United News of Bangladesh

Suwaidi Park in Riyadh overflowed with thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis as renowned artist Asif Akbar made his presence felt among the Bangladesh community and their friends from other participating countries, including the host - the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The atmosphere was electric—yet deeply emotional—as their beloved singer connected heart-to-heart with the very people who keep Bangladesh’s economy moving from miles away. Speaking with warmth and sincerity, Asif Akbar emphasised that the remittance fighters - the expatriate workers who sacrifice comfort, family time, and their personal dreams - deserve more than just appreciation. They deserve joy, he said. Bangladesh’s colourful heritage takes centre‐stage at Riyadh’s Global Harmony festival “Remittance fighters need entertainment to breathe, to stay human,” Asif said passionately. “Without moments of happiness with entertainment, people become hardened by the struggles they carry every day." Asif who sang a huge number of hit songs like ‘O Priya Tumi Kothai’ shed light on the silent battles these workers face abroad - loneliness, isolation, tireless labor, and the emotional burden of constantly giving while rarely receiving. Yet, despite the weight on their shoulders, they continue to send money home, build futures for their families, and strengthen the foundations of Bangladesh’s economy, he remembered. Asif described expatriate Bangladeshis as “the most patriotic sons and daughters of our nation.” He praised their unwavering dedication, calling them pillars of progress whose sacrifices often go unnoticed. “They work in foreign lands, far from loved ones, just to keep joy alive back home. But in doing so, they often lose their own moments of happiness,” Asif mentioned in between the conversation with the audience from the large stage. In Suwaidi Park, surrounded by the cheers and warmth of his compatriots, Asif reminded everyone that behind every remittance sent home lies a story of resilience, sacrifice and unspoken pain. And through music and togetherness, even for a brief moment, those burdens felt a little lighter, said the singer who sang for nearly two hours. With each song, expatriates Bangladeshis were seen singing together with their favourite singers. The Saudi Ministry of Media launched the second edition of the Global Harmony in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority highlighting cultures of 14 countries, including Bangladesh. The ‘Bangladeshi Cultural’ segment began on November 11 and ended on Friday night (Riyadh time, November 14). Asif highly appreciated the Saudi government, Saudi Ministry of Media and everyone involved for hosting such a mega event. He also thanked the organisers for honoring the Bangladeshi expatriate community with an opportunity to enjoy a concert free of charge. Read more: Global Harmony: Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage to shine in Riyadh The event, hosted by popular Bangladeshi actress Prarthana Fardin Dighi and Rabiul Haque Zaman, showcased the rich traditions, music, dance, and cuisine of Bangladesh as part of Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony initiative. Thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis, along with some of their families, gathered to enjoy live performances and sing together, transforming the park into a sea of sounds and lights. For many, it was an emotional and pride-filled night, a moment to reconnect with their roots and share their culture with the wider Saudi community, celebrating unity, friendship, and the growing cultural ties between Bangladesh and the Kingdom. “This is absolutely amazing. We remain busy, struggling every day here to keep our families smiling back home. This event is refreshing and a chance to share joy with friends,” Rumel, a Bangladeshi expatriate who attended with his friends, told UNB. “I came here to host for the first time — a role I’ve never played before. It feels wonderful to be here, close to the Bangladeshi community. The audience is amazing. We are grateful to the Saudi authorities and the Ministry of Media,” Dighi told UNB. Sarry Shaaban, spokesperson for the Global Harmony committee, expressed his excitement at hosting one of the largest expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia as part of the initiative. “We are thrilled to have the Bangladeshi community join us. This event will help Saudi audiences learn more about Bangladesh and its culture,” he said. Other nations and regions to be featured in the event include Egypt (Nov. 15–17); the Levant (Nov. 18–20); Yemen (Nov. 21–28); Pakistan (Nov. 29–Dec. 1); Indonesia (Dec. 2–4); the Philippines (Dec. 5–8); Uganda (Dec. 9–10); Ethiopia (Dec. 11–13); and Sudan (Dec. 14–20). The Global Harmony initiative was first launched in October 2024 to celebrate the diversity of the Kingdom’s residents. Last year’s event celebrated the cultures of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Philippines. Last year’s event featured legendary Bangladeshi rock icon Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica, and popular singers Habib Wahid, Porshi, and Beauty Khan — with James’s first-ever performance in Riyadh being a major highlight. The Global Harmony initiative continues to host a series of cultural weeks representing 14 countries over a span of 49 days. The programme is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a global hub for cultural and civilizational diversity. Read more: Saudi Arabia to allow 78,500 Bangladeshis for 2026 Hajj

