Diplomats representing 27 European countries, stationed in Dhaka and New Delhi, will together meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus soon in a show of support to his interim government and boost economic cooperation with Bangladesh. "Never before, 27 ambassadors from the European Union have come together to discuss with the government," said Prof Yunus. The reason for this meeting is to express the EU's support and to develop high-level cooperation in the economic field, he said on Sunday evening in his televised speech to the nation. Twenty ambassadors from 20 European countries are based in New Delhi, and seven ambassadors are based in Dhaka. The twenty European ambassadors from Delhi will come to Dhaka in the next few days to meet Prof Yunus together with the seven ambassadors based in Dhaka. Read: Commonwealth to work with interim govt to build "inclusive, prosperous" Bangladesh: ASG The ambassadors of various countries who voluntarily met Prof Yunus in Dhaka have already reiterated the commitment of their heads of government. They have started working on a completely new framework for helping the interim government. "The ambassadors who are based in Delhi have come from Delhi to meet me," Prof Yunus said. Ambassadors from many countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Turkey, Russia, Finland, Singapore, and Libya, have already met Prof Yunus. He said the diplomats have assured him of increasing trade and investment, along with various bilateral cooperation.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday stressed the need for the enhanced trade and economic cooperation between the two "very friendly" countries – Bangladesh and Bhutan. "We would like to see our relations go strong," the Chief Adviser said when Ambassador of Bhutan to Bangladesh Rinchen Kuentsyl paid a courtesy call on him at the State guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka. Ways to enhance trade between the two countries, Special Economic Zone for Bhutan in Bangladesh, renewable energy, other areas of mutual interests and Bengal's influence in Buddhism in the Himalayan Kingdom were discussed during the meeting, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The Bhutanese envoy appreciated the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed between the two countries in 2020, saying Bangladesh is the only country with whom Bhutan enjoys a trade surplus. He called for inclusion of more products in the PTA as there is a huge scope for increased trade between the countries. Read: Chief Adviser seeks Danish support for labour reforms, mangroves The Ambassador also appreciated the MoU on establishing Bhutanese Special Economic Zone in Kurigram. Bhutan has already formed a Working Group as per the MoU, he added. Ambassador Kuentsyl also described how Bangladeshi Buddhist monks and scholars preached Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. He spoke about Shantarakshita, an eighth century monk who was an ancestor of Atish Dipankar, the 10th century monk who revived Buddhism in Tibet. Both were born in modern Munshiganj district of Bangladesh. He said as early as the 15th century, Vanaratna, who was also born in Bangladesh, visited Bhutan and set up a statue of Buddha and a monastery there. He is still revered by the people of the Kingdom. Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and principal coordinator of SDG affairs, and Ishrat Jahan, a Director General of the foreign ministry, were also present during the meeting.

Bangladesh and China on Wednesday signed 21 cooperation documents, mostly MoUs, eyeing stronger development and economic cooperation between the two Asian countries. The two countries also announced seven outcomes, including the conclusion of joint feasibility study on Bangladesh-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The documents were signed and outcome announced after the delegation-level bilateral meeting led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People. Hasina arrived in Beijing on Monday on a three-day official visit at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart. Briefing the media, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said Chinese Primer Li Qiang announced to provide one billion dollars for Bangladesh as economic assistance. The signed documents are MoU on strengthening investment cooperation in the Digital Economy; MoU on Banking and Insurance Regulatory between China National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) and Bangladesh Bank; Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements Export of Fresh Mangoes from Bangladesh to China; MoU on Exchange and Cooperation in the field of Economic Development Policy; MoU on Trade and Investment Cooperation; MoU on Strengthening Digital Economy Cooperation; Minutes of discussions on the Feasibility Study of the China-aid National Emergency Operation Center in Bangladesh Project; Exchange the Letters on the China-aid 6th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Renovation Project; Exchange the Letters on the Feasibility Study of China-aid Construction of Nateshwar Archaeological Site Park in Bangladesh Project; Exchange the Letters on the China-aid 9th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge Project; MoU on Strengthening the Cooperation in Medical Care and Public Health; MoU on Strengthening the Infrastructure Cooperation; MoU on Cooperation on Green and Low-Carbon Development; renewing the MoU upon Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu/Brahmaputra River in Flood Season by China to Bangladesh; MoU between National Radio and Television Administration and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of Bangladesh; MoU between the China Media Group (CMG) and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS); MoU between the China Media Group (CMG) and BTV; agreement between the Xinhua News Agency and BSS;  agreement between the Xinhua News Agency and BTV; renewing the MoU between the Ministry of Education of China and the Ministry of Education of Bangladesh and MoU Regarding Public-Private Partnership for Sustainable Infrastructure Development. Other announced outcomes are commencement of negotiation on the optimisation of Bangladesh-China bilateral investment treaty; completion of the Modernization of Telecommunication Network for Digital Connectivity