United News of Bangladesh

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced on Monday the successful conclusion of the Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations during a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Japan, Motegi Toshimitsu. Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi,  Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun; Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Mahbubur Rahman; Chief Negotiator of the Bangladesh–Japan EPA, Ayesha Akter; the Deputy Chief Negotiator, Md. Firoj Uddin Ahmed; and the Focal Point, Mahbuba Khatoon Minu, were present during the announcement, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. As an early step in the negotiations, a Joint Study Group was established, which published its report on 27 December 2023. The report recommended a comprehensive approach covering 17 sectors for negotiation. The official negotiations for the EPA commenced on 12 March 2024, as per the Agreed Work Plan. The first round was held in Dhaka from 19–23 May 2024, but due to unforeseen challenges, the talks were temporarily paused. In response to the critical importance of the EPA for Bangladesh's economic growth, the interim government refocused its efforts starting November 2024, setting an ambitious goal to conclude the agreement within a year. This led to the adoption of an accelerated negotiation process, significantly speeding up the remaining rounds. The remaining negotiations progressed through a second round in Dhaka from November 10–14, 2024, followed by a third round in Tokyo on December 19–20, 2024, a fourth round in Dhaka from February 2–6, 2025, a fifth round in Tokyo from April 20–26, 2025, a sixth round in Dhaka from June 21–26, 2025, and finally a seventh and concluding round in Tokyo from September 3–12, 2025, which brought the talks to a successful close. Through these seven rounds, the EPA text was finalized, adhering to the original work plan. A crucial factor behind the swift progression of the negotiations was the direct involvement of Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi. Their proactive steps included chairing multiple inter-ministerial meetings and also high-level visits to Japan, where they engaged directly with their ministerial counterparts, said the Press Wing. These visits were instrumental in reinforcing Bangladesh’s commitment to finalising the agreement. Their personal involvement highlighted the interim government’s deep commitment to securing the EPA, underscoring its strategic importance. Upon the conclusion and signing of the EPA, Bangladesh will enjoy immediate duty-free access to the Japanese market for 7,379 products. In return, Japan will receive immediate duty-free access to 1,039 products from Bangladesh. A significant aspect of the EPA is that Bangladesh’s major export products, particularly ready-made garments (RMG), will be granted duty-free access to Japan’s market from the very first day of the agreement. Additionally, Bangladesh will benefit from Single Stage Transformation provisions for RMG products. The Trade in Services sector also sees a substantial commitment from both sides. Bangladesh has agreed to open 97 sub-sectors to Japan, while Japan will open 120 sub-sectors to Bangladesh across four modes of supply. This is expected to foster increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh, along with greater technology transfer.  As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Bangladesh will, for the first time, sign an EPA with Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy. The signing of this agreement is expected to bring far-reaching trade and economic benefits for Bangladesh, including enhanced trade, investment, and employment opportunities, marking a new chapter in the nation’s economic relations with Japan.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansery has condemned the recent attacks on media outlets in Bangladesh over differences of opinion or other reasons. In a verified Facebook post on Sunday, the envoy said they have never devoted themselves to long-term struggles at home or abroad, nor to building global public opinion, for such purposes. Referring to his experience at UN and White House briefings, he emphasised that attempts to destroy media institutions cannot be justified. “No such act can be justified. Period,” he added. Following the death of Inquilab Moncho spokesman Sharif Osman Hadi, mobs went on a rampage at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star on Thursday night, triggering widespread criticism at home and abroad. Meanwhile, law enforcers have identified 31 people directly involved in the attacks on media outlets after scrutinising video footage and have arrested nine of the accused.

