United News of Bangladesh

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia, threatening to block Saudi shipping through the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait in retaliation for what they described as Riyadh's blockade of Yemen and a recent attack on Sanaa International Airport. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a televised statement on Monday that the embargo would take effect immediately, calling the move an “eye for an eye” response. The group did not provide details on how the restrictions would be enforced. However, Nasruddin Amer, deputy head of the Houthi media office, said on social media platform X that the Bab al-Mandeb Strait would be closed to Saudi shipping in response to what he described as Saudi Arabia’s decade-long blockade of Yemen. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, located at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, is one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints. Around 12 percent of global trade passes through the waterway, while roughly one-quarter of the world's container traffic transits the narrow passage en route to and from the Suez Canal. The announcement has raised concerns over renewed disruption to international shipping in the region. The Houthis previously demonstrated their ability to disrupt maritime traffic by launching attacks on commercial vessels during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. More than 100 ships were targeted in a campaign that significantly affected trade through the Red Sea. It remains unclear whether the group intends to launch a similar campaign against Saudi-linked vessels. Saudi Arabia's military said it would continue to ensure freedom of navigation through the waterway. Saudi military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki said any threats against vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandeb would be dealt with "swiftly and firmly," describing such actions as a clear violation of international law and an act of maritime piracy.

A high-level Saudi delegation on Wednesday met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed interest in investing up to US$1 billion in Bangladesh's ports, railways and other key infrastructure projects. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, said a press release issued by the PM’s Press Wing. The delegation was led by Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister for Transport and Logistic Services Dr Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih. During the meeting, the two sides discussed Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations, investment opportunities and ways to expand cooperation in infrastructure development. Members of the delegation also expressed their commitment to further strengthening ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister said Bangladesh's long-standing friendly relations with Saudi Arabia are of great importance to his government. The delegation informed Tarique Rahman that Red Sea Gateway Terminal International is interested in investing $180 million to develop a Bay Terminal in Bangladesh and increasing its overall investment in the country's port sector to $1 billion. They also said Red Sea Gateway Terminal International and several other Saudi companies are keen to invest in various sectors in Bangladesh.  

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Saudi Arabia. Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Jafar H Bin Abiyah handed over the invitation letter to the prime minister during a courtesy call at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat around 9:40am. “The Saudi Crown Prince has also expressed interest in visiting Bangladesh,” Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said at a press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said the timing of the Prime Minister’s visit will be finalised through discussions between the two governments. "This is a significant moment in our bilateral relationship. The invitation to the Prime Minister and the Crown Prince's interest in visiting Bangladesh reflect the growing strength of ties between our two countries," he said. He added that the development demonstrated how the Bangladesh government has strengthened its brotherly relations with countries across the Middle East within a short period after assuming office. "I travelled across the Middle East as the Prime Minister's special envoy during the war, and this gesture from our Prime Minister has established tremendous goodwill for Bangladesh across the region," Humaiun Kobir said.

Saudi Arabia has lifted a five-year ban on imports from Lebanon, a move widely seen as a significant step toward restoring relations between Lebanon and Gulf countries and providing a boost to Lebanon’s struggling economy. The Saudi Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that the decision was made at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and followed what it described as “positive steps taken by the Lebanese state.” Saudi Arabia first banned imports of Lebanese fruits and vegetables in 2021, accusing exporters of using shipments to smuggle drugs into the kingdom. In one high-profile case, Saudi authorities said they seized more than five million Captagon pills hidden inside a consignment of pomegranates from Lebanon. Later that year, Riyadh expanded the restrictions to cover all Lebanese imports after then-Lebanese Information Minister George Kordahi criticized the Saudi-led military campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The diplomatic fallout was also linked to Saudi Arabia’s longstanding concerns over the influence of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. The ban came at a time when Lebanon was already grappling with a severe economic crisis and a sharp depreciation of its national currency. While the Saudi statement did not specify the measures that led to the lifting of the ban, Lebanon has recently announced plans to disarm all non-state armed groups, including Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities have also pledged reforms aimed at strengthening state institutions. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun welcomed the decision and thanked Crown Prince Mohammed, saying the move would help revive the national economy and support Lebanese producers and exporters. Lebanon’s current government, which took office last year on a reform agenda, has been seeking to strengthen relations with Gulf states. Prior to the outbreak of the latest conflict involving Hezbollah and Israel, Lebanese officials had been working to attract Gulf tourists back to the country, while several Gulf nations had eased travel restrictions on visits to Lebanon. The latest Saudi decision is expected to improve trade opportunities for Lebanese businesses and further support efforts to rebuild ties between Beirut and Gulf capitals.

