United News of Bangladesh

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner and Charge d' Affaires to Bangladesh Pawan Badhe and conveyed Dhaka’s displeasure to New Delhi regarding the incident involving PM’s Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman at Delhi airport. A diplomatic source confirmed the development to UNB in the afternoon without elaborating further. High Commissioner-designate Dinesh Trivedi, who arrived here recently, is yet to submit his credentials. Earlier, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman described the incident as “unexpected and unfortunate” and said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking appropriate steps regarding the matter. "It is an unexpected incident, unfortunate too," he said while briefly talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Not Welcoming While responding to a question, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the incident is certainly not 'welcoming', and they do not expect this kind of incident to happen. “Our ministry is looking into this and communicating with India, and will certainly take action, if required, once the full details of the incident are known,” she said. The State Minister said that, firstly, the respective Director General (Ishrat Jahan - South Asia Wing) needs to know what happened. “Let our DG first find out what happened at India's immigration by gathering all the information, and then the ministry will take whatever steps are required.” Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy Affairs Dr Zahed returned home on Monday after he was stopped at Delhi airport by Indian immigration authorities on Sunday evening after his name was reportedly flagged during a security check. Sources close to Dr Zahed told UNB that he was subjected to "undue harassment" at Delhi airport, but there has been no comment so far from Dhaka or New Delhi regarding the matter. The Adviser was not carrying a diplomatic passport. He was travelling on a regular Bangladeshi (green) passport with a SAARC visa. The Adviser was scheduled to attend the 28th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). India is hosting the meeting (June 15-16) in New Delhi. The meeting brought together senior government officials from IORA Member States to review progress, discuss regional priorities, and advance cooperation across the Indian Ocean region under the theme of ‘Innovation, Openness, Resilience and Adaptability.’ The Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) is the second-highest decision-making body of IORA and serves as the organisation’s principal coordinating mechanism. Comprising senior government representatives from Member States, the CSO is responsible for reviewing and discussing key agenda items, making recommendations, and submitting policy matters to the Council of Ministers (COM) for final approval.

Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and President-elect of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session Dr Khalilur Rahman has said he is taking on the role “with humility and respect” at a moment when confidence in the international system is under strain. His Presidency will coincide with one of the most consequential processes on the UN calendar - the selection of Secretary-General António Guterres’s successor, whose term ends on December 31, 2026. The 81st session will open on September 8, with world leaders gathering two weeks later for the annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters, in New York. “The UN will commence its ninth decade at a time when trust in our organization is being tested on multiple fronts,” the Foreign Minister told the UN Member States. Taken together, Dr Khalilur said, these challenges tend to undermine the public trust and confidence in the ability of our organization to deliver its promises.” The President-elect said he intends to act as a bridge-builder, promising to engage all Member States and seek common ground despite growing divisions. “As your president, I will dedicate myself to rebuilding trust, nurturing consensus, and opening space for good faith negotiations that will lead to outcomes for all that are owned by all,” he said. Dr Khalilur also pledged to uphold the UN Charter, maintain geographical and gender balance within his office and support the needs of smaller delegations. He was elected UNGA President on Tuesday after defeating Andreas Kakouris of Cyprus in a closely contested vote, positioning himself to steer the world body through a pivotal year marked by intensifying global crises, UN reform efforts and major leadership transitions. The international community is pouring in congratulatory messages for Dr Khalilur, following his election as the President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This milestone is being widely celebrated as a reflection of Bangladesh's growing global stature and Dr Rahman’s distinguished diplomatic career, an official told UNB. In a secret-ballot election, Dr Khalilur secured 99 votes to Kakouris’s 91. A total of 190 ballots were cast, with no invalid votes or abstentions. The Presidency rotates among the UN’s five regional groups, and the 81st session falls to the Asia-Pacific group. Dr Rahman will serve a one-year term starting on September 8. Dr Khalilur brings more than four decades of diplomatic and multilateral experience to the role. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister since February, he previously served as National Security Adviser and High Representative on the Rohingya Issue during the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Bangladesh and China eye an enhanced cooperation as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is set begin his first official visit to China- May 5-7 at the invitation of Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi. Through this visit, China hopes to work with the new government of Bangladesh to enhance political mutual trust, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. During the visit, the Foreign Minister will hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB.The two Foreign Minister are expected to engage in comprehensive bilateral discussions on issues of mutual interest alongside exchange of views on contemporary regional and global developments, including the situation in the Middle East. The two Ministers are also expected to discuss about possible alignment of their development policies and strategic priorities.During the visit Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur is scheduled to meet the Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning. Minister for International Department of the Communist Party of China Liu Haixing will host a lunch in honor of Bangladesh Foreign Minister, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Humaiun Kobir, Adviser for Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister, Ashiq Chowdhury, Chairman of BIDA, and senior Government officials will accompany the Foreign Minister. Bangladesh and China have long been each other's friends and close neighbors and are comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. Over the past five decades and more since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have been developing friendly ties on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and with mutual respect and equality, and the bilateral ties have enjoyed sustained and steady progress and delivered tangibly for the two peoples, said the Chinese side. China said it attaches high importance to its relations with Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium Maxime Prevot in Brussels, reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relationship. They discussed key areas of mutual interest including trade and investment, multilateral cooperation (including at the United Nations), migration, visa and consular issues, and the Rohingya crisis, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam, among others, were present at the meeting. The Foreign Minister is currently visiting Brussels. On his way back home, the Foreign Minister is expected to make a stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and will return to Bangladesh on April 24, said a senior official.

