United News of Bangladesh

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has hosted the 2nd Diplomatic Indoor Games 2026 at International School Dhaka (ISD), bringing together diplomats, representatives of international organisations and government institutions through sports diplomacy. “Sports have always been a language of trust and understanding among people. The games offered a relaxed space for our international partners and host institutions to have open conversations and build relationships outside their usual diplomatic settings,” said Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony. This second edition of the games included structured badminton and table tennis categories, said a media release on Monday. Diplomats and representatives competed from across several missions and embassies, including Algeria, Australia, Bangladesh, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, alongside representatives from the United Nations, World Health Organization, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNDP, IOM, IFC, and ISD. The closing ceremony was graced by Aharar Hossain, Executive Editor, ALAP; Moshiur Rahman, Managing Director, Modhumoti Group; Dr. Nazrul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who presented the crests to the winning teams; Ziaul Karim, Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications, EBL; Shajalal Sumon, Head of Business Development, Purbani Lifestyle Ltd; and Maria Tanjimath, Advocate, Chamber One. Mike Miller, Director of ISD, said, "It was a privilege for us to welcome the diplomatic community to our campus. This spirit of global dignitaries and institutions coming together for good sportsmanship reflects exactly what we strive for through the IB curriculum; a genuine celebration of diversity and international-mindedness.” Beyond the competition, the games offered opportunities for international delegations, host ministries, and partner organizations to network outside the scheduled matches.  

Seven Bangladeshi nationals were killed in the fire that broke out at a hotel in Kolkata, India early Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Thursday. The fire broke out at a hotel on Free School Street near New Market, one of Kolkata’s busiest and most densely populated areas. On Wednesday, the ministry confirmed five deaths citing local authorities. “According to local authorities, nine people have so far died in the fire. Police have confirmed the identities of five of them as Bangladeshi nationals,” the ministry said in a media release. Four of the Bangladeshi victims were members of the same family, it said, adding that local authorities have yet to confirm the identities of the remaining victims. Meanwhile, six Bangladeshi nationals injured in the fire have been released from hospital after receiving primary treatment. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Wednesday said the government will bring back the bodies of five Bangladeshi nationals killed in a hotel fire in Kolkata as soon as possible after completion of the identification and other necessary formalities. UNB Satkhira correspondent reports: two residents of Kaliganj upazila in Satkhira were among those killed in the devastating fire. The deceased were Alimuzzaman Saju, son of late Yunus Ali of Bareya village and Rebati Sarkar, wife of Bhavesh Sarkar of Tentulia village, both under Tarali Union of Kaliganj upazila. News of their deaths reached the area around 10pm on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the two families and the local community. Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Milon Saha told UNB over the phone that he had learned that two of those killed in the Kolkata fire were residents of Kaliganj.“Efforts are underway at the higher government level to bring the bodies back to the country as soon as possible,” he said. Saju, who had shrimp enclosure business, travelled to India five to six days ago for treatment of back pain and was scheduled to return home on Wednesday, according to his brother. Rebati travelled to India about three months ago for medical treatment and returned home after seeing a doctor, said her family. She had gone to Kolkata again for a follow-up consultation when she died in the hotel fire. The families have demanded that the bodies be repatriated to Bangladesh as soon as possible. “We have already contacted our Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and the family members of those who were killed. Once the identification and other formalities are completed, we can bring these bodies back to Bangladesh as soon as possible,” State Minister Shama Obaed told reporters on Wednesday, adding that the Bangladesh mission in Kolkata is working on the matter. Responding to a question, the State Minister said the government would consider bearing the repatriation expenses if the families of the victims are unable to afford them. Officials of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata are maintaining close contact with hospitals and local police to provide necessary assistance to the Bangladeshi nationals affected by the incident, said the ministry. The mission has also opened a round-the-clock helpline to assist Bangladeshi nationals and their families. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka and the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata are maintaining close coordination with the relevant Indian authorities and monitoring developments concerning the Bangladeshi victims. A Bangladeshi journalist and three members of his family were among those killed in the fire. The deceased were identified as Debashis Dutta, 40, Kushtia correspondent for Ajker Patrika and Channel Nine; his wife, Afsana Simmin, 25; their three-year-old daughter, Swarna Shish Dutta; and his father-in-law, Akram Ali, 64. According to family sources, Dutta had travelled to Kolkata with his ailing wife for medical treatment. He is survived by another daughter, aged eight, as well as his parents. Besides, 38-year-old Ahmed Babu, a cosmetics businessman from Savar, was among those killed in the blaze.