Bangladeshi expatriates, along with the Saudi audience, enjoyed a vibrant celebration of Bangladeshi heritage on Tuesday night (KSA time) as the ‘Bangladesh Culture’ segment of the Global Harmony festival lit up Al-Suwaidi Park with colorful cultural displays, music and dance performances. The event, hosted by popular Bangladeshi actress Prarthana Fardin Dighi and Rabiul Haque Zaman, showcased the rich traditions, music, dance and cuisine of Bangladesh as part of Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony initiative. Thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis, along with some of their families, gathered to enjoy live performances and sing together, transforming the park into a sea of sounds and lights. For many, it was an emotional and pride-filled night, a moment to reconnect with their roots and share their culture with the wider Saudi community, celebrating unity, friendship and the growing cultural ties between Bangladesh and the Kingdom. “This is absolutely amazing. We remain busy, struggling every day here to keep our families smiling back home. This event is refreshing and a chance to share joy with friends,” Rumel, a Bangladeshi expatriate who attended with his friends, told UNB. Actress Dighi said she would be hosting the Bangladesh Culture programmes until November 14. Swedish envoy in Bangladesh on four-day rights mission “I came here to host for the first time — a role I’ve never played before. It feels wonderful to be here, close to the Bangladeshi community. The audience is amazing. We are grateful to the Saudi authorities and the Ministry of Media,” she told UNB. Sarry Shaaban, spokesperson for the Global Harmony committee, expressed his excitement at hosting one of the largest expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia as part of the initiative. “We are thrilled to have the Bangladeshi community join us. This event will help Saudi audiences learn more about Bangladesh and its culture,” he said. Sarry added that the programme is open to everyone. “It’s free for all to attend and enjoy. For many, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a second home — we’re happy to host them,” he said. Other nations and regions to be featured in the event include Egypt (Nov. 15–17); the Levant (Nov. 18–20); Yemen (Nov. 21–28); Pakistan (Nov. 29–Dec. 1); Indonesia (Dec. 2–4); the Philippines (Dec. 5–8); Uganda (Dec. 9–10); Ethiopia (Dec. 11–13); and Sudan (Dec. 14–20). The Global Harmony initiative was first launched in October 2024 to celebrate the diversity of the Kingdom’s residents. South Korea committed to working with WFP on Rohingyas Last year’s event celebrated the cultures of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and the Philippines. This year’s Bangladesh Culture Week features a diverse lineup of artistes, celebrities, and influencers from Bangladesh, including renowned singer Asif Akbar and actress Dighi, in a colorful showcase of the country’s cultural identity. Packed with lively performances, traditional music and dance and authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, the celebration promises to be a spectacular display of Bangladesh’s rich heritage. Artistes will present a variety of cultural and theatrical performances reflecting the nation’s artistic excellence. Last year’s event featured legendary Bangladeshi rock icon Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica, and popular singers Habib Wahid, Porshi, and Beauty Khan — with James’s first-ever performance in Riyadh being a major highlight. The Global Harmony initiative continues to host a series of cultural weeks representing 14 countries over a span of 49 days. The programme is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a global hub for cultural and civilizational diversity. MSF exchanges views with journalists in Dhaka The Saudi Ministry of Media recently concluded the Indian Cultural Week, another installment of the Global Harmony 2 initiative, while the Bangladesh segment began on November 11. The Indian Cultural Week attracted over 200,000 visitors and featured an array of artistic and cultural performances reflecting the deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and India, while also celebrating Riyadh’s growing cultural diversity. The week, organized under the Quality of Life Program supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, brought together more than 100 Indian artistes who presented theatrical, artistic, and heritage performances showcasing India’s rich cultural identity. Interactive pavilions displayed traditional arts, crafts, cuisine, and customs from different regions of India, drawing significant attention from diplomats, cultural figures, and large crowds of citizens, residents, and members of the Indian community. The week concluded with energetic performances by Indian troupes that received enthusiastic applause, embodying the spirit of cultural exchange and mutual appreciation that the Kingdom seeks to promote.  

