United News of Bangladesh

Ambassador of Bangladesh to Guatemala, resident in Mexico, Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey has presented his credentials to Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala Mo nica Bolan os Pe rez and called for stronger bilateral ties with Guatemala. During their meeting on Tuesday, both sides underscored the importance of deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation. Vice Minister Bolan os Pe rez commended Bangladesh’s notable contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations.  Ambassador Mushfique proposed facilitating a visit by a Guatemalan business delegation to Bangladesh to explore new opportunities for collaboration, said the Embassy on Wednesday.  Bangladesh condemns Israeli military aggression against Qatar He also highlighted Bangladesh’s competitive export sectors, particularly ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals, leather, and jute goods. On the sidelines, Ambassador Mushfique met with Director General Lynsay Herna ndez, where he reaffirmed Bangladesh’s full commitment to advancing bilateral ties.  

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, now in Kuala Lumpur, on Friday expressed concerns over the arrests of Bangladeshi nationals on charges of terrorism. He said the government of Bangladesh will work with Malaysia to investigate allegations of militancy against Bangladeshi nationals who were arrested recently by the Malaysian Police. The issues were discussed during a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan held in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) ministerial meeting.  Adviser Hossain reiterated the firm stand of the government against terrorism and sought Malaysia's cooperation in its own investigation into the allegations through exchange of information and findings.  The Malaysian Foreign Minister assured Dhaka of facilitating access and cooperation to Bangladesh authorities. Photographs taken by two Mt. Everest summiteers on display in Dhaka Earlier, the Foreign Advisor met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy where the two held discussions on diverse bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.  Both sides discussed, among others, the ongoing reforms in Bangladesh, Rohingya crisis, post-LDC graduation support, according to the Bangladesh Mission in Kuala Lumpur.  The Foreign Adviser also called on Winston Peters, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Hon Vijitha Herath, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, and Park Yoonjoo, the Vice Minister and Head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea where a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues came for discussions.  Bangladesh became a member of ARF in 2006, a forum established in early nineties to promote confidence and trust among its 27 members that include countries in the broader Asia-Pacific.  At present, Bangladesh is co-chairing two of the ARF priority areas, “Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime” and “Disaster Relief.”  The next session of the ARF ministerial meeting is scheduled to take place in Manila in 2026. In the afternoon, the Foreign Adviser delivered the national statement at the Ministerial Meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum where he called for greater attention to the Rohingya crisis, in consideration of its national and regional security implications.  China, Canada foresee ‘renewed collaboration’ in trade, investment with Bangladesh The Foriegn Adviser also urged the ASEAN members to positively consider Bangladesh’s bid to become Sectoral Dialogue Partner.  The Foreign Adviser was accompanied by Md Shameem Ahsan, the High Commissioner of Bangaldesh to Malaysia, Md Forhadul Islam, Director General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials of the Bangladesh government.    

Describing the recently held tripartite meeting as an effort to have “concrete cooperation” in certain areas, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday said they are working with Bangladesh and Pakistan to follow up and implement the consensus they reached.  “We have already identified 12 areas for concrete cooperation including industry, trade, education, environment protection, water resources. There will be some follow up and we are working with Bangladesh and Pakistan to follow up and implement this consensus,” he told reporters after attending a seminar in the capital. Ambassador Yao said the meeting, held recently in Kunming, was part of an initiative to have their cooperation to improve economic development and livelihoods of all there countries – Bangladesh, China and Pakistan. “We are in a very critical moment. There are lots of things we can work together. I see this for the common interests of the three countries,” said the Chinese Ambassador. He stressed that the principle of cooperation is to remain open, maintain transparency and ensure mutual benefits. “Our cooperation is based on mutual trust. It is open and transparent process. It does not target any third country. That is the message to convey,” said Ambassador Yao. The Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) hosted the seminar on ‘China-Bangladesh Industrial and Supply Chain Cooperation’ where ‘Industry Reports’ by the CEAB was released. Bangladesh, Mexico celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties with landmark illuminations in Mexico City Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, along with representatives from the concerned agencies and departments of the Bangladesh government and business leaders from both countries were present. Earlier, Bangladesh, China and Pakistan identified several areas for deeper cooperation including infrastructure, connectivity, trade, investment, healthcare, agriculture, maritime affairs, ICT, disaster preparedness and climate change issues. Bangladesh, China and Pakistan held the "informal trilateral meeting" on the sidelines of the 9th China-South Asia Exposition and the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation meeting in Kunming on June 19. June 26, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain ruled out any new alliance among Bangladesh, China and Pakistan, and stressed that it was not done targeting Bangladesh’s neighbouring country – India. Foreign Affairs Adviser off to Malaysia to attend ASEAN Regional Forum   “We are not forming any alliance. It was a meeting at the official level, not at the political level…. there was no element of formation of any alliance,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question last month. Asked whether the meeting was aimed at making India cornered, Adviser Hossain said it is certainly not targeting a third-party. “I can assure you.