United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has urged the United States to ensure the safety and security of Bangladeshi citizens and students staying there, following the killing of two Bangladeshi students. “The Embassy is in regular contact with the US Department of State and has requested that the safety of Bangladeshi students and Bangladeshis living in the United States be ensured,” the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington said on Sunday. The Embassy is also maintaining communication with mainstream media outlets in the United States. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is also in close contact with relevant US agencies regarding the matter. The government has expressed deep condolences over the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice through close cooperation with all concerned authorities. Immediately after receiving reports that two Bangladeshi students - Zamil Ahmed Limon and Nahida Sultana Bristy, both enrolled at the University of South Florida - had gone missing, the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Bangladesh Consulate General in Miami established continuous contact with US authorities, university officials, and investigative agencies. Due to current constraints in transporting the body from Tampa, Florida via Dubai, alternative arrangements are being actively explored, the MoFA said. At the same time, the Embassy is maintaining regular contact with US authorities to gather further information regarding Nahida Sultana Bristy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, along with the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Consulate General in Miami, remains in constant communication with the bereaved families. Dhaka Seeks Justice Earlier, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Bangladesh wants the United States to investigate the brutal killings of two Bangladeshi students - Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy - and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. “We demand a prompt and thorough investigation into the matter so that those involved are identified and brought to justice,” she told reporters at the Ministry on Sunday, describing the double murder as deeply unfortunate. Bangladesh seeks justice over brutal killings of 2 students in US The State Minister said she personally spoke on Saturday with Nahida’s brother and Limon’s father. “We are in contact with all the relevant agencies including the Bangladesh Mission in Washington, the US Department of State, and the FBI. We have spoken to both families and will provide all possible cooperation from our side,” she said. Shama Obaed said once the autopsy and necessary legal procedures are completed, Limon’s remains will be repatriated to Bangladesh as soon as possible. The State Minister also said that the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment is assisting in the matter. “We are maintaining close communication with all stakeholders in the United States,” she added The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office conveyed its sincere condolences over the tragic incident involving the two Bangladeshi students of the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, he said. They also informed that they will coordinate the next steps in this regard directly with the next of kin and advised the Bangladesh Mission to speak with the families about any needs they may have. At this time, they are not able to disclose any information regarding the evidence collected as this remains an active criminal investigation. “We will continue to closely monitor the latest developments and share updates as appropriate,” said Moez Limayem. A suspect is in custody in connection with the case. He is facing multiple charges, and additional charges may be added as the investigation continues. Investigators say this is an isolated incident that occurred off campus; the suspect acted alone, and there is no ongoing threat to the safety of the university community. Zamil had attended USF since fall 2024 to study Geography and Environmental Science and Policy, and Nahida had attended USF since fall 2025 to study Chemical Engineering. Hisham Abugharbieh, 26, is facing two counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a weapon in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, students at USF, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He made an initial court appearance on Saturday in Tampa, where he was ordered to be held without bond. A hearing is set for April 28, reports AP. Abugharbieh, a native-born U.S. citizen, was initially taken into custody on Friday at his family’s home on preliminary charges that include unlawfully moving a dead body, failure to report a death, tampering with evidence, false imprisonment, and battery. Online court records do not list an attorney for him. Messages were sent via email and phone to the public defender’s office in Hillsborough County.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas had a meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at State Guesthouse Padma this morning (November 30, 2023) where they discussed ongoing developments in bilateral relations. “Ambassador Haas and FS Momen had a routine meeting to discuss ongoing developments in the bilateral relationship,” US Embassy in Dhaka said after the meeting. Also read: US Ambassador Peter Haas holding meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen The meeting began around 11 am and lasted for 30 minutes. Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States, Muhammad Imran, was also present at the meeting. Haas and Foreign Secretary Masud did not speak to the reporters waiting outside the venue. The US ambassador returned to Dhaka on Monday after a holiday. It is worth noting that the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC has said the political context of the US “Presidential Memorandum on Advancing Worker Empowerment, Rights, and High Labor Standards Globally” has many reasons “to be alarmed.” “Politics is behind what is said about labor rights in the memorandum, and the US would try to use the political purpose in different ways,” said the embassy in a letter based on observation it made on the recently launched US initiative. Also read: US with us, we are with US: Bangladesh Foreign Minister The US Presidential Memorandum was rolled out on November 16. The United States said it will work to “hold accountable those who threaten, intimidate, attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties and visa restrictions” – all the tools in their kit. The “memorandum” is a signal for Bangladesh as the US may take any measure as described in it with the excuse of labor issues, the letter from Bangladesh embassy in Washington, seen by UNB, reads. “The memorandum may also have an impact on Bangladesh’s apparel sector, and it should be taken into cognizance with priority by the concerned stakeholders,” it said. Also read: Dhaka has “excellent” relations with US: Hasan Mahmud

