United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has reaffirmed Bangladesh’s solidarity with Qatar against any threat to its security and sovereignty. He conveyed the message during a meeting with the Qatari State Minister for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi They discussed various bilateral issues, and Qatar reiterated its commitment to support efforts for resolving the Rohingya crisis, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. Bangladesh praises Bahrain’s role in promoting Middle East stability Foreign Adviser Hossain also held discussions with the Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), exploring ways for the organization to play a greater role in addressing political challenges and promoting cooperation across Asia. Hossain is attending the sessions and side events of the 21st Manama Dialogue, which brings together global leaders and policymakers to deliberate on key regional and international security issues. Hossain held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the ongoing 21st Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, focusing on strengthening regional peace, cooperation and bilateral relations on Saturday.  

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday said the government will encourage foreign nationals who wish to come as election observers but does not want anyone arriving in the guise of the observers with the intention of tarnishing Bangladesh’s reputation. “We will definitely encourage those who want to come as observers. But we do not want anyone to come intentionally to tarnish our reputation in the name of observation,” he said. Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to holding a ‘free, fair and transparent’ election in Bangladesh. No response on request for Hasina’s extradition: Touhid Hossain US-based International Republican Institute (IRI), the European Union and the Commonwealth have already sent pre-election assessment missions to Bangladesh. “We think it’s a good sign,” said the Foreign Affairs Adviser, adding that as the election approaches, more delegations will definitely come to observe. “We want election observation to take place so that the transparency, freedom and fairness of the election are clearly demonstrated before everyone,” Hossain added. The interim government plans to hold the 13th parliamentary election in early February next year.    

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday attended the Foreign Ministers' preparatory meeting for the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha, convened to discuss Israel’s recent military attack on the State of Qatar. The meeting was chaired by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar is hosting the two-day summit of Arab and Muslim leaders to formulate a joint response following what it called Israel’s “cowardly” aggression against Doha. Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha and Secretary General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit also addressed the meeting, according to a statement from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Adviser Hossain, who arrived in Doha on Sunday morning, is leading the Bangladesh delegation. The delegation includes Additional Foreign Secretary M Forhadul Islam, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the OIC MJH Jabed, and Bangladesh Ambassador to Qatar Mohammad Hazrat Ali Khan. The government of Bangladesh on Wednesday unequivocally condemned the recent Israeli military aggression against Qatar. Such actions constitute a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar, as well as of international law and the principles of the UN Charter, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement. Bangladesh called upon the international community, particularly the United Nations and relevant stakeholders to take appropriate measures to ensure accountability and to uphold respect for international law and the UN Charter. Bangladesh said it stands in steadfast solidarity with the government and people of the brotherly State of Qatar in the face of this unlawful and unprovoked attack. This incident is yet another indication of Israel’s continued disregard for regional stability, international peace, and established international norms, Bangladesh said in its statement. "Such actions undermine global efforts towards peace and security," the statement read.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, now in Kuala Lumpur, on Friday expressed concerns over the arrests of Bangladeshi nationals on charges of terrorism. He said the government of Bangladesh will work with Malaysia to investigate allegations of militancy against Bangladeshi nationals who were arrested recently by the Malaysian Police. The issues were discussed during a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan held in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) ministerial meeting.  Adviser Hossain reiterated the firm stand of the government against terrorism and sought Malaysia's cooperation in its own investigation into the allegations through exchange of information and findings.  The Malaysian Foreign Minister assured Dhaka of facilitating access and cooperation to Bangladesh authorities. Photographs taken by two Mt. Everest summiteers on display in Dhaka Earlier, the Foreign Advisor met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy where the two held discussions on diverse bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.  Both sides discussed, among others, the ongoing reforms in Bangladesh, Rohingya crisis, post-LDC graduation support, according to the Bangladesh Mission in Kuala Lumpur.  The Foreign Adviser also called on Winston Peters, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Hon Vijitha Herath, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, and Park Yoonjoo, the Vice Minister and Head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea where a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues came for discussions.  Bangladesh became a member of ARF in 2006, a forum established in early nineties to promote confidence and trust among its 27 members that include countries in the broader Asia-Pacific.  At present, Bangladesh is co-chairing two of the ARF priority areas, “Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime” and “Disaster Relief.”  The next session of the ARF ministerial meeting is scheduled to take place in Manila in 2026. In the afternoon, the Foreign Adviser delivered the national statement at the Ministerial Meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum where he called for greater attention to the Rohingya crisis, in consideration of its national and regional security implications.  China, Canada foresee ‘renewed collaboration’ in trade, investment with Bangladesh The Foriegn Adviser also urged the ASEAN members to positively consider Bangladesh’s bid to become Sectoral Dialogue Partner.  The Foreign Adviser was accompanied by Md Shameem Ahsan, the High Commissioner of Bangaldesh to Malaysia, Md Forhadul Islam, Director General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials of the Bangladesh government.    

