United News of Bangladesh

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday met Prime Minister’s Political and Agriculture Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan and emphasised the need to strengthen cooperation in key sectors including agriculture and education. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Tejgaon office, where issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and China were discussed, said a press release. It said various bilateral issues were discussed with a focus on expanding cooperation in agriculture, forestry and education. The two sides highlighted the need for closer collaboration in modern farming technology, afforestation to protect the environment, and skills development in the education sector in Bangladesh. Nazrul Islam Khan sought more active support from China in these areas while the Chinese envoy assured continued cooperation in Bangladesh’s development efforts. Chinese Embassy’s Cultural Counsellor Li Shaopeng and other officials were also present at the meeting.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for enhanced Japanese investment in key sectors including renewable energy, ICT, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing and manufacturing. The State Minister held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Onishi Yohei 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 discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, technology, skills development and people-to-people exchanges. The State Minister expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis and sought further assistance to facilitate their early and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet has underlined that France is ready to support Bangladesh’s ongoing modernisation process and expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s active role in UN peacekeeping operations. He paid a courtesy call on the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division (AFD), Lieutenant General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman, at his office on  Monday. They discussed issues of common interest in defence sector cooperation including peacekeeping operations, training, and the modernisation of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, said the French Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday. He also reiterated France’s continued support for strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller has said energy security is a defining issue, which is why the European Union (EU) and Bangladesh are accelerating efforts to deploy renewable energy as a strategic priority. "What we see today is our shared determination to ensure energy security and investability for Bangladesh," said the Ambassador while speaking at a high-level event in Dhaka titled “Boosting Renewable Energy in Bangladesh – From Design to Implementation.” He said the Bangladesh Renewable EnergyFacility is a flagship initiative of the EU’s Global Gateway, which promotes the development of secure, sustainable and trusted networks and links with our partners around the globe. The event hosted by the European Union bank, the European Investment Bank (EIB), in partnership with the European Union Delegation and the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources (MoPEMR) on Monday brought together senior representatives from the Government of Bangladesh, the European Union, the European Investment Bank (EIB), Team Europe, other international partners, financial institutions, regulators, and the private sector. It was organised under the Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility (BREF), an EU Global Gateway flagship in the energy sector that is accelerating large-scale renewable energy investments to advance Bangladesh’s energy security, climate targets and green transition, said the EU Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday. The EU financial contribution for the public sector amounts to €395 million, combining a €350 million sovereign EU-guaranteed EIB loan with an EU blending grant of €45 million, including €6 million to ensure the bankability and de-risking of a major pipeline of projects. Additional financing is being provided by Germany (€50 million plus €1.5 million TA grant). BREF will leverage around €700 million in total investments in wind and solar energy. It will deliver up to 750 MWp of new renewable capacity, improve grid resilience and decentralisation, and promote innovation in areas such as dual land use (energy and agriculture) and battery energy storage systems. Michal Krejza, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Bangladesh delivered welcome remarks at the event. Nur Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Planning), Power Division, highlighted that thecollaboration between the government, the European Union, the European Investment Bank, and Team Europe reflects a shared commitment to delivering a clean, secure, and resilient energy future. "Such cooperation is essential to mobilise the scale of investment, expertise, and technical support required." Michael Steidl, Head of Regional Representation to South Asia, EIB, said the EIB is proud to be supporting Bangladesh’s journey to a low-carbon energy future. "The Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility is a cornerstone for the country’s green energy transition, bringing together significant European investment and partnership. The Technical Assistance component is especially crucial; it ensures that projects are well-prepared, bankable, and meet the highest technical, environmental, and social standard.” Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, Ambassador of Germany to Bangladesh, said the BangladeshRenewable Energy Facility (BREF) represents a landmark collaboration in the energy sector between the Government of Bangladesh, the European Union (EU), and its member states - and of course for Germany. "I therefore wholeheartedly encourage you to move forward boldly and harness the power of solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.” The event featured a presentation on the Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility (BREF) and its Technical Assistance (BREF-TA), which is designed to accelerate large-scale renewable energy investments and support Bangladesh’s climate commitments. Dr. Andreas Wiese, Managing Director of GOPA Tech and lead partner of the BREF-TAConsultant Consortium, said as the lead partner of the Consortium delivering Technical Assistance for the Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility, GOPA Tech is proud to support Bangladesh’s ambitious journey toward a sustainable energy future. "Through BREF-TA, we are committed to providing hands-on expertise and practical solutions that help projects reach bankability, foster innovation, and strengthen institutional capacity."