Bangladesh on Sunday urged India to act expeditiously on its request and help create a “propitious environment” for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to make a bilateral visit to India. "We are of the view that a propitious environment needs to be created for the visit," said A.K.M. Shahidul Karim, spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said officials of Bangladesh and India have been in touch with each other for several weeks on the possibility of a bilateral visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India. However, spokesperson Karim said, this process was “vitiated” by the open press interaction in New Delhi on 5th August by Sheikh Hasina who has been convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for committing crimes against humanity. "We have made our position clear on this matter," he said while reading out a written statement. The spokesperson, however, did not take any question.   To this end, Bangladesh requested the Indian authorities to expeditiously act on its request to extradite Sheikh Hasina and other fugitive criminals, and to hand over to Bangladesh the accused killers of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi in compliance with their bilateral extradition treaty. "We are awaiting their response," said the spokesperson. Bangladesh reiterated that they will continue to pursue their "Bangladesh First" policy to promote friendly bilateral relations with other countries, including their neighbours, on the basis of sovereign equality, national dignity, non-interference in each other's internal affairs and mutual benefit. On Hasina’s extradition request, the Indian government has recently said that the matter is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi on Friday evening that they have extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for a bilateral visit. “We've also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for a visit to India for the outreach session of the BRICS Summit. So, these invitations have been extended, and I shall keep you updated if there is any progress in this regard,” he added. On Thursday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Tarique Rahman’s visits to India and Japan had not yet been finalised, stressing that the timing would depend on the prime minister’s schedule and the progress of discussions between the two countries. “The government is busy, the Prime Minister is busy,” she told reporters, referring to the government’s ongoing domestic programmes and upcoming constitutional activities. Asked whether the prime minister would attend the BRICS Summit’s outreach session or undertake a bilateral visit to India, the state minister said there was still sufficient time to make a decision. “A lot can happen in a month,” she said. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi on Saturday highlighted the importance of working together to advance the partnership in key sectors and nurture the exceptional bond of friendship between Bangladesh and India. “We recognise that it is the people-to-people connection, rooted in shared aspiration and mutual goodwill, that remains the true beating heart of this enduring friendship,” he said while celebrating India’s 80th Independence Day at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. Trivedi urged the two countries to work together towards shared prosperity, noting that Bangladesh and India are advancing their partnership across vital sectors, ranging from trade and connectivity to security and healthcare. “Let us also continue to nurture the exceptional bonds of friendship between India and Bangladesh, working hand in hand toward shared prosperity,” he said. The High Commissioner reflected on the foundations of the relationship and said the two countries are bound by a shared history of the freedom struggle and had built their ties on mutual respect and partnership. “With the history of the freedom struggle, our bond is deeply entwined. On this solid bedrock of shared history, mutual respect, and partnership, our relationship continues to flourish,” Trivedi said.  

Bangladesh has decided to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) initially as an observer, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.  Headquartered in Shanghai, WAICO is an inter-governmental organization which was formed on July 16, 2026. Its stated goals include, among other things, deepening international cooperation on innovation, promoting inclusive development by reducing global digital divide, supporting open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for global AI development, and advancing AI regulations aiming to ensure that this new and evolving technology is beneficial and safe for humans. On July 16, twenty-nine countries signed an agreement in Shanghai on establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, signed the agreement on behalf of the Chinese government. Representatives from the 29 countries, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia, signed the agreement, making their countries the WAICO's founding members. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was among representatives from countries and international organizations present at the signing ceremony, reports Xinhua. The organization will uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, be committed to extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit and adhere to a people-centered approach, according to the agreement. It aims to promote international cooperation and global governance on AI, ensuring that AI is beneficial, safe and fair, thereby promoting its healthy and orderly development to benefit all humanity.

