United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday welcomed the growing interactions between Bangladesh and Pakistan; and emphasised the importance of increased visits, as well as cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges among SAARC member states. He highlighted the need for boosting Bangladesh-Pakistan trade and hoped that both countries would find new opportunities for investment and joint ventures during Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider’s tenure. The Chief Adviser made the remarks when Imran Haider paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus at the State Guest House in Dhaka.

Bangladesh has called upon different quarters in India to refrain from spreading misleading narratives that undermines the spirit of good-neighbourly relations and mutual trust. "Our attention has been drawn to the recent comments made by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India regarding the situation of the minority communities in Bangladesh. His comments do not reflect the facts," Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign SM Mahbubul Alam told reporters on Sunday. He said the government of Bangladesh categorically rejects any inaccurate, exaggerated, or motivated narratives that misrepresent Bangladesh’s longstanding tradition of communal harmony. "With much regret, we note that there are systematic attempts to portray the isolated incidents of criminal acts as systematic persecution of the Hindus and maliciously used to propagate anti-Bangladesh sentiments in different parts of India," said the MoFA spokesperson while sharing Bangladesh’s position. He said they observe a selective and unfair bias in certain quarters, where isolated incidents are amplified, misrepresented and propagated to incite common Indians against Bangladesh, its diplomatic missions and other establishments in India. One of the individuals cited by the MEA spokesperson was a listed criminal whose unfortunate death happened when he was committing extortion with his Muslim accomplice, who was later arrested. "To portray this criminal act in the lens of minority treatment is not factual but misleading," said the MoFA Spokesperson.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly pushed 14 Indian nationals, including women, elderly persons and children from the same family, into Bangladesh through the Darshana border in Chuadanga, identifying them as Bangladeshis. The incident occurred late Friday night, and the group is currently in the custody of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Local and victim sources said the BSF took advantage of dense fog and forcibly pushed the family into Bangladesh through a point near the Nimtal border gate at Darshana. All 14 individuals are members of the same family. The victims claimed they are permanent residents of Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha, India. They alleged that Indian police and the BSF forcibly sent them to Bangladesh because they are a Muslim family. They also claimed to be Indian citizens by birth and said their Aadhaar and ration cards were seized by Indian authorities. After entering Bangladesh, the family wandered in border areas before taking shelter near Darshana bus stand, where locals noticed them. On humanitarian grounds, residents provided temporary shelter, food and winter clothing. BSF returns body of Bangladeshi youth through C’nawabganj border Following media coverage and social media circulation, Darshana police and members of BGB’s Chuadanga-6 Battalion took them into custody and began verifying their identities and citizenship. Confirming the incident, Lt Col Md Nazmul Hasan, commanding officer of BGB-6, said verification was underway. He added that no valid documents were found and contact was being made with the BSF and relevant authorities. Necessary humanitarian assistance has been provided, he said.  

Highlighting the importance of stability and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, India has said it wants close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh, which is rooted in the liberation struggle and strengthened through various development and people-to-people initiatives. “We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections conducted in a peaceful atmosphere,” Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told reporters in New Delhi. Responding to a question during a weekly briefing on Friday, Jaiswal said they support free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, and the return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman from London should be seen in that context. In response to another question, the MEA spokesperson said their point on Bangladesh has been very clear and consistent all throughout. “India stands for strengthening our ties with the people of Bangladesh. We favor peace and stability in Bangladesh and also our point of view on elections, you are aware. We stand for free, fair, inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh, which is to be held in a peaceful atmosphere. So that is where we are. We stand for fair, free and inclusive and participatory elections in Bangladesh,” he said. Regarding anti-India remarks, Jaiswal said they have issued more than a couple of statements over the last few days and they have rejected the false narrative that has been projected in Bangladesh. “You would understand that the law and order or security situation or the developments that are happening in Bangladesh is the responsibility of the Government of Bangladesh. And to portray a narrative where things go in some other direction is completely false and we reject that,” said the MEA Spokesperson. He said they are all aware of the recent developments in Bangladesh and have been closely following them. “And as far as the law and order situation is concerned, I have been apprising you from time to time as to what our position has been or should be and is today.” Jaiswal said the ‘unremitting hostility’ against minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists at the ‘hands of extremists’ is a matter of grave concern. “We condemn the recent gruesome killing of a Hindu youth in Mymensingh, and expect that the perpetrators of the crime would be brought to justice,” he said. Earlier, Bangladesh 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 inter-communal situation in Bangladesh is better than in many other parts in South Asia, said the MoFA. Govt approves import of 1 lakh mt rice from India, Pakistan Over 2,900 incidents of violence against minorities, including cases of killings, arson, land grab have been documented by independent sources during the tenure of the interim government, said the MEA Spokesperson. These incidents cannot be brushed aside as mere media exaggerations or dismissed as political violence, he said. On Myanmar, he said they stand for democratic transition in the country. “Elections are to be held. We support free, fair and inclusive development elections in which everybody participates. And India stands for peace and stability and return of normalcy in the country.”

