United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said connectivity must remain the flagship of their regional ambition, stressing that the BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity provides the blueprint, while the challenge is implementation. "Bangladesh will support progress on transport linkages and the proposed coastal shipping agreement while pursuing deeper energy and digital connectivity," she said while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar. Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the seminar on "Three Decades of BIMSTEC: Advancing Regional Cooperation for Shared Prosperity" at the BIISS Auditorium. The seminar was organised in view of Bangladesh's ongoing chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and sought to generate informed policy discourse on strengthening regional cooperation for shared prosperity. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey spoke as the special guest, while BIISS Director General Major General A S M Ridwanur Rahman delivered the welcome address. The BIMSTEC Secretary General spoke on ongoing projects and actions in areas such as women's development, climate adaptation, grid interconnection, technical capacity-building in energy, security cooperation in drug control, cyber, maritime and human security, counterterrorism, transnational crime, tourism, visa facilitation, and trade and investment undertaken by BIMSTEC. The State Minister highlighted the importance of institutional coordination, innovative financing, engagement with development partners and the private sector, and sustained political commitment to achieve the connectivity goals. She said Bangladesh has been dealing with a crucial crisis - the Rohingya refugee crisis - and stressed that regional prosperity can only be sustained in an environment of peace, security and resilience. As a trusted partner and friend, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh has truly hoped that the BIMSTEC framework and the members of this multilateral body shall be committed to creating the international pressure needed for the safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingyas. She said their region faces terrorism, violent extremism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, cyber threats, illegal fishing, climate-induced disasters, and humanitarian crises. The State Minister said they should deepen practical cooperation in maritime security, law enforcement, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian assistance, and capacity building. She said climate resilience and disaster preparedness must remain at the heart of their agenda because few countries understand the human and economic cost of a warming planet more intimately than Bangladesh. The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's strong commitment to BIMSTEC and to promoting a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Bay of Bengal region. She emphasised the importance of translating regional commitments into concrete actions through greater implementation, practical cooperation, and strengthened institutional mechanisms. Shama Obaed also underscored Bangladesh's commitment, as the current Chair of BIMSTEC, to advancing economic integration, connectivity, trade, investment, the blue economy, and people-centric regional cooperation while working closely with all member states to realise the organisation's shared objectives. She expressed confidence that the recommendations emerging from the seminar would help strengthen Bangladesh's leadership during its BIMSTEC chairmanship and support the organisation's future development. "We must also invest in our people. Students, researchers, entrepreneurs, professionals, media representatives, and cultural practitioners create the human connections on which durable regional cooperation rests," Shama Obaed said. As the current chair and host of the BIMSTEC Secretariat, she said Bangladesh recognises that its responsibility goes well beyond convening meetings. "We will work closely with Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, as well as with the Secretary General, to strengthen the capacity of the Secretariat, fully operationalise the Charter, and translate the commitments of the leaders into practical outcomes," Shama Obaed said. She said Bangladesh will work with all member states to build consensus and inject fresh momentum into those negotiations. The State Minister said the blue economy offers another major avenue for shared prosperity. The fisheries, shipping, renewable energy, and marine resources of the Bay of Bengal are a shared inheritance that must be developed responsibly and managed sustainably, she said. She said Bangladesh will support practical cooperation, scientific research, and capacity building so that the Bay becomes a source of inclusive growth for present and future generations. "We have the political commitment. Let us therefore work together with renewed purpose and confidence. Let us transform BIMSTEC from a forum of great promise into a platform of effective regional cooperation," she said.

