United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has emphasised that although Bangladesh and African countries collaborate extensively in multilateral settings, there is a pressing need to establish regular bilateral political consultations. She said such initiatives would further deepen mutual understanding and help unlock the full potential of partnerships across a wide range of sectors. The State Minister held a series of bilateral meetings in Dakar, Senegal on Tuesday on the margins of the “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa”, reinforcing Bangladesh’s growing engagement with African nations under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Her discussions with African counterparts opened new avenues for partnership, revitalised diplomatic ties and underscored a shared commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In her bilateral meeting with Morissanda Kouyaté, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea, both leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in agriculture, particularly contract farming, alongside enhancing trade and investment through increased business-to-business exchanges. They identified mineral resources, garments and textiles and pharmaceuticals as promising sectors for future cooperation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During her bilateral meeting with The Gambia’s Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie, the State Minister expressed appreciation for The Gambia’s continued support in addressing the Rohingya crisis, including its case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. The Gambian Minister commended Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. Both sides emphasised strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums such as the OIC, while expanding engagement in sectors, including trade, defence, technology, agriculture, culture and sports. In a separate bilateral meeting with Abdoulaye Diop, Foreign Minister of Mali, discussions focused on boosting trade and investment, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, jute, cotton and leather. Mali’s Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for Bangladesh’s significant role in peacekeeping operations in Mali. Both parties also agreed to deepen cooperation within the Non-Aligned Movement and advance the interests of the Global South. The State Minister also met Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of Niger, where discussions centered on strengthening business linkages, expanding trade and enhancing people-to-people connectivity. Opportunities for collaboration in education, vocational training, agriculture, healthcare, information technology and mineral resources were explored. In her meeting with Esmeralda Bravo Conde da Silva Mendonça, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Angola, both the highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, ready-made garments, jute and energy. They also emphasized the early finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding on Foreign Office Consultations and discussed collaboration on women’s empowerment, democracy, peace and security, alongside mutual support in international forums. Additionally, Richard Michaels, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State of the US met the State Minister when the later described the United States as a steadfast partner in promoting democracy, strengthening institutions and advancing human rights. Sadia Faizunnesa, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Morocco and Ambassador-designate to Senegal, accompanied the State Minister during the meetings.

Bangladesh and Ethiopia have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a higher level through enhanced economic cooperation. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, now visiting Ethiopia, held a meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos and discussed issues of mutual interest.  

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Tuesday reaffirmed France’s continued support for strengthening defence cooperation with Bangladesh. While visiting the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT), the Ambassador expressed interest in exploring new opportunities for further collaboration with the institute. The Ambassador commended the professionalism, efficiency, and global standards maintained by BIPSOT as a key training hub for UN peace operations, said the French Embassy in Dhaka. He highlighted the strong cooperation between France and Bangladesh in UN peacekeeping operations, particularly under missions such as the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) where Bangladesh remains one of the leading troop-contributing countries. He was given an overview of the institution’s training activities and its role in preparing personnel for UN peacekeeping missions. The Ambassador especially appreciated the strong emphasis placed on French language training, as some UN missions are active in Francophone countries.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has appreciated Portugal’s continued support in hosting a significant number of Bangladeshi expatriates and called for the expanded recruitment of both skilled and semi-skilled workers. She underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral trade including increasing Bangladesh’s exports of jute and jute-based products to the EU market, and invited greater Portuguese investment. The State Minister met Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ana Isabel Xavier on the sidelines of the “Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa” held in Dakar, Senegal on April 20, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. They also discussed enhancing cooperation in areas such as sports, culture and women’s empowerment, and exchanged views on addressing the Rohingya crisis.

US Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charles J. Harder has met senior government officials and stakeholders to expand partnerships that support Bangladesh's next generation. He paid a three-day visit to Bangladesh from April 18 to strengthen Bangladesh-US strategic cooperation on education and the well-being of children. Special Envoy Harder and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen had a 'productive meeting' with Education Minister Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Monday. They discussed how American educational expertise can equip Bangladeshi youth with skills that drive economic growth and prosperity. Special Envoy Harder and Ambassador Christensen also met Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam to advance bilateral cooperation and work together on partnerships that benefit future generations in both countries. Earlier, Special Envoy Harder and Ambassador Christensen visited the Surovi school and health camp. Their discussion with founder Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu focused on the school's integrated approach to education, nutrition, and health—and how this model is critical for helping future generations thrive, said the US Embassy in Dhaka. Special Envoy Charles Harder and Deputy Chief of Mission Megan Bouldin visited Lalbagh Fort, hosted by Bangladesh's Department of Archaeology. The Special Envoy toured the Mughal-era Hammam Khana, which the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation helped restore—demonstrating U.S. dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. The US Special Envoy arrived in Dhaka on Saturday to advance the 'strategic cooperation' on education and the well-being of children. The mission of Special Envoy Harder’s office is to protect and promote the interests and well-being of children (0-17) throughout the world. The focus of his office is the protection and well-being of children throughout the world, with particular focus on food security, education, healthcare, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), and ending child labor, trafficking, and recruitment into gangs and armed conflict.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam will represent Bangladesh at Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security, which will be held in Senegal from April 19–22. The State Minister left Dhaka for Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday morning to attend the Forum, said an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She is expected to return to Bangladesh on April 24.

Bangladesh is seeking to 'maximise its diplomatic gains' through a series of high-level engagements at Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 (ADF2026) with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman's presence at this key global diplomatic gathering in Türkiye’s resort city Antalya, officials said. The country aims to build support for its candidature for the UN General Assembly Presidency while advancing bilateral relations, a senior official told UNB. The 5th edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2026), hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will take place on April 17-19 in Antalya, Türkiye. In the face of geopolitical tensions, shifting balances of power, rising trade barriers and mounting pressure on multilateralism, the current global landscape is marked by increasing unpredictability. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur, who arrived in Turkey on Thursday, will attend the ADF at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan. This year's theme "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties" emphasises the importance of anticipating and addressing emerging issues to be able to shape a better future. The theme underscores the need to stay ahead of future developments by identifying risks and opportunities, developing strategies and turning insights into action, said the organisers. The Foreign Minister will attend two panels as a panelist and hold a number of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from different countries, a senior official familiar with his programme schedule told UNB. In view of his candidature for the UNGA Presidency, he said that this would be a very important forum to attend. The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will open at historic crossroads. Eight decades after the UN Charter was signed in San Francisco, the shared system of multilateral cooperation faces profound challenges. "Yet this moment also presents unprecedented opportunities to renew its promise for ‘we the peoples’ in the twenty-first century," said Dr Khalilur in his vision statement as one of the candidates with over thirty years of experience with the United Nations, both as a representative of Bangladesh to the General Assembly and as a senior official at the UN secretariat in New York and at UNCTAD in Geneva. Don’t be worried, exercise austerity amid Middle East crisis: PM Over the years, Dr Khalilur has actively participated in sixteen UNGA sessions, engaging directly in its negotiations, high-level meetings and follow-up processes. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively on development issues facing the Global South including those related to Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Land-Locked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). "I am convinced that our world now needs a more effective and responsive multilateralism. By working together, we can build a more robust multilateral system that commands the trust of Member States and delivers tangible benefits for all," Dr Khalilur said, who wants to effectively lead the General Assembly to advance this overarching goal. 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 accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the eighty first session of the General Assembly will be elected from the Asia Pacific Group. "We are trying to maximise the number of meetings in Türkiye," the official said, noting that there are requests for international media interviews and meeting requests from international organisations as well. As conflicts remain unresolved, polarisation grows and strategic rivalries expand, numerous critical issues continue to affect people all over the world, said the organisers. In order to address these challenges and work towards a more inclusive, fair and effective international system, they said, the consolidation of international cooperation, dialogue and solidarity is imperative. ADF2026 will bring together leaders, policymakers, diplomats, academics, business experts, media and civil society representatives to explore how to best manage uncertainties and address pressing issues while preparing for future challenges. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions and interactive sessions as well as bilateral meetings, the participants will discuss global trends and regional dynamics, exchange views on possible solutions and share best practices. The Forum will once again provide a valuable platform for fostering dialogue, restoring trust and engaging in stronger cooperation; mapping the path forward to a more peaceful, stable and resilient world for future generations, organisers said. Since its launch in 2021, the forum has steadily grown into a leading platform for dialogue, cooperation, and high-level diplomatic engagement worldwide. This year’s edition is expected to host representatives from more than 150 countries, including heads of state, ministers, and senior officials from international organisations. More than 20 heads of state, 15 deputy leaders, and over 50 foreign ministers are expected to take part, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources. In total, the forum is set to bring together more than 460 high-level participants, including around 75 representatives from international organisations, alongside nearly 5,000 guests. The ADF26 will feature broad geographical representation, with nearly half of participating heads of state coming from Africa and Europe. Brussels Visit After attending the three-day Antalya Diplomacy Forum, he will leave for Brussels, Belgium, to attend a signing event on the framework agreement on 'Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation' between Bangladesh and the European Union. Bangladesh and the EU have prepared to sign the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) next week which is aimed at further institutionalising bilateral cooperation. EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller met the Foreign Minister at the ministry on Wednesday and discussed issues of mutual interest. They discussed the Foreign Minister’s upcoming visit to Brussels to lead a delegation for the initialling of the PCA. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the long-standing and mutually beneficial Bangladesh-EU partnership, noting that it has evolved into a comprehensive and multifaceted engagement. They discussed avenues of mutual interest, including reform initiatives, migration management, skills development, rule of law, and good governance. The EU looks forward to the new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Bangladesh which will be ‘initialled’ during the visit of the Foreign Minister to Brussels on April 20, enhancing cooperation across the board. The Heads of Mission of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the EU recently met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a senior official told UNB, noting that the EU has already conveyed its message of readiness to intensify relations with the new government. The EU expressed support for priority reforms, economic modernisation and managed migration, stressing the importance of a level playing field to promote investment and shared values underpin the EU’s partnerships around the world. 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.

