United News of Bangladesh

In response to a formal invitation by the Bangladeshi 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 February 12, 2026. The High Representative has appointed Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer. "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 declared on Tuesday. This mission, Ijabs said, is a tangible example of the EU's support to the people of Bangladesh and their aspiration for stronger democratic institutions, rule of law, and human rights.

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Tokyo celebrated the Great Victory Day 2025 with due solemnity and a series of commemorative programmes. The day’s activities began at the Embassy premises with the hoisting of the National Flag, accompanied by the playing of the National Anthem in the morning. The flag was hoisted by the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Japan, Md. Daud Ali, in the presence of Bangladeshi expatriates, officials, and staff of the Embassy. In the afternoon, the Embassy hosted a reception attended by members of the Bangladeshi community in Japan. On the occasion, messages from the President, the Chief Adviser, and the Adviser on Foreign Affairs were read out. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Md. Daud Ali paid tribute to the valiant martyrs of the Great Liberation War. He also expressed profound respect for the martyrs of the July 2024 mass uprising and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu hosted a colorful and festive program today to celebrate Victory Day 2025 with due solemnity and fervor. The event was attended by H.E. Ambassador Md. Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of the SAARC Secretariat, Bangladeshi officials working at the SAARC Secretariat, expatriate nationals in various regional organizations in Nepal, officials from Biman Bangladesh Airlines Nepal Office, members of the Bangladeshi community in Nepal, distinguished personalities, and business persons from Nepal. Players and officials of the Bangladeshi women’s football club Nasrin Sports Academy, currently visiting Kathmandu, also joined the celebration. The program began at 10:00 am with the hoisting of the national flag and the national anthem. A one-minute silence was observed in remembrance of the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the nine-month-long Liberation War. A special prayer was offered seeking salvation and eternal peace for the martyrs of the 1971 war and the July–August Mass Uprising 2024. Messages on the significance of the day from the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Chief Adviser, and Hon’ble Adviser for Foreign Affairs were read out.  

India has greeted Bangladesh and people of the country on the occasion of Victory Day being celebrated across the country on Tuesday. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishnkar conveyed the greetings to Bangladesh and its people. "Greetings to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, the Interim Government and the people of Bangladesh on Bijoy Dibosh," Dr Jaishankar said in a message from his verified X handle on Tuesday. Like every year, the armies of Bangladesh and India have invited each other’s war veterans and serving officers to participate in the Victory Day celebrations on December 16, marking the end of Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 with the surrender of the Pakistani forces. Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces reached Dhaka on Monday to participate in Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations. Similarly, eight valiant freedom fighters and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces went to India on Sunday to participate in the celebrations at Kolkata, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Monday. These exchange visits provide a platform for Bangladeshi freedom fighters and Indian war veterans to celebrate the unique friendship between the two countries and to renew memories of the Liberation War, which epitomises the shared sacrifices of the armed forces of Bangladesh and India for Bangladesh’s freedom from occupation, oppression and mass atrocities, the Indian HC said.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, on Monday jointly inspected the China-Bangladesh Friendship Residential Hall at the University of Dhaka, accompanied by the Chinese feasibility study expert team. Ambassador Yao said educational cooperation is one of the most fundamental areas of Bangladesh-China relations. He said China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to advance this student-centered, women-focused livelihood project. "It will play the role of a model project for China-Bangladesh educational cooperation," he said. Continued to expand support for Rohingyas: Ambassador Yao Prof.  Niaz Ahmed Khan expressed gratitude for China’s support and assistance in the field of Bangladeshi education. He hoped that this project would serve as a new starting point for further deepening practical cooperation with China in talent cultivation, scientific research collaboration, and youth exchanges, ensuring that the friendship between Bangladesh and China is passed on from generation to generation.  