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (11th November 2025) signed the Hajj agreement for 2026, under which 78,500 Bangladeshi pilgrims will be able to perform the pilgrimage next year. Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, religious affairs adviser, and Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, inked the deal on behalf of their respective countries. Both sides discussed the overall management of the Hajj pilgrimage during the signing ceremony. Adviser Khalid briefed the Saudi minister on Bangladesh’s recent progress in Hajj management and requested enhanced facilities for Bangladeshi pilgrims, including improved tent arrangements, water supply, and sanitation services in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, said a media release issued by the ministry on Tuesday night. KSA bars pilgrims with incurable diseases from performing Hajj: Ministry Lauding Bangladesh’s Hajj management system, Tawfiq assured that Saudi authorities would continue to provide the highest level of services to Bangladeshi pilgrims. During the meeting, the adviser also invited the Saudi Minister to visit Bangladesh while he accepted the invitation. Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Delwar Hossain, Saudi Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Hassan Manakhara, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah bin Jafar H. bin Abyah, and senior officials from both countries, among others were present at the signing ceremony. Hajj agency’s license cancelled for failing to send pilgrims to Hajj

The ‘Bangladesh Culture’ segment of the prestigious ‘Global Harmony 2’ initiative is set to begin on Tuesday afternoon (5:30 pm KSA time), showcasing the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage and lifestyle of Bangladesh. This high-profile event will highlight various aspects of the lives of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia, offering visitors a colorful glimpse into the nation’s traditions, art, and customs. A diverse lineup of artistes, celebrities and influencers from Bangladesh, including renowned singer Asif Akbar and actress Dighi, will celebrate the country’s rich cultural identity through performances at Al-Suwaidi Park over the four-day event. Filled with lively performances, traditional music and dance and a taste of authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, the celebration promises to be a spectacular showcase of Bangladesh’s heritage. The artistes will present a series of cultural and theatrical performances reflecting the nation’s artistic excellence. Last year, the event featured iconic Bangladeshi rock legend Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica and popular singers Habib Wahid, Porshi, and Beauty Khan — with James’s first-ever performance in Riyadh being a major highlight. Read more: Saudi Arabia to roll out digital deportation platform The Global Harmony Initiative continues to host a series of cultural weeks representing 14 countries over a span of 49 days. The programme is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, strengthening Riyadh’s role as a global hub for cultural and civilisational diversity. The Saudi Ministry of Media concluded the Indian Cultural Week, another installment of the ‘Global Harmony 2’ initiative. The event attracted over 200,000 visitors and featured an array of artistic and cultural performances that reflected the deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and India, while celebrating Riyadh’s growing cultural diversity. The Indian Cultural Week, an initiative under the Quality of Life Program supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, brought together more than 100 Indian artists who presented theatrical, artistic and heritage performances that highlighted India’s rich cultural identity. Interactive pavilions showcased traditional arts, crafts, cuisine, and customs from different regions of India, drawing significant attention from diplomats, cultural figures, and large crowds of citizens, residents and members of the Indian community. The week concluded with energetic artistic performances by Indian troupes, met with enthusiastic audience participation and applause, embodying the spirit of cultural exchange that the Kingdom seeks to foster. Read more: Saudi Arabia set to shorten Umrah visa validity