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Saturday said Bangladesh will cooperate with Malaysia in the ‘terror investigation’ as the Malaysian authorities announced that they had arrested 36 Bangladeshis in the recent security operations for their alleged involvement in a ‘radical militant’ movement. “Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur immediately engaged with the relevant Malaysian authorities and formally requested the identities of the individuals and information regarding the allegations brought against them,” the Ministry said. Bangladesh reiterated its firm position against all forms of terrorism, violent extremism and militancy, and it remains ready to extend full cooperation to the Malaysian authorities in this regard Of the arrested or detained people, formal charges have been filed against five in Malaysian courts, the MoFA said. The rest are in the process of either further investigation or deportation, Bangladesh said, updating on the recent incidents. The government of Bangladesh is ‘closely monitoring’ the developments and the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is in close communication with the relevant Malaysian authorities. The Bangladesh High Commission will extend necessary support to the expatriate Bangladeshis wherever needed, the Ministry added. Nepal highlights positive role of media in deepening friendship with Bangladesh The Bangladeshi Radical Militant Group (GMRB), recently dismantled by the Malaysian police, is believed to have been raising funds and recruiting members for the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Bangladesh, said the Malaysian government on Friday. Of the 36 suspects aged between 25 and 35, five have been charged under Section 6A of the Penal Code, while 16 are still held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) for further investigation and prosecution. Bangladesh is waiting for details from the Malaysian side as it has already sought detailed information from Malaysian authorities regarding the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia. “We have sought detailed information about the 36 Bangladeshis arrested in Malaysia, and we are now awaiting their response,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Bangladesh will verify the allegations against the arrested people to check whether they were involved in militancy. “If they are found to be involved, we will ensure their punishment,” Adviser Hossain said, adding that the situation remains somewhat fluid. Asked whether the incident could negatively impact the issuance of Malaysian visas to Bangladeshi nationals in the future, the adviser said any negative incident can affect visa issuance and they cannot say it will not have an impact. He, however, said if they take proper steps, the impact can be minimised. Malaysian Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the group collected funds by charging an annual membership fee of RM500 per person as well as other voluntary contributions based on members’ financial means. Initial investigations revealed the group had between 100 and 150 members, all Bangladeshi nationals working in labour sectors such as in factories, construction sites and petrol stations across Malaysia, according to Bernama. “The funds collected were then transferred abroad using e-wallet applications and international money transfer services,” he told a press conference here on Friday. The group also used social media platforms and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to recruit new members. Mohd Khalid said police are still investigating the amount of funds channelled by the group to IS networks in Syria and Bangladesh. Bangladesh and Türkiye affirm mutual cooperation for football development He said the group used social media and messaging apps to spread IS propaganda, conduct baiah (oath of allegiance), and organise secret activities such as religious classes and member meetings. “Those who pledged allegiance online were made cell leaders to expand the group’s influence. New members were recruited in stages, starting from screening to forming elite groups,” he said. He added that investigations so far indicate no Malaysians were involved in the group, which is believed to have been active in the country for about a year. Although the group was not planning attacks in Malaysia, it used the country as a base to raise funds and recruit members. Investigations are ongoing with support from Bangladeshi authorities and Interpol. Mohd Khalid said police initially detected the group’s activities through social media accounts operated by Bangladeshi nationals using Malaysian IP addresses to spread IS ideology. The first phase of the operation, conducted on April 28, led to the arrest of six individuals in Selangor and revealed the structure of GMRB, which was based in Johor. The second phase, carried out on May 7, resulted in 14 more arrests in Johor, including the group’s leader. The third and final phase, conducted from June 19 to 21, saw the arrest of another 16 people, effectively dismantling GMRB’s main network operating in Malaysia. Mohd Khalid said suspects found to have minimal involvement in the group’s activities will be deported to their home countries.  

