United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Saturday said the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly will provide Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, with a major opportunity to highlight its national interests, economic potential and development priorities on the global stage. "It marks a new journey, a new possibility and a new aspiration," she said while addressing a discussion titled "Upcoming UNGA and Branding of Bangladesh" as the chief guest, organised by the Centre for Non-Resident Bangladeshi (Centre for NRB), a non-profit research organisation for expatriate Bangladeshis. Prime Minister Tarique is scheduled to attend the UNGA for the first time since the establishment of the new democratic government. Following the government's "Bangladesh First" foreign policy, Tarique Rahman is set to present Bangladesh to the international community as a democratic, confident, responsible and promising nation. The high-level segment of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly is scheduled to begin in New York on September 21. She said Bangladesh should no longer be portrayed internationally merely through floods, disasters or the repatriation of undocumented migrants. "Bangladesh has opportunities in tourism, business and investment, and it has the potential to be presented properly on the world map. We are trying to brand Bangladesh in the right way. The government alone cannot do everything; all of us must work together," the State Minister said. She said the significance of the session is heightened by the fact that Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman will preside over the General Assembly. "This is definitely a matter of pride for Bangladesh," Shama said, noting that Bangladesh's success in the election came despite Cyprus having worked for more than a decade to secure the position. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur is now in New York and will take up his responsibilities as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly soon, a tenure that will coincide with a crucial period for the world body, including the selection of a new UN secretary-general. The 81st session of the General Assembly will formally open on September 8, with world leaders expected to gather at UN Headquarters in New York later in the month for the annual high-level general debate. The State Minister credited Bangladesh's diplomatic efforts, including those undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh's mission in New York, as well as the country's stability and democratic government, for playing an important role in the victory. "Therefore, considering all these aspects, this upcoming session will be extremely important for us," she said. PM to Attend Special UN Session on Rohingya Crisis On the Rohingya crisis, Shama said a dedicated session would be held during the UN General Assembly with the participation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. She said the crisis has become increasingly complex because of the involvement of the Myanmar authorities, the Arakan Army, regional actors and competing international interests. "In fact, the problem has deepened. A regional complication has been created. Without international pressure, resolving this problem will become very difficult," she said, urging Bangladeshis abroad and civil-society representatives to help mobilise international support for a sustainable solution. The State Minister said the Rohingya crisis is a big problem for Bangladesh. "But it's not Bangladesh's problem. The problem was not created by Bangladesh." The State Minister also highlighted Bangladesh's reputation at the UN, particularly for its contribution to UN peacekeeping operations. Turning to the government's economic priorities, Shama said economic diplomacy is a major component of the government's manifesto. She said the government inherited what she described as a "broken economy" and a "broken banking sector" and that restoring the economy and bringing it onto a sound footing would take time. She said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been working from the outset to improve transparency and accountability in the banking sector and create a more investor-friendly environment for both foreign investors and non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs). "We want to create an environment where our Bangladeshis will return to invest, and foreigners will also invest here," she said. The government is also working to simplify investment procedures through digital services and a one-stop mechanism so that investors do not have to visit multiple government offices for different services, she said. Shama said the government is expanding online facilities for registration, company name registration and other procedures to make doing business easier. She also highlighted the "One Citizen, One Card" initiative, under which information currently held by different government agencies would be consolidated into a single database and linked to one card for each citizen. The State Minister placed particular emphasis on protecting Bangladeshi migrant workers and curbing illegal migration. She said the government holds expatriate Bangladeshis and remittance earners in high regard, but illegal migration facilitated by broker networks remains a serious concern. Bangladeshi migrants have been falling victim to broker cartels while attempting to travel through dangerous routes, including the Mediterranean, under false promises of employment in countries such as Italy and Spain, she said. "We are addressing this issue, and the current Prime Minister has taken direct action," Shama said. She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working closely with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment to tackle illegal migration. For the first time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a dedicated Migration Wing to address illegal migration and issues faced by Bangladeshi expatriates, she said. The government is also focusing on sending skilled workers abroad through more effective vocational training and skills development, with the aim of ensuring dignified and legal employment for both men and women, she said. Shama urged the NRB community to help raise awareness among potential migrants about the risks posed by illegal migration and broker networks. The State Minister said government agencies have begun working at the grassroots level, identifying districts where illegal migration is more prevalent and coordinating with local administrations to tackle the problem. She said the government is working to simplify visa procedures, including provisions relating to visa-on-arrival, and that the revised policy is expected to be placed before Parliament. "Everything the Prime Minister is doing aims to make Bangladesh more investment-friendly," she said. Shama also stressed the importance of economic diversification, particularly in the energy sector, in view of recent global conflicts and disruptions. The State Minister highlighted the government's focus on the Blue Economy, saying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a dedicated Maritime Wing working on the sector. She also pointed to the introduction of the Creative Economy as a new sector in this year's budget. The sector, she said, will provide particular opportunities for women entrepreneurs and help bring Bangladesh's art, cottage industries, handicrafts and cultural heritage into the mainstream economy while promoting them internationally. Centre for NRB Chairperson M S Shekil Chowdhury said the organisation arranged the programme as part of its annual World Conference Series to showcase Bangladesh's positive developments to the international community. He said the series also seeks to deepen Bangladesh's global engagement and encourage expatriate Bangladeshis to invest in the country and remit their earnings through legal channels.