United News of Bangladesh

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

The government has said they do not have any information on whether any Bangladeshi students’ visa applications were rejected by the Embassy of Poland in New Delhi on the basis of religious identity but it has been learned that some Bangladeshi students have had their visa applications rejected. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam came up with the updates in a written answer during weekly media briefing on Tuesday. He said the Bangladesh Embassy in Poland is in talks with the Polish government to open an Embassy in Bangladesh. Turkish ambassador Ramis Sen pays courtesy visit to Trade Adviser Until then, efforts are being made to introduce a system so that students or workers interested in going to Poland can apply for visas in Bangladesh, said the Spokesperson. Alam said it is important that the Polish government has made some policy changes in accepting applications from foreign students interested in higher education in Poland, which have come into effect from August 1, 2024. In this case, he said, a student will have to obtain an equivalent certificate before applying. Due to the complicated process, the Spokesperson said most of the students fail to do this and many educational institutions are not looking on this issue generously. No decision yet on repatriation of Sheikh Hasina: MoFA Referring to what the Polish educationists think, Alam said, the number of foreign students this year will be lower than last year, but it will return to normal next year as this information will reach the educational institutions by then.

Amid growing tensions between two close neighbors, Bangladesh and India on Tuesday affirmed commitment to have a friendly relationship considering the existing “multifaceted and wide-ranging” relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma following the attack on Bangladesh Assistant High Commission premises in Agartala during protests against alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Talking to reporters after his meeting with acting Foreign Secretary Riaz Hamidullah, the High Commissioner said the “multifaceted and wide-ranging” relations between the two countries cannot be reduced to one issue. Visa, consular services at Bangladesh mission in Agartala suspended Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, at a separate briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, said India is a big neighbour and Bangladesh wants good relations with the neighbor. “But we think this good relationship should be based on just and equity.” High Commissioner Verma said they want to build a “constant, stable and constructive” relationship with Bangladesh. Talking to reporters briefly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said they are interested in working with Bangladesh to fulfill their shared aspirations in the field of peace, security and development. He also said there are many interdependencies and they want to build on that for mutual benefits. Pranay Verma entered the ministry around 4pm on Tuesday. Asked, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said he (Indian envoy) had been asked to come. India really wants stable, constructive relationship with Bangladesh: Verma Additional security measures were taken around the ministry with the deployment of army and police personnel. Meanwhile, all visa and consular services at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala of Tripura have been suspended for an indefinite period. A notification signed by Md Al Amin, first secretary of the Assistant High Commission office, was issued on Tuesday. CA’s Press Secretary said Bangladesh is following due diplomatic process and the government is doing everything whatever necessary. The government of Bangladesh on Monday said it “deeply resents” the “violent demonstration and attack” by a large group of protesters of the Hindu Sangharsh Samity of Agartala on the premises of the Assistant High Commission of Bangladesh in Agartala. Attack on Bangladesh Mission: India arrests 7, suspends 3 cops The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, underlined that this “heinous attack” on a diplomatic mission of Bangladesh and desecration of the national flag of Bangladesh comes in a pattern, further to a similar violent demonstration in Kolkata on 28 November 2024. “This particular act in Agartala stands in violation of the inviolability of diplomatic missions, as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961, asks for,” the ministry said. “We conveyed our concerns to India. Our MoFA (ministry of foreign affairs) is working accordingly,” CA’s Press Secretary Alam said. CA’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were present.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has said that no decision has been made yet regarding the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Toufique Hasan, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Division and the MoFA spokesperson, said that the issue is political in nature and any decision will come from the highest authorities within the government. Hasan said that the ministry had not received any instructions regarding the matter and that it would likely be discussed in the upcoming Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultation (FOC). He explained that while media reports had circulated on the issue, the MoFA was not aware about any official discussions and would act in accordance with government decisions. Hasan also shared updates on several diplomatic efforts being pursued by Bangladesh, including the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultation, reiterating that the FOC will be the first step in that direction. Responding to questions from journalists about international pressures on domestic political matters, Hasan denied any external influence on Bangladesh's internal affairs, particularly regarding the Awami League. He said that no foreign government had raised concerns or made requests about banning the political party. Bhutanese envoy meets Fakhrul, discusses Saarc revival The spokesperson also talked about the ongoing situation involving Bangladeshi nationals detained in the UAE following protests in July. He said the ministry continues to monitor these developments closely and will provide further updates as the situation progresses.

The government has taken an initiative to ensure safe return of Bangladeshis who got stuck in troubled Lebanon, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment are working together for the return of Bangladeshis trapped in war-torn Lebanon. The government is working closely with all concerned to bring back all the Bangladeshis who wish to return from Lebanon safely, said the MoFA. Khurshed Alam will carry out Foreign Secretary’s routine activities until further notice: MoFA An inter-ministerial meeting has already been held with the participation of Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, Expatriates’ Welfare Secretary Md Ruhul Amin and Managing Director & CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Limited Dr. Md. Shafiqur Rahman. Bangladesh Mission Heads assigned to the Middle East joined the meeting on the Zoom platform. The Foreign Secretary has issued necessary instructions to the Bangladeshi ambassador in Lebanon to take necessary measures for the safe return of Bangladeshis stranded in Lebanon. He also gave necessary instructions to ensure the safety of all the expatriate Bangladeshis staying there who do not want to come to the country. Already, a notification has been issued to enroll Bangladeshis who wish to return from the embassy and initially about a thousand migrant workers are said to be willing to return home.

In a somber announcement on Tuesday (February 20, 2024), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) revealed the identities of eight Bangladeshis who met a tragic fate while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The individuals, embarking on an unauthorized voyage from Libya to Europe, drowned in a devastating incident that underscores the perilous journey faced by many seeking a better life abroad. The victims, identified as Sajal, Nayan Biswas, Mamun Seikh, Kazi Sajeeb, Kaisar, Rifat, Russell, and Imrul Kayes Apon, hailed from the Madaripur and Gopalganj districts of Bangladesh. Specifically, the first five victims originated from various villages within the Rajoir upazila of Madaripur, while the remaining were from Muksudpur upazila in Gopalganj. Read more: Out of options, Rohingya fleeing Myanmar and Bangladesh by boat despite soaring death toll The details were shared in a press release distributed by MoFA, which aimed to shed light on the tragic event and its impact on the victims’ communities. The ill-fated journey began on February 13, when a boat carrying individuals from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, and Syria set sail from a Libyan coastal area with hopes of reaching Europe. The group comprised 27 Bangladeshis, 8 Pakistanis, 3 Egyptians, 5 Syrians, and an Egyptian individual who navigated the boat. However, their aspirations were cut short when the vessel capsized off the Tunisian coast in the early hours of February 14. Rescue operations later recovered the bodies of the eight Bangladeshis and one Pakistani, which were subsequently transferred to local hospitals. The foreign ministry's report further highlighted that among the Bangladeshi victims, seven were traveling without passports, indicating the desperate measures taken by individuals in pursuit of better opportunities. Read more: Bangladesh wants to boost cooperation with Libya to curb illegal migration