United News of Bangladesh

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.

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.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering support for Saarc process and its commitment to working with member states to achieve the shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia. Saarc issues were discussed when its Secretary General Md Golam Sarwar called on the State Minister on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister recalled that the idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first proposed by Bangladesh in the early 1980s by late President Ziaur Rahman to promote people's welfare, improve quality of life, and strengthen collective self- reliance. Time to view Bangladesh differently: Shama Obaed Being one of the founder members and the host of the very first Summit of Saarc in December 1985, Bangladesh acknowledges the valuable contributions of member states in sustaining the relevance of Saarc amid evolving regional and global dynamics.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Tuesday said Bangladesh has an independent judicial process and the court will take decisions based on evidence regarding Prof Muhammad Yunus. “They can observe the proceedings. We welcome that surely,” he told reporters regarding those who wrote a letter in favour of the Nobel laureate. The state minister wanted to know whether there is any instance in the world where allegations against a person cannot be investigated. Together for Yunus: World leaders past and present joined by Nobel laureates, popstars and tycoons in letter to PM “What I want to say is that there has been no influence of the government in the past, and there will be no such influence in the future either. Bangladesh’s judiciary is independent and the independent judiciary will take decisions based on evidence," said the state minister. “They must have the guts and courage to accept the verdict,” he added, describing the development as “frustrating.” The state minister for foreign affairs also said that calling for the suspension of court proceedings is “unheard of”. “I do not think those who are joining in this call in favour of Prof Yunus are doing proper justice to their own reputation,” he said. Obama writes letter of support as pressure mounts on Dr Yunus The state minister also said that the government does not want to make any comment on an issue related to court proceedings. More than 160 global leaders, including over 100 Nobel laureates, wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressing their deep concern about the safety and wellbeing of Prof Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s first and so far, only Nobel laureate. Addressed directly to the PM, the letter is signed by Nobel laureates, elected officials, business figures, and civil society leaders. The signatories applauded Bangladesh’s remarkable progress since its independence in 1971. However, their collective concern arose from the “perceived threats to democracy and human rights” that have recently emerged within the country. Petition dismissed, Appellate Division orders to continue labour law violation case against Dr Yunus, 3 others "We respectfully ask that you immediately suspend the current judicial proceedings against Prof Yunus, followed by a review of the charges by a panel of impartial judges drawn from within your nation, with some role for internationally recognised legal experts. We are confident that any thorough review of the anti-corruption and labour law cases against him will result in his acquittal,” the letter addressed to PM Hasina reads.

Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam today (June 25, 2023) said, the narrative of Bangladesh being a “small country” has changed globally with its growing economy, wider engagement with partners, and political stability. “Bangladesh is seen as an example of good practice in multilateral forums,” he said while speaking at DCAB Talk. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted its flagship event at the Foreign Service Academy. Also read: UN officials praise Bangladeshi peacekeepers during meeting with PM Hasina DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus moderated the discussion. DCAB General Secretary Emrul Kayesh also spoke on the occasion. The state minister said that Bangladesh’s importance has increased significantly and its level of cooperation internationally has also been enhanced. He said Bangladesh has achieved continuity and stability, and this continuity will prevail. Responding to a question, Alam said, the government is “not feeling any pressure” ahead of the national election as the Election Commission will proceed as per the constitution. Also read: Discrimination, sexual abuse have no place in Peacekeeping Missions, Dhaka says Referring to events over 10 years ago, the state minister said that there is no word like “fear” in the dictionary of Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also mentioned a diplomatic call for a fresh election before monsoon in the past, saying, “That sounds too ambitious.” The state minister said the government will not accept or welcome any interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs but will welcome election observers. He said there has been conspiracy against Bangladesh in the past. Also read: Climate change: Foreign Minister highlights adaptation efforts Alam said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not take any step that goes against the interest of the people and the country. Responding to a question, Alam said that there has been significant progress that leads to the need for withdrawing US sanctions on the elite force, RAB. "We will realise the demand (withdrawal of sanctions)." In his remarks, DCAB President Rezaul Karim said they understand Bangladesh has emerged as an important country in geopolitics with its growing economy. He said Bangladesh’s extraordinary development, democratic stability, and geopolitical significance are undeniably matters of discussion at home and abroad. Read more: UN officials praise Bangladeshi peacekeepers during meeting with PM Hasina

The government would take appropriate steps if any foreign diplomat crosses the line, said Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Monday (June 5, 2023). "There was such a phase six months ago. If it (crossing line) happens again, we will take steps taking that into cognisance. However, I am not aware of anything as of now," he said. Read more: ‘Undivided India’ map at new parliament: No reason for confusion, Dhaka waiting for official version from Delhi, says Shahriar Alam The State Minister made the remarks when a reporter drew his attention about Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori’s visit to the Election Commission and his meeting with a political party. Read more: Exaggeration, inconsistency in Congressmen’s letter: Shahriar Alam Earlier, former Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki made comments on Bangladesh's last national election, and Bangladesh described Naoki's comments on Bangladesh's election "unexpected."

Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Wednesday (May 31, 2023) said security cooperation does not refer to any strategic alliance. He, however, said they have probably slowed down some of the major purchase plans due to current economic situation, which will continue until further improvement of the economic situation. "We do not want any war. But if the independence of Bangladesh is hurt, if the sovereignty is hurt, we will need tools to counter it," Shahriar said, adding that the government is focusing on further economic development. He was speaking at an interactive session titled "Bangladesh at the Crossroads" held in a hotel in Dhaka. Read more: Shahriar hopes US taking good note of BNP’s threat over election The Daily Ittefaq organised the event where its Publisher and Executive Director Tareen Hossain delivered welcome remarks. The State Minister said any defence agreement with any country does not mean that Bangladesh will get involved in war against any country. "We have to procure necessary equipment to defend our country. We have Forces Goal 2030," he said. The country's economic well-being is now the biggest priority, Shahriar said. Read more: President Erdogan and PM Hasina vow to take Dhaka-Ankara ties to new height "We are under no security threats," he said, adding that of course there is always the risk of extremism and Bangladesh will prevent it. Shahriar said Bangladesh has some strategic plans as part of Forces Goal 2030 and it will have to wait for some more time to be completed. Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Nahim Razzaq, diplomats from foreign missions stationed in Dhaka and journalists were present. Read more: Nothing to share yet regarding China’s GDI, says Shahriar Alam