The government on Monday reiterated that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina would be taken into custody if she surrenders, as efforts continue to secure her extradition to Bangladesh. "If she surrenders, the existing law will be followed. She will have to go to jail. The law will take its own course," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shama Obaed said Hasina's recent remarks from abroad appear intended to encourage Awami League leaders and activists who have either gone into hiding or fled the country. "I see no other reason," she said. She said Hasina has already been convicted and that the decision on where and when she surrenders rests entirely with her. Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite Hasina under the bilateral extradition treaty. Wherever she surrenders - whether in India or Bangladesh - she will have to go to jail first, Shama Obaed said, adding that the government has no reason to respond to statements made by a convicted person. She said Bangladesh is making sustained diplomatic efforts to bring Hasina back to face trial, although acknowledging that the extradition process takes time. Three ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been pursuing the matter since the new government assumed office in February, building on efforts initiated under the interim government. The government believes the people of Bangladesh want Hasina to be extradited. Meanwhile, International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam recently urged Hasina to refrain from any political activities that could further destabilise the country, saying Bangladesh wants her immediate return. "Whether you come in December or January is your decision. But we want you tomorrow. Therefore, do not stage any stunts or create further instability in the country," he said on Saturday while responding to reports that Hasina plans to return to Bangladesh in December. India, meanwhile, reiterated in April that it is examining Bangladesh's extradition request through its judicial and domestic legal processes. "There is a request... the request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes," Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi, adding that India would continue to engage constructively with all stakeholders on the matter. On April 8, Bangladesh renewed its request for the extradition of Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, both of whom have been sentenced to death by the International Crimes Tribunal. "We will continue to seek her extradition through a transparent judicial process. It has been discussed and will be dealt with through a transparent judicial process," Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir told reporters in Dhaka.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said there is no lack of diplomatic efforts to bring back former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to the country to face trial but acknowledged that it takes time. "What she (Hasina) is saying is not relevant at all. Our efforts are underway to bring her back," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister said the Home and Law Ministries will look into whether there are any complexities on legal grounds. She said the three ministries including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working afresh since the formation of the new government in February this year, though the initial process began during the interim government. The State Minister said the people of Bangladesh want former prime minister Sheikh Hasina extradited. Reiterating its desire to engage constructively, India on April 17 said it is examining the request for Hasina's extradition as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. "There is a request.....the request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes," Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi, noting that India will continue to engage constructively on the issue with all the stakeholders. Bangladesh, on April 8, reiterated its request to extradite Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to Bangladesh, both of whom have been awarded the death penalty by the International Crimes Tribunal. "We will continue to seek her extradition through a transparent judicial process. It (the extradition request) has been discussed. It will be dealt with through a transparent judicial process," Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir told reporters recently in Dhaka.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday said achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires strong local leadership and the meaningful participation of women in decision-making. "Initiatives that empower young women today are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient Bangladesh tomorrow," she said. The State Minister joined senior government officials, United Nations representatives, development partners, educators, youth leaders, and civil society organisations at a discussion titled "Building a Model for SDG Localisation: SDG 5 and SDG 16," organised by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Bangladesh at a hotel in Dhaka. The national workshop forms part of the Joint Programme, "Enhancing Women's Political Leadership through SDG 5 and SDG 16 Localisation in Bangladesh," implemented by UNOPS in coordination with UN Women and in partnership with Naripokkho, with support from the Joint SDG Fund. Building on successful implementation across Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi, the dissemination workshop showcased key findings, lessons learned, and practical recommendations from the localised SDG model. Participants also heard inspiring stories from young women leaders, students, mentors, and representatives of educational institutions who have contributed to advancing women's leadership and strengthening inclusive governance at the local level. UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan delivered the welcome remarks, while UN Women Bangladesh Deputy Country Representative Navanita Sinha highlighted the importance of partnerships in accelerating progress on SDG 5 and SDG 16. Naripokkho Executive Member Maheen Sultan presented the SDG localisation model. Nasreen Jahan, Member (Secretary) of the Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division of the Bangladesh Planning Commission, attended the event as the special guest.  

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday underscored the importance of developing a highly skilled and professional diplomatic corps capable of effectively advancing Bangladesh’s national interests under the “Bangladesh First” policy. She stressed the need for diplomats to acquire deeper expertise in key areas of national priority, including climate change, transboundary water sharing, migration, free trade agreements, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, and the Rohingya issue, among others. The State Minister made the remarks while attending the certificate awarding ceremony of the “Refreshers’ Course for Directors 2026” as the chief guest at the Foreign Service Academy. Secretary (East and West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam highlighted the significance of the Refreshers’ Course in strengthening the professional competencies of mid-career diplomats and equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to address the evolving issues.  

