United News of Bangladesh

Amid a changing global labour market scenario, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday emphasised that “protection abroad must begin with prevention at home.” Drawing on experiences from her constituency, she expressed concern over irregular migration, human trafficking and migrant smuggling, as well as emerging forms of recruitment fraud, including those facilitated through digital platforms. The State Minister made the remarks while speaking at a meeting titled “Renewed Government Initiative for Ensuring Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration”, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Md. Nurul Haque, and PM’s Adviser on the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Mahdi Amin attended the meeting as special guests. She discussed the government’s renewed emphasis on strengthening migration governance by enhancing linkages between Bangladesh’s international commitments, national policies and grassroots-level realities. She stressed the importance of aligning skills and training with employment opportunities in destination countries, diversifying labour markets and expanding regular migration pathways.  

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Monday said Bangladesh’s foreign policy has entered a new phase, with the government now focusing on strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations and raising the country’s global visibility and influence. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on his first working day as the State Minister, Kobir said the new responsibility is a continuation of the work he was doing as the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs. “It is not the first day of work as such. Work is about continuity,” he said, adding that the new assignment requires the government to “hit the ball… ground running.” He said a strategic framework for Bangladesh’s foreign policy has been established over the past six months and that the government would now begin rolling out engagements based on that foundation. “Over the last six months, we have established a strategic framework for our foreign policy. It has a strong, solid foundation now,” Kobir said. “From that, now we will roll out our engagements. And we will… build our relations, bilateral relations, multilateral relations from a position of strength.” He said the government would now focus on putting substantive content into Bangladesh’s bilateral relationships and hoped to take the country’s “visibility, influence… to great new heights.” Kobir said he is already familiar with senior officials at the Foreign Ministry, having worked with them over the past six months. “The assignment is new, but it is an assignment that is an extension of further work in the sphere that I have already been working in,” he said. Expressing confidence in the Ministry and its officials, he said,”Together… we can take Bangladesh, Insha’Allah, into a new horizon.” He said Bangladesh should be recognised as a country with strong soft, medium and other forms of power and influence. ‘I am Bangladeshi’ Asked about reports and social media discussions concerning his British citizenship and whether he had renounced it before assuming the state ministerial position, Kobir responded sharply. “I am Bangladeshi,” he said. “Here, Bangladesh… Bangladeshi… I don’t think there is anybody that will question my Bangladeshism and my stand.” Responding to questions about social media reports, he added, “I come with citizenship, and you talk about netizens! I mean, which netizens?” Kobir also referred to the political period involving Moeen U Ahmed and Fakhruddin Ahmed, asking whether “the heartburn of Moeen U Ahmed, and Fakhruddin” was “acting up again.” He urged media, citizens and political leaders to unite in the national interest. “All people who take a strong stance for the country, patriotic people who are here, those who stand by the country—all of us including the media, the citizens, the political leaders, we will all unite and take this country forward, Insha’Allah,” he said. He then urged reporters to focus on substantive issues related to his ministry. Asked about the Mecca Defense Pact, Kobir said Bangladesh expressed interest in it but indicated that there has been no new development. “No, no, we have expressed interest,” he said. He said Bangladesh’s growing international recognition is creating greater interest among key stakeholders in the Middle East and the wider Muslim world. “Bangladesh is now a country of recognition, and there is interest,” Kobir said. He added that key stakeholders are inviting Bangladesh’s leadership, particularly Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, to participate in discussions and enengagements. Kobir also emphasised the special significance of Mecca for Bangladeshis, saying, “Mecca always holds a special place… Mecca is in the heart of Bangladesh, in the hearts of…”

Urging the international community to shoulder the Rohingya responsibility together, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday said Bangladesh’s humanitarian generosity must not become an excuse for international inaction. “Bangladesh can provide shelter. Bangladesh can provide humanitarian assistance. Bangladesh can help preserve dignity, but Bangladesh cannot resolve the crisis that Bangladesh did not create,” she said. The State Minister made the remarks while addressing a dialogue titled “Rohingya Crisis Entering 10 Years: From Humanitarian Response to Sustainable Solutions”, as the chief guest jointly organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) and Oxfam in Bangladesh. She said resolving the protracted Rohingya crisis is a political and moral responsibility that the international community must collectively shoulder, stressing that Bangladesh cannot be left alone to bear the burden.

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 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) and met Vincent Ng, Regional CEO, Middle East, South Asia, Africa and Türkiye, PSA, and senior officials. The State Minister was briefed on PSA’s global operations and the 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, said 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. At the outset, the State Minister of Bangladesh met the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Singapore. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the longstanding and friendly relations between Bangladesh and Singapore and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation. The discussions focused on trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The State Minister highlighted Bangladesh’s potential to diversify exports to Singapore beyond RMG, including pharmaceuticals, ceramics, agro-products, and jute and jute products, and invited greater Singaporean investment in logistics, supply chains, renewable energy and research. Both sides also discussed opportunities to deepen economic cooperation.    