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday said Bangladesh will send a fresh ‘substantive’ letter to India reminding them of set mechanisms to deal with the push-ins, noting that push-in is still happening. "We will give them a fresh letter (diplomatic note) today or tomorrow. We give them a substantive letter," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. Asked whether the letter would be in a soft language or kind of a protest note, Adviser Hossain said it depends on how it is viewed. He said Bangladesh is in touch with India on the issues of push-ins with regular exchanges. Adviser Hossain said communication with New Delhi continues and Dhaka is trying that nothing happens beyond the set mechanisms, mentioning that the Indian side has given Bangladesh a list and Dhaka has taken some of them after verification. Bangladesh’s position is that it will examine each case separately and will receive only if there is proof that they are Bangladeshi citizens. "We see it (push-in) is happening. It is not possible to face physically," he said. Hossain said there is a mechanism on consular issues and using the mechanism, Dhaka is trying to bring it under the set rules. Asked about updates on deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, the Adviser said there has been no feedback yet. Prof Yunus seeks global backing to tackle Rohingya aid crisis Seeking an accelerated verification process, India has said they have a large number of Bangladeshi nationals - around over 2000 - who are required to be deported after verification. Regarding Hasina’s extradition request, the Adviser also said they did not give the second letter yet but if required, it will be done. On border killings, he said Dhaka's strong protest continues through diplomatic channels. The adviser said Consular Dialogue between the two countries can take place as there are issues (like push-ins). Asked about the next national election, Hossain said the election issue comes when they hold routine meetings at home and abroad. "We mention the government's position that the election will be held between December this year and June next year," he said. "We have asked the Bangladeshi side to verify their nationality. We have a pending list of 2360.....upwards of 2360 cases of people who are required to be deported," said official Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal recently. During a regular briefing in New Delhi, he also said many of them have actually completed their jail sentences. "And in many cases, the nationality verification is required to be done. It is pending since 2020. So, almost five years have passed," said the MEA Spokesperson. Dhaka, Thimphu see ‘significant potential’ in hydropower trade: Foreign Adviser The Indian side urged the Bangladeshi side that they must expedite the verification process so that people who are required to be deported can be sent back to Bangladesh. "They must expedite this process," Spokesperson Jaiswal said. The MEA spokesperson said the people who are staying in India illegally or the foreigners who are staying in India illegally, whether they happen to be Bangladeshi national or any other national, will be dealt with as per law. Responding to a question on India's recent trade related measures, including cancellation of transhipment facilities, Adviser Hossain said they see positive things for the country as its dependence on India reduced. "Our dependence on them has reduced. Our exports are not being affected and a mechanism has been set up to be done from Sylhet instead of Delhi," he said. The Adviser observed that trade is going on and there is no problem. "I think it has been good in one way. Why do we have to transit from other countries for everything? Since there are direct flights from here," he added. India terminated the transshipment facility for Bangladesh’s export cargo, saying the transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at their airports and ports. The facility was withdrawn from April 8, 2025. These measures do not impact Bangladesh exports to Nepal or Bhutan transiting through Indian territory.