Bangladesh on Tuesday expressed optimism that Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman’s  “goodwill visit” to India will lay an important foundation for elevating cooperation between the two countries to a more fruitful and sustainable level in the future. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs, however, described Dr Khalilur’s trip as an “official” visit and outlined his engagements in New Delhi in detail. “It is hoped that this visit will lay an important foundation for elevating cooperation between Bangladesh and India to a more fruitful and sustainable level in the future,” Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs SM Mahbubul Alam told reporters at the ministry. FM’s India Visit: Dhaka to push key bilateral concerns in talks with Delhi Describing it as a “goodwill visit” to India, he said the Foreign Minister left for New Delhi in the afternoon en route to Mauritius to participate in the Indian Ocean Conference, scheduled to be held from April 10 to 12. The Foreign Minister arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday  is scheduled to hold meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Petroleum, Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during the “stopover” in New Delhi. In these meetings, the MoFA spokesperson said Bangladesh will emphasise stability and the continued development of bilateral relations based on dignity, mutual trust and respect, and shared interests. India warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur on his arrival in New Delhi. "India and Bangladesh share warm and historic ties anchored in strong people to people relations. The visit will further bolster India Bangladesh partnership," said Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. From New Delhi, Foreign Minister Khalilur is likely to fly to Mauritius on the same flight on Thursday morning as his Indian counterpart, Jaishankar, to attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference.

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, where Miller led an EU delegation, said a PMO release. During the meeting, the Prime Minister and the EU Ambassador discussed issues of mutual interest, including strengthening bilateral relations. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir were present at the meeting.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman left Dhaka on Saturday morning for the US to attend a series of engagements in support of Bangladesh's campaign for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On his way to New York, the Foreign Minister will make a brief stopover in Türkiye, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. He is scheduled to hold several meetings and engagements as part of Bangladesh's diplomatic outreach for the UNGA Presidency bid. The Foreign Minister will hold a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Ankara. During the visit, Dr Rahman is expected to meet diplomats and other stakeholders to strengthen support for Bangladesh's candidature. Palestine has recently withdrawn its candidature for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for the 2026–2027 term. Following the withdrawal of the Palestinian candidature, Bangladesh will now compete with Cyprus. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has nominated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman for the position. The election of the President of the United Nations General Assembly for the eighty first session will be held on June 2 in the General Assembly Hall, UNHQs, in line with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure.  