Offline Indian visa services at the Assistant High Commissioner’s office in Khulna have remained suspended since Wednesday, while online processing resumed on Sunday. Security has been tightened in and around the office following the killing of Inquilab Monch spokesman Sharif Osman Hadi. On Sunday afternoon, police, navy and army personnel were deployed at Shamsur Rahman Road and in adjacent areas. Several surrounding roads were also closed, causing traffic diversions. Visa brokers said offline visa applications were halted from Wednesday afternoon due to security concerns. Online applications, which had continued initially, were temporarily suspended on Thursday afternoon following a protest programme titled “March to Indian Consulate Office”. Sadhan Sarkar, a visa broker, said applications submitted until Thursday noon began processing on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police Md Tajul Islam said police, detectives, navy and army personnel have been deployed to maintain security.  Patrols across the city have been increased and authorities remain on high alert, he added.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Monday visited the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park to take stock of the functioning of visa services. He also interacted with visa applicants, many of whom were applying for medical visas to travel to India for treatment. Given the ‘serious threats’ reported last week at the Indian High Commission and its installations in Bangladesh, the Indian High Commission had shut down IVAC operations for a day. The centre was later reopened, and all applicants whose appointment slots fell on that day were provided with early alternative slots. Several visa applicants are travelling to India for treatment of serious medical conditions. Keeping these humanitarian needs in mind, and despite the evolving security situation, the High Commission said it continues to operate visa centres in Dhaka, Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi. However, the IVAC in Chittagong remains temporarily shut following a mob attack at the entrance of the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) in Chittagong on the night of December 18–19. Indian visa centre in Dhaka now operational During the incident, stone-pelting and threats to break the entrance created serious security concerns for AHCI officials and others residing within the same premises. During his visit to the IVAC, officials flagged problems related to the submission of a large number of fake documents, as well as disruptions caused by middlemen and touts who attempt to hack visa servers and create artificial traffic, depriving genuine applicants of appointment slots. The High Commissioner assured that these concerns would be raised with the relevant authorities in Bangladesh.

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin on Monday called for reducing tensions in Bangladesh to create a conducive environment before the next national election scheduled for February 12 next year. The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of reducing Bangladesh’s tensions with its neighbour India - the sooner the better. He said they are not interfering two countries bilateral relations but they think it will be wise to find a way so that the tension does not escalate further from the current level. Prof Yunus calls upcoming election a historic chance to shape ‘new Bangladesh’ The Ambassador said the relations should be based on mutual trust and confidence. He welcomed the election date announced by the Election Commission and said they are expecting that the election will be held on time - February 12. Regarding sending election observers, the Ambassador said they are in touch with the Election Commission and they are waiting for the official invitation from the EC. The interactive session was held at the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

Bangladesh has rejected the attempt of the Indian authorities to depict an "isolated attack" on a Bangladeshi citizen, who happens to belong to the Hindu community, as attacks on minorities. "The government of Bangladesh has promptly apprehended the suspects in this incident," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Sunday. The intercommunal situation in Bangladesh is better than in many other parts in South Asia, said the MoFA. Bangladesh believes that it is the duty of all governments in the region to ensure protection of minorities in their respective countries. Indian Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Sunday said the fact is that about 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on December 20 and raised slogans in protest against the "horrendous killing" of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh. Jaiswal said they have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice. Bangladesh rejects India’s advice; vows free, fair polls The unjustifiable incident at the Bangladesh High Commission residence in New Delhi on 20th December 2025 is highly regrettable and cannot be accepted as “misleading propaganda”, Bangladesh said in its reaction. Dhaka thinks the miscreants were allowed to carry out their activities right outside the perimeters of the High Commission, creating panic among the personnel inside the complex. The High Commission was not given information in advance about this organised event. "We have, however, noted the commitment of the government of India to ensure the safety and security of all Bangladesh diplomatic posts in India," MoFA said in its media release.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Sri Lanka has urged Bangladeshi tourists to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions after the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka issued a Level 03 (Red) Landslide Early Warning—the highest alert—for parts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya for the next 24 hours.  A Level 02 (Amber) warning, the second-highest alert, has also been issued for areas in Badulla, Kurunegala, and Matale. The High Commission advised tourists to stay calm, remain in safe shelters, and strictly adhere to the guidance of local authorities and the DMC. “Your (Bangladeshi citizens) safety is our highest priority,” said the High Commission.

