United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh on Sunday sought further information from Saudi Arabia regarding the recent execution of two Bangladeshi nationals, raising the issue with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah. Secretary (East & West) Dr Md Nazrul Islam sought detailed information about the executions during a meeting with the Saudi Ambassador, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. When asked whether the move could be described as summoned, another official told UNB, “No, it was not." Although Dhaka raised the issue with the Saudi envoy, it expressed confidence that the incident would not affect the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. The importance of staying “mindful” of the laws of the host country was also discussed. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia across various sectors. On Saturday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the government had yet to receive detailed official information from Saudi authorities regarding the execution of a Bangladeshi man and a woman, adding that such unfortunate news was unexpected. “We have yet to receive any official detailed information from the Saudi government,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noting that Bangladesh sent a letter to the Saudi government requesting detailed information. Earlier, Saudi media reported that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia executed the two Bangladeshis after they were convicted of committing “indecent acts” inside a mosque in the holy city of Mecca. Quoting the Saudi Interior Ministry, Gulf News reported that the court imposed the sentences because of the seriousness of the offence, the violation of the sanctity of the mosque, and the circumstances in which the acts were committed. The Saudi authorities identified the two Bangladeshis as Nazrul Islam Abdul Basir and Siti Akhtar. “On October 14, we learned that two Bangladeshi nationals had been sentenced to death under Saudi Arabian law and that the executions had been carried out,” the State Minister said, noting that neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the Bangladesh Mission in Saudi Arabia had been informed in advance. “We wanted to know whatever we needed to know. Let the reply come. I will be able to let you know,” Shama said. Upon learning of the incident, the Bangladesh Mission notified the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, sharing all the information it had gathered from Saudi authorities. The State Minister said the government sent a formal inquiry to ascertain the full details, including the identities of the individuals, their backgrounds in Bangladesh, and when they had originally arrived in Saudi Arabia for work. Based on past experience, the State Minister said Saudi Arabia has its own legal framework and that anyone found guilty of a grave offence is punished in accordance with the country’s laws. “The execution of two Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia serves as a major lesson for us,” she said. Shama Obaid said the repatriation of the bodies could be arranged once a response to the letter is received from Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said there is ‘no issue of removal’ regarding Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin but his responsibility will be changed as he desires to leave the current role. “Actually, there is no issue of removal. He (FS) wants to leave this responsibility for various reasons. He is in the service. The responsibility will change. He will leave his current responsibility within the next couple of days,” Adviser Hossain told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Asked about the appointment of the new Foreign Secretary, the Foreign Adviser said, “You will know this within the next couple of days.” In April, the government appointed Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, who served as the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Offices in Geneva and Ambassador of Bangladesh to Switzerland, as the special assistant to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. However, he is yet to join. Asked about the status of Sufiur, Adviser Hossain said, “He is yet to join. He will join or not when the government decides.”  He also said further discussion is underway on relevant issues.   Ambassador Siam Likely Next FS Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Asad Alam Siam is likely to be the next Foreign Secretary of the country. There will be an acting Foreign Secretary until appointment of the new FS. Committed to supporting  Bangladesh in building 'more equitable' society: Norway "There was a proposed list of three candidates," a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB on Tuesday, noting that Ambassador Siam is chosen as the senior most of the three candidates. If there is no further change in the decision of the government, Ambassador Siam will replace current Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Switzerland Tareq Md Ariful Islam was also there in the list of three proposed names. In September last year, the government appointed Jashim Uddin as the 27th Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh. A career diplomat, Jashim joined Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1994. Jashim, from the 13th batch of BCS (Foreign Affairs) Cadre, served extensively both at home and abroad. Ambassador Siam joined the diplomatic service in 1995. He joined the Bangladesh Embassy in the USA in December 2024. A graduate in Architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Ambassador Siam did his MBA from Maastricht School of Management, the Netherlands. Ambassador Siam attended different professional courses at SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu; APCSS, Hawaii; IFANS, Seoul; National Defence College, Dhaka. He was a guest lecturer in different training institutions in