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday drew attention to the growing incidence of digital harassment, particularly against women, and sought the ICRC’s cooperation in addressing emerging digital threats and their humanitarian consequences. She also proposed exploring the possibility of hosting an ICRC regional meeting on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in Dhaka. Committed to protecting human rights, no political vendetta: Shama Obaed The issues were discussed when Regional Director for Asia Pacific of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Régis Savioz met the State Minister at her office. During the meeting, the State Minister appreciated the ICRC’s longstanding humanitarian engagement in Bangladesh. She briefed him on the government’s people-centric and humanitarian approach to social protection, highlighting the potential impact of the Family Card and Farmer Card initiatives. State Minister Shama Obaed recalled the atrocities committed against the Rohingyas and their mass exodus from Rakhine State, noting that today marks the 9th anniversary of those tragic events. She appreciated the ICRC’s continued support for the Rohingyas and sought its sustained humanitarian engagement. She urged the ICRC to strengthen its advocacy for the early repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Regional Director Savioz commended Bangladesh’s continued cooperation with the ICRC and acknowledged its constructive contribution to the global IHL agenda, including as a Co-Chair of the “IHL and Peace” Workstream. He expressed the ICRC’s willingness to expand cooperation in IHL dissemination, capacity building, humanitarian response and other areas of mutual interest.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said Singapore has long had a proposal for a Bay Terminal at Chattogram Port, which came up for discussion during her recent visit to the country. "You know that the Singapore government has had a proposal for a Bay Terminal at our Chattogram Port for a long time. They have talked about that," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shama Obaed said they also visited one of the projects where they have a waste-to-energy and they have shown how they produce energy by managing waste. During her first official visit to Singapore, the State Minister met Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and its State Minister for Foreign Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim separately and discussed issues of mutual interest. She also visited the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA), where she met Regional CEO, Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Türkiye, PSA Vincent Ng, and senior officials. The State Minister was briefed on PSA’s global operations and its use of automation and advanced technologies to develop efficient, sustainable and smart ports. Vincent Ng expressed PSA’s interest in participating in the Bay Terminal project in Bangladesh, noting its potential to significantly enhance Chattogram Port and Bangladesh’s trade and connectivity, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister welcomed PSA’s interest and expressed hope for enhanced cooperation in port development, logistics, technology transfer and capacity building, in line with Bangladesh’s priorities of industrialisation, infrastructure development and connectivity. "We discussed ways to deepen cooperation, including expanding trade and strengthening our energy partnership. We are also making good progress on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, which will create more opportunities for businesses in both countries," said the Foreign Minister of Singapore. He said Singapore and Bangladesh share a longstanding partnership and close people-to-people ties. Bangladesh and Singapore on Tuesday expressed hope for the early conclusion of the Bangladesh-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and emphasised stronger business-to-business engagement. The two countries also exchanged views on energy security, including risks to energy supplies, shipping and global supply chains, as well as climate change, water security, and illegal and irregular migration.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said Bangladesh is pursuing a forward-looking approach in its engagement with New Delhi and that the Indian government will have to clear whether it supports the planned online meeting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “We are moving forward with India with a forward-looking approach. We don't want it to be damaged, and I firmly believe that India doesn't want it either. So, India has to clear whether it is supporting it or not,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter wanted to know about Hasina’s planned virtual programme in New Delhi, scheduled for August 5. Hasina will be arrested whenever she comes to Bangladesh: Shama Obaed The State Minister referred to the recent meeting with Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi and said they want the Bangladesh-India relationship to improve. “You saw that we had a very cordial meeting with the new High Commissioner who came here. We had a lot of good discussions.” Indian media reported that Hasina is set to make her first public appearance in India exactly two years after she fled the country following a massive student-led protest. According to multiple media reports, Hasina will attend a virtual event hosted by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia (FCC South Asia) in New Delhi. “We want relations with India to improve. I believe India also wants that," said the State Minister. Responding to a separate question, she said Bangladesh could communicate with the Indian government if it considers it necessary over the reported event in India on August 5 involving Hasina, while stressing that Dhaka does not want the issue to undermine bilateral relations. The State Minister, however, said the reported programme is not being organised by the Indian government and Dhaka would decide on any diplomatic communication if circumstances required. "If we think it is necessary, the government will contact the relevant foreign ministry," she said. Asked whether Bangladesh would formally protest or seek an explanation from New Delhi before the reported event, Shama Obaed said the Indian government is not organising the programme. Referring to Hasina and other Awami League leaders staying abroad, the State Minister said Bangladesh has repeatedly conveyed its position to India that fugitives or convicted individuals should not use Indian soil for political activities aimed at destabilising Bangladesh. She said the issue has been raised both verbally and in writing during bilateral engagements. Shama Obaed also referred to recent remarks by the Indian government, saying New Delhi had indicated it did not expect a fugitive accused to make political statements from Indian territory. She said political activities by fugitives from India that sought to create instability in Bangladesh could negatively affect bilateral