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong has said the aviation authorities in Bangladesh and Vietnam are now in the final stage of considering the new Air Services Agreement which will facilitate the establishment of official direct flight connecting Hanoi and Dhaka in 2026. Once the direct flight is launched, it will help strengthen and deepen the traditional friendship, especially the people-to-people relations and tourism. “There is no doubt that the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Bangladesh is indeed growing stronger and moving toward a very bright future,” the Ambassador told reporters at the Embassy on Monday evening. He said there are still many untapped potentials that both sides should further cooperate to explore in the coming time. The government of Vietnam always cherishes the close ties between the two countries and stands ready to work with the government of Bangladesh in order to elevate their mutually beneficial cooperation to a higher level. The Embassy of Vietnam in Bangladesh will continue working closely with all Bangladeshi authorities and friends to become the bridge connecting the two countries, for the sake of peace, development and happiness of the two peoples, he said. Highlighting the economic and trade cooperation, the envoy said the bilateral trade volume in recent years always exceeds 1 billion USD, which is a great signal for the continued cooperation between the two governments and business communities. In the 11 months of 2025, the trade volume reached 1.06 billion USD. Vietnam's exports contributed about 951,6 million USD whereas Bangladesh's exports are estimated at nearly 115 million USD. The Ambassador said the cultural cooperation and people-to-people relations also greatly contribute to the long-lasting trust and friendship of the two countries. The people of both countries are interested in learning about each other’s country, culture, cuisine, lifestyle, and so on. “More exchange activities have been held between two countries, like delegations of businessmen, traders, investors coming to explore the market; artists, performers to attend the diplomatic events; students coming to study or in exchange programs; journalists, reporters to make the news and an increasing number of tourists,” he said. Vietnam floods: Death toll rises to 90 At multilateral forums, he said Vietnam and Bangladesh always highly appreciate the support that the two countries have given to each other. Vietnam expresses interest and supports Bangladesh's candidacy for the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the 2025-2027 term; the Council of Administration of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) for the 2026-2029 term; and the chairmanship of the 43rd UNESCO General Assembly. Bangladesh also supports Vietnam’s candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term.  

Amid growing tensions between Dhaka and Delhi, India on Tuesday summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah. This development came hours after the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned his Indian counterpart High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express Dhaka’s ‘grave concern’ over a series of incidents in India targeting Bangladeshi diplomatic missions. This is the second time the envoys to India and Bangladesh were summoned amid tense ties between the two countries. Dhaka-Delhi ties deep, multi-layered; future to be shaped by trust, dignity, mutual respect: Envoy Meanwhile, India deployed 15,000 security forces in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, a diplomatic source told UNB. It was not immediately known what message was conveyed to him, but there were speculations that the Bangladesh High Commissioner might be summoned as a countermeasure.

Cambodia on Tuesday underscored the primacy of ASEAN centrality and advised Bangladesh to have sustained engagements with ASEAN, both collectively and bilaterally. Bangladesh sought Cambodia’s support towards realising its interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) overseen by ASEAN. Cambodia reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s bid to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner at the first-ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Phnom Penh. The support was conveyed by FOC Co-Chair Un Kheang, Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to his Bangladesh counterpart Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral), Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The first FOC meeting was convened following the signing of an MoU back in 2020 during a bilateral Joint Commission meeting at the Ministerial level in Dhaka, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The FOC agenda covered the entire gamut of bilateral relations and stressed the need for activating the various Agreements and MoUs concluded between the two countries. Both sides noted steady growth in bilateral trade and emphasized deepening business to business contacts. They agreed to convene the first Joint Trade Council meeting at the earliest convenient time in Phnom Penh next year. Secretary Nazrul mooted the proposal for undertaking a feasibility study on a potential Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. Secretary Un acknowledged the need for both countries to further diversify their trading partners during the lead up to their respective LDC graduation. The Cambodian side flagged that more than 1,100 pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh were registered in their market. They proposed the formation of a Joint Working Group to discuss enhanced cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector, including for regulatory capacity building. Thailand, Cambodia set to resume border ceasefire talks The Bangladesh side expressed interest in possible investment in rice and cashew nuts processing in Cambodia for buy back arrangements. The two delegations also agreed to convene meetings of the Joint Working Groups on agriculture and aquaculture in the near future. The Bangladesh Secretary thanked Cambodia for hosting registered migrant workers in construction and RMG sectors. Both sides exchanged views on means to promote safe, orderly and regular migration and reaffirmed their commitment to jointly combat trafficking in persons and online fraud. The Bangladesh side thanked the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia for publishing awareness materials in Bangla on migration procedures to Cambodia. The two sides acknowledged the need for concluding an Air Services Agreement to facilitate direct flights. The Cambodian delegation expressed interest in developing joint tourism products for enhanced people-to-people contacts. Secretary Nazrul briefed his Cambodian counterpart about the current situation with the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. He also elaborated on the reform initiatives undertaken by the Interim Government and the preparations for the next general elections in February 2026. Secretary Un shed light on Cambodia’s position on the ongoing armed conflicts along the border areas with Thailand. The two sides stressed the pressing need for return to dialogue and diplomacy in the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration agreed upon earlier this year. The Bangladesh Secretary offered to host the next round of FOC in Dhaka toward the end of next year. He also shared the government’s active consideration of opening a full-fledged resident Mission in Phnom Penh. The Cambodian delegation at the meeting comprised nearly 40 officials representing various Ministries and agencies. Following the FOC, Secretary Nazrul had a bilateral meeting with Eat Sophea, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They discussed a number of priority issues of mutual interest to sustain the momentum of bilateral relations. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand and Cambodia was, among others, present at the meetings.  

