United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and Ethiopia have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a higher level through enhanced economic cooperation. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, now visiting Ethiopia, held a meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos and discussed issues of mutual interest.  

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Shafiqur Rahman on Tuesday underlined the need for forming a strategic cooperation framework to effectively harness the full potential of bilateral engagement in priority sectors. During a meeting with Foreign Minister of Nepal Shishir Khanal at his office, the Ambassador suggested that the two sides may consider identifying a set of time-bound, mutually agreed deliverables to guide their implementations. The two sides reviewed the existing avenues to expand bilateral trade and investment, underscoring that early conclusion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) will provide a meaningful impetus to deepen commercial ties and create mutually beneficial opportunities for businesses in both countries. Recalling the strong public mandate, the envoy urged that this is an opportune moment for both the leadership to review the current state of cooperation and take forward-looking action plans with a view to further elevating the partnership. He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh stands ready to advance and build upon the positive momentum and synergies that mark the two countries’ shared efforts towards economic development and peace. The Ambassador conveyed warm congratulations and regards from the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh to the Foreign Minister of Nepal on his recent appointment and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to work closely with Nepal under his esteemed leadership. Noting the longstanding bonds of friendship between the two countries, the two sides held constructive discussions on a broad range of issues of mutual interest, with a shared focus on translating the goodwill into practical cooperation. The two sides also expressed keen interest in advancing cooperation in tourism, agriculture, food security, and hydropower, with a view to delivering tangible benefits to their respective peoples. Foreign Minister Khanal highlighted the potential value of establishing direct air connectivity between Pokhara and Cox’s Bazar, noting that such a link could significantly facilitate tourism, strengthen people-to-people exchanges, and further deepen mutual understanding between the two countries.

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie Amde has welcomed Bangladeshi investment in Ethiopia, particularly in the garment and pharmaceutical sectors.  He highlighted the need for closer interaction between the business communities of the two countries, including business-level cooperation, to facilitate trade and investment. The issues were discussed when Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman met the President at the latter's office in Addis Ababa. Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir was present at the meeting.  The Foreign Minister invited the Ethiopian President to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time and requested him to open Ethiopia’s embassy in Dhaka, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   

Bangladesh has called for stronger regional cooperation to tackle climate change, economic pressures and global uncertainty at the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok. A Bangladesh delegation, led by Faqir Mahbub Anam, adviser to the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, joined the session on Monday. During the meeting, Bangladesh urged countries in the region to work together to address shared challenges and ensure sustainable development. It also highlighted steps taken to strengthen its economy, including supporting small businesses, attracting investment and promoting innovation. The delegation stressed the importance of creating more opportunities for youth and women through skills development, employment generation and expansion of the digital economy. At the same time, Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to social protection, healthcare and climate action, including the promotion of renewable energy. The country emphasised that stronger regional cooperation is essential for shared progress and building a better future for all. The 82nd session of ESCAP is being held in Bangkok this week under the theme “Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific.” The session was officially inaugurated by Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB) has said the recently signed Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is more than a milestone and it is a message that Bangladesh is ready to move beyond its LDC identity and assert itself as a dynamic, rules-based trading nation. If implemented effectively, the ICCB said, this agreement could unlock a new era of industrial upgrading, export diversification, and global integration. The leading chamber body said the challenge now is clear: to translate this historic opportunity into sustained economic momentum while pursuing similar EPAs with other developed countries. The signing of the EPA on 6 February 2026 marks a defining moment in Bangladesh’s trade diplomacy, according to the editorial of the current News Bulletin (Jan- March, 2026) of International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB) released on Monday. As the country’s first-ever comprehensive economic partnership agreement with a developed economy, the EPA signals a strategic transition—from preferential access as a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a rules-based, competitive global trade framework. It is not merely a trade deal; it is a forward-looking blueprint for Bangladesh’s economic transformation in a post-LDC world, said the ICCB. At its core, the EPA delivers immediate and tangible benefits. Japan has granted duty-free access to 7,379 Bangladeshi products—covering nearly 97% of Bangladesh’s export basket, including its dominant ready-made garments sector. This is particularly significant as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from LDC status, a transition that would otherwise expose its exports to tariffs in key markets. By securing continued preferential access to Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy, Bangladesh has effectively mitigated one of the biggest risks associated with LDC graduation, ICCB said. Beyond tariffs, the EPA is comprehensive in scope. It includes provisions on services, investment, customs facilitation, intellectual property, and digital trade—areas that are increasingly critical in modern trade agreements. Japan is opening 120 service sub-sectors to Bangladeshi professionals, while Bangladesh is reciprocating with access to 97 sub-sectors. This now opens new pathways for skilled Bangladeshi workers in sectors such as IT, engineering, and care giving, while also encouraging Japanese investment in high-value manufacturing and technology transfer, ICCB said. Equally important is the EPA’s potential to reshape Bangladesh’s export structure. For decades, the country’s export portfolio has remained heavily concentrated in readymade apparels. The EPA provides an opportunity to diversify into higher-value sectors such as electronics, automotive components, and processed goods, supported by Japanese investment and integration into regional supply chains. By reducing non-tariff barriers and improving regulatory transparency, the agreement enhances Bangladesh’s credibility as a reliable trade and investment destination. Looking ahead, ICCB said the Bangladesh–Japan EPA sets a powerful precedent for future trade agreements. It strengthens Bangladesh’s negotiating position with other major economies, including the European Union, ASEAN countries, and the United Kingdom. Policymakers, as well as the private sector, are already viewing the EPA as a template for future Economic Partnership Agreements and Free Trade Agreements. The experience gained in regulatory alignment, standards compliance, and market access negotiations will be invaluable as Bangladesh seeks to expand its trade network and reduce overdependence on a limited number of markets. Parallel to this development, the evolving Bangladesh–USA Reciprocal Trade Agreement offers a more conditional and limited framework compared to the comprehensive Japan EPA.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Tuesday reaffirmed France’s continued support for strengthening defence cooperation with Bangladesh. While visiting the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT), the Ambassador expressed interest in exploring new opportunities for further collaboration with the institute. The Ambassador commended the professionalism, efficiency, and global standards maintained by BIPSOT as a key training hub for UN peace operations, said the French Embassy in Dhaka. He highlighted the strong cooperation between France and Bangladesh in UN peacekeeping operations, particularly under missions such as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) where Bangladesh remains one of the leading troop-contributing countries. He was given an overview of the institution’s training activities and its role in preparing personnel for UN peacekeeping missions. The Ambassador especially appreciated the strong emphasis placed on French language training, as some UN missions are active in Francophone countries.

The Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT), established by Queen Elizabeth II, has announced the QECT 100 Young Leaders Awardees 2026, recognising 100 exceptional young changemakers from across the Commonwealth, including four young leaders from Bangladesh. “Congratulations to the four young leaders from Bangladesh recognised among the QECT 100,” said British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Tuesday. She said their work reflects the shared Commonwealth values of inclusion and innovation and honours Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring commitment to empowering young people to shape a better future. This initiative marks what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday on 21 April 2026 and celebrates her belief in the power of young people to strengthen communities and shape the future, said the British High Commission in Dhaka. Shah Rafayat Chowdhury of Footsteps Bangladesh, Munia Islam Mozumder of Teach for Bangladesh, Imran Hamin of Farm Solution BD and Md Rezwanul Islam Shuvo of Eco Sentinels Bangladesh are the four young leaders from Bangladesh who have been selected as part of this distinguished global cohort. Selected through a highly competitive process from thousands of applications, the awardees represent impactful work across education and employability, environment, food and agriculture, health, and inclusion. The awards honour young leaders whose initiatives are transforming communities and addressing some of the Commonwealth’s most pressing challenges. Over the coming months, awardees will participate in curated engagements, capacity-building opportunities, and global networking designed to amplify their work and strengthen their impact.

The Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday said it will continue its efforts to facilitate the safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and has also facilitated the safe evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan. The Embassy, in a press statement, called upon all concerned to refrain from any actions or statements that may create misperceptions, and to uphold the spirit of mutual respect that governs the enduring ties between the two brotherly nations. Iran reiterates its firm commitment to strengthening the close and amicable relations between the two nations. The Embassy expressed its dissatisfaction with the selective dissemination of excerpts from recent media interviews concerning developments in the Middle East, which have been republished by certain media outlets and social media platforms. “Such actions are deemed inconsistent with the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries,” said the Embassy, noting that these inaccurate and selective representations are regrettable and contrary to the principles of responsible media conduct. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of Bangladesh enjoy longstanding, friendly, and brotherly relations founded upon mutual respect and shared values. Iran reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The Embassy welcomed the meeting held between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The Embassy said they will earnestly pursue the constructive and fruitful engagements and initiatives between the officials of the two countries and underscores the importance of further expanding bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest. Iran appreciated the balanced and constructive position of the government of Bangladesh in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy, which remain essential for the region and the wider international community. The Embassy also expressed its sincere appreciation for the messages of condolence conveyed by the Government of Bangladesh following the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the Leader of the Ummah and the great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei. Particular appreciation is extended for the adoption of a condolence motion at the opening session of the 13th Parliament, which constitutes a notable and exceptional gesture. The Embassy further expressed its gratitude for the presence of a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka to sign the condolence book. Iran also appreciated the decision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to send emergency medical assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The Islamic Republic of Iran, while appreciating the support of the government and people of Bangladesh, expressed its heartfelt condolences over the loss of Bangladeshi nationals resulting from the war ‘initiated by the United States and the Zionist regime and their unlawful aggression’ against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in these unfortunate incidents. 

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has appreciated Portugal’s continued support in hosting a significant number of Bangladeshi expatriates and called for the expanded recruitment of both skilled and semi-skilled workers. She underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral trade including increasing Bangladesh’s exports of jute and jute-based products to the EU market, and invited greater Portuguese investment. The State Minister met Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier on the sidelines of the “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa” held in Dakar, Senegal on April 20, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. They also discussed enhancing cooperation in areas such as sports, culture and women’s empowerment, and exchanged views on addressing the Rohingya crisis.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has underscored Bangladesh’s renewed journey of democratic transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aimed at building a discrimination-free and prosperous nation anchored in stability, peace and security. She participated in a high-level panel at “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa” on April 20. The panel was moderated by Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang and featured Yaou Sangaré Bakary, Foreign Minister of Niger, Mohamed Ali Nafti, Foreign Minister of Tunisia, Dr Morissanda Kouyaté, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea and Joao Cravinho, EU Special Representative for the Sahel region, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. Shama Obaed thanks Algeria for cooperation in hydrocarbons sector