Bangladesh. Global confidence in Bangladesh growing, says Prof Yunus In his long diplomatic career, Ambassador Siam served as Director in the Offices of Foreign Minister, Foreign Secretary; Director General in Europe and EU wing; Chief of Protocol, Rector of the Foreign Service Academy and Inspector General of Missions in the Foreign Ministry. Overseas, he served in Bangladesh Missions in Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manchester. He was Bangladesh's first Consul General in Milan, Italy; and Bangladesh's Ambassador to the Philippines, Palau, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia and Slovakia. He participated in various bilateral, regional and multilateral negotiations representing Bangladesh. He served as Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Offices in Vienna and to the OPEC Fund. He was also Bangladesh’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the UNESCAP in Bangkok. He served as Governor in the Board of Governors of IAEA, Vice Chair at the 67th Commission on Narcotic and Drugs in UNODC, in the Board of Governors of the Colombo Plan Staff College, Manila both as a Chair and a Governor. There was a speculation that the Foreign Secretary would be replaced, but there is no official announcement yet.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Wednesday underscored the importance of boosting economic activities between Bangladesh and the Republic of Kosovo to enhance bilateral trade and investment. Newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Bangladesh Lulzim Pllana had his first meeting with Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During their discussion, Ambassador Pllana conveyed his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly by enhancing cooperation in areas such as education, culture, trade, and people-to-people interactions. The FS encouraged the Ambassador to connect with members of the business community and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority to explore potential areas for collaboration. Additionally, the Foreign Secretary advocated for the recruitment of more Bangladeshi workers and called for a more streamlined visa process, particularly for workers and students, to minimize delays in visa approvals. Bangladesh, Kuwait explore trade and food security ties The Ambassador assured him that he would strive to make the visa processing smoother. Both sides recognized the significance of leveraging the young workforce and engaged in discussions about future bilateral and multilateral collaborations.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin on Saturday said they look forward to the next year with "hopes, expectation and aspiration" for a better Bangladesh, noting that they come to the end of this year which was an "eventful year" for Bangladesh. "Let us work hard for a better Bangladesh, for an improved version of Bangladesh which will be a tribute to those who laid down their lives," he said.  The outgoing year has witnessed great sacrifices  and bloodshed, Jashim said, adding that they lost many young lives who are not with them anymore but whose heroism they remember and celebrate. "Let us work for them." Bangladesh urges early meeting of Joint Commission with Czech Republic He was speaking at the annual event "FOSA International Charity Bazaar 2024" hosted by Foreign Office Spouses Association (FOSA) at Foreign Service Academy. 

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday said Bangladesh wants good relations with India on a reciprocal basis, hinting that Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between the two countries might take place a day ahead instead of December 10.        “It is very clear that we want good relations but it should be reciprocal. We need to work to that end,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Asked about the FOC, Hossain said it may take place one day ahead of the schedule, or it will be held on December 10 in Dhaka. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is likely to be in Dhaka on December 9 or 10 accordingly as both Bangladesh and India are preparing for the Foreign Secretary-level meeting. Once finalised, this is going to be the first visit to be paid by a senior Indian government official to Bangladesh since the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, came to power in August 8, a diplomatic source told UNB on Wednesday. Global problem-solving must rely on cooperation, not conflict: Prof Yunus However, there has been no official announcement yet regarding his visit to hold the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. The discussion is likely to cover a range of bilateral issues, including the potential extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India and visa issues. At the Foreign Ministry's weekly briefing on November 21, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing Toufique Hasan confirmed that an inter-ministerial meeting has already taken place to coordinate preparations for the upcoming talks. India should recognise July uprising, democratic struggle: Mahfuj “There is a scope for discussion on the matter (extradition of Sheikh Hasina),” Hasan said at a weekly media briefing. Sheikh Hasina, who fled Dhaka on August 5 and has been residing in India since then, is facing trial in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for alleged involvement in mass killings during the July-August uprising. While the government intends to bring her back, Hasan emphasised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet received any formal directive to initiate the extradition process. “We will engage with Delhi and begin the formal process in accordance with the existing extradition treaty once we receive the necessary instructions,” he clarified in response to queries. Regarding the review of existing agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, Hasan said that these fall under the jurisdiction of various