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC observed “Mohan Shaheed Dibosh” and the International Mother Language Day on Tuesday by paying tributes to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement. The Embassy arranged an elaborate program to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes who laid down their lives to establish Bangla as the state language. The day-long program started with placing of a floral wreath at the altar of the Shaheed Minar by the Bangladesh Ambassador on the embassy premises at one-minute past zero hour. The immortal song composed on ‘Amar Ekushey’ — " Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February, Ami Ki Bhulite Pari” — was played at that time. Embassy officers and employees and members of their families were also present on the occasion. Also read: Sri Lanka marks International Mother Language Day In the morning, the Ambassador hoisted the national flag at half-mast in front of the Chancery in the presence of the Embassy officials and employees. A ‘Probhat Pheri’ was arranged to commemorate the day. A floral wreath was also placed at the bust of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Corner of the Embassy to pay deep respect to the Father of the Nation.  

The Governor of the US state of Connecticut has pledged to address Bangladesh’s Covid vaccine needs as the country grapples with the pandemic's deadly second wave. Governor Ned Lamont, an influential Democrat, agreed to explore avenues for commercial supply and co-production of Covid jabs in Bangladesh in collaboration with US pharma giant Pfizer's Central Research Division in Connecticut. Read:Bangladesh-France economic ties affected by Covid-19 pandemic: Embassy He made the commitment during a meeting with Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam at the Governor’s official residence recently, the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington said Wednesday.  Earlier, the Bangladeshi-American community in Hartford City of Connecticut organised a welcoming event in honour of the Ambassador, which was attended by Congressman John B Larson (Democrat-CT), Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (Democrat-CT), Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut Susan Bysiewicz, State Senator Saud Anwar, Manchester city mayor Jay Moran, chair of Connecticut Democratic Party Nancy DiNardo, and Bangladeshi-Americans MD Rahman and Mehdi Anwar. Read:FM reassures on adequate vaccine supply from multiple sources

Dhaka, Apr 3 (UNB) - Mayor of Washington DC Muriel Bowser has declared March 26, 2021 "Bangladesh Day." She congratulated the government and people of Bangladesh on the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's independence which concurs with the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington on Saturday. Also read: Washington, DC declares Mar 26 ‘Bangladesh Day’ A proclamation signed by Mayor Muriel Bowser says that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is blooming and transforming into "Golden Bangla" as dreamt by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C. has introduced a tracking system to enable applicants to know the status of their passport, visa, No Visa Required (NVR) seal and dual nationality certificate.

The 71st anniversary of birth of Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of the Father of the Nation, was celebrated at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, recalling his extraordinary contributions to the national life.

The second special chartered flight carrying stranded Bangladesh citizens is scheduled to leave New York for Dhaka on June 6.

The government, in cooperation with Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, is exploring ways to bring back Bangladeshis who got stranded in the USA due to lockdown amid coronavirus pandemic, said officials. 

Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with profound respect and deep gratitude.   On this day in 1920, Bangabandhu, the greatest Bangalee of all time and leader of the oppressed and deprived people, was born in a respected Muslim family in Tungipara village of Gopalganj district.   The embassy celebrated Bangabandhu’s birth centenary complying with the guidelines of the US authorities in stopping the spread of Coronavirus, according to a media release.   To mark the day, Bangladesh Ambassador to USA Mohammad Ziauddin hoisted national flag with the tune of national anthem. Officers and employees of the embassy were present.   “Though the great revolutionary leader left us 45 years ago, his voice and words sound louder even at present,” he said.   Later, messages from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were readout.