United News of Bangladesh

Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom Dr Nazrul Islam met the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on cultural cooperation and the welfare and contributions of the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Edinburgh. The meeting took place during a two-day visit by Nazrul Islam to Scotland, during which he also participated in several other programmes. The acting high commissioner also attended a discussion on Foreign Investment and Business Opportunities in Bangladesh, jointly organised by the Honorary Consulate of Bangladesh in Edinburgh and the local Bangladeshi community. The event highlighted Bangladesh’s dynamic economic landscape and emerging investment prospects. In addition, Nazrul Islam held interactive meetings with members of the Bangladeshi community in Dundee and Kinross, encouraging greater engagement in promoting trade, investment, and people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. Assistant High Commissioner in Manchester Mohammad Jobayed Hosen was present in the meetings.

A high-level delegation from the European Union (EU), led by Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, met Chief Whip of the Opposition and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam at the party’s central office in Dhaka on Tuesday. The substantial exchange centred on ongoing reforms, the national budget, preparations for local elections and the participation of youth and women in all spheres of society, according to a press release. During the meeting, both delegations discussed executing the key reforms ratified in the recent popular referendum. They also reviewed the EU Election Observation Team’s guidelines on securing transparent and credible electoral processes, as well as institutional frameworks for the upcoming local government elections. The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue, and constructive international cooperation. Following the formal session, NCP leaders guided the EU delegation through the historic July Revolution graffiti, highlighting the aspirations and spirit of the youth during the revolution. NCP International Affairs In-Charge Alauddin Mohammad and Joint Convener Monira Sharmin attended the meeting. The EU delegation was also represented by Deputy Head of Delegation Baiba Zarina and First Secretary (Political) Sebastian Riger Brown.

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury on Monday urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Labour Centre to ensure safe working conditions, social protection and dignified treatment for millions of Bangladeshi workers employed across OIC member states. The minister raised the issues during a meeting with OIC Labour Centre Director General Azar Bayramov on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Calling for stronger protection of migrant workers, the minister urged the OIC Labour Centre to take more effective measures to guarantee workplace safety, social security and respect for Bangladeshi workers in member countries. He noted that OIC member states stand to benefit significantly from exchanging best practices and labour market data, adding that there is "ample scope for cooperation and labour market coordination among OIC countries to protect workers facing multifaceted challenges in a rapidly changing job market." Stressing the need to equip the young workforce with future-ready skills, particularly in science, technology and the digital economy, the minister called on the OIC Labour Centre to extend technical assistance, generate employment opportunities and offer skills development training for Bangladeshi workers. He also assured the centre of Bangladesh's full cooperation in any training programmes, workshops or capacity-building initiatives it may undertake. OIC Labour Centre Director General Bayramov thanked Bangladesh for signing the OIC Labour Centre statute and urged Dhaka to ratify it at the earliest. He assured that his organisation would work specifically to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi migrant workers across OIC countries and ensure their safe working conditions and social protection. The Bangladeshi delegation included Labour Secretary Md. Abdur Rahman Tarafdar, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Switzerland Nahida Sobhan, Additional Secretary Md. Humayun Kabir, and Deputy Secretaries Syed Irtiza Ahsan and Md. Shamsul Islam.