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) is set to introduce a new “Self-Deportation Platform” that will allow illegal residents to complete their departure procedures online, marking a shift away from traditional deportation methods. Acting Director General of Jawazat Maj. Gen. Saleh Al-Murabba announced the initiative during the Digital Government Forum 2025 in Riyadh on Thursday (6th November 2025). He said the digital platform will be launched once all security, technical, and operational measures are finalised. “This will enable violators of residency, labor, and border laws to complete their exit processes electronically,” he explained. Al-Murabba also revealed that the directorate is preparing to launch a “smart track” system to simplify airport procedures. The new track will use smart cameras capable of verifying the identities of up to 35 travelers at once, allowing them to pass through without interacting with passport officers. Read more: AI boom hits Bangladesh amid global race in ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ The Jawazat chief further announced plans to introduce “Digital Twins” technology — an advanced system that uses data models and analytics to monitor crowd movements, calculate waiting times, and assess passenger satisfaction. The technology was successfully tested during the 2024 Hajj season, reports Saudi Gazette . He added that the digital passport, already available through the “Absher” platform, is being developed further through new international agreements to expand its global use. According to Al-Murabba, the new digital systems will help streamline departure procedures, eliminating the need for passengers to go through manual passport control. Smart devices, automated verification, and connected security systems will facilitate smoother travel experiences. The Jawazat is also planning to establish a “unified gateway” for real-time exchange of passenger data between countries, improving international coordination during transit through Saudi Arabia. Highlighting the Ministry of Interior’s ongoing digital transformation, Al-Murabba said visitors to the Kingdom can already witness major advancements in passport services. The goal, he noted, is to turn Saudi Arabia’s ports of entry into AI-powered smart gateways that ensure faster and more efficient travel. He also expressed pride that Jawazat currently offers over 100 digital services through the Absher platform, benefiting more than 24 million users in 2024. Additionally, the newly launched Smart Voice Agent service now provides 24/7 assistance without human intervention, available through the number 992. Read more: Saudi Arabia set to shorten Umrah visa validity

Saudi Arabia is preparing to shorten the validity period of Umrah visas from three months to one month in a move aimed at better managing the growing influx of pilgrims, according to a report by Al Arabiya.net. Citing official sources, the Saudi news outlet said the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will soon implement the change, reducing the visa’s validity to 30 days from the date of issuance. The new regulation is expected to take effect next week. Since the beginning of the new Umrah season in early June, more than four million Umrah visas have been issued to international pilgrims — a record figure in less than five months. Under the revised rules, a visa will be automatically cancelled 30 days after issuance if the holder fails to enter the Kingdom within that period. However, the adjustment will not impact the duration of stay for those who arrive in Saudi Arabia, as Umrah pilgrims will still be permitted to remain in the country for up to three months. Read more: Bangladesh urges Saudi Arabia to maint 1,000-pilgrim Hajj quota per agency The decision aims to prevent overcrowding in the holy cities of Makkah and Medina during the cooler months, said Ahmed Bajafar, advisor to the National Committee for Umrah and Visit. Although Umrah rituals are performed only in Makkah, many pilgrims also visit Medina to offer prayers at the Prophet Mohammad’s mosque during their trip. Earlier in October, Saudi Arabia tightened Umrah procedures, requiring advance booking of accommodation and verification of transportation arrangements on the Nusuk or Masar platforms upon arrival. The Kingdom has also reiterated that visitors holding any type of visa are eligible to perform Umrah during their stay. With input from Khaleej Times Read more: How to Perform Umrah from Bangladesh?

Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan have signed a landmark mutual defense agreement, declaring that an attack on either country will be considered an attack on both, following Israel’s recent strike on Qatar. The pact, signed Wednesday by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscores decades of close security, economic, and religious ties between the two nations. Saudi Arabia has long been linked to supporting Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program, with analysts often suggesting Riyadh could fall under Islamabad’s nuclear umbrella amid growing concerns over Iran’s atomic ambitions. Israeli forces push deeper into Gaza City amid mass Palestinian displacement The timing of the deal is seen as a direct signal to Israel, widely believed to be the Middle East’s sole nuclear-armed state, which has waged a sweeping military campaign across the region since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack. According to official statements, the pact aims “to strengthen defense cooperation and enhance joint deterrence against any aggression.” While it does not directly mention nuclear weapons, speculation persists over whether the agreement implicitly extends to Pakistan’s arsenal. India acknowledged the development Thursday, saying it would “study the implications for national security and regional stability.” Source: Agency 

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain has urged the Saudi government to maintain Bangladesh's Hajj quota at 1,000 pilgrims per agency, instead of increasing it to 2,000 as planned for 2026. The request was made during a meeting with Saudi Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Al-Hassan Yahya Al-Manakhara, in Jeddah on Friday, according to an official media release. Last year, the Saudi authorities had announced a minimum quota of 2,000 pilgrims per agency starting from 2026. Bangladesh, however, emphasised the importance of keeping the existing quota to ensure a manageable and well-organised Hajj arrangement. Adviser Khalid also expressed his gratitude to the Saudi government for the smooth and orderly management of this year’s pilgrimage.  He appreciated measures including the prevention of unauthorized Hajj activities, timely issuance of Nusuk cards, improved transportation, enhanced healthcare in the Masahir area, and efforts to reduce pilgrim mortality. He also presented several suggestions to further improve Hajj operations in 2026.  These included enriching the Nusuk Masa dashboard with more detailed information, setting up a monitoring and verification mechanism, introducing an RFID-based luggage tracking system under the Makkah Route Initiative, expanding toilet and water facilities in the Masahir area, increasing bed capacity in Mina and Arafat tents, and announcing the estimated cost of Hajj well in advance. Besides, he proposed launching a third airline carrier alongside Biman Bangladesh and Saudia Airlines to improve transportation services for Bangladeshi pilgrims. In response, Al-Manakhara assured that Saudi Arabia would consider Bangladesh’s observations and suggestions.  He also called on Bangladesh to further enhance its Hajj management and adhere to the official roadmap in a timely manner. Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Councilor (Hajj) Md. Zahirul Islam, Consul (Hajj) Md. Aslam Uddin, and Private Secretary to the Secretary Md. Kamrul Islam were also present at the meeting.

Inspired by the spirit of sacrifice, Muslims across Bangladesh are celebrating the holy Eid-ul-Azha today, Saturday (June 7), in line with many countries around the world.  This is one of the most significant religious festivals of the Muslim community. Due to geographical positioning, Eid-ul-Azha is being celebrated in Bangladesh a day after countries like Saudi Arabia.  The festival is traditionally observed on the 10th of the lunar month of Zilhajj, following the conclusion of the Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia. On this day, Muslims across the country perform the Eid congregational prayers in the morning and carry out the religious rite of Qurbani (animal sacrifice). If necessary, Qurbani may also be performed until the third day of Eid. Based on the sighting of the Zilhajj moon, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and most other Middle Eastern countries observed Eid on June 6.  Eid-ul-Azha: Bangladesh gears up for sacred celebrations Saturday Due to time zone differences, Muslims in Europe, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States and many African nations also celebrated Eid around the same time. Eid-ul-Azha is being observed today in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Morocco, Mauritania, Brunei, and Malaysia.  A small number of Muslims in some areas of a few districts in Bangladesh observed the festival on Friday (June 6), following the Saudi Arabian schedule. Millions of worshippers across the country join the Eid congregations held at various Eidgahs.  The largest Eidgah in the country is the Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj, followed by the Gor-e-Shaheed Maidan in Dinajpur, where hundreds of thousands gather for the prayers. The main national congregation will be held at the National Eidgah adjacent to the Supreme Court. The Eid prayer will begin at 7:30am.  Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, members of the advisory council, justices of the Supreme Court, political leaders, and people from various walks of life will attend the congregation. As in previous years, five Eid congregations will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.  The first congregation will begin at 7:00am followed by prayers at 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, and 10:45am. Eid-ul-Azha: President Shahabuddin sends warm wishes to nation The Meteorological Department has forecasted somewhat adverse weather conditions on Eid day.  Rain is expected across the country along with a possible rise in temperature on Saturday (June 7). The state agency released a 120-hour forecast on Friday (June 6) starting from 6:00am, detailing the expected weather conditions. Proper preparations to deal with inclement weather can help preserve the joy of Eid for the worshippers.

