United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has reaffirmed Bangladesh's firm commitment to consolidating and deepening the longstanding friendly ties between Bangladesh and Argentina with enhanced cooperation in priority areas. Ambassador of Argentina to Bangladesh Marcelo Carlos Cesa met the Foreign Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday and both sides identified priority areas to enhance cooperation. The particularly discussed ways to expand bilateral trade with a focus on diversification of exports and imports, strengthening technical collaboration in agriculture, advancing sports cooperation, including through effective implementation of the existing MoU on football, and exploring opportunities for cooperation in energy trade and supply chain partnerships and enhanced apparel exports from Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister proposed a multi-sectoral dialogue among relevant stakeholders with a focused agenda to advance bilateral cooperation. He also appreciated the reopening of the Argentine Embassy in Dhaka and Argentina's recent concurrence to the reopening of the Embassy of Bangladesh in Buenos Aires. He underscored Bangladesh's commitment to operationalising its resident mission in Buenos Aires at the earliest opportunity to further institutionalise bilateral engagement, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Amid the ongoing war between two SAARC countries - Afghanistan and Pakistan, Bangladesh has decided not to make any public comments but stressed that such war does not bring anything good. "It is an unfortunate matter. We are not saying anything in public but we are trying to make our friends understand that such war is not good for anyone," Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia early Saturday. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir was also present. The Associated Press (AP) says Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged cross-border attacks overnight in a dramatic escalation of tensions that led Pakistan’s defense minister to say on Friday that the two countries are in a state of “open war.” Pakistan, Afghanistan trade strikes as Defense Minister declares “Open War” Afghanistan launched an attack on Pakistan late Thursday, saying it was in retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas Sunday. Pakistan then carried out airstrikes in Kabul and two other Afghan provinces early Friday, saying it targeted military installations. On the sidelines of the extraordinary ministerial session of the executive committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, Foreign Minister Dr Rahman held bilateral talks with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar; Foreign Minister of the Gambia, Sering Modou Njie; Foreign Minister of Palestine, Dr Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian; Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey, Ambassador Musa Kulaklikaya; and also the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Waleed A Elkhereiji, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties and agreed to work closely together to promote 'peace, stability, and shared prosperity' in the region, according to Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign Minister Dr Rahman, during his recent courtesy meeting with Secretary General of SAARC Md. Golam Sarwar on February 24, reiterated Bangladesh's conviction in abiding commitment to the principles enshrined in the SAARC Charter including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and mutual benefit of the peoples of member states.  

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Saturday said Bangladesh enjoys strong backing from member states of the OIC but faces a challenge due to the limited time available to campaign for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “The candidate has been changed following the change in government. One of our key challenges is that Cyprus has been campaigning throughout the year, whereas we have barely three months, or even less in hand,” he told reporters at Dhaka airport explaining the ground behind the change in Bangladesh’s candidature. Dr Khalilur, who returned from Saudi Arabia early Saturday, said discussions were held with Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) partners to assess the situation and strategise ways to secure Bangladesh’s victory.  “We have received their full and unequivocal support,” he said. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh’s friends within the OIC have assured active campaigning in favour of Dhaka’s candidature. He said as anticipated, Palestine withdrew its candidature a few days ago. With Palestine stepping aside, Bangladesh will now contest the 2026–2027 term against Cyprus. Humayun Kabir, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, described the feedback from OIC countries as highly encouraging and strong. “We have received very positive responses. We will conduct a detailed assessment at an appropriate stage, but the support so far has been strong. The visit was both fruitful and productive,” he said. Earlier, the interim government had nominated former Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain as Bangladesh’s candidate. Following the change in government, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman nominated Dr Khalilur  Rahman for the position. Bangladesh had initially floated its candidature ahead of Palestine. The election for the President of the 81st session of the UNGA is scheduled to take place on June 2 at the UN Headquarters in New York, in accordance with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure. Under the established regional rotation system, the President for the 81st session will be elected from the Asia-Pacific Group. The President of the 80th session of the UNGA, Annalena Baerbock, will convene informal interactive dialogues with the candidates in May 2026. Bangladesh last held the prestigious position in 1986–87, when then Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury was elected President of the 41st General Assembly. Four decades later, the country is seeking to reclaim the post. The 81st session of the UNGA will open on September 8, 2026, with the high-level General Debate commencing on September 22. Leaders attending the recent executive meeting of the OIC expressed confidence that Bangladesh will swiftly achieve political stability and accelerated development under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. They also reiterated their full support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the presidency of the 81st session of the UNGA.  

