United News of Bangladesh

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.

Amid speculation over a likely defence deal with the United States, Bangladesh on Saturday said any deal - whether with the US or any other country - will only be signed when the government and relevant agencies determine that the interests of the country and its people are protected. “Decisions regarding defence deals will not just come from the MoFA. There are relevant agencies where discussions take place and decisions are made. I can’t tell you now from this (MoFA) ministry at what stage this remains,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter drew her attention to a defence deal with the US. A section of media reported that Bangladesh and the US have agreed to reinforce defence cooperation, with both countries advancing negotiations on two long-discussed foundational agreements - the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). “I am reiterating that any agreement, whether with the United States or any other country, will only be signed after the government and all relevant agencies, through consultations, determine that it serves the interests of the country and its people. Beyond that, no deal is expected to be signed,” the State Minister further explained. The GSOMIA is a foundational government-to-government bilateral agreement that will permit greater collaboration and sharing of classified military information in the form of intelligence and classified information US defence equipment, a diplomatic source told UNB. GSOMIA is a reciprocal, legally binding agreement that ensures governments understand and commit to protecting classified military information at an equivalent level of security. The State Minister paid a brief visit to Washington, D.C. on May 18 and met senior US government officials at the Department of State and senior leaderships of International Republican Institute (IRI) and the Atlantic Council. The State Minister met US Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) S Paul Kapur at the State Department. During the meeting, both the Bangladesh State Minister and the US Assistant Secretary expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of Bangladesh-US relations. They reaffirmed commitment to further strengthening the partnership across various aspects of mutual interests including trade, energy, defense, Rohingya crisis, Indo-Pacific and people-to-people contact. They underscored the importance of regular high-level dialogues to maintain momentum in the growing relationship. The meeting was preceded by another meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) Andrew Veprek at the bureau’s office. During the meeting, the State Minister thanked the United States government for their continued support to the Rohingya cause. Both the State Minister and the Assistant Secretary (PRM) agreed to work together to ensure sustainable and safe return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for enhanced Japanese investment in key sectors including renewable energy, ICT, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing and manufacturing. The State Minister held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Onishi Yohei on the sidelines of the ‘Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa’ held in Dakar, Senegal on April 20, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. They discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, technology, skills development and people-to-people exchanges. The State Minister expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis and sought further assistance to facilitate their early and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam will represent Bangladesh at Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security, which will be held in Senegal from April 19–22. The State Minister left Dhaka for Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday morning to attend the Forum, said an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She is expected to return to Bangladesh on April 24.

The High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, Ajit Singh, on Monday met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and discussed issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, the two sides emphasised the importance of sustained partnerships and continued collaboration on various aspects of bilateral relations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bangladesh. Rapists have no political identity, offenders will face law: Shama Obaed

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Monday said they are in touch with the family members of the two Bangladesh citizens who lost their lives. Steps are being taken to make sure that their bodies are brought back home smoothly once the situation is normalized, she told reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She said steps are also being taken so that Bangladeshis who got stranded here can reach their destination countries without any hassle after the normalisation of the situation. Time to view Bangladesh differently: Shama Obaed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Hoque, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, representatives from Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other departments were present at the meeting. Humaiun Kobir on Monday said they will do everything for the Bangladeshis to ensure their welfare, safety and security of its citizens amid current situation in the Middle East. Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said they have discussed all the issues in the inter-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry. BNP lifts suspension on Shama, Babul's posts "They are our top most priority," said the Adviser, adding that the government is fully supportive of their welfare and protection. Kobir said they want deescalation of the situation and urged all to choose the path of diplomacy. Two Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives and seven others have sustained injuries due to missile and drone attacks in different parts of the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the updates on Monday, noting that the government of Bangladesh is "deeply saddened". In the United Arab Emirates, Saleh Ahmed, a Bangladeshi national from Baralekha, Sylhet, tragically lost his life in Ajman after being struck by debris resulting from an aerial attack on a civilian installation. The Embassy of Bangladesh in the United Arab Emirates is in close contact with the local authorities regarding the matter and is extending necessary assistance to repatriate the mortal remains once commercial flights resume, said the Ministry. It has been reported that one Bangladeshi national has been killed and three more have been injured in Bahrain. Bangladesh Mission in Manama is in touch with the local authorities regarding the incident. In the State of Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals, Aminul Islam from Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria; Rabiul Islam from Sathia, Pabna; Masudur Rahman from Begumganj, Noakhali; and Dulal Miah from Chandina, Cumilla, sustained injuries following a drone attack in the vicinity of the civilian airport. They have received necessary medical treatment and are currently reported to be in stable condition. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kuwait remains in regular contact with them and the Ambassador personally visited them at the hospital, said the Ministry. Separately, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel Banglar Joyjatra is currently stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. The Embassy is maintaining close communication with the vessel's captain. All crew members are reported to be safe. The government of Bangladesh reiterated its deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and continues to monitor developments closely.