Bangladesh, China and Pakistan have held extensive discussions on trilateral cooperation and agreed to move forward based on the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual trust, equality, openness, inclusiveness and shared development. In a meeting held in Kunming, Yunnan province of China on June 19, three sides emphasised that China-Bangladesh-Pakistan cooperation adheres to true multilateralism and open regionalism, not directed at any third party, according to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Bangladesh's former acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Pakistani Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) Imran Ahmed Siddiqui attended the meeting.  Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch participated in the first phase of the meeting via video link. Bangladesh urges Saudi Arabia to maint 1,000-pilgrim Hajj quota per agency Sun Weidong said the Chinese government is committed to building a community with a shared future with neighbouring countries.  "Bangladesh and Pakistan are both good neighbours, good friends, and good partners of China, and important partners in high quality Belt and Road cooperation," Weidong said.  As significant members of the Global South and key countries in the region, all three countries face the mission of national revitalisation and modernisation, and all require a peaceful and stable environment, said the Chinese side. "Cooperation among China, Pakistan and Bangladesh aligns with the common interests of the three peoples, and can contribute to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity," said Weidong. China-Bangladesh-Pakistan trilateral cooperation focuses on promoting economic development and improving people’s livelihoods.  The three sides agreed to explore and implement cooperation projects in such areas as industry, trade, maritime affairs, water resources, climate change, agriculture, human resources, think tanks, health, education, culture and the youth.  The three sides will establish a working group to follow up and implement the understandings reached during the meeting.  Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan, described the meeting as the "inaugural meeting of Bangladesh-China-Pakistan trilateral mechanism." Nepal highlights its appeal to Bangladeshi travellers at Dhaka tourism meet During the meeting, the three sides agreed to enhance their cooperation for enhancing regional connectivity and deepening cooperation in the diverse fields of bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, agriculture, digital economy, environmental protection and marine sciences, green infrastructure, culture,  education and people-to-people exchanges, according to the Pakistan side. In Kunming, Sun Weidong also called on Haji Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Acting Deputy Prime Minister of the interim government of Afghan, and held bilateral meetings with Ruhul Alam Siddique and Imran Ahmed Siddiqui.     

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday called upon the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to bolster its support for the Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Development Initiative (MIDI), aiming to transform the region into a vital engine for Bangladesh's future economic growth. The request was made during a meeting with JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko on the sidelines of the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia, held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. "The MIDI region represents the future of Bangladesh," Prof Yunus said. "With access to the Bay of Bengal, we are developing deep-sea ports, highways, and railway links to connect the MIDI region with Nepal, Bhutan, and other parts of South Asia." JICA initially proposed the development of a deep-sea port at Matarbari. The interim government, under Prof Yunus' leadership, is now formulating a comprehensive master plan to transform the entire MIDI region into a hub for ports, logistics, fishing, energy and power. Japan to become important manpower market for Bangladesh: Shafiqul Alam  "Our vision includes building a megacity in the region," Prof Yunus added, noting that airports are also being upgraded to accommodate increased travel demands. Dr Tanaka reaffirmed JICA's commitment to the MIDI development but emphasised the need for accelerated decision-making to expedite project implementation. In response, Prof Yunus announced plans to appoint a senior official to oversee MIDI projects and coordinate efforts with JICA and other potential foreign investors. The Chief Adviser also revealed plans to establish free trade zones within the MIDI area, inviting foreign investors to set up manufacturing plants aimed at export markets. Besides, the government intends to create an exclusive fisheries zone in the region, enabling large fishing vessels to operate. "We need to engage in deep-sea fishing," Prof Yunus explained. "Currently, fishing vessels from neighbouring countries exploit these waters, while our trawlers are too small for deep-sea operations. By developing our capabilities, we can process the catch in the fisheries zone for both export and domestic consumption." Dr Tanaka said this was possibly the first time he had heard a Bangladeshi leader discuss deep-sea fishing initiatives. The two leaders also discussed Bangladesh's reform agenda following the July uprisings, the country's democratic transition, and the Interim Government's anti-corruption efforts. Prof Yunus confirmed that general elections are scheduled to be held between December and June, after which he plans to return to his previous work once an elected government assumes office. Japan to recruit one lakh Bangladeshi workers in five years The Rohingya crisis was also discussed, with the Chief Adviser seeking increased JICA’s support for humanitarian responses. Dr Tanaka expressed JICA's willingness to participate in international efforts addressing the Rohingya crisis.      