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday briefed European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas on Bangladesh’s recent democratic developments and on the government’s ongoing reform, reconstruction, and development efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.  He thanked Kallas for sending a strong election observation mission to Bangladesh during the recent parliamentary elections.  Kallas highly appreciated Bangladesh for very successful and credible elections, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides underscored the importance of deepening cooperation across all possible domains, including in trade and investment, regional cooperation, migration and mobility, and humanitarian issues. The Foreign Minister highlighted predictable market access as a key priority of Bangladesh, and stressed the need to move toward stronger and more durable economic partnership arrangements with the EU.  He also emphasized Bangladesh’s interest in advancing discussions on a Bangladesh–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) at the soonest. He was joined by Humaiun Kobir, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Foreign Affairs. In addition to Adviser Humaiun Kobir, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh was accompanied by Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Nahida Sobhan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to Geneva; and Khandker Masudul Alam, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Belgium and Head of Mission to the EU during the meetings. The visit marked a significant milestone in Bangladesh-EU relations as the two sides initialled the Bangladesh–EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).  On the occasion, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Kaja Kallas witnessed the initialing of the PCA.  Addressing the media, both sides described the agreement as a forward-looking and comprehensive framework that will elevate Bangladesh–EU relations across the political, economic, development, and security domains, while strengthening cooperation on regional and global issues of shared interest. During their meeting at the European External Action Service Headquarters, the two leaders appreciated the longstanding and trusted partnership between Bangladesh and the European Union and reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing this relationship. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur thanked the EU for its support for Rohingya humanitarian operations and sought their continued engagement for a sustainable solution of the protracted problem. Bangladesh-Belgium Relations  Later, the Foreign Minister held a bilateral meeting with Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium.  The meeting reviewed the state of Bangladesh-Belgium relations and explored avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, innovation, and multilateral engagement.  The two sides agreed to hold the 3rd Bangladesh -Belgium Consultations in Brussels later this year. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur reiterated Bangladesh’s desire to further deepen bilateral ties with Belgium as a valued partner.  He encouraged greater engagement by Belgian businesses and institutions in Bangladesh, particularly in areas where Belgium has recognized strengths, including logistics, port management, biotech and pharmaceuticals, technology, and water management.  The two sides also exchanged views on migration and mobility, visa and consular matters, and the Rohingya humanitarian situation. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and deepening engagement on the multilateral plane. The Foreign Minister also met Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, and discussed expanding Bangladesh-EU cooperation in research, science, technology, innovation, and start-ups.  The discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration under Horizon Europe, as well as in artificial intelligence, digital innovation,  energy efficiency and sustainable development.  They also discussed developing a framework for sustained future engagement.

Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas on Monday said the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Bangladesh is about prosperity for both sides through trade and investment, digital trade, customs cooperation, intellectual property rights, education and training, and science and technology. "PCA is rooted in shared commitment to international law and norms. It foresees greater cooperation on climate change, counterterrorism, migration, trafficking, money laundering, drugs, organised crime, and crisis management," she said on the occasion of the 'initialling' of the PCA. Bangladesh is the first South Asian country to conclude a modern PCA with the European Union. Once it enters into force, the PCA will replace the 2001 Cooperation Agreement. Kallas, also EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, thanked both the negotiating teams, in particular, the chief negotiators whose efforts have been really solid. "I look forward to signing the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in the near future once necessary formalities, including legal scrubbing are completed and to working together with you to make these commitments a reality," she said. She said it responds to the need for a "more strategic and comprehensive" basis for the Bangladesh-EU relations, because the existing bilateral agreement dates back to 1994. "It also reflects our shared ambition to deepen cooperation and build resilience," she added. Kallas welcomed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman to Brussels and said, "We appreciate your visit so early in your tenure."  

