United News of Bangladesh

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh on Monday met Bangladesh National Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman and BNP leadership where they discussed progress towards a ‘peaceful and inclusive’ democratic transition through the upcoming elections in Bangladesh. High Commissioner Singh underscored Canada’s desire to work with the interim government, and the next elected government of Bangladesh, to build on the momentum created by economic, financial, judicial, and labour reforms, to deepen bilateral relations and create a better future for people in both countries. Canada has been a longstanding advocate for ‘free, fair, inclusive, and participatory’ elections in Bangladesh, said the High Commission.

Canada has agreed to reduce its 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in return for sharp cuts to Chinese duties on key Canadian farm products, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday. Speaking after two days of talks with Chinese leaders, Carney said the deal will initially allow up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs to enter the Canadian market. In exchange, China will lower its tariff on Canadian canola seeds from about 84 percent to around 15 percent. The announcement came as Canada and China signaled a broader effort to reset relations after years of tension. Carney said his visit, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, marked “a historic and productive” step toward rebuilding ties and adapting cooperation to new global realities. He called for closer collaboration in agriculture, energy and finance. Chinese President Xi Jinping said talks since an initial meeting last October had helped open a new chapter in bilateral relations and that Beijing was willing to continue working to improve ties. Venezuela’s new leader signals oil sector reforms and warmer US ties Relations between the two countries deteriorated in recent years after Canada followed the United States in imposing steep tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum under former prime minister Justin Trudeau. China retaliated with heavy duties on Canadian canola oil, meal and seeds, as well as pork and seafood, effectively shutting Canadian canola out of the Chinese market. The renewed engagement comes as both countries face economic pressure from US President Donald Trump’s America-first trade policies, which have disrupted global commerce and hit both the Canadian and Chinese economies. Carney said his government is seeking to build an economy less dependent on the United States and to diversify trade partnerships during a period of global trade disruption. After leaving China on Saturday, Carney will visit Qatar before heading to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, where he is expected to meet business leaders and investors to promote trade and investment.

Canada has said it remains steadfast in its support for efforts to advance accountability, dignity and justice for the Rohingya. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh met three Rohingya survivors who will be travelling to The Hague to testify in the upcoming International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings in the landmark genocide case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar for atrocities committed against the Rohingya. The discussion focused on the long-standing persecution and violence faced by the Rohingya in Myanmar, their ongoing struggle for rights and justice, and the importance of international accountability, said the High Commission on Monday. UN court begins hearings on ‘genocide’ of Rohingya by Myanmar The Rohingya representatives expressed their appreciation for Canada’s support, including support to ensure Rohingya victims voices are heard in the landmark ICJ case. The High Commissioner acknowledged their courage in testifying and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to human rights, accountability and international justice. Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.3 million Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar camps and Bhasan Char.

FIFA has overhauled the 2026 World Cup draw format to ensure the four highest-ranked teams  like Spain, Argentina, France and England avoid each other until the semifinals, provided they top their groups. The draw, set for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will use a tennis-style bracket system for the first time. FIFA confirmed Tuesday that the new format rewards top-ranked sides by placing them in separate pathways for the 48-team tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The change means defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and European champions Spain, inspired by Lamine Yamal, can only meet in the final at MetLife Stadium near New York, if both win their respective groups. “To ensure competitive balance, two separate pathways to the semifinals have been established,” FIFA said in a statement, aiming to reward teams whose consistent good results have raised their world ranking. Unlike previous World Cups where knockout paths were tied to group allocation, the new approach fixes the bracket in advance. This year’s draw will place 48 teams into four pots before assigning them to 12 groups of four. A full, updated match schedule, with stadiums and kickoff times, will be released on December 6. The ceremony will last about 90 minutes, with the draw itself taking an estimated 45 minutes. As hosts, Canada, Mexico and the United States enter Pot 1, joined by the nine highest-ranked teams: Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Forty-two teams have already qualified, including Iran and Haiti, which FIFA expects to play as drawn despite political sensitivities with the U.S. The tournament will span 16 venues across the three host nations, including 11 NFL stadiums in the U.S. The remaining six entrants will be decided in March through European and intercontinental playoffs. Those teams will enter Pot 4, the lowest-ranked tier, meaning four-time champions Italy could prove a dangerous wildcard next week when the final placing draw is made. Host nations will be marked with different colored balls: Mexico as A1 (green ball), Canada as B1 (red ball), and USA as D1 (blue ball). The other nine Pot 1 teams will automatically be assigned to position 1 in their respective groups. Pot 2 features the next 12 teams: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria and Australia. Pot 3 includes Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. Pot 4 contains Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand and the six playoff winners. Teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn together, except for Europe, which will have 16 representatives, forcing four groups to include two UEFA nations. To maintain bracket balance, Spain (rank 1) and Argentina (rank 2) will be placed in opposite pathways. The same applies to France (rank 3) and England (rank 4), ensuring the top sides stay separated until late. For the host schedules, the USA, placed in Group D, will open on June 12 in Inglewood against a Pot 3 team, then face a Pot 2 opponent in Seattle on June 19, and finish against a Pot 4 side back in Inglewood. Mexico, in Group A, will kick off the tournament on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca against a Pot 3 team, then play a Pot 2 team on June 18 in Guadalajara, before returning to Mexico City for their final group match against a Pot 4 opponent. Canada starts on June 12 in Toronto against a Pot 4 team, then moves to Vancouver for matches against Pot 3 and Pot 2 sides. World Cup draw pots: Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, IR Iran, Korea Republic, Ecuador, Austria, Australia Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d'Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa Pot 4: Jordan, Cabo Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Playoff A, B, C, D, FIFA Playoff Tournament 1 and 2 Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.    