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said Bangladesh is in touch with India on the recent issues of push-ins and port-related restrictions on the import of certain goods, including readymade garments and processed food items, from Bangladesh. Responding to a question on the restrictions, Adviser Hossain said the Commerce Adviser of the interim government is looking into it. The Indian government said such port restrictions will not apply to Bangladesh goods transiting through India but destined for Nepal and Bhutan. The import of all kinds of RMG from Bangladesh is not allowed from any land port. However, it is allowed only through Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports. No issue of Foreign Secretary’s removal; responsibilities to be changed: Adviser Hossain Regarding reported push-ins, Adviser Hossain said communication with New Delhi continues and Dhaka is trying that nothing happens beyond the set mechanisms. “They (India) have conveyed their position to some extent and we explained our position. We are trying to make them understand that this is not right,” he said, referring to a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The Adviser said the Indian side has given Bangladesh a list and Dhaka is verifying it through the Home Ministry. Bangladesh’s position is that it will examine each case separately and will receive only if there is proof that they are Bangladeshi citizens.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said there is ‘no issue of removal’ regarding Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin but his responsibility will be changed as he desires to leave the current role. “Actually, there is no issue of removal. He (FS) wants to leave this responsibility for various reasons. He is in the service. The responsibility will change. He will leave his current responsibility within the next couple of days,” Adviser Hossain told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Asked about the appointment of the new Foreign Secretary, the Foreign Adviser said, “You will know this within the next couple of days.” In April, the government appointed Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, who served as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Offices in Geneva and Ambassador of Bangladesh to Switzerland, as the special assistant to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. However, he is yet to join. Asked about the status of Sufiur, Adviser Hossain said, “He is yet to join. He will join or not when the government decides.”  He also said further discussion is underway on relevant issues.   Ambassador Siam Likely Next FS Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Asad Alam Siam is likely to be the next Foreign Secretary of the country. There will be an acting Foreign Secretary until appointment of the new FS. Committed to supporting  Bangladesh in building 'more equitable' society: Norway "There was a proposed list of three candidates," a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB on Tuesday, noting that Ambassador Siam is chosen as the senior most of the three candidates. If there is no further change in the decision of the government, Ambassador Siam will replace current Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Switzerland Tareq Md Ariful Islam was also there in the list of three proposed names. In September last year, the government appointed Jashim Uddin as the 27th Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh. A career diplomat, Jashim joined Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1994. Jashim, from the 13th batch of BCS (Foreign Affairs) Cadre, served extensively both at home and abroad. Ambassador Siam joined the diplomatic service in 1995. He joined the Bangladesh Embassy in the USA in December 2024. A graduate in Architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Ambassador Siam did his MBA from Maastricht School of Management, the Netherlands. Ambassador Siam attended different professional courses at SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu; APCSS, Hawaii; IFANS, Seoul; National Defence College, Dhaka. He was a guest lecturer in different training institutions in Bangladesh. Global confidence in Bangladesh growing, says Prof Yunus In his long diplomatic career, Ambassador Siam served as Director in the Offices of Foreign Minister, Foreign Secretary; Director General in Europe and EU wing; Chief of Protocol, Rector of the Foreign Service Academy and Inspector General of Missions in the Foreign Ministry. Overseas, he served in Bangladesh Missions in Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manchester. He was Bangladesh's first Consul General in Milan, Italy; and Bangladesh's Ambassador to the Philippines, Palau, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and Slovakia. He participated in various bilateral, regional and multilateral negotiations representing Bangladesh. He served as Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Offices in Vienna and to the OPEC Fund. He was also Bangladesh’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the UNESCAP in Bangkok. He served as Governor in the Board of Governors of IAEA, Vice Chair at the 67th Commission on Narcotic and Drugs in UNODC, in the Board of Governors of the Colombo Plan Staff College, Manila both as a Chair and a Governor. There was a speculation that the Foreign Secretary would be replaced, but there is no official announcement yet.