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday reiterated the government’s strong interest in working closely with the European Union (EU) to build a robust innovation ecosystem and support startup development. The Foreign Minister held a ‘productive meeting’ with Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation of the European Commission Ekaterina Zaharieva in Brussels and discussed issues of mutual interest. The discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration under Horizon Europe, as well as in artificial intelligence, digital innovation, energy efficiency and sustainable development. The issue of developing a framework for sustained future engagement was also discussed. Khalilur Rahman was joined by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to deepening its long-standing and trusted partnership with the European Union, particularly in the fields of research, innovation, technology and start-ups. The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation and a shared vision to make research and innovation a cornerstone of Bangladesh-EU relations.

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman left Dhaka for Malaysia on Sunday on a four-day official visit. On Monday, he visited The Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (NATSEC ASIA) 2026 Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur as the representative of the Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tareq Rahman. The exhibition, considered one of the largest in Asia, is showcasing modern defence systems, electronic warfare technologies, and a wide range of security and military equipment. During the visit, the Army Chief is also scheduled to attend the 8th Putrajaya Forum on April 21. Malaysian PM invites PM Tarique The forum will feature important discussions on the impact of emerging technologies on regional security and stability in the ASEAN region, along with various coordinated and collaborative policies and strategies. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with relevant Malaysian representatives. The visit is expected to further strengthen regional relations and security cooperation.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Monday said it is important that French and European companies are treated on an equal footing with others and can benefit from a level playing field. “We want to act in a spirit of cooperation for the greatest benefit of Bangladesh. This will encourage more European companies to invest in Bangladesh,” he said while joining Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam and State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat at the inauguration of Bangladesh’s new Air Traffic Management (ATM) Centre. This marks a major step forward in Bangladesh’s aviation modernization and a notable milestone in its partnership with France, said the French Embassy in Dhaka. The Ambassador highlighted the project as a symbol of deepening cooperation between France and Bangladesh. “The cooperation we celebrate today is an excellent example for companies, demonstrating that collaboration works and that we can develop new links between our two countries,” he said. He emphasised that this collaboration reflects France’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s aviation sector - not only in enhancing safety and operational efficiency but also in expanding future capacity and connectivity. “With a newly elected democratic government in Bangladesh, I believe the time has come to increase opportunities for cooperation and develop new partnerships. France is ready for that and so is the European Union,” he said. Led by the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, the project introduces a state-of-the-art nationwide system designed to significantly enhance airspace safety, efficiency, and capacity. The new infrastructure - developed with support from the French technology company Thales—fully aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization standards and incorporates advanced air traffic control and surveillance technologies. At the heart of this modernization is the newly constructed Air Traffic Management Centre, along with a cutting-edge control tower and radar facilities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Together, these upgrades provide comprehensive surveillance coverage, enabling more precise aircraft tracking and improved coordination across Bangladesh’s airspace.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma has said Bangladesh and India, as the two largest economies of the region and close neighbours with focus on building connectivity, are ‘uniquely positioned’ to lead the regional economic integration, and build resilient and future-ready supply chains. He made the remarks while welcoming a delegation of newly appointed directors of the India Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI) over an interactive session held at the High Commission recently. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to unlock new avenues of cooperation and elevate the Bangladesh-India economic partnership to the next level, said the High Commission on Monday. IBCCI is a platform comprising over 500 companies, which promotes bilateral trade, investment and business collaboration between India and Bangladesh. The High Commissioner appreciated the role played by IBCCI in strengthening economic partnership between India and Bangladesh. He emphasised the need to leverage the geographical proximity between the two countries into tangible economic opportunities, and urged IBCCI to develop a future-oriented economic engagement transforming trade linkages into broader economic partnerships, investments and value chain integration. The High Commissioner also exchanged views with the IBCCI delegation about recent developments in bilateral economic engagement, including the newly instituted mechanisms for trade settlement in Indian Rupees, as well as ongoing infrastructure upgrades at key Land Customs Stations to facilitate more efficient cross-border trade.