project; completion of trial run of the Single Point Mooring with Double Pipe Line project; commencement of  Rajshahi WASA Surface Water Treatment Plant; and signing of MoU between Shandong Agricultural University and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur; and the construction of Luban Workshop in Bangladesh. PM Hasina wrapped up her visit after holding a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jingping on Wednesday afternoon. The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Beijing at 10pm (Beijing time) on Wednesday. Briefing the media, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said the Chinese Premier also said they give utmost importance to the relationship with Bangladesh. He said the Chinese Premier also expressed his desire to take the relations between Bangladesh and China to a new level. In a cordial environment there was a fruitful discussion between Bangladesh and China regarding all issues, said the foreign minister. Hasan said Li recalled the relationship that was planted through the 1952 and 1957 visits of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and with six visits of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the relations will be expanded further in the coming days. Sheikh Hasina invited the Chinese president, prime minister and others to visit Bangladesh next year to celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both the leaders put emphasis on celebrating the golden jubilee of the diplomatic relationship in a befitting manner. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought Chinese cooperation to resolve the Rohingya issue. She put emphasis on reducing the trade gap with China. In reply, the Chinese prime minister talked about importing more Bangladesh products to his country.  Hasina requested her Chinese counterpart to import leather products, jute products, pharmaceutical goods, and ceramic products. Both countries have agreed to work together to establish world peace and uphold humanity across the globe. PM Hasina invited more Chinese investments in 100 special economic zones and Bangabandhu Industrial Park mentioning that Bangladesh has allotted one export processing zone for Chinese investors.  She pointed out Bangladesh’s desire to be included in BRICS in any format. Li assured her of their support regarding this inclusion.  Hasina sought Chinese cooperation so that Bangladesh could enjoy the LDC facilities at least three more years in its official graduation to middle income country after 2026. The Chinese prime minister gave a positive response.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has written back to US President Joe Biden. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud handed over a copy of the letter to Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia, US National Security Council (NSC), Eileen Laubacher on Sunday. It is a response to the letter sent by the US President to the Bangladesh Prime Minister. Bangladesh Ambassador to USA, Muhammad Imran, will hand over the original copy of the letter to White House. The Foreign Minister has said that they want a new chapter of relations with Bangladesh. “We want to begin a new chapter of relations with them,” he said, adding that the nations will benefit through strengthening the relations. Eileen Laubacher led an inter-agency US delegation during her meeting with Foreign Minister Hasan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. Read:  PM's daughter Putul thanks Joe Biden for 'warm hospitality'   The USAID’s Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia Michael Schiffer, the US Department of States Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) Afreen Akhter, and CDA of the US Embassy in Dhaka Helen LaFave were present at the meeting. Besides, Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Muhammad Imran and Director General of Foreign Ministry’s North America Wing Khandker Masudul Alam and other officials from the ministry were present. The discussions centred around exploring new avenues to deepening the existing relationship. Economic cooperation, trade and investment, Rohingya humanitarian response, climate change, and energy were in focus during the meeting. The Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s steadfast position in favour of peace and against any form of war. He asked for US to use its leverage to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Read: PM Hasina greets new US President Joe Biden Hasan also hoped for the Russia-Ukraine war to end. The extradition of Bangabandhu’s self-confessed killer Rashed Chowdhury from the US was also discussed. He also asked for the withdrawal of the US sanction on RAB. Earlier, US President Joe Biden wrote to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressing his willingness to work together to achieve Bangladesh’s economic goals. He also expressed willingness to partnering with Bangladesh on the shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the two countries embark on the next chapter of the US-Bangladesh partnership, Biden said he wants to convey the sincere desire of his administration to continue their work together on regional and global security, economic development, climate change and energy, global health, humanitarian support, especially for Rohingya refugees, and more. Read more: Fakhrul showers praises on Joe Biden, Kamala Harris “We have a long and successful history of working together to solve problems, and our strong people-to-people ties are the foundation of this relationship,” the US President wrote to PM Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom are considering signing a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation. Expressing satisfaction at the record-breaking bilateral trade of $6.4 billion in 2022-23 and $561 million FDI from the UK, the highest from any country in 2022, Bangladesh and the UK agreed to create new institutional cooperation to promote business, trade and investments. The issues were discussed at the 5th Bangladesh-UK Strategic Dialogue held in Dhaka on September 12. Momen offers condolence to people and govt of Libya over deadly flood The Dialogue, led respectively by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and UK FCDO Permanent Under-Secretary Sir Philip Barton, reviewed the entire gamut of historic relations between the two