United News of Bangladesh

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 Pranay Verma to express Dhaka’s ‘grave concern’ over a series of incidents in India targeting Bangladeshi diplomatic missions. Dhaka-Delhi ties deep, multi-layered; future to be shaped by trust, dignity, mutual respect: Envoy This is the second time the envoys to India and Bangladesh were summoned amid tense ties between the two countries following violent anti-India protests in several parts of Bangladesh. Meanwhile, India deployed 15,000 security forces in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.  

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

Global human rights organisations have expressed concern that the targeting of politicians, activists, major media outlets and cultural institutions in Bangladesh, amid heightened political tensions ahead of the 2026 national election, signals a troubling erosion of the rule of law and a shrinking space for free expression, civic discourse and democratic participation. "We stand in solidarity with Bangladesh’s journalists, media workers, artists, and diverse communities," said the organisations in a joint statement shared by the Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday (December 22, 2025). The organisations reiterated their commitment to defending freedom of expression, accountability, and the rights of communities to participate safely and freely in civic and cultural life—both offline and online. The signatories to the statement are Access Now, Article 19, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Human Rights Watch (HRW), International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP), Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS) and Tech Global Institute. Read more: Canadian envoy Ajit Singh highlights importance of press freedom They strongly condemned the violent attacks on December 18, 2025 on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, two of South Asia’s oldest and most reputed media institutions, and the vandalism of Chhayanaut, one of Bangladesh’s most respected cultural and educational institutions. These apparently coordinated acts of violence represent a grave escalation in attacks against independent media, journalists, activists, and cultural spaces in Bangladesh, said the rights bodies. "We are also deeply alarmed at the credible reports of public beating to death and burning of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka Upazila on the same night, following allegations that he made “derogatory remarks” on religion," the statement reads. These incidents followed the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a political activist and leading figure of Bangladesh’s 2024 July Uprising, who was shot in broad daylight in the country’s capital on December 12 and died on December 18, 2025. "We are particularly alarmed by verified reports indicating that journalists and staff were trapped inside the burning premises of the two news outlets, facing imminent risks to their lives," the joint statement says. Read more: Journalists to enjoy greater freedom after election: Khosru Any failure to respond promptly and effectively in such circumstances engages the state’s fundamental duty to protect life, the organisations said. Besides, they said, the forced temporary suspension of both print and online editions of the newspapers marks an unprecedented disruption to Bangladesh’s media landscape and underscores the severity of the threat faced by independent journalism, while the harassment and physical intimidation of journalists present at the scene reflects the growing boldness of those who seek to undermine media freedom in the absence of effective state protection. The attack on Chhayanaut also signals a broader pattern of hostility toward cultural institutions and practitioners, revealing an increasingly unsafe environment for artistic expression and diversity of opinion. "These developments point to a dangerous convergence of online and offline violence, coupled with long-standing patterns of coordinated harassment and state-sanctioned surveillance that have fostered a culture of impunity," said the rights bodies. There has been a documented pattern of attacks on freedom of thought and expression through abuse of the legal system, and intimidation and attacks of bauls, journalists, media workers, and artists throughout this year, the statement said. A number of these attacks appear to have been fueled by hate speech and explicit calls to violence online apparently posted by some prominent personalities with large followings on social media platforms, and further amplified by their followers and affiliated networks, it mentioned. Read more: Intimidation or bloodshed cannot halt Bangladesh’s march to democracy: Prof Yunus The continued circulation of such hate content highlights the technology sector’s failure to meet their human rights responsibilities, and their chronic underinvestment in user safety in the Global Majority, they said. These incidents further illustrate a failure of the state to respond promptly and effectively to online hate and incitement, despite well-documented and recurring patterns of hate speech and violent mobilization. While the interim government has promoted extensive cyber law reforms—proposals that have drawn criticism from civil society groups for lacking substance, practicality, and adequate consultation—the persistent spread of incitement to violence online exposes a profound enforcement failure and raises serious concerns about the efficacy of this government’s commitments to online safety. Bangladesh has binding obligations under international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as constitutional guarantees that protect freedom of expression, media freedom, cultural life, political and civic participation, and personal security. These obligations require the state to do everything they reasonably can to prevent, protect against, investigate, hold accountable those responsible, and remedy violations committed by both state and non-state actors. These failures must be understood in the context of the recent developments in Bangladesh. Read more: Attacks on Daily Star, Prothom Alo a direct assault on democracy: Fakhrul The organisations called on the interim government of Bangladesh to: Ensure immediate and effective protection for journalists, media workers, media houses, cultural and intellectual institutions, and their practitioners across the country, including through the deployment of adequate security measures where credible threats exist. Conduct swift, independent, and transparent investigations into the attacks on Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, and Chhayanaut, as well as other journalists, media workers, and artists, and ensure that all perpetrators, planners, and instigators are held accountable through due process of law and victims or next-of-kin have access to effective remedies. Engage technology companies and social media platforms to implement proactive, proportionate and timely interventions against hate speech and incitement to violence, and which are responsive to emerging crises, and work with civil society and human rights groups to put in place safeguards that protect user safety and free expression during the election. Publicly and unequivocally condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, and harassment against journalists, media outlets, and cultural and intellectual institutions, and reaffirm the state’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression and cultural life. Guarantee a safe and enabling environment for journalism, cultural expression, and civic participation—both offline and online—particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 national election. Align national laws, policies, and practices with Bangladesh’s constitutional guarantees and its international human rights obligations, including under the ICCPR, to safeguard freedom of expression, media freedom, and personal security. Read more: Attacks on institutions threaten restoration of democracy: Rizvi

