United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday sought more investment in the areas of education, science and technology. Adviser Hossain was speaking at the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) and SEACO Universities Network (SUN) held at the State Guest House, Padma. "One of the shortcomings of the Muslim World is its backwardness in the areas of education, science and technology, despite possessing immense human potential and a rich intellectual heritage. It must invest more to transform its education system and bring meaningful change in the lives of the people," he said. Dhaka, Islamabad foreign affairs chiefs hold telephone talks

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday acknowledged that the relations between Bangladesh and India have not been 'very smooth’ and to some extent stalled facing some setbacks, during the tenure of the interim government. He however expressed optimism that the next elected government would be able to address these challenges and make the relationship smoother. From the outset, Hossain said, the interim government laid emphasis on maintaining a ‘good working relationship’ with India and did not want to blame anyone for the issues they faced. “I do not want to blame anyone. India has certainly acted in the way it considers best for its interests. We have also tried to act in a way that protects our interests. In many cases, the expectations of the two sides did not match," he told reporters during a views-exchange meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the afternoon. Hossain said there is a difference in how the two sides perceive their own interests, which is why they could not move forward in many areas. Dhaka-Delhi relations, which were described as having witnessed 'a golden chapter' during the previous regime, remained tense throughout the tenure of the outgoing interim government, with several issues preventing ties from returning to a normal and smooth footing. The strain persisted until the final phase of the interim administration, when even sports-related issues became entangled in the broader diplomatic unease. Expressing optimism that the next elected government would be able to move the relationship forward, Hossain at the farewell interaction said the government succeeding the interim administration would find ways to overcome the kind of deadlock and make relations smoother. “I would hope that during the tenure of my successor and the government that succeeds this interim government, a smooth relationship will once again be established,” he said. Hossain said there are issues and conflicts of interest that exist in relations with any country. “Still, a smooth relationship is important. During our time, the relationship was not very smooth. I accept that because there were several setbacks,” he said. Responding to a question about how relations would be affected by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina staying in India, Hossain said, “You cannot be pessimistic. You have to be optimistic. I am optimistic that a way will definitely be found and that solutions to these problems can be reached.” Asked about India’s attitude towards Dhaka’s request for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, he said that attitude is an abstract matter and should not be speculated upon. “What has been done officially can be said. We have asked for her return. We have not received a response. It would not be right for us to speculate beyond that,” he said. Hossain reiterated that the interim government consistently sought good working relations with India. “I can say this much from my side and from the position of the person above me, the Chief Adviser, or the government - there has been no conflict in intent. On the basis of reciprocity and mutual understanding, we genuinely wanted a good working relationship with India. We have always wanted this,” he said. Regarding relations not reaching the expected level, Hossain said, “I cannot say for sure that we have succeeded. In many cases, relations are at a standstill. I would not say a major crisis has emerged, but the relationship has to some extent stalled.” Responding to another question, the Adviser said the interim government is not leaving burdens for the next elected government. Rather, he said, it is working to move issues forward and make things easier for the incoming administration. He cited a likely tariff deal with the United States as an example. Hossain also said some agreements being signed had been under negotiation for a long time. Hossain condemned the attacks on media houses The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, saying such incidents were unacceptable. “Such attacks are not acceptable. We condemn them,” he said, acknowledging that the government was unable to prevent the incidents. Attacks on media houses not acceptable: Adviser Hossain However, he said the Home Ministry would be better placed to comment further on the matter. Hossain said after the formation of the interim government, the media had been able to speak freely. When asked about mob violence and the attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo late on December 18, he said it would be appropriate to raise the issue with the Home Ministry. Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the media briefing.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday (11th November 2025) dismissed as "baseless and unbelievable" the Indian media reports claiming that Hafiz Saeed, chief of Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba, had plotted attacks in India using Bangladesh territory. Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hossain said there was no reason to give credence to such reports published by Indian media outlets. “Whatever happens, the media will try to put the blame on us,” he said. “But there is no reason to believe this. No sensible person would believe it.” Meanwhile, Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi and all members of the High Commission on Monday deeply condoled the tragic death of at least 13 Indians and many injured in the car blast in Red Fort in Delhi. "Our earnest thoughts | prayers remain with all those impacted, including their families," said the High Commission in a message. The High Commission said Bangladesh stands by India at this distressful hour. Govt welcomes only genuine foreign election observers: Touhid Thousands of tourists visit the 17th Century Red Fort every day, which lies just a few metres from a busy trading hub. Delhi's police commissioner says it happened 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT), when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light before it exploded. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares his condolences "to those who have lost their loved ones" and says he is reviewing the situation. Police say they have not yet found what caused the blast. Bangladesh stands by India at this distressful hour