ministries in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and India are preparing for a high-level Foreign Secretary meeting in Dhaka next month, with discussions likely to cover a range of bilateral issues, including the potential extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. At the Foreign Ministry's weekly briefing on Thursday, Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing Toufique Hasan confirmed that an inter-ministerial meeting has already taken place to coordinate preparations for the upcoming talks. The Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) is scheduled to be held early December in Dhaka. “There is scope for discussion on the matter (extradition of Sheikh Hasina),” Hasan said at a weekly media briefing. Sheikh Hasina, who fled Dhaka on August 5 and has been residing in India since then, is facing trial in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal for alleged involvement in mass killings during the July-August uprising. While the government intends to bring her back, Hasan emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet received any formal directive to initiate the extradition process. “We will engage with Delhi and begin the formal process in accordance with the existing extradition treaty once we receive the necessary instructions,” he clarified in response to queries. The FOC will be led by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Regarding the review of existing agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, Hasan noted that these fall under the jurisdiction of various ministries in Bangladesh. “Consultations with all relevant stakeholders are crucial, and implementing any measure will take time,” he said, adding that although there has been limited progress over the past 100 days, there is hope for “significant progress” in the coming months. On the topic of Indian visas, Hasan confirmed that the Indian Visa Center is operational but is currently prioritizing medical and student visa applications. He also addressed the issue of negative media campaigns in certain Indian outlets against Bangladesh. No decision yet on repatriation of Sheikh Hasina: MoFA Concerning direct air travel between Dhaka and Karachi, Hasan informed that Pakistan had submitted a request to resume connectivity. “The matter is under review and has been forwarded to the Ministry of Civil Aviation,” the Foreign Ministry official added, noting that updates will be provided in due course.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin had a "productive meeting" with US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma at the State Department, affirming renewal of commitment to deepen and expand bilateral ties, strengthen collaboration on areas of mutual interest.  Their discussions focused on the US technical and financial support to reform initiatives of the interim government and addressing challenges, Rohingya issue, labour law reforms, etc.  The Foreign Secretary had a separate meeting with acting US Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass and discussed ways to deepen bilateral collaboration building on the momentum in the Bangladesh-US relationship and to advance impactful cooperation in priority areas.  He also had discussions on diverse issues at a meeting with US Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for South Asia Lindsey W Ford at the White House.  They covered interim government's reform agenda, democratic transition, economic and security issues, regional stability, Rohingya crisis, labour law etc. Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin met Brendan Lynch, Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia and discussed mutual cooperation to diversify export, DFQF access of RMGs produced from cotton imported from US, simplification of registration and reduction of registration fees for pharmaceutical products, labour law reforms, and access to US International Development Finance Cooperation (DFC). A lunch meeting between the Foreign Secretary and key officials focused on a wide range of issues of mutual interests.  US officials include Assistant Secretary Ambassador Donald Lu, Acting Assistant Secretary Marta C. Youth, Deputy Assistant Secretary Nicole Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary Monica Ager Jacobsen, as well as Director Alla P. Kamins.  The Foreign Secretary visited New York before his tour to Washington and is scheduled is leave Washington on October 14.      

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin is scheduled to make an official visit to the United States from October 7-14 to hold a series of meetings as the two sides eye stronger relations in diverse areas. The Foreign Secretary is scheduled to leave Dhaka shortly after Sunday midnight, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB on Sunday. This is going to be his first official visit abroad since his appointment as the Foreign Secretary. The Foreign Secretary will have meetings with senior officials of the US government, a diplomatic source told UNB, adding that he would visit both Washington and New York. He plans to have meetings with officials at the US Department of State, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), UN officials in New York and the officials of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Foreign Secretary Jashim likely to visit US next week Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus visited the US recently to attend the United Nations General Assembly and on the sidelines he had meetings with US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony J Blinken. In New York, President Biden and Prof Yunus affirmed the close partnership between the United States and Bangladesh, which is rooted in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. President Biden welcomed further engagement between the two governments and offered continued US support as Bangladesh implements its new reform agenda.