President Donald Trump used the first major foreign trip of his second term to outline a vision for restoring global stability that is grounded in pragmatism and self-interest rather than values, holding out U.S. ties to wealthy Gulf countries as a model for America’s longtime foes. His four-day swing through Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which ends Friday, put a spotlight on Trump’s transactional approach to foreign affairs as he was feted by autocratic rulers with a trio of lavish state visits where there was heavy emphasis on economic and security partnerships. His trip played out against the backdrop of stubborn global conflicts, including Gaza and Ukraine, that showed the limits of his influence. But Trump insisted he was turning the page on American “interventionalism” in the region as he moved to recognize the new government in Syria for the first time and prodded Iran to engage on nuclear talks before it’s too late. Some takeaways from Trump’s travels: Trump marveled at Gulf state opulence but held his tongue on human rights Presidential trips to the Middle East usually feature at least some public calls for authoritarian governments to improve their human rights efforts. Not this one, as Trump celebrated his business deals with Gulf royals and admired their wealth. Trump toured the marble and gilded palaces of Gulf rulers and deemed them “perfecto” and “very hard to buy.” He praised the “gleaming marvels” of the skyline in Saudi Arabia. And he groused about the “much less impressive” Air Force One. In Trump’s remarks at a VIP business conference in Riyadh, he went out of his way to distance himself from the actions of past administrations, the days when he said American officials would fly in “in beautiful planes, giving you lectures on how to live and how to govern your own affairs.” Rights advocates took that as a pledge of nonintervention, swearing off some of the pressure past U.S. presidents have brought to bear on partners to varying degrees to ease up on detentions, suppression of critics and other issues. Israeli strikes kill at least 64 people in Gaza as Trump wraps up his Middle East visit “It’s absolute support for absolute monarchy,” said Saudi exile Abdullah Alaoudh. His father, a Saudi cleric with a wide following there, is imprisoned in the kingdom. Some rights advocates said Trump officials gave them private assurances the administration was working on behalf of detained Americans and rights advocates. Tommy Pigott, a deputy spokesman at the State Department, declined to say whether Trump raised those or other rights issues in discussions with Gulf royals. Thwarted by Putin While Trump was in the Mideast, Vladimir Putin opted to skip direct peace talks with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy despite the U.S. president’s strong calls for them to meet face to face. Trump has been pushing Putin and Zelenskyy to move with greater haste to end Russia’s grinding war in Ukraine. But after it became clear Putin wouldn’t be attending talks in Turkey this week and would instead be sending underlings to Istanbul, an annoyed Trump insisted he knew all along that it was highly likely Putin would be a no-show. “I don’t believe anything’s going to happen whether you like it or not, until he and I get together,” Trump said. “But we’re going to have to get it solved because too many people are dying.” As he wrapped up his visit on Friday, Trump said the face-to-face would happen “as soon as we can set it up.” Trump was scheduled to fly back to Washington on Friday, but tried to keep people guessing until the end. He teased late Thursday that he would be heading to a “destination unknown” — “probably” Washington, he added. His opaque language stoked speculation that he might make a drop-by to Turkey. But on Friday morning, he told reporters he needed to get back to Washington. His daughter Tiffany had her first child while the president has been away. “I would actually leave here and go,” Trump said. “I do want to see my beautiful grandson.”   On Syria sanctions, Trump takes a leap of faith Just two months ago, the Trump administration wasn’t sold on Syria’s interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, the onetime al-Qaida-affiliated insurgent. They worried the Syrian president didn’t have the legitimacy to govern the country’s ethnically diverse population. Clashes broke out in early March, killing hundreds and targeting many more members of the Alawite religious minority to which the ousted Syrian leader Basher Assad belongs. The moment gave the Trump White House pause about easing sanctions on Syria. But Trump signaled Monday that he was having a change of heart and was moving toward lifting the Syria sanctions. A day later, he announced the move during an address to Gulf leaders. Trump then took it another step by agreeing to meet al-Sharaa. Trump said he was impressed with al-Sharaa, who not that long ago had a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head. The president called him a “young, attractive guy” with a “very strong past.” Trump said it was recommendations from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that nudged him to take a chance on al-Sharra. “President Erdogan called me and said: ‘Is there any way you could do that? Because if you don’t do that, they don’t have a chance,’” Trump said. “So, I did it.”