relations. "It can. But we don't want that," she said when asked whether such programmes could damage ties between the two neighbours. On Bangladesh's broader foreign policy, Shama Obaed said the country would maintain balanced relations with all partners based on its national interests. "Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country," she said. "We will maintain relations with everyone while protecting Bangladesh's interests." Shama Obaed said Dhaka would continue to engage with India, China and other countries in areas including trade, investment and bilateral cooperation. Asked about an invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the BRICS Summit in September, she indicated that no decision had yet been made. "Time will tell.... I can’t tell you now," she said, adding that the Prime Minister would decide on overseas visits at an appropriate time. The State Minister mentioned two separate invitations extended to the Prime Minister in February and the recent one, and said the Prime Minister is spending 24 hours a day on Bangladesh's affairs. “So, time will tell when, how and in which country he will take a decision.” India, which is going to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, last month invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the important event, which will focus on global cooperation, trade and sustainable development. Inviting his Bangladesh counterpart and his family to visit India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February said Bangladesh and India can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security, and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies. “I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” he said in a letter that was handed over to Prime Minister Tarique in February this year.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said Bangladesh has sought the extradition of former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, noting that a letter was sent to India through diplomatic channels seeking his extradition. "Since he is a fugitive, we have given the letter that is required for his return. It has been sent recently, addressing only the former Home Minister," she told reporters while responding to a question after attending a seminar in the city. Hasina will be arrested whenever she comes to Bangladesh: Shama Obaed The State Minister said it is an ongoing process and people wish to see the court orders implemented against those who have been convicted and are fugitives including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. She said the government wants a fair trial, and feedback on Dhaka's extradition request depends on India. "We will wait. We expect India will reply and will play its role in strengthening the relations between the two countries," Shama Obaed said. Responding to a question, she said normally extradition request letters are sent separately and that they are sending letters for all individuals who remain fugitives. The State Minister on Thursday said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently staying in India, would be arrested whenever she comes to Bangladesh. "Since she has been convicted, there is no scope for surrender. Whenever she comes to Bangladesh, she will be arrested. It will be done in accordance with the law," she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that efforts are continuing to secure her extradition to Bangladesh. The State Minister said the people of Bangladesh want court orders to be implemented against those living abroad. She said the Law Adviser and the Home Adviser had already explained the legal aspects. "If she surrenders, the existing law will be followed. She will have to go to jail. The law will take its own course," Shama Obaed told reporters on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She said Hasina's recent remarks from abroad appeared 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. Bangladesh has formally requested India to extradite Hasina under the bilateral extradition treaty. Bangladesh is making sustained diplomatic efforts to bring Hasina back to face trial while 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. 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 Humaiun Kobir told reporters in Dhaka.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday urged business leaders to fully utilise the ample opportunities to expand mutually beneficial two-way trade and increase Bangladesh's exports to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. She highlighted the export potential of pharmaceuticals, jute and jute products, leather and leather products, ceramics, shrimp, tropical fruits, and IT products to the CIS region. Shama Obaed said the present government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has been striving to widen and strengthen cooperation with promising but largely untapped regions, including Eastern Europe and the CIS countries. The State Minister emphasised trade diversification and investment promotion when the board of directors and office-bearers of the Commonwealth of Independent States-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CIS-BCCI) met her at her office.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s continued commitment to the BIMSTEC process and reiterated its resolve to further advance regional cooperation during Bangladesh’s Chairmanship of BIMSTEC. Reiterating to the government’s foreign policy priority of “Bangladesh First,” she underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in priority areas, including trade and investment, connectivity, energy, climate change, and people-to-people contacts, with a view to delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of the region. The issues were discussed when Secretary General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Indra Mani Pandey called on the State Minister Shama Obaed Islam at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said Bangladesh does not need to choose between SAARC and BIMSTEC, stressing that these platforms should complement each other, not compete with one another. “BIMSTEC connects South Asia with the Bay of Bengal and Southeast Asia. SAARC represents the broadest South Asian regional identity, including countries that are not part of BIMSTEC,” she said while highlighting the relationship between SAARC and other regional or sub-regional platforms, particularly BIMSTEC. Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar, the State Minister said sub-regional initiatives should not drain momentum away from SAARC; rather, they should become building blocks for wider regional cooperation.

Turkish Red Crescent President Dr Fatma Meriç Yılmaz on Monday profoundly lauded Bangladesh’s extraordinary generosity for hosting the large number of Rohingya from Myanmar and continued humanitarian supports over the years by Bangladesh. The President of Turkish Red Crescent highlighted the Turkish humanitarian activities towards the Rohingyas in food support, education, primary and emergency medical care, sanitation, and training on skill development. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam discussed Bangladesh-Turkiye bilateral issues with the President of Turkish Red Crescent during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She extended deep appreciation to the visiting Turkish Red Crescent delegation and the significant humanitarian assistance by Turkiye for Rohingyas.

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.