United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) lauded Finland and the European Union for deploying a large EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the upcoming national elections Bangladesh also sought sought Finland’s support for its post-LDC transition and GSP+ aspirations. Non-resident Ambassador of Finland to Bangladesh Kimmo Lähdevirta paid a courtesy call on Secretary (East & West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Md Nazrul Islam and discussed issues of mutual interest. The Ambassador expressed Finland’s support for a potential Bangladesh-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more: Prof Yunus orders strict measures to prevent possible election fraud Dr Islam invited the Ambassador to visit the EPZs to get firsthand experience on production facilities, business operations and above all, the investment opportunities in Bangladesh. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, clean energy, digital services, and textiles. The Secretary congratulated the Ambassador and the people of Finland on the upcoming Nordic Day celebration. The Finnish Ambassador reiterated that Finland is very happy to watch the democratic transition of Bangladesh. Read more: Bangladesh Election: EU Chief Observer clarifies ‘inclusive, participatory’ meaning Secretary Dr Islam shed light on Bangladesh’s reform agenda and preparations for the national parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026, alongside a national referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter.

The government on Wednesday said it remains hopeful of a smooth transition through the national election but wants to prevent the arrival of any “unexpected individuals” from abroad who may attempt to create an undesirable situation during the election period. “We are not stopping the issuance of visas. Those who wish to come may apply for visas, and we will issue them as long as their purpose is valid,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to a journalist’s query regarding reports of the suspension of visa-on-arrival facilities. “You know, during the election period, there may be attempts to create unexpected situations. Some unwanted individuals may try to enter the country suddenly,” he said. The Foreign Adviser said the Ministry of Home Affairs is truly better positioned to comment on the matter but acknowledged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received instructions in this regard. Read more: Bangladesh issues special visa guidelines ahead of national election  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan on Tuesday informed the general public that the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Thimphu has officially conveyed that the government of Bangladesh has suspended the “Visa on Arrival” facility for all eligible countries, including Bhutan, with effect from January 15 to February 15. In view of this, Bhutan said, all Bhutanese nationals intending to travel to Bangladesh during the above period are advised to apply for a visa in advance through the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thimphu prior to their travel. The Bhutanese Ministry advised all travelers to take note of this change and make the necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain on January 8 confirmed that they have asked its three key diplomatic missions in India to keep their visa sections closed for a time being on security grounds. “What I have done is that I have asked our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” he said while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time. Read more: Foreign Adviser communicates with Pakistani counterpart ahead of OIC ministerial meet on Somalia Asked about the matter, Hossain on Wednesday had taken the decision due to a special situation, noting that they have to look after the security of the missions.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) said Bangladesh has not yet taken any decision regarding sending its forces to Gaza under the International Stabilization Force (ISF), stressing that the country has clearly outlined three conditions. “No decision has been made. It is still at the discussion level. It has not been determined yet who will be part of this initiative. Most importantly, three conditions have been mentioned clearly,” he told reporters responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under no circumstances Bangladesh would join without the creation of an environment consistent with the three key preconditions, he added. Read more: BSC should maintain profitable status, expand fleet: Prof Yunus Asked about discussing such an issue at the fag end of the interim government’s tenure, Adviser Hossain said the tenure is ending with the February 12 election, but the government remains in place. He said the country’s engagement and interests do not change overnight and the government would not do anything that goes against national interests. The Foreign Affairs Adviser also said they are very hopeful that the upcoming transition will take place smoothly. He the ISF is an issue of global concern and does not fully depend on Bangladesh alone. The interim government said some Muslim countries are interested in participating in the force. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday said they recognise the significance of the UN Security Council decision to establish the International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza and understand that some Muslim countries are interested in participating in the force. Read more: Election on Feb 12, no matter who says what: Prof Yunus tells former US diplomats “We are also carefully considering the matter,” he said while responding to a question, noting that as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces and an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause, their interest in participating in the ISF is contingent on the fulfillment of a number of principles. These include, among others, that the ISF should be temporary and operate under a clear UN Security Council mandate, he said, adding that there must be permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza; and the responsibilities for Gaza will be transferred to the Palestinians. The Press Secretary said they remain steadfast in their support for the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State based on 1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. "As the third largest Muslim nation in the world, Bangladesh has consistently condemned Israeli genocide in Gaza, and called for its immediate end and the complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the territory,” Alam said. Bangladesh noted that the United Nations Security Council, on 17th November 2025, adopted resolution 2803 which provided for, among other things, the establishment of an ISF for Gaza. Alam said all Muslim countries members of the Security Council voted for the resolution. He also said a number of other Arab and Muslim countries jointly recommended the adoption of the resolution by the Security Council. Read more: ISF for Gaza: Dhaka weighs its options carefully