Japan will provide Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan of up to 50 billion yen – equivalent to around US$ 312 million – to support the Bangladesh government’s efforts to strengthen fiscal management, improve the investment environment, and ensure stable energy supply, which are essential for sustaining economic stability, reform momentum, and long-term resilience. The support, co-financed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aims to help mitigate the socio-economic impact of recent global challenges, including rising energy prices and uncertainty in energy supply caused by the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East. Committed to advancing key projects with Bangladesh, safety remains top priority: Japan Economic Relations Division Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi on Tuesday signed the exchange of notes for Japan’s emergency support loan for enhancing economic resilience and stable energy supply to Bangladesh. Following the signing of the exchange of notes, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bangladesh Office Takahashi Junko and Secretary Kader Siddiky signed the loan agreement. Japan said it has consistently stood by Bangladesh since its independence and remains committed to working closely with the government and people of Bangladesh as a trusted partner for its “stability, prosperity, and development.” Ambassador Saida said the signing is a clear demonstration of Japan’s unwavering partnership with Bangladesh at an important juncture. He underlined that Bangladesh is a key partner of Japan under the Strategic Partnership between the two countries and for realising a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s stability, prosperity, and sustainable development. This loan also has regional and strategic significance, said the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. It is the first Japanese ODA loan project under “POWERR Asia”, launched by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the AZEC Plus Online Summit on Energy Resilience in April 2026, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also participated. POWERR Asia aims to strengthen energy and resource resilience across Asia through both emergency responses and structural cooperation, including support for energy procurement, supply-chain maintenance, energy diversification, and industrial resilience. By supporting Bangladesh’s economic and energy stability, the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka said, this loan is expected not only to help Bangladesh but to contribute to strengthening resilience of supply-chains across Asia, including those connected to Japan. It is also expected to further promote a wide range of Bangladesh-Japan cooperation projects under the Strategic Partnership, including quality infrastructure, energy, transport, trade and investment, human resource development, and private sector cooperation.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said Bangladesh, as the current Chair of BIMSTEC, remains committed to fostering trust, inclusivity and collaboration among member States and to advancing an open, prosperous, and connected Bay of Bengal region. Celebrating the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) in Dhaka on Monday night, she emphasised the importance of seamless multimodal connectivity, enhanced trade and investment, technology transfer, stronger supply chains, and people-to-people contacts. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M. Iqbal Hossain were also present. Secretary General of BIMSTEC Indra Mani Pandey said this year’s BIMSTEC Day celebration held special significance as BIMSTEC commemorates its 29th anniversary and begins the year-long celebration leading to its 30th anniversary.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday underscored the importance of deepening multilateral cooperation and called for stronger, sustained international engagement to help resolve the Rohingya crisis. She raised the issue when Director General for Asia and the Pacific at the German Federal Foreign Office Frank Hartmann paid a courtesy call on her at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz accompanied the Director General. UNSC: Bangladesh seeks measures for safe return of Rohingays The two sides underscored their commitment to advancing the political and economic partnership that has benefited both sides. They discussed avenues for diversifying and strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, supply chain, skills development, migration, people-to-people exchange, and peace and security. The Director General emphasised  the need for diversifying and bolstering bilateral trade to stimulate cooperation in other sectors. Both sides also discussed  holding bilateral consultations and conducting high-level visits to add momentum to the bilateral relations. The Director General congratulated Bangladesh on being elected for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the term 2026-2027. Both sides underscored the importance of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) to enhance bilateral trade. The two sides exchanged views on regional and global issues, underscoring the importance of peace, stability, and enhanced international cooperation. Earlier, the Director General met Secretary (East & West) at the Ministry Dr Md Nazrul Islam and discussed on pathways for enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday met Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev in Moscow and discussed future Bangladesh-Russia cooperation in nuclear energy. They also reviewed the progress of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The first power unit was commissioned on April 28, and the second unit could also be launched this year. Russia has described the construction of Bangladesh's first nuclear power plant in Rooppur as the flagship project of the bilateral partnership, noting that, once fully operational, the plant will provide up to 10% of the country's total electricity generation. Based on Russian technology, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, the foundation for Bangladesh's nuclear industry has been laid, and qualified national personnel have been trained for it. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur earlier met Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Konstantin Kosachev.