Norway on Tuesday said it remains a "steadfast partner" in promoting transparency, accountability and justice, and is committed to supporting Bangladesh in building a 'more equitable and resilient' society. State Secretary for International Development of Norway Stine Renate Håheim met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain separately and their discussion covered a range of areas, including democracy, human rights and women’s rights. The humanitarian situation of over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh was also discussed. State Secretary Håheim is currently on a two-day visit to Bangladesh. She is scheduled to visit the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday to gain firsthand insight into the ongoing humanitarian needs and challenges. In her meeting with Prof Yunus, she reiterated Norway’s strong commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s interim government during this crucial transition period. During the meeting with Foreign Adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State Secretary Håheim laid emphasis on deepening bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Norway. She reaffirmed Norway’s support for the interim government and commended its efforts to maintain stability and implement democratic reforms. Håheim also praised Bangladesh for its continued generosity in hosting a large number of Rohingyas from Myanmar. Foreign Adviser Hossain expressed his appreciation for Norway’s longstanding development assistance and its growing engagement in Bangladesh’s private sector. Global confidence in Bangladesh growing, says Prof Yunus He stressed the need for greater international burden-sharing and called for a sustainable resolution to the Rohingya crisis, including the early repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas to Myanmar, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Adviser also underscored the importance of Bangladesh’s vibrant and rapidly growing youth population in shaping the country’s future - through fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and strengthening democratic resilience. Both the Adviser and the State Secretary highlighted the need to maintain close cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest, reaffirming their commitment to working together to address contemporary challenges.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday called for enhanced action on ensuring the protection of civilians and the safety and security of the peacekeepers, aiming to prepare for the challenges of future peacekeeping. He made the remark while speaking as a panellist at the High-Level Session of the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial being held in Berlin, Germany, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At the panel discussion, the foreign adviser also stressed partnerships among all stakeholders, including the host government, troops and police contributing countries, peacekeepers on the ground and UN Secretariat at the time of bringing any change in the requirements of existing mandates. He also expressed concern at the resource constraints and called for urgent international attention to address the funding gap.  Bangladesh pledges tech-driven, gender-inclusive UN peacekeeping support The adviser is leading a Bangladesh delegation to the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial being held in Berlin from 13-14 May 2025. The Bangladesh delegation also includes Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Defence and National Solidarity Development Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Hafiz, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armed Forces Division and Bangladesh Police. The two-day meeting, the biggest conclave of peacekeeping nations, is being participated by delegates form 160 countries. On the sidelines of the meeting, the foreign adviser also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Germany, Algeria, Costa Rica, Gambia, Guatemala, Tunisia, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, Japan and Malawi.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday said he conveyed to Pakistan that Bangladesh seeks peace and wants to avoid any form of conflict in the region. Touhid Hossain highlighted the importance of dialogue in finding a solution to any problem during his telephone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart. "Since the Pakistan Foreign Minister phoned me, I told him we want peace. We don’t want to see any conflict here," Hossain told reporters when asked about his conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Monday night. Asked whether the message would be conveyed to India, Hossain replied, “If India wants to know anything from me, I will tell Delhi exactly the same thing. I don’t need to say anything in advance.” The Foreign Adviser said the Pakistani Foreign Minister called to brief him on the steps Islamabad has taken following recent developments in the region. “He did not ask for support or any particular reaction. I simply said that peace needs to prevail, and steps should be taken to deescalate tensions. No incident should take place that can escalate the tensions. It is our expectation. We want a solution to any problem through dialogue,” said the Foreign Adviser. Prof Yunus urges young people to participate more in politics The Foreign Adviser, during the telephone conversation, expressed concern regarding the current situation in the region and stressed the importance of exercising restraint by all parties. Hossain also emphasised the need for de-escalation, according to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan shared the information through its X handle at 10:41pm on Monday. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister briefed the Adviser on the escalating regional tensions resulting from India's unfounded allegations and unilateral measures, including its arbitrary decision to suspend provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty.  Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relations and emphasised the need for maintaining regular high-level engagements. They also discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation on regional and multilateral fora.