Regarding the allegations of mismanagement of funds related to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) by the previous government, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin on Monday said they are not in a position to comment on the political processes in the country, including the allegations. “However, I would like to note that at all times in Bangladesh, both on the part of the Customer and the supervising agencies, we have seen a focus on cooperation with the Russian party and willingness to discuss the requirements of our joint project - the first NPP in Bangladesh,” he said when his comments sought on allegations of mismanagement of Rooppur NPP’s fund. In all aspects, the Ambassador said, the issues of proper utilization of funds require careful control and documentation during project implementation. He said the Rooppur NPP project has ensured maximum transparency in the acceptance and signing of milestone achievement certificates for all types of works as well as manufacturing and supply of equipment. The envoy said his country has rescheduled the loan repayment deadline to September 15, 2028 for Rooppur NPP. “According to the amended Protocol to the aforementioned Agreement, approved by the Ministries of Finance of Russia and Bangladesh, the first installment of the loan repayment is now scheduled for September 15, 2028,” said the Ambassador while responding to a question. During his first interaction with a small group of journalists since his arrival in Dhaka, he said in July of this year, the parties agreed to adjust the repayment schedule for the main loan obligation. Specifically, in view of the extension of the Intergovernmental Credit Agreement (IGCA), the commencement of the main debt repayment has been deferred by 1.5 years, he said. Extension of the IGCA, as well as the Letter of Credit, indicates renewal of the state export credit provision to the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for financing the construction of Rooppur NPP, said the Ambassador. “That ensured continuity of financial operations for the Project.” At the moment, he said, the work is focused on commissioning Unit No.1 of Rooppur NPP, which is at the final stage of readiness: final works and execution of the necessary documentation are being actively implemented. “A set of activities is currently underway, including: performance of final construction and erection, as well as start-up and adjustment works; passing mandatory checks and inspections; and obtaining authorization documents from the regulatory authorities,” he said. Ambassador Khozin emphasized that successful and timely completion of the project is the result of well-coordinated work of the whole team. “Prompt feedback and efficient interaction with the Customer allow us to effectively solve arising problems and move towards achievement of the target,” he said. As early as next year, the envoy said, they plan to start supplying the first megawatts of electricity to the power grid system of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. This will be an important milestone in implementation of the project and will confirm its readiness for full-scale operation, he said. “We are making all necessary efforts and systematic progress towards commissioning of the facility,” the Russian Ambassador said. In all aspects, he said, the issues of proper utilization of funds require careful control and documentation during project implementation. Russia wants Dhaka to reduce tensions domestically, also with India Rooppur NPP project has ensured maximum transparency in the acceptance and signing of milestone achievement certificates for all types of works as well as manufacturing and supply of equipment, the envoy said. The interactive session was held at the Embassy of the Russian Federation. Alexandra Khlevnoy, the Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, among others, spoke at the session.    