Commonwealth nations, including political, economic, security and defence, migration and mobility, climate and development partnerships. Under-Secretary Sir Barton commended the remarkable socio-economic progress and resilient economic growth achieved by Bangladesh over the past decade. The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary commended the UK’s sustained market-access support to Bangladesh as its 3rd largest export destination and urged for its extension until 2029 and beyond following Bangladesh’s scheduled LDC graduation in 2026. Both sides also agreed to explore signing of an MoU on cooperation in cybersecurity. They acknowledged their long-standing value-based ties since 1971 and recalled the historic visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to London on January 8, 1972. Under-Secretary Sir Barton expressed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s participation in the State Funeral of UK’s late monarch Queen Elizabeth II and the historic royal coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The Bangladesh side expressed hope that King Charles III would reschedule his postponed visit to Bangladesh at his earliest convenience, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. Bangladesh and the UK agreed on enhancing migration and mobility cooperation especially in gainful employment in the nursing, hospitality, agricultural, construction and masonry and other services sectors in the UK. Commonwealth ministers pay homage at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum Both sides agreed to constitute a ‘Joint Working Group’ to discuss migration, mobility and mutual recognition of qualifications. They also agreed to sign an SoP on returns of Bangladeshi nationals in irregular situation in the UK. Bangladesh thanked the UK Government for a significant increase in issuance of student, visit and business visas in 2022. The two sides also discussed mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Recalling the Climate Accord signed between Bangladesh and the UK in March this year, both sides expressed their determination to cooperate in climate action bilaterally and multilaterally. They also agreed to sign a Joint Action Plan with time-bound activities under the Climate Accord towards a net-zero and nature-positive world. The Bangladesh side expressed commitment to forge ahead with its national targets under SDG 16 for building a just, peaceful and inclusive society. The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary reiterated Bangladesh’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization. Both sides agreed to intensify cooperation and capacity building on global and regional security issues of mutual interest including maritime and aviation safety and security in the Indian Ocean as well as countering extremist and terrorist outfits. The UK commended Bangladesh’s leading contribution to world peace under UN peacekeeping missions, especially praising one of the highest contributions of female peacekeepers by Bangladesh. Bangladesh's hearing at ITLOS on submission by Small Island States on Wednesday The two countries expressed satisfaction at the First Defence Dialogue held in 2022 and agreed to sign an MoU on defence cooperation during the 2nd Dialogue in London. The UK appreciated Bangladesh’s generous hosting of Rohingyas from Myanmar and Bangladesh appreciated UK’s humanitarian and political support to the Rohingya crisis including at the UN Security Council and Commonwealth. Both sides expressed concern over the protracted Rohingya crisis and reaffirmed commitment to working closely towards a voluntary, safe and sustainable return of the Rohingyas to their homeland in Myanmar. Emphasizing the importance of international accountability of the atrocities committed on the Rohingyas, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary thanked the UK for joining the Rohingya justice case at the ICJ. The UK side welcomed Bangladesh’s recently announced ‘Indo-Pacific Outlook’. Both sides agreed to forge new partnerships towards ensuring a free, open, peaceful, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific for shared prosperity. Bangladesh and the UK agreed to intensify cooperation in different regional and multilateral fora including at the UN, Commonwealth, IMO and IORA. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke joined their respective delegations along with representatives from various ministries and agencies of the two countries. The next round of Strategic Dialogue is expected to be held in London in 2024.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (May 16, 2023) called for economic cooperation among the countries in South and Southeast Asia for mutual benefits of the people in the regions.  The prime minister said this while outgoing Ambassador of Republic of Korea, Lee Jang-keun, called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban. PM’s press secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting. He said that PM Hasina admired South Korea’s success in transforming into a developed country within a generation. Also Read: PM delivers 4-point recommendations at 79th UNESCAP Session She mentioned that this success inspired Bangladesh in its endeavour to steer the nation towards development and prosperity. The PM recalled her two visits to South Korea, saying that during the second visit she witnessed the amazing development there. While highly appreciating the socio-economic development of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the outgoing ambassador expressed deep appreciation for extensive cooperation and hospitality demonstrated by the PM and Bangladeshis during his tenure in Bangladesh. Ambassador Lee shared with the Prime Minister recent milestone development in relations between Korea and Bangladesh in multiple areas such as trade, official development assistance, expatriate workers and investment in the year of 50th anniversary of South Korea-Bangladesh diplomatic ties in 2023, the South Korean Embassy in Dhaka said. Read More:PM Hasina: Keep up the country’s dev momentum to foil anti-national conspirators Ambassador Lee explained that the trade between South Korea and Bangladesh crossed the $3 billion mark in 2022 and $2 billion in 2021 for the first time, which was stagnant at around $1.5-1.8 billion over a decade before the Covid-19 pandemic.

