United News of Bangladesh

Irish Ambassador to Bangladesh and India Kevin Kelly has reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s LDC graduation process and strengthening bilateral cooperation under Ireland’s Asia-Pacific Strategy. Ambassador Kelly emphasised the deepening relationship between the two nations and praised Ireland’s Honorary Consul in Bangladesh Masud Jamil Khan's energy and ambition. “Though we are slightly late in celebrating St Patrick’s Day due to Ramadan, this makes us the last people on Earth to mark the occasion in 2025—and that’s historic,” he said. The Ambassador noted the parallels between Ireland and Bangladesh in their respective struggles for peace and justice, sharing insights from Ireland’s peace journey through the Good Friday Agreement. “I hope our story can offer a glimpse of hope to our friends in Bangladesh as they work through their own transitions.” Top CICA official lauds Dhaka's role in confidence building in Asia The Irish spirit was in full swing on Thursday evening as Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel hosted a vibrant celebration of St Patrick’s Day 2025, organised by Honorary Consul Masud Jamil Khan and his wife Kate Khan. Members of the diplomatic corps, business community, cultural figures and luminaries representing different sectors attended the reception. Reflecting on the maiden year of the Irish Consulate's opening in Dhaka, Honorary Consul Masud Jamil Khan said bilateral engagements between Ireland and Bangladesh have grown significantly in a short span of time.

In a creative twist, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) unveiled the trophy for the upcoming T20 series between Bangladesh and Ireland at the picturesque Malnichara tea estate in Sylhet on Wednesday. Captains Nigar Sultana and Gaby Lewis donned traditional tea worker attire for the ceremony, capturing the imagination of fans and drawing widespread praise on social media. Bangladesh women dominate Ireland to seal 3-0 series win Posing with trophy in a tea garden wearing traditional attire came as a fresh approach to promote women’s cricket in the country. While similar events have been held before—such as a men's series trophy unveiling at a metro station—Nigar described this as “beyond imagination” and a “great initiative to promote women’s cricket differently.” “We’re in a good place. If we maintain this momentum, it will be a significant achievement for the team,” the Bangladesh captain said. However, Nigar remained cautious about Ireland’s T20 capabilities. BCB announces women’s squad for T20I series against Ireland “They played well in parts during the ODIs, especially their batting in the second and third matches. We are confident but not overconfident,” she added. The T20 series will kick off on Thursday, with the first match scheduled at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The second and third matches will follow on December 7 and 9, respectively, making it a thrilling week for cricket fans in Sylhet and beyond. Bangladesh Squad for the First Two T20 Matches: Nigar Sultana Jyoti (Captain); Nahida Akter; Murshida Khatun; Dilara Akter; Sharmin Akter Supta; Sobhana Mostary; Swarna Akter; Ritu Moni; Rabeya; Fahima Khatun; Fariha Islam Trishna; Jahanara Alam; Jannatul Ferdous Sumona; Taj Nahar; Sanjida Akter Meghla Reserves: Disha Biswas, Shamima Sultana, Sharmin Sultana This series holds special significance following Bangladesh’s dominant performance in the preceding ODI series, where they secured a clean sweep against Ireland in Dhaka.  The T20 encounters in Sylhet are expected to further highlight the growing stature of Bangladesh’s women’s cricket team on the global stage.