanges can foster mutual understanding, promote respect for diversity and further strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two countries. In the event, Bangladeshi singers presented Lalon Geeti and recited Lalon’s poem. The performances offered the guests an opportunity to experience a distinctive tradition of Bangladesh’s spiritual and cultural heritage. A documentary was also screened in the programme featuring a brief introduction to Lalon Shah’s life, philosophy and contribution to Bengali society, culture and literature. All the guests of the event were served lunch with Bangladeshi cuisine.