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has called for urgent international action to end the Israeli occupation and violence in Palestine. He attended the annual coordination meeting of the OIC Foreign Ministers, held on the sidelines of the 80th UNGA high-level Week at UN Headquarters on Friday (US time). In his statement, the Foreign Affairs Adviser highlighted Bangladesh’s principled position on the question of Palestine. He underlined Bangladesh’s contributions to the OIC’s ‘Ten-Year Programme of Action’ and stressed the need for effective reforms, enhanced resource mobilization and implementation-oriented cooperation within the OIC framework. The meeting provided a platform for the Foreign Ministers of OIC Member States to coordinate their positions on issues of common concern.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said the Indian Ocean is not only a ‘crucial conduit’ for international trade but also a space of increasing strategic importance. Speaking at the 24th meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM) virtually, he emphasised the importance of rethinking the intra-IORA trade and investment dynamics and adopt an approach that would help open up the untapped potential. The Adviser said a strategic review of trade facilitation mechanisms, connectivity projects and investment frameworks is imperative. The theme of the meeting was ‘Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations’. The Foreign Adviser of Bangladesh delivered his remarks as the past chair of IORA. He mentioned that under Bangladesh’s Chairship (2021-2023), the organisation witnessed several accomplishments, including expanding institutional cooperation, increasing in the Dialogue Partners’ number, laying out of IORA’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and strengthening institutional capacity of the IORA Secretariat. Touhid Hossain reiterated that Bangladesh, as part of the IORA TROIKA, will remain vigilant in promoting IORA’s strategic vision for a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Indian Ocean region. Bangladesh in touch with India over push-ins, port-related restrictions: Foreign Adviser The Foreign Adviser called upon the delegates to initiate appropriate actions to combat the challenges such as maritime piracy, armed robbery, human trafficking, illegal arms trafficking, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing etc. It is only proper that IORA assumes a central role in combating those challenges, in a manner which is participatory, inclusive and open in nature, Touhid Hossain added. The Foreign Adviser urged the Council to prioritize conservation and the sustainable and responsible use of ocean and coastal resources to ensure a healthy planet and prosperous future for generations to come. Bangladesh, with the support from the IORA Secretariat has led a consultative process involving Member States and IORA’s partners to develop the ‘draft IORA’s Climate Change Strategic Agenda’. The Foreign Adviser urged the IORA Council of Ministers to adopt the draft ‘IORA’s Climate Change Strategic Agenda’, to enable the Member States to take coordinated action to enhance climate resilience, reduce vulnerability and mobilise sustainable finance and technology. The Indian Ocean Rim Association is an inter-governmental organisation which aims to promote sustainable growth and balanced development of the Member States. The 24th Council of Ministers adopted The Colombo Communiqué, IORA Principle Guidelines on Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU), and IORA’s Climate Change Strategic Agenda, which was initiated and finalized under the proactive leadership of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and Kuwait on Tuesday discussed the employment and welfare issues of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Kuwait, with a particular focus on ensuring safe and secure working conditions for female workers. The two sides also exchanged discussions on various mechanisms to enhance safeguards for Bangladeshi expatriates in Kuwait, ensuring their rights and well-being. The issues were discussed when newly appointed Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Bangladesh Ali Tunyan Abdul Wahab Hamadah paid a courtesy call on Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation in trade, investment, employment and economic collaboration. The prospect of recruiting skilled workers and technicians also featured in the discussion with reference to the recent employment of 670 Bangladeshi nurses to Kuwait facilitated under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries last year. Both sides recognized this as an important step in deepening manpower employment cooperation and discussed further initiatives to expand employment opportunities for Bangladeshi professionals in Kuwait including medical practitioners, engineers, technicians, IT specialists etc. Cooperation on Rohingya, climate, migration issues to continue: Switzerland At the outset of the meeting, the Adviser congratulated the Ambassador upon assuming new assignment in Bangladesh. The Ambassador expressed thanks and gratitude for facilitating him in joining the new role as Ambassador. Recalling the strong bond and historic friendship between the two countries, he expressed Kuwait’s willingness to enhance cooperation in all existing sectors and highlighted the potential for increased bilateral trade and investment. In response, Foreign Adviser Hossain underlined the excellent understanding and engagement between Bangladesh and Kuwait.  He added that bilateral trade between the two fraternal countries does not match the existing potentials and the enormous goodwill and understanding. The Adviser encouraged the Ambassador to explore various business areas and engage with the big business communities of Bangladesh. Maintaining balanced relations extremely important for Bangladesh: Touhid Hossain The Adviser mentioned that the Ambassador could meet with the representatives of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and industries (FBCCI) and other business leaders to explore potential business and trade opportunities here. The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in a structured and strategic manner, with a focus on trade, investment, workforce security, and overall economic partnership.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain on Monday urged Canadian authorities to expedite visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals, with a particular focus on student visas. The Foreign Adviser mentioned the daunting challenges faced by Bangladesh in hosting around 1.3 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh and sought international cooperation, including Canada’s strong support for their sustainable return to their homeland. No discussion regarding CA’s China visit, says Foreign Adviser after his bilateral tour The issues were discussed when newly-appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh Ajit Singh paid a courtesy call on Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomats of the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka were also present at the meeting. The Foreign Adviser welcomed and congratulated Ajit Singh on his appointment as the High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh.   They had elaborate discussions on key issues, including agricultural cooperation, trade and investment, the financial sector and the Rohingya crisis. South Korea backs Bangladesh's interim govt, reforms The High Commissioner noted these concerns and assured maximum support in addressing those. The two dignitaries reaffirmed to further strengthen the existing excellent bilateral relationship between the two countries, especially in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, capacity building, skill development, technical assistance and people-to-people contact. The Foreign Adviser assured the High Commissioner of full support from the government of Bangladesh during his tenure to strengthen the Bangladesh-Canada partnership.

