United News of Bangladesh

Expressing deep sorrow over the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a targeted attack, Bangladesh on Monday said ensuring the safety and security of more than six million Bangladeshis living in the Middle East remains its top priority. "Our embassies in the countries concerned have been asked to issue appropriate advisories for our nationals to remain vigilant and strictly follow the guidance issued by the respective host governments," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. PM consults experts to overhaul Dhaka's traffic system Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman sat in a meeting in the afternoon to discuss the situation in the Middle East as Bangladesh continues to be 'deeply concerned' at the safety and security of Bangladeshi nationals, a senior official told UNB. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and representatives from the relevant Ministries are attending the meeting. The Foreign Minister is scheduled to brief the media at 4:30pm today. Meanwhile, the MoFA in a statement said the government is "saddened to learn" that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in a targeted attack which is a violation of international law and norms. Bangladesh extended heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people of Iran. "Bangladesh believes that conflict brings no solution and only dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the international law can resolve disputes," MoFA said The government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh is "deeply saddened" to inform that two Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives and seven others have sustained injuries due to missile and drone attacks in different parts of the Middle East. In the United Arab Emirates, Saleh Ahmed, a Bangladeshi national from Baralekha, Sylhet, tragically lost his life in Ajman after being struck by debris resulting from an aerial attack on a civilian installation. The Embassy of Bangladesh in the United Arab Emirates is in close contact with the local authorities regarding the matter and is extending necessary assistance to repatriate the mortal remains once commercial flights resume. It has been reported that one Bangladeshi national has been killed and three more have been injured in Bahrain. Bangladesh Mission in Manama is in touch with the local authorities regarding the incident. In the State of Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals, Aminul Islam from Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria; Rabiul Islam from Sathia, Pabna; Masudur Rahman from Begumganj, Noakhali; and Dulal Miah from Chandina, Cumilla, sustained injuries following a drone attack in the vicinity of the civilian airport. They have received necessary medical treatment and are currently reported to be in stable condition. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kuwait remains in regular contact with them and the Ambassador personally visited them at the hospital. Separately, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel Banglar Joyjatra is currently stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. The Embassy is maintaining close communication with the vessel's captain. All crew members are reported to be safe. The government of Bangladesh reiterates its deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and continues to monitor developments closely.  

Another 175 Bangladeshi nationals returned home from Libya on Thursday. They arrived at Dhaka at 8:00 am on Burak Air chartered flight, according the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The repatriation was coordinated by the Bangladesh Embassy in Libya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The returnees had been staying in Libya illegally. Two babies among 53 dead or missing after migrant boat capsizes off Libya, UN reports Most of the returnees had entered Libya with the intention of traveling illegally to Europe via human traffickers. Many had experienced abductions and abuse during their stay. Officials from the foreign ministry and the IOM welcomed the returnees at the airport and requested them to share their difficult experiences to raise public awareness. Each returnee received travel allowances, food supplies, basic medical care, and temporary shelter from the IOM.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Thursday said Bangladesh has issues and challenges with all countries, which will be addressed through discussions at bilateral and multilateral forums. “We want to look forward, keeping our backbone strong and straight. That backbone has now become stronger after a long time as the government came through people’s mandate. All now need to look at Bangladesh from a different perspective,” she told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sharing how the foreign policy of a democratic government should be. Asked about the interim government's reported policy position regarding deployment of Bangladeshi troops to Gaza and renewal of the 30-year-old Ganges water-sharing treaty with India, the State Minister said these issues have not yet been discussed at the political level. "These are not discussed yet. To be honest, this is only the second day of the government. But you will have to wait…those political decisions will definitely,” she said. On relations with India, China and the United States, Shama said Bangladesh has issues and challenges with all countries and would address them through both bilateral and multilateral engagements. "We will maintain relations with all states and governments. Our foremost priority is to safeguard the interests of Bangladesh and its people," she said. The State Minister said they will keep in touch with all countries, talk and advance relations through friendship. She said the current administration is a democratically elected government after many years and will pursue foreign policy with a firm and principled stance, placing the interests of people first. The State Minister said Bangladesh will continue its engagement with all countries and affirmed that the government’s foreign policy would reflect the will and aspirations of the people. She said the government would safeguard the interests of the people of Bangladesh while maintaining cordial relations with all nations. Diplomacy, she said, will be conducted in a manner that effectively protects national interests. She said the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are very experienced and they will work as a team. She also highlighted the need to conduct foreign policy with a united stance in the national interest, regardless of political party, opinion and religion. On visa restrictions imposed by several countries, Shama said the Ministry is aware of the challenges and is actively working to resolve them through diplomatic channels. "We are examining how these issues can be addressed and how we can move forward in a constructive manner," she said Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and the State Minister held a series of meetings with senior officials of the Ministry in the morning.

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.