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday (January 08, 2026) confirmed that they have asked its three key diplomatic missions in India to keep their visa sections closed for a time being on security grounds. “What I have done is that I have asked our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” he said while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Though he did not mention the names of the missions, a diplomatic source said the three missions are Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and Bangladesh Assistant High Commission Agartala. There are Bangladesh Missions stationed in Mumbai and Chennai, too. Read more: Delhi summons Bangladesh envoy amid growing tensions Responding to a question on cricketers’ safety issue, the Foreign Adviser said he fully supports what Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul had said. Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul reaffirmed on Wednesday that Bangladesh will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, reiterating the nation’s demand to have their matches relocated to co-host Sri Lanka. Speaking to the media following a meeting with directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Asif Nazrul said while the nation is eager to participate it cannot be at the expense of national dignity or player safety. “We have discussed the situation. The Bangladesh team played hard and fought to qualify for the T20 World Cup, and as a cricket-crazy nation, we certainly want to play in the World Cup,” he said. “We will certainly play outside India,” said Foreign Adviser Hossain. Asked about the impact of this in bilateral relations, the Foreign Adviser said this issue came afresh though at various times various issues came and each issue will have negative impacts to some extent. Read more: Bangladesh voices concern to India over attacks on missions Talking about keeping business relations unhurt, the Adviser said if they find their interest in purchasing rice at a cheaper price, the business people will go for that. Asked about Bangladesh’s ‘potential interest’ in procuring the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan, the Foreign Adviser said, “I can’t tell about this today. Talks are underway. You will know once things are finalised.”

Bangladesh on Tuesday (December 23, 2025) expressed grave concern to the government of India over incidents involving extremist elements, including disturbances outside the Bangladesh High Commission and the official residence in New Delhi on December 20, as well as vandalism at the Bangladesh Visa Centre in Siliguri on December 22. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma and expressed deep concern over violent protests staged outside the premises of the different Diplomatic Missions of Bangladesh in India. Read more: Bangladesh suspends all visa, consular services from its Missions in Delhi, Agartala Bangladesh condemned such acts of premeditated violence or intimidation against diplomatic establishments, which not only endanger the safety of diplomatic personnel but also undermine the principles of mutual respect and values of peace and tolerance. The government of Bangladesh called upon the government of India to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents, to take all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such acts and to ensure safety and security of Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions and related facilities in India. The government of Bangladesh expects the government of India to immediately take appropriate steps in accordance with its international and diplomatic obligations to safeguard the dignity and security of diplomatic personnel and establishments, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more: Rights groups warn of shrinking democratic space in Bangladesh

In response to a formal invitation by Bangladesh authorities, the High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026.  The High Representative has appointed Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament, as its chief observer.  Read more: IRI pre-election observation team meets EC Sanaullah "I am honoured to lead this EU Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh, which will deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process," Chief Observer Ijabs said on Tuesday. 

Bangladesh on Wednesday (12th November 2025) expressed displeasure over the interviews of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina published by Indian media outlets. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally conveyed Dhaka's displeasure to New Delhi through Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka Pawan Badhe, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Read more: Tensions rise as ICT going to set verdict date in Hasina case The Indian diplomat was asked to convey to New Delhi Bangladesh's request to stop Hasina's access to media, said a diplomatic source. The AFP, Reuters and the Independent (UK) also interviewed Hasina recently.