The first Hajj flight from Bangladesh with 419 pilgrims has reached Saudi Arabia. A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight (BG 3001) landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 4:20 am (local time). Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Md. Delwar Hossain and Counsellor (Hajj) Md. Kamrul Islam received the pilgrims. Flowers and refreshment kits were distributed among the pilgrims. Bangladesh Consul General in Jeddah Md. Shakhawat Hossain, Assistant Seasonal Hajj Officer Md. Ruhul Amin, Head of Operations at Jeddah Hajj Terminal Yahya Radi, and Raed Bakshawn, manager of Saudi service provider Nusuk Marhaba responsible for assisting pilgrims were present there. The first Hajj flight, carrying 419 pilgrims departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 12:20am for Saudi Arabia on Friday. According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a total of 14 flights will be operated on the first day — six by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, four by Saudi Airlines and four by Flynas. A total of 78,500 pilgrims from Bangladesh will perform Hajj in 2026. Of them, 4,565 will travel under the government arrangement, while 73,935 will go through private Hajj agencies. Under the agreement with Saudi Arabia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines will carry 50 percent of the pilgrims. Of the remaining 50 percent, Saudi Airlines will transport 35 percent and Flynas 15 percent. Subject to moon sighting, Hajj is expected to be held on 26 May Return flights are scheduled to begin on 30 May and continue until 1 July.    

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey this week as part of a diplomatic effort to help restart talks between the United States and Iran. The visit comes just days after Islamabad hosted rare negotiations between Washington and Tehran that ended without a formal agreement. Sharif is trying to help arrange a second round of talks before a temporary ceasefire expires on April 22. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the four-day trip, beginning Wednesday and ending Saturday, will also focus on strengthening bilateral relations. During his stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Sharif is expected to discuss cooperation as well as regional peace and security with their leaders. In Turkey, he will attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and hold meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other global leaders. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has agreed to deposit $3 billion into Pakistan’s central bank, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Wednesday. The funds are expected to provide crucial support to Pakistan’s economy, which has been under pressure due to regional tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict. Aurangzeb, currently in Washington, D.C. for meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, said an existing $5 billion Saudi deposit will now be extended for a longer period instead of being renewed annually. Earlier this month, Pakistani authorities said the country plans to return $2 billion deposited by the United Arab Emirates in 2019 to its central bank.

Several US diplomatic missions across the Middle East have suspended operations and issued urgent security advisories following escalating regional tensions and security incidents. The US Embassy in Kuwait announced it has shut down operations “until further notice,” citing ongoing regional tensions. In a statement, the embassy said all regular and emergency consular appointments have been cancelled and that it would inform the public when normal operations resume. The closure follows days of mounting casualties and military incidents in the region. According to the US military, six American troops were killed and three US fighter jets crashed in Kuwait in what was described as an apparent friendly fire incident. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Iraq has ordered non-emergency US government employees to leave the country due to security reasons. The mission also updated its travel advisory, prohibiting US government personnel in Baghdad from using the city’s international airport over security risks. A US State Department official earlier urged American citizens to depart immediately from more than a dozen countries due to serious safety risks. The countries include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. In Saudi Arabia, the US Embassy in Riyadh announced the cancellation of all routine and emergency services following an attack on the facility. The embassy said a shelter-in-place order was in effect at its missions in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran, and advised US citizens to avoid embassy premises until further notice. The embassy also urged all American citizens in the Kingdom to maintain a personal safety plan as security concerns continue across the region. #With Inputs from Al Jazeera

US-Bangla Airlines flights to Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and Muscat in Oman will operate as per the schedule Sunday. Passengers are requested to arrive at the airport at least four hours before their flight and collect boarding passes from the US-Bangla Airlines check-in counters, said a press release. Meanwhile, considering the ongoing situation in the Middle East, US-Bangla Airlines has temporarily suspended flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Doha in Qatar. Airline authorities said they will contact affected passengers once flights to the UAE and Qatar resume. For information regarding US-Bangla Airlines flights, passengers can contact 13605 or 01777777800-806, it added.

Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has banned the import of poultry and table eggs from 40 countries including Bangladesh aimed at protecting public health and ensuring food safety in the kingdom. It also imposed partial restrictions on certain regions in 16 other countries, reports Gulf News. The authority said the list of affected countries is regularly reviewed in line with global health developments and epidemiological updates. According to the latest update, some bans have been in place since 2004, while others were introduced gradually over the years based on risk assessments and international reports on animal diseases, especially highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks. The full ban covers imports from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Djibouti, South Africa, China, Iraq, Ghana, Palestine, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, South Korea, North Korea, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Serbia, Slovenia, Côte d’Ivoire and Montenegro. Partial restrictions apply to certain states or cities in Australia, the United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, the Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The SFDA clarified that the ban does not cover heat-treated poultry and related products, provided they meet approved health and safety standards. Such products must carry official certification confirming that they have been processed to eliminate avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses and come from approved facilities in the exporting country.

Five Bangladeshi nationals including four members of a family have been killed in a road crash in Saudi Arabia. The deceased were identified as Mizanur Rahman, 42, his wife Meher Afroz Sumi, 30, their two-daughters—Mohna, 13 and Subah of Ramganj upazila and Hossain Mohammad Jilani alias Babo, 30 of Balakot area in the upazila. Another daughter of Mizanur identified as Faiza Akter, 11 in  undergoing treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, said their family. Eight shops gutted in fire in Laxmipur Firoz Uddin Chowdhury, Officer-in-Charge of Ramganj Police Station, said the accident occurred around local time 3 am (Bangladesh time 11 pm) in Abha area of Saudi Arabia. Baharul Alam, elder brother of Mizanur, said Mizanur had long been involved in hotel business in Saudi Arabia. On February 3, Mizanur along with his wife and three daughters went to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. They met the  tragic accident while returning home after performing Umrah.