Mob attacks on leading media outlets and cultural centres in Bangladesh are deeply alarming and must be investigated promptly and effectively by the government and the perpetrators brought to justice without delay, a UN expert said on Tuesday. The interim government has ‘largely followed the previous patterns of impunity, normalising attacks and threats without consequences’ for the perpetrators. The arson and vandalisation of the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo and Chhayanaut cultural centre as well as the attack on the editor of New Age occurred as mass protests broke out across the country after Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent youth leader of the July 2024 uprising, died from gunshot wounds inflicted by assailants in broad daylight. “I strongly condemn the targeted killing of an inspiring leader as well as the orchestrated mob violence against independent journalists and artists which followed the announcement of his death,” said Irene Khan, the Special Rapporteur on the freedom of expression and opinion. “The weaponisation of public anger against journalists and artists is dangerous at any time, and especially now as the country prepares for elections. It could have a chilling effect on media freedom, minority voices and dissenting views with serious consequences for democracy,” Khan said. “The mob attacks did not emerge in a vacuum but are the consequences of the failure of the interim Government to address impunity and uphold media and artistic freedom,” she said. “Over the past year, freedom of expression, especially media freedom, has come under significant pressure in Bangladesh from both State and non-State actors, online and offline.” Since 5 August 2024 hundreds of journalists have been arrested on politically motivated, dubious charges of murder, terrorism and other serious crimes and many have been arbitrarily detained for prolonged periods. Several journalists have been killed, with the most recent case occurring last week. In a string of incidents in recent months, journalists, editors, political commentators, cartoonists and satirists, as well as cultural organisations and women’s groups have faced threats, hostility and violence from non-state actors. “When hate speech and smear campaigns endanger the safety and reputation of media outlets, editors, journalists, artists and civil society leaders, and no corrective action is taken by the government or social media platforms, then it is only a matter of time before the words translate into violence,” the Special Rapporteur said. “I call on the government to investigate the killing of Hadi and the attacks on media outlets promptly, impartially, transparently and hold perpetrators to account with full due process,” she said. The expert called on the government to act rapidly to put in place effective protection and prevention measures to safeguard civil society, including journalists in the lead up to elections. “If the interim government is to live up to its promise to deliver safe and fair elections, it must uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and ensure the that journalists, human rights defenders, civil society leaders, political candidates,  women and minorities are able to exercise their fundamental rights without fear of reprisals,” Khan said. The expert is in contact with the government about this issue.

Tensions mounted near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday as hundreds of activists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) clashed with police during a protest over the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. Carrying saffron flags and chanting slogans, the protesters broke through multiple police barricades, forcing security personnel to struggle to contain the crowd in the high-security diplomatic zone, according to Indian media, including PTI and ANI. Police had earlier stepped up security in the area in anticipation of the demonstration announced by Hindu right-wing groups, citing concerns over the death of a Hindu youth in a lynch-mob attack in Bangladesh. Besides, hundreds of protesters attempted to march towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata but were stopped by police. The march, titled ‘Hindu Hunkar Padayatra’, was organised under the banner of Bongiyo Hindu Jagaran, reports PTI. The procession began from Sealdah and was heading towards the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission when police intercepted it in the Beckbagan area. Police set up barricades to prevent the protesters from advancing, witnesses said. A large contingent of police personnel was deployed in and around the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission office to maintain law and order amid the protest. Bangladesh voices concern to India over attacks on missions Dipu Chandra Das, 28, a garment worker, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy in Bhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district December 18 and his body was later set on fire. Bangladesh on Tuesday 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. 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. Russia wants Dhaka to reduce tensions domestically, also with 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.

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