Bangladesh and the Netherlands on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two countries through sustained high-level engagement and enhanced cooperation in bilateral and multilateral fora. The two countries held wide-ranging discussions on political and economic developments, the Bangladesh-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Bangladesh’s LDC graduation, migration cooperation, human capital development, women’s empowerment, semiconductor technology, education and sports, people-to-people exchanges, as well as regional and multilateral issues. The issues were discussed when Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Director for Asia and Oceania at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dominique Kuhling, who is visiting Bangladesh from June 8-10, was also present during the meeting, said the Ministry. The State Minister appreciated the Netherlands’ longstanding support for Bangladesh’s development journey, particularly in the areas of democratic transition, trade and investment, sustainability in industrial sector agriculture and water management. She thanked the Netherlands for its continued support to the Rohingya and host communities and reiterated the importance of ensuring the safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. Earlier, the Dutch delegation met Secretary (East, West) Dr Md Nazrul Islam at the Ministry and exchanged views on advancing Bangladesh-Netherlands cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Bangladesh is in discussion with Russia to enhance manpower, sending up to 100,000 workers within the next year. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman made a proposal to the Russian authorities on Monday who agreed to work on it expeditiously. Currently, nearly 10,000 Bangladeshis are working in Russia, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides are expected to complete necessary formalities in this regard soon. Earlier in his bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister discussed to increase bilateral trade volume and requested Russian government for duty free quota free (DFQF) market access to Bangladesh’s products and urged steps for fast-track registration process for Bangladeshi products. He requested Russia in invest in special economic zones and Hi-Tech parks in Bangladesh including in emerging sectors such as light-to-heavy engineering, food and agro-processing, petrochemicals, steel manufacturing, IT, etc.    Dr Khalilur requested Russia to support Bangladesh for concluding an FTA between Bangladesh and Eurasia Economic Commission (EEC).  Currently, EEC has five members namely Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. In addition, both sides agreed that the trade volume between Bangladesh and Russia is well below the potential. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur emphasised the prospect of rapidly increasing Bangladeshi exports, particularly readymade garments and pharmaceuticals to the Russian market. In this regard, the Russian side welcomed the proposal to host a business delegation from Bangladesh in the coming weeks. The issue of cooperation in the area of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), came up prominently during the visit. The Foreign Minister proposed that a delegation on the application of AI in agriculture and health should visit Bangladesh, to which the Russian authorities readily agreed.  The Russian authorities also expressed interest in assisting Bangladesh in preparing its national AI policy and establishing institutions of excellence in AI in Bangladesh. Dr Khalilur held an official bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Monday. The two leaders discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and their wider engagement and cooperation in the regional and international forums including the United Nations.  Both leaders recollected their friendship began four decades ago when they were representatives of their respective countries to the United Nations. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur recalled the historic contribution of the former USSR during Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The former USSR was one of the first countries to recognize Bangladesh. Both the Foreign Ministers looked forward to the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relation in 2027. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated their vows to widen and strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh. He warmly congratulated Bangladesh Foreign Minister for being elected as the President of the 81st Session of the UNGA.  Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur thanked Russia for its support to his UNGA Presidency candidature. During the meeting, the two leaders took stock of bilateral cooperation in sectors and areas such as industry, power & energy, agriculture, research & technology, culture, education, tourism, transport and defence and resolved to expand and deepen cooperation in these areas.  He sought Russian support for Bangladesh to be an official member of BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to which Russian Foreign Minister replied positively. Thanking the government of Russia for the fuel loading of the first unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the Bangladesh Foreign Minister requested Russian Foreign Minister to extend full support in expediting the commissioning of the second unit as planned.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday said Russia will welcome Bangladesh as a candidate for the BRICS membership once the process resumes, stressing that advantages from the BRICS membership are obvious.  "As for BRICS, the ten members currently comprising the group have agreed to put the admission of new members on hold for the time being, because just two years ago the number of BRICS members doubled overnight, and we need a little time to adjust to the new lineup," he said after his bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman in Moscow.  "But our stance on Bangladesh’s candidature when this pause is over is as follows: we will welcome the candidature of this large and important Asian nation," Lavrov added.  BRICS brings together eleven major emerging markets and developing countries of the world: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and United Arab Emirates.  It serves as a useful platform for consultation and cooperation on contemporary issues having global as well as regional significance, and issues of global political and economic governance. According to the top Russian diplomat, advantages from the BRICS membership are obvious.  That is why "a big number of countries, more than the current number of BRICS members, want to join these advantages, he said. "We fully understand the aspirations of the applicants, including our friends from Bangladesh, who are already members and shareholders of the New Development Bank and are very pleased with such participation," said the Russian Foreign Minister.  Bangladesh and Russia have broad opportunities to scale up bilateral trade volumes, Foreign MinisterDr Khalilur Rahman said at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He said they discussed the need for further expanding our ties in different fields, there is ample scope for substantially increasing our trade volumes in both ways.  "We discussed the ways in which we could accomplish this, and will continue to have some of the ideas on the table, like the possibility of granting duty-and quota-free treatment, and to assist us to complete a preferential agreement with Eurasian Economic Union," Dr Khalilur said. The vast potential for cooperation exists also in the labor resources sphere, he added.