The United States has updated its travel advisory for Bangladesh, and the improvement in the advisory "reflects growing US confidence" in Bangladesh's overall security environment and stability, Dhaka said on Thursday night. The overall travel advisory has been lowered from Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) to Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), reflecting that Bangladesh is safer for travel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said. The positive development follows the "productive" bilateral meeting held in Dhaka between Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor. Immediately after the meeting, Gor conveyed the development to the Foreign Minister in a text message, the Ministry said. "This evening, I informed Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman that the State Department has taken into consideration the stable conditions on the ground and has deemed that Bangladesh is safer for travel. Accordingly, the United States' overall travel advisory has been downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2. A few areas have additional restrictions and should be avoided. Great news!" Gor said in a separate message. Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, Humaiun Kobir, was present during the discussions. Over the past six months, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the present government has achieved visible progress in strengthening law and order across the country, Dhaka said. The decision also underscores the positive trajectory of the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and the United States. The government of Bangladesh views the improvement as recognition of its sustained efforts to ensure security, stability, and an enabling environment for international travel, trade, investment, and people-to-people connectivity.

Amid speculation over a likely defence deal with the United States, Bangladesh on Saturday said any deal - whether with the US or any other country - will only be signed when the government and relevant agencies determine that the interests of the country and its people are protected. “Decisions regarding defence deals will not just come from the MoFA. There are relevant agencies where discussions take place and decisions are made. I can’t tell you now from this (MoFA) ministry at what stage this remains,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter drew her attention to a defence deal with the US. A section of media reported that Bangladesh and the US have agreed to reinforce defence cooperation, with both countries advancing negotiations on two long-discussed foundational agreements - the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). “I am reiterating that any agreement, whether with the United States or any other country, will only be signed after the government and all relevant agencies, through consultations, determine that it serves the interests of the country and its people. Beyond that, no deal is expected to be signed,” the State Minister further explained. The GSOMIA is a foundational government-to-government bilateral agreement that will permit greater collaboration and sharing of classified military information in the form of intelligence and classified information US defence equipment, a diplomatic source told UNB. GSOMIA is a reciprocal, legally binding agreement that ensures governments understand and commit to protecting classified military information at an equivalent level of security. The State Minister paid a brief visit to Washington, D.C. on May 18 and met senior US government officials at the Department of State and senior leaderships of International Republican Institute (IRI) and the Atlantic Council. The State Minister met US Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) S Paul Kapur at the State Department. During the meeting, both the Bangladesh State Minister and the US Assistant Secretary expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory of Bangladesh-US relations. They reaffirmed commitment to further strengthening the partnership across various aspects of mutual interests including trade, energy, defense, Rohingya crisis, Indo-Pacific and people-to-people contact. They underscored the importance of regular high-level dialogues to maintain momentum in the growing relationship. The meeting was preceded by another meeting with the Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) Andrew Veprek at the bureau’s office. During the meeting, the State Minister thanked the United States government for their continued support to the Rohingya cause. Both the State Minister and the Assistant Secretary (PRM) agreed to work together to ensure sustainable and safe return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Friday responded to remarks made by Opposition Leader in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman, stressing that Bangladesh’s stance on the ongoing conflict in the West Asia region has been widely appreciated across the region. In his speech at the Jatiya Sangsad on April 30, the Opposition Leader questioned why a friendly country appeared to suggest that Bangladesh had not stood by them during a difficult time. The MoFA, in a statement however, said Bangladesh’s balanced and constructive policy has received positive recognition from regional countries. As an example, the ministry cited a recent statement from the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka, which commended Bangladesh’s approach.  The embassy also expressed concern over what it described as selective and fragmented reporting of its remarks in certain media outlets. On April 23, at a ceremony held at the Iranian Embassy marking the handover of emergency medical assistance from Bangladesh to Iran, Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi underscored the deep and friendly ties between the two countries. He also conveyed appreciation for Bangladesh’s compassion and sincere support for the Iranian people during this challenging period.On April 21, the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka welcomed the meeting held between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The Embassy said they will earnestly pursue the constructive and fruitful engagements and initiatives between the officials of the two countries and underscores the importance of further expanding bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest. Iran appreciated the balanced and constructive position of the government of Bangladesh in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy, which remain essential for the region and the wider international community. The Embassy also expressed its sincere appreciation for the messages of condolence conveyed by the government of Bangladesh following the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the Leader of the Ummah and the great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei. Particular appreciation is extended for the adoption of a condolence motion at the opening session of the 13th Parliament, which constitutes a notable and exceptional gesture. The Embassy further expressed its gratitude for the presence of a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka to sign the condolence book. Iran also appreciated the decision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to send emergency medical assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The Islamic Republic of Iran, while appreciating the support of the government and people of Bangladesh, expressed its heartfelt condolences over the loss of Bangladeshi nationals resulting from the war ‘initiated by the United States and the Zionist regime and their unlawful aggression’ against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in these unfortunate incidents.  It will continue its efforts to facilitate the safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and has also facilitated the safe evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan. The Embassy, in a press statement, called upon all concerned to refrain from any actions or statements that may create misperceptions, and to uphold the spirit of mutual respect that governs the enduring ties between the two brotherly nations. Iran reiterates its firm commitment to strengthening the close and amicable relations between the two nations. The Embassy expressed its dissatisfaction with the selective dissemination of excerpts from recent media interviews concerning developments in the Middle East, which have been republished by certain media outlets and social media platforms. “Such actions are deemed inconsistent with the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries,” said the Embassy, noting that these inaccurate and selective representations are regrettable and contrary to the principles of responsible media conduct. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of Bangladesh enjoy longstanding, friendly, and brotherly relations founded upon mutual respect and shared values. Iran reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Monday urged the people to remain cautious and not be misled by misinformation circulating on social media, clarifying that recently shared photocards attributed to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam are entirely false. The MoFA noticed fabricated photocards that were circulated online falsely quoting the State Minister. One such card claims, “We must approach India with submission, just as we now rely on them even for oil. Shouting slogans like ‘Delhi or Dhaka’ is meaningless. We need to understand that if we antagonise India, our very existence could be at risk." The Ministry firmly said these claims are baseless, misleading, and deliberately fabricated. It emphasised that the State Minister has never made such remarks. “Therefore, everyone is requested not to be confused by this misinformation and rumor,” the MoFA said. In fact, the State Minister said Bangladesh’s foreign policy is guided by a “Bangladesh first” principle. “We will maintain relations with all countries and governments while safeguarding the interests of the people of Bangladesh. Bangladesh will stand firm and continue to engage, communicate, and foster friendly relations with all nations," the MoFA quoted her as saying.