Japan is poised to become one of the most important markets for Bangladesh’s workforce in the near future, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Thursday. “A businessman said he would hire 3,000 skill labourers from Bangladesh, but 3,000 people would have to be taught the Japanese language very quickly to do that,” he said while talking to reporters after a seminar on human resources. Press Secretary Alam said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will take more coordinated initiatives in this regard after returning home.  Prof Yunus seeks Mahathir’s support for Bangladesh’s ASEAN membership “Japan will be one of the most important manpower markets for Bangladesh in the coming years,” he said. The Press Secretary said Japan could soon open its doors to Bangladeshi manpower like a ‘floodgate’, provided the workers are properly trained. He said the interim government has already initiated efforts to develop a skilled workforce with proficiency in the Japanese language. Stating that approximately 3,000 Bangladeshi youths have already arrived in Japan for language training this year, the press secretary expressed the hope that the number would rise to about 10,000 by the end of the year. He said these people would not only study the Japanese language but would also secure employment opportunities in Japan. Alam also said Japan is increasingly looking to Bangladesh as a source for skilled human resources. The Bangladesh Embassy to Japan arranged the human resources seminar in Tokyo where Chief Adviser Prof Yunus spoke. The Press Secretary explained that the purpose of the seminar was to inform Japanese companies that Bangladesh has a sufficient pool of human resources and is ready to send skilled workers to Japan. He also said a significant number of representatives from Japanese companies attended the seminar with much enthusiasm. Earlier at the programme, Japanese authorities and businesses announced plans to recruit at least 100,000 workers from Bangladesh in the next five years to meet the country's growing workers' shortage. Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Japan signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi manpower and facilitate their employment in Japan, as the country faces a shortage of workers.  Japan to recruit one lakh Bangladeshi workers in five years The agreements were signed at a human resources seminar hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Japan, held at Hirakwacho Chiyoda City in Tokyo, in the presence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.    

Japanese authorities and businesses on Thursday announced plans to recruit at least 100,000 workers from Bangladesh in the next five years to meet the country's growing workers' shortage. Speaking at a seminar titled, “Bangladesh Seminar on Human Resources”, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said that his interim governm would do everything in its capacity to create the job opportunities for Bangladeshis in Japan.  CA Prof Yunus looks forward to meeting with Japanese PM “This is going to be the most exciting day for me, the most inspiring day. This will open the door for Bangladeshis to not only work but to know Japan,” said the chief adviser. The chief adviser witnessed the signing of two Memorandum of Understanding – first between Bangladesh's Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET) and Kaicom Dream Street (KDS), a Japan-Bangladesh joint venture, and second between Bangladesh's BMET and Japan’s National Business Support Combined Cooperatives (a business federation with over 65 receiving companies operating in Japan) and JBBRA (Japan Bangla Bridge Recruiting Agency) at the event organised in Toshi Kaikan conference hall. “This gathering is about opening the door,” said Prof Yunus, noting that Bangladesh is a country of 180 million people, and half of them are under 27. “The government’s job is to open the door for them,” he said. Mitsuru Matsushita, representative director of Supervising Organisation Shizuoka Workplace Environment Improvement Cooperative said many Japanese companies are facing enquiries about Bangladeshis, and he believed this trend would continue. “Bangladeshi talents hold great potential. It is our duty to nurture their talent,” he said. Mikio Kesagayama, chairman of NBCC, recalled that about 14 years ago, Professor Yunus came to Japan and was telling stories about helping women through microcredit. He said that in the first three decades of their business, they strived for a quality workforce. “Our Federation looks to Bangladesh for young and capable labour. They can contribute to the development of both Bangladesh and Japan,” he said. “In the coming five years we are prepared to welcome more than 100,000 Bangladeshi workers,” he said. Sharing the future plan on the recruitment of Bangladeshis in the Japanese industries, Miki Watanabe, president of Watami Group, said a school they established in Bangladesh trains 1500 students every year, and they are now planning to raise the number to 3000. With technical education in