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to leave for Saudi Arabia early Wednesday, the first foreign trip since his appointment as the Foreign Minister. Humayun Kabir, Adviser to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will also be part of the visit. The Foreign Minister will attend a Foreign Ministers-level meeting in Jeddah to discuss the illegal Israeli occupation decisions aimed at promoting settlement, annexation and attempting to impose alleged Israeli sovereignty on the occupied West Bank. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will hold the emergency meeting of the Open-ended Executive Committee at the level of Foreign Ministers on Thursday at the OIC General Secretariat in Jeddah, a senior official told UNB. The Foreign Minister and Adviser to the PM are likely to have bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the OIC meeting with their counterparts. The OIC meeting aims to coordinate positions and discuss ways of action to confront these invalid decisions and measures taken by the Israeli occupation authorities, the latest of which was the decision to start procedures to settle lands in the occupied West Bank under the name of ‘state property’, as part of its illegal schemes aimed at changing the legal, political and demographic status of the occupied Palestinian territory and undermining the two-state solution. Bangladesh described Saudi Arabia as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh and recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries began during the presidency of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with the establishment of Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia in 1976. President Zia also paid a historic visit to the Kingdom in 1977. Both sides acknowledged his historic contribution to promoting Muslim unity. Commonwealth Meeting The Foreign Minister will visit the United Kingdom to attend the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) which will take place at Lancaster House in London on March 8, a senior official told UNB. Representing the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, the Minister of Finance of the Independent State of Samoa, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, will welcome Foreign Affairs Ministers to the retreat and offer remarks. Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey will also speak at the event. This CFAMM is ‘significant’ as it will signal the start of Commonwealth Day activities, marked every year on the second Monday in March.  This 26th meeting will bring together Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers to address the role of the Commonwealth in a fast-changing international landscape; and explore impactful and transformative solutions to unlock opportunities together for shared prosperity across the Commonwealth, in the face of a fractured global climate. It is the first time that Foreign Ministers will come together within the platform of an executive retreat, which will provide a plan of action for a bold, practical Commonwealth. This will be Secretary-General Botchwey’s second meeting with Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers at CFAMM. Ministers will shape policy priorities leading up to the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1-4 November 2026.