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has unequivocally condemned the recent Israeli legislation on land purchase that seeks to unlawfully annex the occupied Palestinian territory. In his address to the open-ended OIC executive committee meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, he said this action is designed to alter the legal and demographic character of the Palestinian lands, including the Al Quds Al Sharif. The Foreign Minister expressed his grave concern over the fact that the Israeli decision to ease land purchase and open land registries in the West Bank to public scrutiny exposes the Palestinian landowners to multiple forms of intimidation and harassment. Dr Khalilur Rahman pointed out that these actions are clearly in breach of relevant international law and undermine the very foundations of a just and lasting social order. The Foreign Minister categorically stated that the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State following the two-State formula under 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, can offer a sustainable solution to this long protracted crisis. He outright rejected the land related legislation of Israel and demanded to ensure the due land rights of the Palestinians. The foreign minister also demanded permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an unconditional and unhindered access of the international aid workers and humanitarian support providers to the affected men, women and children in the Strip. Dr Khalilur Rahman conveyed the Ramadan greetings from Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the Muslim Ummah and stated that the newly elected democratic Government in Bangladesh looks forward to closely working with the OIC Member States. On the sidelines of the OIC meeting, the Foreign Minister held bilateral talks with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar; Foreign Minister of the Gambia, Mr. Sering Modou Njie; Foreign Minister of Palestine, Dr. Varsen Ohanes Vartan Aghabekian; Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkey, Ambassador Musa Kulaklikaya; and also the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Waleed A. Elkhereiji, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. At the bilateral talks, the dignitaries from the OIC Member States congratulated the people and government of Bangladesh on the successful holding the general elections, felicitated the Prime Minister for the massive victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and expressed their keenness to work with the new Government. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said with the leaders the visions and work programmes of the government particularly with regard to foreign policy, foreign trade and investment, resolution of the Rohingya issue and improving effectiveness of the OIC Secretariat. They also expressed strong support to Bangladesh candidature for the Presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly. Korean FM greets Khalilur Rahman; eyes enhanced ties with Dhaka He invited the dignitaries to visit Bangladesh at their convenience. Adviser for Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister, Humayun Kabir; Secretary (Inter-Governmental Organisations) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, M Forhadul Islam, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to OIC, MJH Jabed accompanied the Foreign Minister during the bilateral meetings.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday said they see huge confidence in the new government from countries which are willing to engage deeply and work with Bangladesh very closely. “We want to establish mutually beneficial relations with every country as coequals…we will resolve all our issues respectfully and on the basis of mutual respect,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a series of courtesy meetings held on Sunday and Monday with diplomats stationed in Dhaka. The Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of protecting independence and sovereignty, not interfering in each other's internal affairs. “Our policies will be based on mutual interests and national dignity.” “I am pretty confident that we will be able to conduct a very dynamic foreign policy in the coming days,” he said, mentioning that so far they have had courtesy and friendly meetings with envoys. Asked about safety along the Bangladesh-India border and measures to stop border killings, the Foreign Minister said he is not taking any specific question and they will discuss specific issues later, which will require some time. Dr Rahman said the Envoys of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, India, China, Pakistan, the United States and European countries led by the EU Ambassador met him on Sunday and Monday where he outlined the new government's foreign policy. "We have started meetings with envoys since Sunday. We have presented the outline of our government's foreign policy to them. Our motto is Bangladesh First. Bangladesh will be above all,” he said. Next Bangladesh govt will need to navigate tricky foreign policy issues: Crisis Group The Foreign Minister expressed optimism that they will be able to establish deep relations with other friendly countries in the region and the world. The Foreign Minister on Wednesday said they want to get back to the foreign policy of martyred President Ziaur Rahman which was very positive and expansive, stressing that the government wants to maintain a good relationship with each country while at the same time protecting the country’s interests. “Foreign policy is a very serious matter,” he told reporters at the state guest house Padma in the evening, seeking objectivity from the media while reporting on foreign affairs. The Foreign Minister said an imprudent or misleading statement can affect international relations and urged journalists to maintain objectivity and avoid rumors.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur will be visiting Bangladesh in early March as the United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region. The upcoming visit of Paul Kapur, among other issues, was featured in the discussion when US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman at the latter’s office on Monday. Paul Kapur was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs on October 22, 2025. Both sides expressed optimism that Bangladesh-United States relations will reach a new height in the coming years through enhanced collaboration across all sectors. "So pleased to continue working together to make both of our countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous," said Ambassador Christensen after the meeting.  The Ambassador congratulated Dr Rahman on his new role as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Prior to the call on the Foreign Minister, the US Ambassador also paid a maiden courtesy call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at her office and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interests. During the meeting, both the Foreign Minister and US Ambassador underscored the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and the United States, built on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a commitment to peace and development. During the discussion, both sides reviewed key areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, defense and security, development partnership, immigration and people-to-people exchanges, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Rohingya issue was also discussed during the meeting. The Foreign Minister conveyed appreciation for continued US humanitarian assistance and sought sustained political support for the safe and sustainable repatriation of the displaced Rohingya population to Myanmar. Earlier, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a message said the United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region.