Bangladesh, they can enter the job market in Japan, he said. Hiroaki Yagi, Japan International Trainee & Skilled Worker Cooperation Organisation (JITCO) chairman, shared the potential and challenges for Bangladeshis in the Japanese labour market. He said the number of language teachers in Bangladesh is still short. Niki Hirobumi, state minister of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Japan, said Japan is facing a declining population and thus will need the support of Bangladeshi workforce. “This can be promising not only for Bangladesh but also for Japan,” he said. Election in Bangladesh by June next year, Yunus tells Japan’s Taro Aso In his welcome speech, Daud Ali, ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan, said by 2040, the Japanese labour shortage could reach 11 million, and Bangladesh could take this opportunity to send more skilled workers. Some Japanese companies have already recruited Bangladeshi workers to address their labour shortages, and interest continues to grow,” said the Ambassador. Representatives from several Japanese companies that have already hired Bangladeshi workers also spoke at the event. They praised the competence, sincerity, and professionalism of Bangladeshi employees. The company officials expressed their eagerness to recruit more workers from Bangladesh and emphasised the importance of both governments taking the necessary steps to facilitate the process. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Lutfey Siddiqi, and Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were, among others, present at the programme Prof Yunus arrived in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, on Wednesday on a 4-day visit to attend the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia and to hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. 

The government on Wednesday said Bangladesh is coordinating with the relevant actors to prevent another wave of refugees into the country.  In particular, the government has signaled the Arakan Army (AA) that they must ensure that there is no further violence, discrimination and displacement of Rohingyas inside Rakhine, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. They (AA) have the responsibility to observe international law including international humanitarian law, said the interim government. "And the world is watching. Bangladesh's continued contacts with them will depend on their action in this area, as well as on Rohingya representation," said the press wing sharing a set of questions and answers. 1.     What is the current status of Bangladesh’s involvement in humanitarian assistance in Rakhine state? Ans:  The question of humanitarian support to the Rakhine state arose when Bangladesh authorities learned about the acute humanitarian crisis it was facing.  UNDP predicted impending famine like conditions. Bangladesh was concerned that this situation would drive more people from Rakhine into Bangladesh. Already, Bangladesh is shouldering the burden of sheltering over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar and cannot simply afford another wave of refugees. It’s already a big burden on Bangladesh. Given the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Rakhine state, the UN and Bangladesh began consideration of the provision of humanitarian support. Since all other aid delivery avenues are unviable due to conflict, Bangladesh turned out to be the only feasible option. It was thought that the UN would organize distribution of aid through its channels within Rakhine and Bangladesh would provide logistical support to transfer aid across Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Additionally, Bangladesh considered that aid to Rakhine would help stabilize the state and pave the way for creating enabling conditions for the return of the Rohingyas to Myanmar. There has been no agreement on the provision of aid to Rakhine yet as it would require consent of all relevant parties and satisfaction of a number of prerequisites for aid provision which are common in other cases of humanitarian support around the world. These include, among others,  unimpeded access of aid providers and recipients, non-discrimination in the provision of aid, non-weaponization of assistance and suspension of armed activities.  2.     What is the status of discussions with the Arakan Army? How is Bangladesh balancing between the Arakan Army and the Myanmar ruling junta? Ans:  Bangladesh government realized the need for keeping contact with the Arakan Army when they took control over the Myanmar side of our border. It is Bangladesh's duty to protect its border and keep it peaceful.  For this reason, Bangladesh decided to make informal contacts with the Arakan Army.   Bangladesh government has continued to engage them in the context of consideration of provision of humanitarian support, repatriation of the Rohingyas and the inclusion of the Rohingyas at all levels of the emerging governance and security structure in Rakhine.   