United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Friday said the government of India has not yet given any positive response on Bangladesh’s request to extradite ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “We want Sheikh Hasina to be sent back. She is convicted, and the highest judicial institution has sentenced her. But we have not received any positive response as yet,” he told journalists at Rangpur Circuit House in the morning. He said that such matters take time. “In these cases, changes don’t happen overnight. We will wait and see what response we receive from the Indian authorities. The reaction from India is being monitored. So far, we only know that India is examining the issue." Responding to a question about BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh, the adviser said he had no information about this. “His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, has probably reached Dhaka. Begum Zia is not being taken to London today because of a technical problem in the aircraft,” he added. Commenting on the detention of Bangladeshi fishermen by the Arakan Army, Touhid Hossain said the group is “not a state actor”, making bilateral talks difficult. “However, since our interests are involved, the matter is being looked into. Not everything can be disclosed, but steps are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future or reduce their frequency,” he said. The adviser said a proposed 1,000-bed hospital funded by China, originally planned for Dhaka, will now be built in Nilphamari. Delhi examining request for Hasina’s extradition; Dhaka expects response “The plan is designed so that people from India, Bhutan, and other neighbouring countries can also receive treatment here in addition to residents of the Rangpur region,” he said. He said the biggest challenge for Rangpur is the lack of factories and businesses, adding that the government is working to expand employment opportunities. Touhid Hossain said the government aims to hand over responsibility to elected representatives in a manner that allows them to “take the country forward on the desired path within one to one and a half years.” He mentioned that people have high expectations—that we should complete all reforms. But this is a long-term process. “Those who come to power in the future should be able to reflect the will of the people. We hope they will ensure equality and balanced development across the country.” The adviser arrived in Rangpur on a four-day visit. On Friday, he will visit key establishments in the city. Dhaka expects answer from Delhi on Hasina's extradition: Foreign Adviser On Saturday morning, he will exchange views with officials of the Rangpur administration before visiting Rangpur Cadet College in the afternoon. On Sunday (December 7) afternoon, he will meet teachers and students of Magura High School in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari, before returning to Dhaka from Syedpur Airport.

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 Thursday ruled out any new alliance among Bangladesh, China and Pakistan, and stressed that it was not done targeting Bangladesh’s neighbouring country – India. “We are not forming any alliance. It was a meeting at the official level, not at the political level…. there was no element of formation of any alliance,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. Asked whether the meeting was aimed at making India cornered, Adviser Hossain said it is certainly not targeting a third-party. “I can assure you.” Bangladesh, China and Pakistan held an ‘informal’ trilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation meeting in Kunming on June 19, Dhaka says. Beijing said Bangladesh, China and Pakistan held “extensive discussions on trilateral cooperation” and agreed to move forward based on the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual trust, equality, openness, inclusiveness and shared development. On the other hand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan described the meeting as the "inaugural meeting of Bangladesh-China-Pakistan trilateral mechanism." Asked whether Dhaka denies how Beijing and Islamabad described the meeting, Adviser Hossain said there is no need to deny anything but stressed that it was “not anything big and not something structured.” He said the meeting mainly discussed connectivity and other issues. “If there is any further progress, you will know that. There is not much scope to speculate.” Asked about other mechanisms on connectivity fronts, the Foreign Adviser said there is nothing wrong if any other country wants to have a tripartite meeting. For example, he said, if India wants to have such a meeting among Bangladesh, India and Nepal, Dhaka will remain interested to ‘do’ the meeting. Responding to a question, Foreign Adviser Hossain said the relationship with India is now at a stage of ‘readjustment’ and there is no lack of goodwill from Dhaka’s side to that end. Dhaka, Delhi ties forged through shared experiences, sacrifices: India “Look, let us acknowledge the truth. The level of deep relationship between India and the previous government had and the kind of relationship India had established, the current relationship with us is not like that one,” he added. Bangladesh’s former acting Foreign Secretary Md Ruhul Alam Siddique, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Pakistani Additional Foreign Secretary Imran Ahmed Siddiqui led their respective delegations in the tri-nation meeting. During the meeting, the three sides exchanged views on possible trilateral cooperation on the basis of mutual trust, understanding and shared vision for peace, prosperity and stability in the region. Bangladesh, China and Pakistan, during the meeting, identified several areas for deeper cooperation including infrastructure, connectivity, trade, investment, healthcare, agriculture, maritime affairs, ICT, disaster preparedness and climate change issues. The three sides agreed to forge cooperation on the principles of openness, inclusivity, good neighbourliness and win-win situation, Dhaka says. Siddique mentioned that as partners of Belt and Road Initiative, the three nations could work together in aligning respective national visions with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Tarique Rahman expresses sorrow over India plane tragedy He stressed the importance of forging robust partnership among the three friendly nations to deliver real benefits to their peoples and to improve their livelihoods.

- Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus raised the extradition issue of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but stressed that nothing was finalised. When pressed further, the Adviser refrained from going into additional details on the issue at this moment. Briefing reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Adviser Hossain said further improvement of the relations depends on both sides. "We need to progress the relations together." Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, after the bilateral meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, told reporters in Bangkok that Prime Minister Modi urged that rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided. Responding to a question regarding the matter, Adviser Hossain said they both agreed on this as the same things are happening from the Indian side too. Asked about the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project with China, he said Bangladesh remains open to both India and China, and Bangladesh will look into where Bangladesh’s interest is protected. “The government has taken a liberal stance. We are open to discussing the project with both sides and will evaluate where Bangladesh’s interests are best served,” the Adviser said. As Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies’ involvement in the Teesta river management project, he further said progress takes time. “We are not expecting an overnight solution that will resolve the Teesta issue immediately,” he said, adding that cooperation is possible with either country (India or China). There are no obstacles.” Indian Prime Minister Modi on Friday reiterated India's support for a "democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive" Bangladesh during his first- ever bilateral meeting with Prof Yunus on the sidelines of the 6th Bimstec Summit. Dr Yunus enquires about Hasina’s extradition request status, seeks measures to restrain her Responding to a question, Adviser Hossain said the government is committed to handover the responsibility to an elected political leadership after holding the election in a free and fair manner. “Bangladesh’s friends always raise the issue of elections,” he said, adding that whenever the subject comes up in discussions, they express concern; even countries without democratic traditions often enquire about Bangladesh’s elections. Modi expressed his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions, in the interest of their longstanding and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship. The Indian Prime Minister underlined that India believes in a people-centric approach in a relationship and highlighted the cooperation between the two countries for a long period of time that delivered tangible benefits to people on both sides. He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism. On the issue of Indian visas, the Adviser said whether India issues visas or not is entirely their sovereign decision. “We have also temporarily suspended visa issuance to India in the past,” he said. He said visa restrictions do not create a vacuum and when any country suspends visas, people tend to explore alternatives elsewhere. Responding to a question on Rohingya repatriation, Hossain said Myanmar agreed that 180,000 are fit to return, but it does not mean that the Rohingya people will return immediately given the situation on the ground in Rakhine state. Asked about the China visit, Adviser Hossain said engagement at the highest level had yielded some progress. “When top-level communication is in place, it facilitates the advancement of relationships at other levels.” Dhaka to remind Delhi about its request for Hasina’s extradition: Ministry He said several documents were signed during the visit and the Chief Adviser and Chinese President discussed mutual interests. “I believe the visit has had a reasonably positive impact,” he added. Commenting on protests by Bangladeshi nationals over delays in obtaining Italian visas, Hossain said Dhaka is in continuous dialogue with Rome. “There are questions concerning the authenticity of the documents submitted with visa applications. A large number of fake documents have been detected,” he said. Italian authorities are currently verifying the genuineness of submitted documents, and as a result, even applicants with legitimate paperwork are experiencing delays and complications, the adviser added.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Monday that the government will not apply for a delay in Bangladesh's graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) status, citing the fulfillment of many of the required targets. “The transition deadline should not be delayed,” he said at a programme titled 'Importance and Potential of Bangladesh Cotton Cultivation to Save Foreign Exchange', held at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) auditorium in the capital. The adviser hoped that businessmen would start preparations once an additional three years were given after graduation. But, Hossain said, both the previous government and businessmen had failed to make adequate preparations for the transition. Stay ready to face LDC graduation challenges: Dr Yunus Hossain mentioned that the government plans to take effective measures within two months to declare cotton an agricultural product and boost its production in the country. He urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to urgently withdraw the tax imposed on domestic cotton. About the land fertility issue, he noted that tobacco cultivation is depleting soil health, and suggested that cultivating cotton on tobacco lands could benefit farmers while contributing to the country's economy. The adviser said that the government, led by Dr. Yunus, would not hesitate to make decisions in the national interest, even if they go against certain groups. He assured that policy support would be provided to promote cotton cultivation. Expedite trade facilitation roadmap implementation for LDC graduation: Sk Bashir Touhid Hossain also highlighted that while the United States imposes tariffs on cotton exports, Bangladesh remains exempt. He suggested that measures could be taken to import cotton from the US.