The U.K., Australia and Canada formally recognized a Palestinian state on Sunday, prompting an angry response from Israel, which ruled out the prospect. The coordinated initiative from the three Commonwealth nations and long-time allies reflects growing outrage at Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza and the steps taken by the Israeli government to thwart efforts to create a Palestinian state, including by the continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has faced pressure to take a harder line on Israel within his own governing Labour Party over the deteriorating situation in Gaza, said the U.K.’s move is intended “to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.” He insisted it wasn’t a reward for Hamas, which was behind the attack on Oct. 7, 2023, in which the militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted 251 others. “Today, to revive the hope of peace and a two-state solution, I state clearly as prime minister of this great country that the United Kingdom formally recognizes the state of Palestine,” Starmer said in a video message. “We recognized the state of Israel more than 75 years ago as a homeland for the Jewish people. Today we join over 150 countries who recognize a Palestinian state also.” The moves by the three countries prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to say that the establishment of a Palestinian state “will not happen.” The U.K. announcement was widely anticipated after Starmer said in July that the U.K. would recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, allowed the United Nations to bring in aid and took other steps toward long-term peace. More countries are expected to join the list recognizing a Palestinian state at the U.N. General Assembly this week, including France, which like the U.K., is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. Palestinian and Israeli reactions Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blasted the three countries for proferring a “prize” to Hamas. “It will not happen,” he said. “A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.” Netanyahu is set to give a speech to the General Assembly on Friday before heading to see U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House Monday week. Ahead of Sunday’s announcement, Trump said he disapproved of the U.K.’s anticipated move. Hamas hailed the decision, calling it a “rightful outcome of our people’s struggle, steadfastness, and sacrifices on the path to liberation and return.” The Islamic militant group, which is sworn to Israel’s destruction, called on the world to isolate Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stressed that Sunday’s moves constitute an important and necessary step toward achieving a just peace in accordance with international law. As well as arguing that recognition is immoral, critics argue that it’s an empty gesture given that the Palestinian people are divided into two territories — the West Bank and the Gaza strip— and no recognized international capital. Historical overlay The U.K. and France have a historic role in the politics of the Middle East over the past 100 years, having carved up the region following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I. As part of that carve-up, the U.K. became the governing power of what was then Palestine. It was also author of the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which backed the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people.” However, the second part of the declaration has been largely neglected over the decades. It noted “that nothing shall be done, nothing which may prejudice the civil and religious rights” of the Palestinian people. “It’s significant for France and the U.K. to recognize Palestine because of the legacy of these two countries’ involvement in the Middle East,” said Burcu Ozcelik, senior research fellow for Middle East Security at London-based Royal United Services Institute. “But without the United States coming on board with the idea of a Palestine, I think very little will change on the ground.” Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian head of mission in the U.K., told the BBC that recognition would right a colonial-era wrong. “The issue today is ending the denial of our existence that started 108 years ago, in 1917,” he said. “And I think today, the British people should celebrate a day when history is being corrected, when wrongs are being righted, when recognition of the wrongs of the past are beginning to be corrected.” Diplomatic shift The U.K. has for decades supported an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, but insisted recognition must come as part of a peace plan to achieve a two-state solution. However, the government has become increasingly worried that such a solution is becoming all but impossible – and not only because of the razing of Gaza and displacement of most of its population during nearly two years of conflict, which has seen more than 65,000 people killed in Gaza, displaced around 90% of the population and caused a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Last week, independent experts commissioned by the U.N.’s Human Rights Council concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, a charge that Israel rejected as “distorted and false.” Also vexing the U.K. is Israel’s government has been aggressively expanding settlements in the West Bank, land Palestinians want for their future state. Much of the world regards Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, which is ostensibly run by the Palestinian Authority, as illegal. “This move has symbolic and historic weight, makes clear the U.K.’s concerns about the survival of a two-state solution, and is intended to keep that goal relevant and alive,” said Olivia O’Sullivan, Director of the U.K. in the World Programme at the London-based think tank, Chatham House.