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah on Sunday said that his country has issued 750,000 work visas and altogether 1.4 mn visas for Bangladeshi citizens in 2025. "There is scope for skilled and semi-skilled workers to jobs in the Kingdom as many development works are going on there," he said when he met Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman. During the meeting, they discussed the issues of mutual interest. The Ambassador conveyed greetings from his government and expressed his commitment to further strengthening Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh bilateral relations. Welcoming the Ambassador, the Foreign Minister described Saudi Arabia as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh. He recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries began during the presidency of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with the establishment of the Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia in 1976. President Zia also paid a historic visit to the Kingdom in 1977. Both sides acknowledged his historic contribution to promoting Muslim unity.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Thursday said Bangladesh has issues and challenges with all countries, which will be addressed through discussions at bilateral and multilateral forums. “We want to look forward, keeping our backbone strong and straight. That backbone has now become stronger after a long time as the government came through people’s mandate. All now need to look at Bangladesh from a different perspective,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sharing how the foreign policy of a democratic government should be. Asked about the interim government's reported policy position regarding deployment of Bangladeshi troops to Gaza and renewal of the 30-year-old Ganges water-sharing treaty with India, the State Minister said these issues have not yet been discussed at the political level. "These are not discussed yet. To be honest, this is only the second day of the government. But you will have to wait…those political decisions will definitely,” she said. On relations with India, China and the United States, Shama said Bangladesh has issues and challenges with all countries and would address them through both bilateral and multilateral engagements. "We will maintain relations with all states and governments. Our foremost priority is to safeguard the interests of Bangladesh and its people," she said. The State Minister said they will keep in touch with all countries, talk and advance relations through friendship. She said the current administration is a democratically elected government after many years and will pursue foreign policy with a firm and principled stance, placing the interests of people first. The State Minister said Bangladesh will continue its engagement with all countries and affirmed that the government’s foreign policy would reflect the will and aspirations of the people. She said the government would safeguard the interests of the people of Bangladesh while maintaining cordial relations with all nations. Diplomacy, she said, will be conducted in a manner that effectively protects national interests. She said the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are very experienced and they will work as a team. She also highlighted the need to conduct foreign policy with a united stance in the national interest, regardless of political party, opinion and religion. On visa restrictions imposed by several countries, Shama said the Ministry is aware of the challenges and is actively working to resolve them through diplomatic channels. "We are examining how these issues can be addressed and how we can move forward in a constructive manner," she said Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and the State Minister held a series of meetings with senior officials of the Ministry in the morning.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended congratulations to newly appointed Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his appointment. Wang Yi, who is also Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, expressed his intent to work with Foreign Minister Rahman to jointly implement the important understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries and advance the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights. Dr Jaishanker said he looks forward to working together with Foreign Minister Rahman to advance cooperation between Bangladesh and India for mutual progress and prosperity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Minister served as Chief Adviser's High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and Priority Affairs and National Security Adviser during the interim government’s period. He joined BCS (Foreign Affairs) in 1979 after securing the first position in the first regular civil service examination after independence held in 1977. Khalilur Rahman served in various capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York. In 1991, he joined the United Nations secretariat as a Special Adviser and served in different senior UN positions during the next 25 years. PM Tarique Rahman to address nation this evening In November 2024, he was appointed as the High Representative with the status and privileges of an Adviser. Khalilur Rahman stood first class first in MA examinations in Economics at Dhaka University in 1977. During 1980-83, he attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University and the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and earned the degrees of MA in Law and Diplomacy and PhD in Economics.