Like every year, the armies of Bangladesh and India have invited each other’s war veterans and serving officers to participate in the Victory Day celebrations on December 16, marking the end of Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 with the surrender of the Pakistani forces. Eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces reached Dhaka on Monday to participate in Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations. Similarly, eight valiant freedom fighters and two serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces went to India on Sunday to participate in the celebrations at Kolkata, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Monday.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed his deepest and heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh, to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, and wished a swift recovery to the injured. “Support is being provided to the wounded peacekeepers ahead of their evacuation,” he said in a statement. The UN chief strongly condemned the horrific drone attacks that targeted the United Nations peacekeeping logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, on December 13, 2025, resulting in six fatalities and eight injuries – all members of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent serving in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). He said attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and he reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians. Read more: Int’l community mourns six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in Sudan “Attacks as the one today in South Kordofan against peacekeepers are unjustifiable. There will need to be accountability,” said the UN chief.  He expressed his solidarity with the thousands of peacekeepers who continue to serve under the blue flag in the most dangerous of environments. The UN chief reiterated his call on the warring parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and to resume talks to reach a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process. Meanwhile, the German Embassy in Dhaka extended its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in Sudan. “We wish the injured a swift and full recovery.” Read more: Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed, injured in Sudan identified The Embassy said Germany is committed to standing up for international peace and security and continues to be a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping, through significant financial contributions, personnel, and training. “We deeply value Bangladesh’s vital and courageous contribution to peace and security worldwide,” reads a message from the Embassy. Canada also extended its deepest condolences to the families of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers who recently lost their lives in Sudan, and wished a quick recovery to the injured. “We honour their courage and sacrifice in the service of peace and express our solidarity with the people and the Government of Bangladesh, as well as with the UN peacekeeping community, during this difficult time,” said the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka. Pakistan also condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous attack against UN peacekeepers in Kadugli, Sudan. Read more: Guterres condemns drone attack in Sudan that killed Bangladeshi peacekeepers Pakistan expressed its deepest condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh on the loss of these precious lives, and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families in this tragic hour. The Pakistan government said UN peacekeepers remain at the forefront of international efforts to prevent conflict, protect civilians, and support peace under the UN flag. “We pay homage to the ultimate sacrifice made by these Blue Helmets in the line of duty for peace and stability in the region,” said the South Asian country. Pakistan called for a swift investigation to identify the perpetrators of this cowardly attack and to hold those responsible accountable. “We will also continue to work closely with members of the UN Security Council and the international community to ensure the safety and security of all UN peacekeepers.” Earlier on Sunday, the international community, including the European Union (EU), the United States, the United Kingdom and France, stood beside Bangladeshi peacekeepers and extended their condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers killed in Sudan. Read more: Bangladeshi peacekeepers' deaths: UN chief calls CA Yunus to offer condolences

The US Embassy in Dhaka on Monday issued a security alert for US citizens in Bangladesh, saying they should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful in this period leading up to elections can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. “You should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings,” said the Embassy in the security alert shared from its verified Facebook page. Bangladesh’s Election Commission announced that the next parliamentary election and a national referendum will occur simultaneously on February 12, 2026.  Political rallies and demonstrations may become more frequent and intense as the election date approaches, said the Embassy. Talking about actions to take, the Embassy said, “Be aware of your surroundings. Monitor local media for updates. Avoid crowds. Avoid demonstrations.”   

Extending additional funding for the Rohingyas, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said the situation of vulnerable groups - the Rohingyas - has become increasingly difficult at a time when global humanitarian resources are shrinking and some countries are significantly reducing their commitments. "China, as Bangladesh’s steadfast development partner and true friend, has continued to expand its support,” said Ambassador Yao. He said China will work closely with UNHCR and the government of Bangladesh to ensure the effective implementation of this project so that the displaced people from Rakhine State in Bangladesh can benefit at the earliest possible. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on Sunday, welcomed China’s USD 2.5 million contribution to provide liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to meet the cooking needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The contribution from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund will enable UNHCR to supply cleaner cooking energy to approximately 458,000 refugees, or 94,000 households, until October 2026 — offering vital relief and protection in one of the world’s most densely populated refugee settings.  “This generous support from China comes at a crucial time, as resources shrink globally and many life-saving programmes risk being scaled back,” said Ivo Frejsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh.  “We are deeply grateful for China’s solidarity. Their contribution does much more than provide cooking gas - it helps restore dignity, ensures safety, and reaffirms that refugees are not forgotten," Frejsen  said. Eight years into the Rohingya refugee crisis, Bangladesh continues to host 1.3 million Rohingya refugees, who remain dependent on humanitarian assistance to meet their daily needs.  The Chinese funding will secure refugees’ continued access to LPG—reducing dependence on firewood, improving safety, health, and nutrition, and protecting the forests around the camps, said the UNHCR.  “Rohingya refugees regularly tell me how essential LPG is to their daily lives,” said Ivo Freijsen.  “Since its introduction in 2018, they no longer have to venture out to collect firewood—avoiding significant risks. Women and girls face fewer protection challenges, and children can spend more time in schools. The use of LPG is also key in halting environmental degradation, regreening camps, and surrounding areas.” UNHCR continues to work closely with the government of Bangladesh and all partners committed to enhancing the well-being of Rohingya refugees.  Sustained international solidarity is essential for both refugees and hosting communities, said the UN Refugee Agency.  The LPG initiative shows the tangible impact of such support on families who fled conflict and persecution, and the generous assistance of countries, including China, remains vital to bolstering Bangladesh’s humanitarian response to the Rohingya refugee situation.  