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday (December 22, 2025) reiterated his commitment to holding the general election on February 12 next. "The nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights which were stolen by the autocratic regime," he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Sergio Gor, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, at around 7:30 pm (Dhaka time). The discussion, which lasted for about half an hour, focused on trade and tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States, the upcoming general election, the country’s democratic transition, and the murder of young Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Read more: EC’s briefing for DCs-SPs begins Sergio Gor, who also serves as the US Ambassador to India, congratulated Prof Yunus for his leadership during recent tariff negotiations.  Bangladesh succeeded in reducing US reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods to 20 percent. The US Special Envoy also discussed the massive funeral of Shaheed Osman Hadi, said Chief Adviser’s Press wing. The Chief Adviser noted that supporters of the ousted autocratic regime were allegedly spending millions of dollars to disrupt the electoral process and that their fugitive leader was inciting violence.  He, however, said the interim government was “fully prepared” to deal with any challenges. Read more: Tarique Rahman to become voter on Dec 27: Salahuddin “We have roughly 50 days to go before the election. We want to hold a free, fair and peaceful election. We want to make it remarkable,” Prof Yunus said. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashiruddin, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were present during the phone call.

Bangladesh has suspended all visa and consular services from its Missions in New Delhi and Agartala. “Due to unavoidable circumstances, all consular & visa services from the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi are temporarily suspended until further notice,” said the High Commission in its notice, adding, “Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.” Bangladesh Assistant High Commission Agartala also issued a similar notice. “This is to inform all concerned that due to unavoidable circumstances all visa and consular services at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala will remain closed from tomorrow, 23 December 2025, until further notice.” Keeping humanitarian needs in mind and despite the evolving security situation, the High Commission of India continues to operate the visa centers at Dhaka, Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi, said officials at the Indian Visa Application Centre.  Read more: Offline Indian visa services remain suspended in Khulna High Commissioner Pranay Verma visited the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) at the Jamuna Future Park on Monday to take stock of the functioning of the visa services.  He also interacted with visa applicants, many of whom were applying for medical visas to go to India for treatment. Given the "serious threats" last week at the Indian High Commission and its installations in Bangladesh, HCI had to shut down the operations at IVAC, JFP for a day last week, officials at IVAC said.  It was later opened and all the applicants whose appointment slots fell on that day were given an early alternative slot. Several people who apply for visas are travelling to India for treatment of serious medical conditions.  The IVAC at Chittagong is temporarily shut down following the mob attack at the entrance of AHCI Chittagong in the night of 18-19 December during which stone pelting and threats to break the entrance created serious insecurities for the AHC and other officials who live inside the same premises. Read more: Pranay Verma visits Indian visa centre in Dhaka During the visit of HC to IVAC, IVAC officials flagged the problems of large amounts of fake documents being submitted and also the disruption created by middlemen and touts who try to hack into visa servers and create artificial traffic depriving common visa applicants from genuine slots.  The High Commissioner assured to raise the concerns with relevant authorities in Bangladesh.

A three-day Saarc regional training on development of inventory for livestock origin greenhouse gases and its mitigation by appropriate feeding strategy in South Asia, began on Monday (22 December 2025) in virtual mode. The event brings together policymakers, scientists and development professionals from South Asian countries. The training is being organized by the Saarc Agriculture Centre (SAC) with the objective of strengthening regional capacity to assess livestock-origin greenhouse gas emissions and promote practical mitigation measures through improved feeding strategies. The Chief Guest, SM Mahbubul Alam, Director General (Saarc and BIMSTEC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the growing importance of climate-smart livestock practices in regional and global policy discussions. He noted that South Asia must align its livestock development strategies with international climate commitments while safeguarding the interests of smallholder farmers. He also emphasized that regional cooperation and evidence-based policymaking are essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in the livestock sector. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) at the Saarc Secretariat in Nepal, spoke as Special Guest and reaffirmed Saarc’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation in climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable livestock development. He emphasized that capacity-building initiatives such as this training are vital for achieving shared regional goals under climate change adaptation and mitigation frameworks. Dr. AK Samanta, Assistant Director General (Animal Nutrition and Physiology), ICAR, India, attended as guest of honour and stressed the need to integrate nutrition research with national inventory systems and policy planning. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Nitin Tyagi, Principal Scientist, ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India. Speaking on the challenges and mitigation of livestock-origin greenhouse gases in South Asia, he pointed out that smallholder-dominated production systems, low-quality feed resources and limited data availability remain major constraints. Dr. Md. Younus Ali, Senior Program Specialist (Livestock), SAC, presented the training overview and objectives. SAARC Agriculture Centre Book Corner launched at Sri Lankan university He explained that the program aims to familiarize participants with internationally recognized methodologies for greenhouse gas inventory development, especially those recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid, Director, SAC, in inaugural speech highlighted the critical role of livestock in ensuring food security, nutrition and rural livelihoods in South Asia. He mentioned that the sector is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane and nitrous oxide. Emphasizing the need for balance, he stressed that reliable emission inventories and science-based feeding interventions are essential to reduce environmental impacts without compromising productivity.