European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib is now visiting Bangladesh. The Commissioner, now visiting the Rohingya camp in Cox's Bazar, is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday noon. She will attend a book launching programme titled “Bangladesh, 36 July 2024” in a city park on Monday afternoon. The European Commissioner will meet Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after attending the book launching event, officials told UNB. She is working towards ensuring a more robust and proactive approach to European crisis management and civil preparedness, both within their borders and on the global stage. Hadja Lahbib is responsible for promoting equality and inclusion and upholding the rights of minorities with the aim of creating a fairer society and social model for everyone. To this end, she is in charge of developing a Roadmap for Women’s Rights for International Women’s Day 2025, setting out the key gender equality policy principles for the years ahead. Diplomats of 27 European countries to meet CA Dec 9 This, in turn, will frame the work for a new Gender Equality Strategy. Hadja Lahbib is also the Commissioner in charge of preparedness and crisis management. She is working towards ensuring a more robust and proactive approach to European crisis management and civil preparedness, both within their borders and on the global stage. Commissioner Hadja Lahbib arrived in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. She was warmly received by Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon arrival.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday expressed Bangladesh's desire for a "deeper cooperation" in energy sector with Oman and requested for guaranteed energy supply from the country in the Middle East. On the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, the Foreign Affairs Adviser met with Foreign Minister of Oman Sayyid Badr Albusaidi and discussed various issues of mutual interests. The Foreign Minister of Oman welcomed Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain to Oman. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations the two countries are enjoying. The two countries recalled that Bangladesh and Oman will soon complete the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations and agreed to duly celebrate it. The Foreign Affairs Adviser invited his Omani counterpart to visit Bangladesh to mark the celebration, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He thanked the government of Oman for hosting a large number of Bangladeshi expatriates in Oman who are contributing to both the economies. Touhid Hossain, Jaishankar likely to hold talks during Indian Ocean Conference in Oman The Foreign Affairs Adviser requested his Omani counterpart the consideration of the Oman government for recruitment of Bangladeshi professionals like doctors, engineers, IT professionals and nurses by the country . He also requested to recruit shipbuilding technicians from Bangladesh.  The Foreign Affairs Adviser also held meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Soltan Al Muraikhi. He thanked the government of Qatar for hosting a good number of Bangladeshi expatriates in Qatar. The Foreign Affairs Adviser requested consideration of the Government of Qatar for recruitment of Bangladeshi professionals like doctors, engineers, IT professionals and nurses. He invited representatives from the relevant authorities from Qatar to visit Bangladesh to meet the professionals for prospective recruitment. Foreign Adviser Hossain likely to meet Indian EAM Jaishankar at Indian Ocean Conf in Oman Hossain also welcomed investment from Qatar and both sides highlighted the importance of visits from private sectors of Qatar to Bangladesh to identify the sectors for investment.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has laid emphasis on maintaining "balanced relations" while pursuing its broader foreign policy, noting that the term "non-aligned" has become actually almost “defunct” these days. "For a country like Bangladesh, it is extremely important that we maintain a balanced relationship," he said on Monday, adding that very few (countries) are truly non-aligned. Hossain made the remarks while responding to a question at an international seminar at the Foreign Service Academy. While speaking at the closing session of the seminar, the Foreign Adviser said Bangladesh has been very firm on many issues of foreign policy, including the Rohingya crisis. He also referred to the relations between India and China while Bangladesh is maintaining good relations with both. The Foreign Adviser also highlighted the importance of Bangladesh’s relations with the United States