India on Sunday suspended operations at the Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chattogram, the commercial capital of Bangladesh, until further notice. “Due to the recent security incident at AHCI Chittagong, Indian visa operations at IVAC Chittagong will remain suspended from 21/12/2025 until further notice,” said a notification shared by the IVAC Bangladesh. The announcement for reopening the visa center will be made after reviewing the situation in Chattogram. The decision came in the wake of a fresh wave of unrest witnessed in the country following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

Bangladesh on Sunday rejected remarks made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding demonstrations outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, stating that the protests left the Bangladesh High Commissioner and his family feeling threatened. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain outlined Bangladesh’s position while responding to questions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We completely reject what has been said in the Indian press note. We completely reject it because the matter is not as simple as it has been presented. Our mission is located deep inside the diplomatic zone. It is not that it is outside or at the beginning of the diplomatic zone,” said the Foreign Adviser. “The High Commissioner and his family live there. They felt threatened and frightened due to inadequate security,” he said, adding that only two guards were present and stood silently during the protest. “So we believe it is the responsibility of the host country to strengthen security further.” Hossain said Bangladesh is still relying on the host country to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of its diplomatic mission. He, however, warned that Dhaka may reduce its diplomatic presence in India, if required. Hossain said Bangladesh had heard reports that the High Commissioner was threatened with death, though no concrete evidence is currently available. “It was not a matter of a few slogans. A family lives inside the mission. The security situation was clearly inadequate.” When asked whether Bangladesh would summon the Indian envoy over the issue, Hossain responded, “No, what we will do, leave it to us. We are taking our own measures.” Referring to claims that the protest involved only 20–25 people, Hossain said the number was irrelevant. “The question is how such a group - believed to be linked to a Hindu extremist organization - was able to reach so deep inside the diplomatic zone. They should not have been allowed to come there at all.” The Adviser said they are still relying on the host country, hoping that the host country will take necessary steps on the security front but if necessary, Dhaka will shrink its diplomatic presence in India. Regarding the killing of Bangladeshi citizen Dipu Chandra Das, Hossain said the incident should not be conflated with the security of minorities. “He was a Bangladeshi citizen who was killed, and Bangladesh took immediate action. Several arrests have already been made,” he said, pointing out that such incidents occur across the region and that every country has a responsibility to respond appropriately. “Bangladesh is taking the necessary measures, just as other countries should,” he added. Official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal on Sunday said there was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. India is committed to ensuring the safety of foreign missions/posts in its territory in accordance with the Vienna Convention, Jaiswal said in response to media queries in New Delhi regarding the demonstration. He said the police stationed at the spot dispersed the group after a few minutes. Jaiswal said visual evidence of these events is available for all to see. No Breach Attempt: India "India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh," he said, adding that their officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them their strong concerns over the attacks on the minorities. Jaiswal said they have noted misleading propaganda in sections of Bangladesh media on the incident. "The fact is that about 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on December 20 and raised slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh," he said. Jaiswal said they have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice.

The European Union (EU) has said it is supporting seven Bangladeshi citizen election observer organisations as part of its efforts to promote free, fair and participatory elections and strengthen public trust in the electoral process ahead of the country’s upcoming polls and referendum on February 12. With the support of the European Union, the European Partnership for Democracy is helping these organisations develop observation checklists and templates, monitor online gender-based violence, and much more, said the Embassy on Sunday. The EU said an independent and strong Election Commission is the key to any successful election in all democratic countries. The Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) has built its human capacity and is acting now to ensure transparency and efficiency before, during and after the elections. With support from the European Union, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is providing technical assistance to the BEC to run smooth, fair, and credible elections.