After lashing out at Canada on social media, US President Donald Trump struck a friendlier tone in person as he welcomed Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney to the White House on Tuesday, praising his election victory and performance in recent debates. “I just want to congratulate you," Trump told Carney on his election win as they met in front of reporters. "Ran a really great race. I watched the debate. I thought you were excellent.” As the two countries struggle over a trade war sparked by Trump's tariff hikes, the US president gave a full display of his unique mix of graciousness and aggression, AP reports. However, shortly before the new Canadian prime minister’s arrival, Trump posted on Truth Social, “I very much want to work with him, but cannot understand one simple TRUTH — Why is America subsidising Canada by $200 Billion Dollars a year, in addition to giving them FREE Military Protection, and many other things?” He added, “We don’t need their Cars, we don’t need their Energy, we don’t need their Lumber, we don’t need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain.” Trump said that questioning the need for any Canadian goods “will be, most likely, my only question of consequence.” Trump proposes $1,000 for undocumented migrants to self-deport Carney, a former central bank governor in both Canada and the UK, became prime minister after pledging to push back against Trump’s hostile rhetoric. Despite his calm, economist’s manner, Carney has taken a firm stance in response to Trump’s increasing antagonism. Tensions have escalated after Trump suggested turning Canada into the 51st US state, imposed steep tariffs on Canadian exports, and questioned the legitimacy of the border. His remarks sparked backlash in Canada, contributing to a surprise electoral victory for Carney’s Liberal Party last month. In a recent interview on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’, Trump dismissed the US-Canada border as an “artificial line” separating two territories that could form a “beautiful country.”