With an aim to promote bilateral relations, the Bangladesh-Türkiye Business Forum (BTBF) was officially launched on Tuesday paving the way for a new era in trade and investment between the two countries. “This is an important occasion for us because our countries are building another bridge through this business forum,” said outgoing Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan. Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman spoke at the event as the chief guest which began with brief classical music at the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka. An hour before the launching event at the Embassy, Ambassador Turan together with the BTBF leaders opened the office of BTBF at “Marina Mansion” at city’s Gulshan-2. Read more: Robust leadership, political trust fortified Dhaka-Ankara economic, defence ties: Turan Honorary Consul General of Türkiye in Chattogram and co-chairman of BTBF Salahuddin Kasem Khan, Managing Director of Mohammadi Group and BTBF chairperson Dr. Rubana Huq and CEO of United AYGAZ LPG Ltd and BTBF Secretary Ercument Polat spoke at the event.

Under the sustainable economic development model of Bangladesh and the bio-circular-green economy model of Thailand, there are ample opportunities to step up economic cooperation between the countries, Sarun Charoensuwan, deputy permanent secretary of the Thai foreign ministry, said Friday. He was speaking at a seminar on trade and investment opportunities organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand to mark the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and Thailand. Maleka Parveen, chargé d'affaires of the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok, also spoke at the programme. Read: Thailand now offering 10-year visa: Who are eligible? She stressed the importance of the exchange of business delegations. She hoped that through this seminar, the businessmen and investors of the two countries would be able to learn more about the sector-based benefits and opportunities provided by the governments of Bangladesh and Thailand. Representatives from academia, the Board of Investment of Thailand, Thai investors in Bangladesh, the Thai Halal Food Manufacturers and Exporters Association and representatives of Thai public and private sectors participated in the event. Read: Seeds For The Future competition: Eight Bangladeshi students fly to Thailand Md Ariful Haque, director of the International Investment Development Division of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, joined the session online. He focused on the investment opportunities and prospects for Thai investors in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and Indonesia have stressed on concluding the bilateral preferential trade agreement (PTA) for further strengthening the economic cooperation between the two countries. Bangladesh and Indonesia held a bilateral meeting in Jakarta on Monday and discussed the issue. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi led the respective delegation in the discussions. The meeting reviewed the whole gamut of the existing excellent bilateral relations and both sides renewed their commitment for further strengthening it. The two Foreign Ministers exchanged felicitations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Bangladesh has requested Uzbekistan to expedite the proposed MoUs and agreements pending with Uzbek side as the two countries want enhanced bilateral relationship on economic, commercial, trade and other spheres. The request came at the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) meeting between the two countries held at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan on Monday.  Both sides also discussed introduction of direct flight between Dhaka and Tashkent, avoidance of double taxation, visa waiver agreement for official and diplomatic passport holders, exchange of visit in the field of general and education. The Bangladesh side was led by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, while Uzbek side was led by Deputy Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan Furkat Ahmedovich Sidikov., according to  a message received here. Bangladesh urged the Uzbek side for creating good investment opportunities for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan.  Bangladesh is the second largest garment exporting country in the world after China, the delegation told the Uzbek side. Bangladesh also exports pharmaceuticals to 137 countries in the world.  If business and industry friendly situation is created in Uzbekistan, investors from Bangladesh can come forward with their investment plans in Uzbekistan, said the Bangladesh side in the FOC.  Natural gas of Uzbekistan can be of great help for investment in the field of industries.  Bangladesh foreign secretary also requested his Uzbek counterpart to set up Uzbekistan Embassy in Dhaka.  At the end of the meeting, both sides agreed to sign a "Programme of Cooperation" for the year 2022-2023 between the two countries which was proposed by Uzbek side.  This Program of Cooperation will allow Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh Foreign Ministry and University of World Economy and Diplomacy to start cooperation in the field of education, sharing information and communication technology and consular consultation.  Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan Md Zahangir Alam, Director General (EE & CIS) S. Bodiruzzaman, Minister of the Embassy Nripendra Chandra Debnath, Director of Foreign Secretary’s Office Md Jubayed Hosen were present from Bangladesh side while Oybek Eshonov, Director General (Department for Cooperation with South Asia, Near, Middle East and African countries) and J. Rajabov, Head of Division (Treaty-Law Department) were present from Uzbek side.  The next FCO meeting will be held in 2023 in Dhaka.