Australian Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick has highly appreciated the contributions of the Bangladeshi community in Australia to Australian society and the economy. The visiting Australian parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker, met with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam at the National Parliament House on Thursday. The visit marks the first-ever visit by an Australian Speaker to Bangladesh in the 125-year history of the Australian Parliament, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the Australian Speaker noted that Australia was among the first few countries to recognize Bangladesh following its independence. Congratulating Bangladesh on holding a recent free, fair, and peaceful election, he emphasised the importance of strengthening parliamentary democracy across the world. State Minister Shama Obaed highlighted the importance of greater participation of women in Parliament. She thanked Australia for continued support for the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. Both sides underscored the need for enhanced connectivity, exchanges, and the sharing of experiences between the two parliaments. They stressed on introducing inter parliamentary programs among the parliamentarians of the two countries. They also discussed the possible impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East, particularly in relation to an acute fuel supply crisis. The Australian Parliamentary delegation also met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram in the Parliament. The delegation had a tour of the Parliament Building and observed the Parliament proceedings. They paid tribute to the grave of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Late Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. They also visited the July Memorial Museum and met civil society representatives during the visit.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Tuesday said Bangladesh and China are 'comprehensive strategic cooperative partners’ and his country will continue to implement more projects that benefit people and enhance the well-being of both nations. He emphasised that Bangladesh and China are a community with a shared future. "Eid al-Fitr is a time for gratitude and sharing blessings. Through this donation, China aims to convey warmth and support residents in celebrating a peaceful festival," he said at a Eid al-Fitr food packages donation ceremony in Dhaka. Bangladesh, China seek to deepen cultural cooperation, strengthen diplomatic ties The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh donated the Eid al-Fitr food packages . Dr. Shafiqul Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, also attended the donation ceremony, with over 1,000 local residents participating. Ameer Dr. Shafiqul expressed gratitude for the generous donation, noting that the food packages reflect China’s sincere friendship toward the people of Bangladesh, said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka. He highlighted the importance Jamaat-e-Islami places on friendly relations with China and expressed willingness to deepen inter-party exchanges, promote more grassroots-level cooperation, and jointly enhance the welfare of the people. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in a message on Tuesday night said they noted with concern some social media’s contents about the charity event attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh were not in consistence with the fact. "We would like to reiterate China’s friendly policy towards Bangladesh and stress that we support the smooth governance by the elected government," said the Embassy. The Chinese side said they will continue to work together with the Bangladesh government to promote their friendship so as to bring more benefits to the people of the two countries.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong will pay an official visit to Bangladesh on April 2-3 and will lead the Chinese delegation to the 14th Bangladesh-China Diplomatic Consultations. Vice Foreign Minister Weidong is also expected to meet high level dignitaries during the visit, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Thursday and discussed issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir was present during the meeting. The Chinese envoy briefed the Foreign Minister on the forthcoming visit of the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to Bangladesh. The Consultations are expected to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China and explore new avenues for enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest.  Acknowledging China’s longstanding support and contribution to Bangladesh’s development journey, Foreign Minister Rahman expressed hope that the visit would inject new momentum into Bangladesh-China bilateral relations following the formation of the new Government.