Canada’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative Paul Thoppil will begin his four-day visit on Sunday to underscore Canada’s commitment to Bangladesh at a pivotal moment in the country’s history as it pursues democratic reforms towards a free and fair election. Though the visit will begin on Sunday, Thoppil is scheduled arrive in Bangladesh on Saturday evening with a business delegation. During his visit, he will also highlight Canada’s engagement in the region, notably through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, and identify ways to expand trade and investment between Canada and Bangladesh. Thoppil will conduct field visits to key private sector zones that are illustrative of the longstanding bilateral trade relationship and people-to-people ties. Bangladesh Film Archive delegation attends FIAF Congress 2025 in Canada In Bangladesh, Thoppil will meet with key members of interim government, other stakeholders, and leaders from the private sector. Bangladesh and Canada share a growing trade and investment relationship, with Bangladesh being a large and growing market that is one of Canada’s key trading partners. Canada is a major exporter of wheat, pulses, cereals, and machinery to Bangladesh, and is a significant buyer of Bangladesh-made textiles and garments. Both countries continue to explore opportunities for deeper economic collaboration, particularly in sectors such as information technology, aerospace, agriculture and clean energy. On September 5, 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada announced Paul Thoppil as Canada’s first Canadian Indo-Pacific Trade Representative.  This position, an outcome of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, is focused on enhancement of trade, investment and supply chain resiliency between Canada and countries in the Indo-Pacific region.  Previous to this appointment, Thoppil was the Assistant Deputy Minister, Asia-Pacific, at Global Affairs Canada, who led the development of the Indo-Pacific Strategy launched in November 2022.  In November 2022, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy was announced - a whole of-society effort that guides Canada’s actions and ensures that Canadians and people in the region benefit from our engagement. It calls for a generational shift in Canada’s foreign policy—one that harnesses the significant partnership opportunities that the region represents and responds to the inherent challenges. The Indo-Pacific, Canada says, will play a critical role in shaping Canada’s future over the next half-century. Encompassing 40 economies, more than 4 billion people and $47.19 trillion annually in economic activity, it is the world’s fastest-growing region and home to 6 of Canada’s top 12 trading partners.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday sought Canada's support to recover money siphoned off from Bangladesh to the North American country, specifically invested in "Begum Para". "They stole money from our people and bought assets in Begum Para. We need your help to recover the assets. It is the money of our people," Dr Yunus told Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh during a meeting at the State Guest Jamuna. The Chief Adviser said hundreds of billions of dollars were stolen from Bangladesh by oligarchs, cronies and politicians connected with the Sheikh Hasina dictatorship, and part of it was laundered to Canada, including in buying assets in Toronto's infamous "Begum Para" neighbourhood. He sought help to identify, freeze and recover the assets during his meeting with the Canadian High Commissioner. The Canadian High Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the Prof Yunus-led interim government to bring the stolen money back. Govt seeks UK support to bring laundered money back He assured Canada's support in response to the Chief Adviser's asset recovery efforts, noting that Canada has a "mechanism" to freeze siphoned off money for recovery from persons identified by the interim government to the government of Canada. The Canadian High Commissioner also offered the country's support to the interim government's reform initiatives in its transition to democracy. "We support the great thing you are doing. We appreciate the progress that has been made. We are keen to know what we can do," Ajit Singh said. He said Canada was keen to expand trade with Bangladesh and invest more in the country. A Canadian minister would visit Bangladesh soon to discuss issues of mutual interest, he added. Prof Yunus recalled his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and said Dhaka needs more Canadian investment. "Bangladesh is ready for business. We want to expand trade with your country and we want Canadian companies to relocate their factories to Bangladesh," he said. BB Governor reveals laundered money figures, reaffirms efforts to recover  The Chief Adviser said many Bangladeshi people now live and study in Canada, and Ottawa should make a move to set up its visa office in Dhaka. Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and the principal coordinator of SDGs affairs, also attended the meeting.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain on Monday urged Canadian authorities to expedite visa processing for Bangladeshi nationals, with a particular focus on student visas. The Foreign Adviser mentioned the daunting challenges faced by Bangladesh in hosting around 1.3 million Rohingyas in Bangladesh and sought international cooperation, including Canada’s strong support for their sustainable return to their homeland. No discussion regarding CA’s China visit, says Foreign Adviser after his bilateral tour The issues were discussed when newly-appointed High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh Ajit Singh paid a courtesy call on Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomats of the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka were also present at the meeting. The Foreign Adviser welcomed and congratulated Ajit Singh on his appointment as the High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh.   They had elaborate discussions on key issues, including agricultural cooperation, trade and investment, the financial sector and the Rohingya crisis. South Korea backs Bangladesh's interim govt, reforms The High Commissioner noted these concerns and assured maximum support in addressing those. The two dignitaries reaffirmed to further strengthen the existing excellent bilateral relationship between the two countries, especially in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, capacity building, skill development, technical assistance and people-to-people contact. The Foreign Adviser assured the High Commissioner of full support from the government of Bangladesh during his tenure to strengthen the Bangladesh-Canada partnership.

Canada will limit the number of international students entering the country in 2025 for the second straight year, aiming to alleviate pressure on housing, healthcare, and other essential services. The immigration ministry announced on Friday that the country would issue 437,000 study permits in 2025—a 10% decrease from the previous year. This follows the introduction of a cap on international student permits in 2024, as rapid population growth was linked to worsening housing shortages. Trudeau to remain as Canadian PM till March 9 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who plans to step down in March, recently committed to lowering immigration levels amid declining public support for newcomers. In 2023, Canada issued over 650,000 study permits, pushing the number of international students in the country to a record high of over one million—three times the figure from a decade earlier. The surge in population, driven by immigration, has strained public services such as healthcare and education while contributing to rising housing costs. Canadian PM dismisses Trump's idea to merge Canada into U.S.   Source: Agencies