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday said Bangladesh is placing strong emphasis on developing skilled manpower, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman giving special attention to technical and vocational education and training (TVET). She made the remarks during a meeting with Dinesh Vasu Dash, Singapore’s Minister of State for Manpower and Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth. Shama Obaed said Singapore, as a pioneer in skills development and capacity building, could support Bangladesh in these areas and proposed greater cooperation between the relevant agencies of the two countries, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, she highlighted the strong and long-standing relations between Bangladesh and Singapore. The state minister said the government of Bangladesh is committed to fairness, good governance and creating better opportunities for its people. She also highlighted the important role of the large Bangladeshi community in Singapore. Dinesh Vasu agreed that both countries share common interests in promoting skilled manpower. He suggested that the relevant government agencies of Bangladesh and Singapore could establish closer contact and work together. The Singaporean state minister also appreciated the contribution of Bangladeshi migrant workers to Singapore and mentioned that they are generally disciplined and responsible. In response, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh is also focusing on language proficiency for Bangladeshi expatriates and encouraging them to learn a third language. She informed that women constitute around half of Bangladesh’s population and have significant potential to work in the care and nursing sectors. The state minister proposed that Singapore could consider providing relevant training for Bangladeshi nurses who could come to Singapore as caregivers for elderly people. She also proposed cooperation between major public hospitals in Bangladesh and Singapore, including Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Singapore General Hospital and National University Hospital, in areas of mutual interest. The two sides also discussed the recruitment of migrant workers. Dinesh Vasu expressed concern about the costs and fees involved in the recruitment process. In response, Shama Obaed said the government of Bangladesh is determined to reduce recruitment costs and regulate and streamline recruiting agencies. She proposed that Bangladesh and Singapore could explore ways to jointly monitor recruitment practices, including the role of intermediaries and travel agencies, to make the recruitment process more transparent, accountable and affordable. Dinesh Vasu briefed Shama Obaed on Singapore’s initiatives to improve migrant workers’ accommodation. He said the government of Singapore has introduced major initiatives to upgrade migrant worker dormitories and enforce stricter housing standards. The Singaporean state minister added that their government continues to balance the demand for migrant workers with the availability of suitable accommodation. The Bangladesh state minister appreciated these initiatives and expressed gratitude to the government of Singapore for its prompt action to arrange re-employment and compensation for around 200 Bangladeshi workers who recently lost their jobs following the bankruptcy of three companies in Singapore. Dinesh Vasu encouraged migrant workers to report cases of unpaid wages to the Ministry of Manpower so that the authorities can take appropriate action and provide the necessary assistance and compensation. He also appreciated the positive role of Bangladeshi workers in Singapore’s community programmes and celebrations, noting that their participation contributes to racial and social harmony in Singapore. Shama Obaed invited Dinesh Vasu to visit Bangladesh. She said there are many opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in engaging young people and building their skills. She also suggested that a Singaporean team from the relevant agencies could visit Bangladesh to explore possible areas of cooperation. Nodding positively to this proposal, Dinesh Vasu, in view of his additional portfolio as Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, expressed interest in exploring opportunities for further cooperation in these areas. The Bangladesh state minister also sought Singapore’s support for Bangladesh’s aspiration to become a Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She said Bangladesh is giving greater importance to soft diplomacy, particularly cultural and sports diplomacy. Shama Obaed informed that the government of Bangladesh has allocated a budget for the creative economy in the current fiscal year. She also proposed establishing a youth centre in either Dhaka or Singapore to facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas and promote cooperation among young people. The state minister further highlighted Bangladesh’s focus on joint ventures, investment and entrepreneurship. She said Bangladesh is working to create a more investment-friendly environment and provide a hassle-free business environment through measures such as one-stop services. She also highlighted the importance of ensuring a secure and safe environment for investors. In this connection, Dinesh Vasu mentioned the presence of Singaporean businesses in Bangladesh, referring to the Singapore-based restaurant chain named “Fish & Co”, which recently opened in Dhaka. Shama Obaed also highlighted the importance of cultural and economic diplomacy and greater people-to-people engagement between Bangladesh and Singapore. She said Bangladesh is keen to expand cooperation in these areas and create new opportunities for both countries. Both sides expressed their readiness to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of skilled manpower, vocational training, migrant worker welfare, youth development, investment, culture and people-to-people connectivity.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Thursday said exactly 626 Bangladeshis, not 5,000, have experienced "auto-cancellation" of their visas so far, and the government is closely working with the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their visa renewals. “Recent news reports claiming that 5,000 Bangladeshis have had their visas cancelled in the UAE are inaccurate. According to official data, exactly 626 Bangladeshis have experienced "auto-cancellation" of their visas so far,” she told reporters at a joint briefing with State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md. Nurul Haque at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Earlier, they had an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shama Obaed said the situation is not specific to Bangladesh and  citizens of other countries including Nepal, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Philippines have also faced visa cancellations for various reasons. “Out of the 626 affected Bangladeshis, details of 417 individuals have already been submitted to the UAE government for visa renewals. Information for the remaining individuals is being processed and forwarded systematically,” she said. If visas were cancelled due to job termination, the respective employers bear certain responsibilities, said the state minister. The Bangladeshi Embassy in the UAE is directly coordinating with these companies to find viable solutions, she added. “We hope we will get a positive result,” said the State Minister, encouraging the media to report based on verified facts. Shama Obaed said expatriates must strictly respect and follow the laws of their host country and refrain from engaging in unlawful activities or posting sensitive or political content on social media platforms. “We want to send out a message - please refrain from engaging in unlawful activities.” Many migrant workers go abroad after making immense financial sacrifices, and when individuals submit fraudulent or forged documents, it harms the country's reputation and creates hurdles for those attempting to travel legally, she said. Shama Obaed said the government will consider amendments, if required, to the relevant law to enforce stricter measures against document forgery. Migration costs from Bangladesh remain significantly higher than those from neighboring countries like Nepal. The government has initiated active measures to reduce migration expenses and protect workers from fraudulent middlemen networks. For the first time in history, Shama Obaed said, a dedicated 'Migration and NRB Affairs Wing' has been established within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to curb illegal migration and human trafficking.

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.