Bangladesh's contact with the Arakan Army is due to practical necessity. At the same time, Bangladesh is   maintaining contacts with the Myanmar government. It is necessary to keep in touch with all relevant actors with a view to sustainably resolving the Rohingya issue.  No talks on ‘corridor’: Dr Khalilur Rahman 3.     Bangladeshi officials have recently said that certain conditions will need to be met for Bangladesh’s agreement to the UN's proposal for humanitarian assistance. What are those conditions and has there been any progress in such discussions? Ans:  To begin with, all the relevant parties need to agree on the provision of aid. Moreover, the Arakan Army needs to ensure that access of aid providers and recipients is not impeded, aid is not  weaponized and there are no armed activities. Also, the Arakan Army needs to sincerely demonstrate its commitment to an inclusive society in Rakhine by including Rohingyas at all levels of Rakhine’s governance and security structure. Otherwise, it will appear to the world as a picture of ethnic cleansing, which we will not accept. We are awaiting Arakan Army's response. 4. What are the security  risks in the provision of humanitarian aid? Ans: Giving aid in a conflict situation poses safety and security risks to the aid providers and recipients.  Prevalence of landmines and IEDs is another threat to safety and security. These issues need to be addressed ahead of the provision of aid.  Balat Brothers, Ashta Feed sign animal protein export deal 5. What would the position of regional countries regarding the UN humanitarian assistance to Rakhine? Ans: Saving lives from an impending humanitarian disaster is a collective responsibility of the global community. All of parties need to join efforts to tackle this problem. Stability in Rakhine is Bangladesh's  priority. Hardly any progress can be made towards repatriation without achieving it. 6. We are already seeing more Rohingya coming into Bangladesh. If this continues, how does Bangladesh plan on addressing another influx? Ans: Bangladesh doesn’t want another influx of refugees. It simply can’t afford this.  There has been sizeable influx of Rohingyas from Rakhine during intensified conflict between the Arakan Army and Myanmar forces from 2023 until autumn of 2024. Rohingyas have continued to enter Bangladesh thereafter, albeit in smaller number.

Highlighting Singapore as a key source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin has invited more investment in priority sectors like energy, ICT, telecommunications, port and airport infrastructure, urban development and agro-processing. The Foreign Secretary particularly drew the attention of Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and stressed on cooperation in the health sector in terms of capacity building, sharing of expertise and development of health infrastructure in Bangladesh catering to the growing demand for quality health services. Bangladesh, Türkiye eye stronger ties through enhanced collaboration Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin met Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Monday in Singapore, following the Foreign-Secretary level bilateral consultations between Bangladesh and Singapore. The Foreign Secretary informed him that both sides had very productive discussions on a number of important issues during the consultations. Dhaka signs OIC Statute for promoting labour rights He praised Singapore’s leadership for championing economic development, good governance and free market economy, standing as an example for the Asian countries, including Bangladesh. The Foreign Secretary also appreciated Singapore for its excellent migrant workers’ regime and thanked the Singapore government for taking care of Bangladesh’s expatriates who are contributing to both the economies. Noting the growing bilateral trade, Jashim Uddin highlighted the import-potential of Bangladeshi products particularly pharmaceuticals, leather goods, RMG, ceramics, bicycles, home textile and footwear in the Singapore market and beyond. He underlined the importance of concluding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore, under negotiation, to boost bilateral trade. Foreign Minister Balakrishnan heard updates in detail on the Rohingya crisis from Foreign Secretary and reiterated Singapore’s support to Bangladesh on this issue, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In regard to Bangladesh’s bid for Asean sectoral dialogue partner status, he reaffirmed Singapore’s support to Bangladesh saying that two friendly countries would continue to support each other on the regional and global issues of mutual interest. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin thanked the Foreign Minister and hoped that Singapore would play its role within the Asean platform to build consensus on this matter as a close friend of Bangladesh. Bangladesh, Singapore to finalise FTA by 2026 The Foreign Secretary underlined the significance of regular interactions at the political level and exchange of high-level visits including Foreign Minister’s visit to Bangladesh to further strengthen bilateral ties between two friendly countries.