Bangladesh has underscored the prospects for increased Filipino investment in its emerging sectors and reiterated its aspiration to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Bangladesh and the Philippines held the third round of Foreign Policy Consultations (FPC) in Manila on Tuesday (4th November 2025), marking the first session after a six-year gap. The meeting was co-chaired by Ambassador Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East & West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, and Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega, Undersecretary for Policy at the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines. Leo M. Herrera-Lim, Undersecretary for Migration Affairs, also joined the session. The Bangladesh delegation included Mohammad Sarwar Mahmood, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Philippines, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Manila, along with a representative from Bangladesh Bank. BGCCI welcomes new German Ambassador; looks for boost in investment in tech, energy The Philippine delegation comprised senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, Department of Migrant Workers, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Board of Investment, Anti-Money Laundering Council, and the Civil Aeronautics Board, joined by Nina P. Cainglet, Ambassador of the Philippines to Bangladesh. Both sides reviewed the progress since the second FPC and explored opportunities for deeper cooperation in political relations, trade and investment, cybersecurity, the blue economy, education, skills development, culture, defence cooperation through training exchanges and knowledge-sharing, people-to-people connectivity, labour and migration governance. They also discussed matters of mutual interest in regional and multilateral affairs, including the situation of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs). VFS Global launches Netherlands visa services with state-of-the-art centre in Dhaka Discussions were held in a warm, constructive, and forward-looking atmosphere, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on Maritime Cooperation on the Recognition of Certificates under the STCW Convention, 1978 (as amended). Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East & West) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed on behalf of Bangladesh, while Sonia B. Malaluan, Administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), signed on behalf of the Philippines. Following the FPC, Dr Md Nazrul Islam paid courtesy calls on Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Secretary for Migrant Workers, during which both sides focused on strengthening South–South cooperation for mutual benefit. He is also scheduled to visit a TESDA-operated caregiver training institute to explore future cooperation in skills development, training, and mutual recognition of certificates. Both sides expressed confidence that the outcomes of the consultation will further strengthen bilateral relations in the days ahead. Egyptian Ambassador meets Mirza Fakhrul

Bangladesh has called on India to take urgent measures to prevent any Bangladeshi nationals residing there from engaging in activities harmful to Bangladesh’s interests. The interim government also urged the Indian government not to permit or support any such activities in any manner and called for immedaite closure the political office(s) of the ‘banned’ Bangladesh Awami League on Indian soil, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. The ministry said the attention of the government of Bangladesh has been drawn to the reported establishment of offices of the ‘banned’ political party, Bangladesh Awami League, in the Indian capital of Delhi and Kolkata. This development comes against the backdrop of growing anti-Bangladesh activities undertaken by the leadership of the Bangladesh Awami League from being based on the Indian soil, Dhaka claimed. India bans jute goods import from Bangladesh via land routes Many of the senior leaders of the party, absconding in several criminal cases in Bangladesh on account of grievous crimes committed against humanity, remain in the Indian territory, said the interim government. Earlier, on 21 July 2025 evening, under the garb of an indescript NGO, some of the senior leaders of this ‘banned’ party planned to hold a public outreach at the Delhi Press Club and eventually distributed booklets among the attending members of the press. To date, the interim government said, several reports in Indian media affirm increasing overtures of the party while being on Indian soil. "Any form of political activity campaigning against the interests of Bangladesh by Bangladeshi nationals, particularly by the absconding leaders/activists of a banned political party, staying on Indian soil, legally or illegally, including the establishment of offices is an unambiguous affront against the people and State of Bangladesh," said the government in its statement. India's protection of 'order-giver' for murders hurting bilateral ties: CA's Press Secretary This development also risks upholding the good-neighbourly relations with India driven by mutual trust and mutual respect, and lends serious implications for the political transformation underway in Bangladesh, Dhaka said. "This may also trigger public sentiment in Bangladesh which may in turn impact the ongoing efforts of the two countries in further enhancing the relationship between the two closest neighbors," the statement said.

Though there had been "no written official instruction as such" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the removal of President Mohammed Shahabuddin's portrait, Bangladesh Missions abroad are maintaining a "policy of zero" portrait for months, officials said on Sunday. "I can tell you, as such, there had been no written instructions from the headquarters. But you need to understand the signal," a senior diplomat stationed in a Bangladesh mission abroad told UNB wishing to remain unnamed. He said there are two aspects, following the changes in August 5, the portrait of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed. JU Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement leaders remove Bangabandhu's portrait from council room And then there were Zoom meetings with heads of Missions in the following months connected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said. "When we see no portrait at the Ministry, it gives a signal. So, the portrait of the President was removed several months back," said the diplomat, adding that he thinks most of the missions followed the same zero portrait policy months ago. Talking to UNB, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs simply said, “Yes”. When pressed for further details regarding any recent instructions in any way, he added, "As reported, verbally."