The government on Friday clarified that the recent remarks made by Major General (retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman on his personal social media account were expressed solely in a personal capacity.  "The comments do not reflect the position or policies of the government of Bangladesh and as such the government neither endorses nor shares such rhetoric in any form or manner," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in media  release.  The government of Bangladesh urged all concerned to refrain from associating the government of Bangladesh to the personal comments made by Major General (Retired) ALM Fazlur Rahman.  No info on religious-based visa rejections for students by Poland: MoFA Bangladesh remains firmly committed to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence of all nations, said the Ministry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, did mention what Fazlur Rahman wrote on social media account.       

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said they have no information whether former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken any Indian citizenship. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam came up with the remarks while responding to a question at the ministry’s weekly briefing. He also said it is a matter to be considered by the Indian government on what status she is staying in India. India extends Hasina’s visa amid Bangladesh’s extradition demand The spokesperson also said Dhaka is waiting for India’s reply regarding Bangladesh’s new High Commissioner to India as Bangladesh sought agrimo (recognition). “We are waiting for India’s reply. I don’t think it is taking more time than usual. There is no specific timeframe but usually it is by 3 to 4 months,” said the spokesperson. Regarding the signed deals between Bangladesh and India, he said these all documents are already in the public domain. Apparently referring to deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported visa extension, the interim government recently said visa issue does not exist once passport is cancelled. Earlier, the Department of Immigration and Passports revoked the passports of 97 people, including Hasina, due to their alleged involvement in the July killings and alleged involvement in enforced disappearances. Hasina’s visa extension not taken positively by people: Rizvi However, the Hindustan Times, a major national daily of India, reported that Hasina’s visa extension was recently approved, facilitated by India’s Union Home Ministry through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Hasina, 77, has been residing in India since fleeing her country in August last year, following widespread protests that culminated in her resignation. The spokesperson also said they have not yet received a response to the letter (note verbale) sent to India requesting Hasina's extradition. Hasina among 75 whose passports stripped over July killings