Reiterating Bangladesh’s position against any kind of war in the world, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday said any kind of conflict or war in the region might deviate Bangladesh from achieving its goal of further development. “Obviously, we don’t want any war, be it real war or proxy war. We are against war,” he said, adding that Bangladesh will not allow anyone to use its land to serve others’ interests or that might go against the interest of its neighbours. The foreign secretary made the remarks while responding to a question during a year-ending interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. MoFA Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin was also present. Journalists play critical role everywhere strengthening democratic institutions: US Embassy He said Bangladesh is always against any kind of war as common people, women and children suffer from conflicts. Describing India and Myanmar as Bangladesh’s neighbours, he said Bangladesh’s focus remains on more development and Bangladesh will get deviated from achieving its target if there is any kind of conflict, proxy or otherwise. “For this reason, we always exercise maximum restraint,” Masud Momen said, noting that there have been provocations when the Rohingya influx began in 2017. “There have been instructions from the top leadership to exercise restraint.” Responding to a question big powers rivalry, the foreign secretary said Bangladesh is trying its best how to do this balancing act maintaining contact and communication with all the countries. 180 foreign observers applied to EC to oversee polls: MoFA “We are not making anyone hostile, we are responding timely and responding concerns if any. Many are saying that they want to learn from us. They are happy on how Bangladesh is dealing with all these competing demands and interests,” he said, adding that there is no magic formula. Regarding the next national election, Masud Momen said the government hopes that there will be a good election. “At this moment, we don't think election will not be free and fair.” He hoped that people will cast their votes in the election in a festive mood. “There is no reason to get panicked.” Masud Momen said they are concentrating on how they can help the Election Commission to hold free and fair polls. “We are committed to hold a free and fair election. That's our focus. If there is any problem, we will face that.” He said they want peace and stability the way the foreign friends want. “We want to follow a peaceful process. Bangladesh is always for peace.” Responding to a question, the foreign secretary said Bangladesh is not holding election to satisfy any foreigner, but for its constitutional obligation, government’s continuity and people will vote if they want to vote. He said what a particular country is thinking of or whether any particular country will recognize the polls are irrelevant. ‘Want the entire world to observe our polls and learn from us’: Momen Earlier on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said they do not want to see any proxy war in the region and highlighted the importance of peace and stability for greater development,. “Our main goal is that we do not want to see any proxy war here. Problems remain there where we see proxy war despite having resources. Europe has fallen into proxy war and is facing challenges,” he told reporters, noting that there might be efforts to make the countries in the region weaker. Momen said Bangladesh has taken a leadership role in the region and other countries acknowledge this. “This is good for us.”

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday urged Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Bangladesh Archbishop Kevin S. Randall to encourage Myanmar authorities to create a conducive environment for the sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas. He said this while Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Bangladesh Archbishop Kevin S. Randall met Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. China sees brighter future with Bangladesh: Chinese envoy to Dhaka The foreign secretary congratulated His Excellency Archbishop Kevin S. Randall on his assumption of responsibilities as the Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to Bangladesh and assured him full support in discharging his responsibilities. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s glorious history of religious harmony and age-old tradition of peaceful coexistence of the people of different religions. He commended the significant role played by the Christian community in Bangladesh through their noticeable involvement in promoting education and social services. Bangladesh remains extra vigilant about Myanmar violence: MoFA spokesperson The Apostolic Nuncio appreciated religious harmony in Bangladesh and expressed satisfaction at the constitutional guarantee to freedom of religion. Momen also commended the Holy See’s constructive role in promoting global peace and harmony and hoped that the Holy See would apply its high moral standing to impress people across the globe to respect the sacred values and religious symbols of all religions. ‘If US can raise hourly wage, we can follow that model; inflation is high there’: Momen He deeply appreciated His Holiness Pope Francis’ personal commitment to the cause of over 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas, who fled atrocities in their homeland in Myanmar, and briefed the Apostolic Nuncio about the Rohingyas in Bangladesh and the need for their safe, voluntary and dignified return to their homeland Myanmar at an early date.