 Noting some of the expatriates’ active opposition or hostility towards each other in the name of political affiliations abroad, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has encouraged the non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) to engage in the domestic politics of their respective host country abroad instead of getting involved in Bangladesh’s domestic politics. Speaking at a NRBs’ conference on Saturday, he said this changed approach will truly help enhance Bangladesh’s image and branding abroad with greater influence like the Indian expatriates who have the leverage with their greater engagement in host countries’ domestic politics through important posts. “We must come out from this practice,” Hossain said, referring to what has been seen in the past decades abroad under the banner of political parties like Bangladesh Awami League, BNP, Jamaat and Jatiya Party to some extent, not just now or during the previous regime. The Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshis (CNRB) hosted the conference titled “Branding Bangladesh: NRB and UN Peacekeepers Leading the Way” as part of world conference series 2025. It was chaired by CNRB Chairperson MS Shekil Chowdhury. Nagorik Committee demands resumption of sales in TCB trucks, VAT rollback Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur, among others, spoke at the event. The Foreign Adviser also referred to branches of Bangladesh’s major political parties abroad who gather in a big way when someone goes to a particular country from Bangladesh, and posed a question whether similar things are seen from any other country in the world. Hossain said they simply see party or individual-based reaction instead of issue-based reaction from some of the Bangladeshi expatriates. “This is harming us in a big way in terms of our image and branding abroad,” he said, encouraging all to look at India and how they are dealing with the issue.      “We will get benefitted when we get involved in domestic politics (of host countries). This is our path, if we want to be influential globally,” he said. Sharing his experience in serving as Bangladesh Ambassador to South Africa, Hossain said fortunately he saw both BNP and Awami League supporters together welcomed whenever any guest visited the country from Bangladesh. “It was entirely exceptional,” he said, adding that he did not see such unity by the Bangladeshis in the Western countries which are supposed to be stronger in democratic practice. Hossain said when NRBs hold important positions in their host countries; it will create a strong brand image for Bangladesh globally. BB Governor reveals laundered money figures, reaffirms efforts to recover  Referring to the example set by the Indian diaspora, he said Indians have achieved significant global influence by securing crucial positions in governments and political bodies in different countries, especially in Western nations. Hossain said Bangladesh’s political parties are among the largest in the world, with widespread branches across numerous countries. “Have you seen people from any other country gathering at airports in foreign lands to chant slogans against someone?” he posed a question. “Why do Indians enjoy various benefits abroad while we do not? Because we are less involved in local politics,” he added. The Foreign Adviser urged NRBs to counter false propaganda against Bangladesh in the international arena especially in Indian media, particularly narratives suggesting a war-like situation or minority-targeted violence in the country. “Some incidents have occurred, but they were not aimed at minorities due to their religious identity,” he said. “For example, if ten houses were attacked, eight of them were owned by Muslims.” Money laundering stopped due to transparency in banking sector: BB Governor

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a diplomatic letter to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in an effort to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back. "We have informed India," Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters on Monday, referring to the note verbale addressed to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal has confirmed that they have received the extradition request for Sheikh Hasina from the interim government of Bangladesh. "We confirm that we have received a Note Verbale from the Bangladesh High Commission today in connection with an extradition request," he said, adding that at this time, they have no comment to offer on this matter. On December 8, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said they would formally approach India seeking former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition after completing the required legal procedures. "Our government's position on the extradition of Sheikh Hasina is very clear. We want to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country to face the law," he said during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. The interim government claims that Hasina was the key person who passed the order in the "massacre" that took place during her tenure, killing more than 1,500 people in July-August. Bangladesh has an extradition treaty with India. In September, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be extradited and brought to justice if she committed crimes. "Why shouldn't she be? If she committed crimes, she should be extradited and brought to justice… She should be facing justice too," he said while responding to a question at "The New York Times Climate Forward Event." On November 12, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Advocate Md Tajul Islam wrote to Inspector General of Police Md Moinul Islam, urging the issuance of a red notice through Interpol to secure the return of Sheikh Hasina and other fugitives. Earlier, on October 17, a three-member ICT bench led by its Chairman, Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mazumdar, issued arrest warrants for 46 people, including Sheikh Hasina and former minister Obaidul Quader, in separate cases. Among SAARC member countries, India has extradition treaties with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, as well as an extradition arrangement with Sri Lanka. In July 2016, Bangladesh and India amended Article 10 (3) of their bilateral Extradition Treaty to facilitate the swift extradition of fugitive criminals between the two nations. Sheikh Hasina is facing multiple charges, including murder, following the formation of an interim government on August 8, after her resignation on August 5.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has expressed grief over the death of AF Hassan Ariff, adviser to the ministries of land, and civil aviation and tourism. CA Dr Yunus condoles Hassan Ariff's death In a condolence message today, Touhid Hossain prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.