Highlighting the importance of Dhaka-Delhi friendship, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said they are willing to work together to fulfil the aspirations of their people and forge closer people-to-people ties, inspired by their shared sacrifices of the past and guided by the new aspirations for the future. "The bonds we share with Bangladesh are not transient; they are everlasting. A relationship forged in blood and sacrifice cannot be weakened. Together, we will carry this shared legacy forward into the future," he said while speaking at a programme in the evening. The High Commissioner said Bangladesh and India have come a long way since 1971. "We are today two fast-growing economies. Our societies and economies are closely linked, so closely that we are interdependent on each other. Our geographical proximity with each other offers us new opportunities driven by our growing capabilities and new ambitions," he said. India rejects assertions made by Bangladesh interim govt Pranay Verma said India stood with the people of Bangladesh in 1971 and will continue to support them, in realising the vision for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive nation. Itihash O Oitijjo Parishad hosted the programme where the High Commissioner and his wife joined marking the anniversary of Bangladesh’s Mahaan Muktijuddha – the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh. "December is the Victory Month. It is a time of remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices millions of people made during Bangladesh’s freedom struggle," Pranay Verma said. He paid tributes to the people of Bangladesh who overcame the long ordeals of oppression, killings and subjugation, with valour, grit and determination. "It is a time to cherish the values that underpinned that freedom struggle," said the High Commissioner. "Today is the Martyred Intellectuals Day. This day takes us back to one of the darkest chapters of 1971, when Bangladesh stood on the threshold of freedom," Verma said. The systematic elimination of scholars, doctors, journalists, artists and educators by the occupation forces was an act of desperation aimed at destroying the very soul of a future nation, he said. Dhaka urges stand against hatred, violence - online and offline "We remember and honour all those martyred intellectuals whose sacrifices serve as a guiding light – inspiring us to uphold the values of knowledge, wisdom, intellectual pursuit, and the courage of conviction," he mentioned. During the Liberation War, the envoy said, India stood with their brothers and sisters in Bangladesh, with immense pride, supporting them at every step in their cause for truth, justice, dignity and freedom of Bangladesh. "And in doing so, we also lost our own soldiers – in thousands. Countless more were left wounded," he said. There are many historical moments in India's support to Bangladesh during the Liberation War that are milestones in the history of our two countries that cannot be erased, said the High Commissioner. Just eight days ago, on 6th of December, he said, they commemorated the historic anniversary of the Maitri Dibos, the day when India recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation 54 years ago, ten days ahead of Bangladesh’s liberation. He said the Liberation War of 1971 was the beginning of a relationship built upon humanism, empathy and trust that has sustained, despite changes, challenges and ups and downs in our relationship. "As we approach the Victory Day on the 16th of December, we reflect on the historic triumphs and the indomitable spirit of the people of Bangladesh that led to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation," Pranay Verma said. Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over Hasina’s statements  He said it has been fifty-four years since the Bangladesh achieved its liberation, and it is as important as ever that today’s youth and children—the future custodians of this nation—learn and carry forward this indelible history. "The programme organized today by the Itihash O Oitijjo Parishad reflects this responsibility, which we greatly commend," the envoy said. He made a special mention of the remarkable paintings depicting the glorious Liberation War, created by school students from Daka, that we just saw. 'Their creativity, empathy and sense of history are truly inspiring." In the presence of the heroic war-wounded freedom fighters of 1971, he said the place their hopes in today’s children—that they will uphold the ideals, spirit, and values of the great Liberation War. "Only then will the sacrifices of all our martyrs find their true meaning." "Occasions like today’s are meant to reflect on what we have achieved together. But these are also the moments when we look forward, rising above distractions, to see new horizons of our partnership," the High Commissioner said.