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday said the feasibility study on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) will continue from where it left off, stressing that no progress was made on it during the interim government or before its tenure. "The feasibility study is in the same state as when it was started. There has been no progress. It was not carried out during the interim period, nor was it done before the interim period," she told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shama Obaed said China has agreed to provide Bangladesh with the technical support needed to conduct the feasibility study. "Besides Teesta, we have challenges in river management across the country. China also wants to help and support us in that area. That is the assistance China wants to provide," she said. Bangladesh and China have agreed to expedite a joint feasibility study on the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP). If the feasibility study justifies the project, China will extend adequate support for its implementation. Seeking deeper cooperation with Bangladesh in integrated water resources management, China has decided to provide support "within its capacity" for the TRCMRP. The Chinese side will also support experts from both countries in expediting the feasibility study of the project and related work, according to a joint statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as integrated water resources management, water resources planning, hydrological forecasting, flood prevention and disaster reduction, river dredging, and related technology sharing. Shama Obaed said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China has certainly taken Bangladesh-China relations to a new height. "Bangladesh's relations with China have always been good. China has always been a strong partner in our economic and social development. In the coming days, it will invest even more," said the State Minister. She expressed hope that Chinese investment in Bangladesh will increase further. "New investments will come, and we are certainly reviewing the proposals made by the Chinese government, including the two-plus-two meeting and the Bangladesh-China-Myanmar Economic Corridor," she said. Shama Obaed said the government has maintained from the very beginning that Bangladesh's foreign policy will safeguard the interests of its people while keeping their needs at the forefront.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday said the people of Bangladesh want former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extradited, and efforts are underway to bring her back to the country to face trial. "Of course, we should bring her back to Bangladesh and complete the trial. That is what the people of Bangladesh want. Work is underway for that purpose," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when asked about Hasina's recent remarks. The State Minister, however, said there is no new update, as the process is still underway. Responding to another question, Shama Obaed said that, from Bangladesh's perspective, the country maintains relations with all nations, and each relationship is unique. "We will have relations with China. We will have relations with all countries. And I don't think that if relations with one country are good, relations with another country will be bad," she said. The State Minister said the government's goal is to safeguard Bangladesh's national interests by maintaining good relations with all countries. "This is our goal," she added. Reiterating its desire to engage constructively, India on April 17 said they are examining the request for former Hasina’s extradition as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. "There is a request.....the request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes," the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi, noting that they will continue to engage constructively on the issue with all the stakeholders. Bangladesh, on April 8, reiterated its request to extradite Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to Bangladesh, who have been awarded death penalty by the International Crimes Tribunal. "We will continue to seek her extradition through a transparent judicial process. It (the extradition request) has been discussed. It will be dealt with through a transparent judicial process," Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir told reporters recently in Dhaka.

Honouring the memory of the victims of the July 1 terrorist attack, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday said terrorism can never be justified on political, religious, ideological, or any other grounds. "Our Government remains steadfast in its determination to confront terrorism and violent extremism in all spheres," she said, noting that such forces have no place in Bangladesh and will never be allowed to undermine the country's peace and stability. The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism with zero tolerance in all its forms and manifestations. The government of Bangladesh and diplomats from India, Japan, Italy, and the United States remembered the victims of the attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery, where 24 people, including nine Italians, lost their lives. Paying tribute to the victims, they recalled the efforts by the Government of Bangladesh in fighting terrorism and its achievements in this domain. On July 1, 2016, the brutal terrorist attack occurred at the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan diplomatic area of Dhaka, Bangladesh, claiming the lives of 24 individuals alongside six attackers. The 12-hour siege was one of the deadliest in the country's history. Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro hosted the commemoration ceremony at his residence in the afternoon, marking the 10th anniversary. "Let us not forget... never again," he said, thanking everyone for joining the commemoration of 10 years after that brutal terrorist attack.

Bangladesh and Sweden on Wednesday underscored the importance of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) to enhance bilateral trade. The two sides discussed avenues for diversifying and strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, telecommunication, technology, cybersecurity, skills development, human rights, people-to-people exchange, climate change, and peace and security. The issues were discussed when Director and Head of Department for Asia, the Pacific Region and Latin America at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Daniel Wolven paid a courtesy call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Daniel Wolven congratulated Shama Obaed on her election and assumption of the role as the state minister for foreign affairs. The state minister described Sweden as a trusted and long-standing partner of Bangladesh and appreciated its support for Bangladesh’s socio-economic development, gender equality, and climate resilience. She also outlined various initiatives of the government, including creative economy and provisions in the budget of FY2026-27, for women empowerment and gender equality. Citing the long-standing ties and economic impact of the development cooperation, Daniel Wolven said Sweden will continue its development cooperation to Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday urged the media not to give undue importance to reports regarding Prime Minister’s foreign visits until an official announcement is made by the government. "Invitations have come from many countries. It is the Prime Minister's decision as to how, when and to which country he will make a visit," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs amid media reports that claimed the Prime Minister will visit Malaysia on June 21-22 before he travels to China later this month. The State Minister said news reports published by different media outlets regarding the Prime Minister's possible visits should not be treated as confirmed information in the absence of an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Prime Minister's Office. "Newspapers publish their own reports, and you do the same. But until there is an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Prime Minister's Office regarding the visit of the Prime Minister, I do not think such reports should be taken seriously, nor should I comment on them," she said. The State Minister said details of any foreign visit by the Prime Minister would be formally announced by the Prime Minister's press wing once the visit is finalised. She also emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relations with all countries and said the Prime Minister would take the appropriate decision regarding future visits.