Newly appointed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday said they want to get back to the foreign policy of martyred President Ziaur Rahman which was very positive and expansive, stressing that the government wants to maintain a good relationship with each country while at the same time protecting the country’s interests. “Foreign policy is a very serious matter,” he told reporters at the state guest house Padma in the evening, seeking objectivity from the media while reporting on foreign affairs. The Foreign Minister said an imprudent or misleading statement can affect international relations and urged journalists to maintain objectivity and avoid rumors. NSA Dr Khalilur Rahman parries questions on Biman Board appointment He urged the media to keep eyes on them, noting that they want to demonstrate accountability. Dr Khalilur said it is very important to communicate and they will continue to remain engaged with the media as their activities will be people-centric. Dr Rahman announced that “Bangladesh First” would serve as the central organizing principle of the country’s foreign policy. Under this framework, he said, Dhaka will seek respectful, mutually beneficial relations with all nations, particularly its neighbors, grounded in sovereign equality and shared interests. “Bangladesh First will be the core philosophy of our foreign policy,” he said. “We aim to maintain good relations with all countries, especially our neighbors, based on respect and mutual benefit.” On his first day in office, the minister described a comprehensive reassessment of Bangladesh’s external engagement, anchored in sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, national dignity and honor, and reciprocity. He underscored that these five principles would guide diplomatic conduct going forward. “We will protect our national interest to the fullest extent.” Responding to a question on regional stability, Dr Rahman said Bangladesh seeks to reclaim a confident and proactive diplomatic posture, recalling the foundations laid in the country’s early years. No talks on ‘corridor’: Dr Khalilur Rahman He referenced Bangladesh’s successful bid for a seat on the UN Security Council soon after gaining membership in the United Nations, as well as its role in establishing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation to strengthen regional connectivity. “We seek to restore that confident, expanded and forward-looking diplomatic posture,” he said. “Our foreign policy will be firmly centered on national interest. By carefully safeguarding our priorities, we will conduct responsible and courageous diplomacy.” Acknowledging the complexity of the task ahead, the Minister described the responsibility as both challenging and meaningful. “Our goal is to build a foreign policy that reflects the will and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh,” he said, pledging a strategy rooted in national interest and constructive global engagement. On relations with neighboring countries, Dr Rahman reiterated the government’s commitment to balanced and pragmatic engagement. Where complexities or stagnation exist, he said, efforts will continue to resolve obstacles and normalize ties. “Our foreign policy will be guided exclusively by national interest,” he added. “It will not be shaped by personal or partisan considerations.” Regarding potential bilateral visits, the minister said it was premature to announce specific destinations. Invitations have been received from various countries, and decisions will be communicated in due course. Addressing the Rohingya crisis, Dr Rahman affirmed that the government’s focus would intensify. He said during the interim period Bangladesh maintained communication with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army, and that such engagement would continue. “Our focus on the Rohingya issue will not diminish, in fact, it will be strengthened,” he said. “We seek a swift, realistic, and sustainable resolution.” Dr Khalilur Rahman urges Rohingyas to avoid violence and focus on successful resolution of issues He assured that the ministry would provide regular updates and uphold accountability in its conduct. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, who was also present at the briefing, acknowledged her new role would be both challenging and engaging. She affirmed that the government’s foreign policy would reflect the will and aspirations of the people. “BNP’s position is that we will protect the interests of the people of Bangladesh while maintaining good relations with all countries,” she said, adding that diplomacy would be conducted in a manner necessary to safeguard national interests. Earlier, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended congratulations to newly appointed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur. Wang Yi, who is also Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, expressed his intent to work with Foreign Minister Rahman to jointly implement the important understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries and advance the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights. Dr Jaishanker said he looks forward to working together with Foreign Minister Rahman to advance cooperation between Bangladesh and India for mutual progress and prosperity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Minister served as Chief Adviser's High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and Priority Affairs and National Security Adviser during the interim government’s period. He joined BCS (Foreign Affairs) in 1979 after securing the first position in the first regular civil service examination after independence held in 1977. Dr Khalilur served in various capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York. In 1991, he joined the United Nations secretariat as a Special Adviser and served in different senior UN positions during the next 25 years. In November 2024, he was appointed as the High Representative with the status and privileges of an Adviser. Dr Khalilur stood first class first in MA examinations in Economics at Dhaka University in 1977. During 1980-83, he attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University and the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and earned the degrees of MA in Law and Diplomacy and PhD in Economics.

Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said both Bangladesh and India discussed using non-lethal weapons to reduce border killing to zero. "He (Indian FM) agreed with me that there will be no border killing if non-lethal weapons are used," Dr Hasan told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The issue of border killings was discussed during his bilateral meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House on February 7. Cargo vessel movement between India's Maya and Rajshahi's Sultanganj begins Both sides agreed to enhanced cooperation between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Border Security Force (BSF) and using non-lethal weapons to reduce border killing to zero. Dr Hasan emphasised on early conclusion of Teesta water sharing agreement, aiming to strengthen water cooperation between Bangladesh and India. He also stressed the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty that will expire in 2026. Responding to a question on Teesta issue, Dr Hasan said the Indian central government has no problem regarding Teesta water sharing but the State government is not yet on-board. Swiss Ambassador holds ‘positive and constructive’ discussion with Foreign Minister He said the two countries take forward the discussion on Teesta water sharing after the India's elections in the coming months. Foreign Minister Hasan requested his Indian counterpart to withdraw tariff and non-tariff barriers for Bangladesh's exports, as well as ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to Bangladesh for maintaining price stability, especially during Ramadan.