where Bangladesh has a huge market and a huge diaspora. In terms of balancing relations with the important countries, Hossain said, they are doing quite well though the evaluation will come at the end of their term, not now. Responding to a question, the Foreign Adviser said technically the Rohingyas are not refugees and they do not address them as refugees but they accept the position of the UNHCR to take care of them. Read: India hopeful of greater trade connectivity, economic engagement with Bangladesh The Foreign Adviser laid emphasis on a complete roadmap in terms of repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin – Rakhine – ensuring their safety and dignity. The Department of International Relations and the Center for Genocide Studies at the University of Dhaka in collaboration with the Foreign Service Academy and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees organized the seminar titled “The Rohingyas in Bangladesh: In Search of a Sustainable Future.”

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said that Bangladesh's ties with major powers like the United States are not government-specific, indicating no major change in relations during Donald Trump's presidency. "We have nothing to speculate," he said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, expressing optimism things will move on smoothly in terms of relations with the United States. When the new administration in the US will assume office, Hossain said, “There might be some remarks, which we will look into accordingly.” Dhaka to urge Beijing for lower interest rates, extended repayment period: Touhid Hossain "Our relations with India, China and the US are very important. We will surely maintain balanced relations with these three countries protecting our own interests," Hossain said, adding that Bangladesh is not to be dissatisfied with any country. He said Bangladesh will maintain good relations with these three countries protecting Dhaka's interests. President-elect Donald Trump is preparing more than 100 executive orders starting Day One of the new White House, in what amounts to a shock-and-awe campaign on border security, deportations and a rush of other policy priorities, according to an AP report. Trump told Republican senators about the onslaught ahead during a private meeting on Capitol Hill. Many of the actions are expected to launch on Inauguration Day, Jan 20, when he takes office. Trump top adviser Stephen Miller outlined for the GOP senators the border security and immigration enforcement measures that are likely to launch soonest. In November last year, Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain said the interim government does not foresee any major change in its relations with the United States. Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser “It wouldn’t be right to think that there will be any big change in our relationship with the Trump Administration,” he told the journalists while responding to a question on the specific issue of Trump’s return to the White House. The foreign affairs adviser said the relations between the two countries are not based on any particular party, but of the two states, he said. The Biden Administration has been providing full-fledged support for the current interim government of Bangladesh and the reform process. Hossain said they will observe for the first two-three months. “Then we will see what steps the Trump Administration takes. Based on that, we’ll work with the US," he said in November. Congratulating US President-elect Donald Trump, interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said he looks forward to working together with the new US administration to further strengthen the Dhaka-Washington partnership and foster sustainable development. “I firmly believe that the possibilities are endless as our two friendly nations work towards exploring newer avenues of partnership,” said the Nobel Peace Laureate in his message conveying his heartfelt felicitations to Trump on behalf of his government and the people of Bangladesh on his victory in the US Presidential Election 2024. We back interim govt, reform agenda: EIB VP tells Dr Yunus Prof Yunus said electing Trump as the US President for a second term reflects that his leadership and vision have resonated with the people of the United States of America. “I am confident that under your stewardship, the United States will thrive and continue to inspire others around the world. Bangladesh and the United States share a long history of friendship and collaboration across numerous areas of mutual interest,” said the chief adviser. He said the relationship continued to grow in depth and breadth during Trump’s previous term in the office.