United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has joined the informal interactive dialogue as part of the election for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). President of the 80th session of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock convened informal interactive dialogues with the candidates for the presidency of the 81st UN session on Wednesday that were broadcast live on UN WebTV. In its resolution 71/323 titled “Revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly”, the Assembly called upon candidates for the position of President of the General Assembly to present their vision statements, conducted informal interactive dialogues with Member States, thus contributing to the transparency and inclusivity of the process. Civil society organisations and individuals engaged in the informal interactive dialogues by submitting questions to the candidates. Questions were received through the registration of participants who engaged either in person or through video messages. Khalilur Rahman is a candidate from the Asia-Pacific region with over 30 years of experience with the United Nations, both as a representative of Bangladesh to the General Assembly and as a senior official at the UN secretariat in New York and at UNCTAD in Geneva. Over the years, he has actively participated in 16 UNGA sessions, engaging directly in its negotiations, high-level meetings and follow-up processes. Throughout his career, Khalilur Rahman has worked extensively on development issues facing the Global South, including those related to Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). “I am convinced that our world now needs a more effective and responsive multilateralism. By working together, we can build a more robust multilateral system that commands the trust of Member States and delivers tangible benefits for all,” the foreign minister said in his vision statement. He said he believes that he has the combination of knowledge, experience and leadership capabilities to effectively lead the General Assembly to advance this overarching goal. The election of the president of the United Nations General Assembly for the 81st session will be held on June 2 in the General Assembly Hall at UN headquarters, in line with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure. In accordance with the established regional rotation, the president of the 81st session of the General Assembly will be elected from the Asia Pacific Group. Following the withdrawal of the Palestinian candidature, Bangladesh will now compete with Cyprus. The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly will open at a historic crossroads, Khalilur Rahman said, adding that eight decades after the UN Charter was signed in San Francisco, their shared system of multilateral cooperation faces profound challenges. “Yet this moment also presents unprecedented opportunities to renew its promise for ‘we the peoples’ in the 21st century,” he said.

Thailand Ambassador to Bangladesh Thitiporn Chirasawadi on Wednesday met with State Minister of Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj. As Bangladesh prepares for the Fifth Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP-5), both sides explored opportunities for cooperation in primary education, particularly in teacher capacity building and the integration of classroom technology. To facilitate this exchange, both parties agreed to explore a meeting with Thailand’s Ministry of Education and the development of future training programmes to share technical expertise and best practices, said the Thai Embassy in Dhaka. The Ambassador also provided updates on ongoing educational projects under the patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Bangladesh, Thailand keen to expand cooperation in trade, tourism, culture These initiatives include Master’s degree scholarships at Mahidol University, the Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA) for outstanding teachers, and the development programmes currently supporting five schools across Dhaka, Gopalganj, and Rangpur.

Reaffirming the United Nations’ continued partnership with Bangladesh, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Carol Flore-Smereczniak on Wednesday assured all possible support and cooperation from UN agencies for the country’s development and progress. She made the comments when she paid a courtesy call on Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman at the Army Headquarters, according to Bangladesh Army’s verified Facebook page. The meeting marked Carol Flore-Smereczniak’s first official interaction with the Army chief after assuming her appointment on 23 March 2026. Army to return to barracks after new govt’s oath: Waker-Uz-Zaman During the meeting, the UN Resident Coordinator highly appreciated the Bangladesh Army’s long-standing and significant contributions to UN Peacekeeping Operations and its unwavering commitment to global peace and stability, particularly during the current challenging period faced by UN peacekeeping missions worldwide. She expressed deep condolences for the peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives while serving under the UN flag, especially those who lost their lives in Abyei in December 2025. The UN Resident Coordinator also commended Bangladesh’s strong focus on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda through the deployment of a significant number of female peacekeepers in various UN missions. She further praised the Bangladesh Army’s role in maintaining internal security since July 2024.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has met President of Chevron Javier LaRosa to discuss ongoing cooperation in Bangladesh's energy sector. Chevron supplies nearly 60% of Bangladesh's natural gas - powering homes, businesses, and economic growth across the country, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday. Ambassador Christensen also talked with President and CEO of Excelerate Energy Steven Kobos about meeting Bangladesh's growing energy demands by tapping American innovation to expand LNG and energy infrastructure to deliver cleaner, more reliable energy to homes and businesses. The US envoy recently led a delegation of 25 Bangladeshi business leaders to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch recently visited Bangladesh and held ‘productive’ meetings with Bangladeshi government officials, the US business community, Bangladeshi companies, and labor organizations. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen the trade and investment relationship through implementation of the US-Bangladesh agreement on reciprocal trade, which the US thinks will enhance economic growth in both countries by improving market access, removing barriers to investment, and boosting commercial opportunities.

The Bangladesh-Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BPCCI) has formally handed over the Bangladesh-Philippines Business Delegation Report 2026 to Ambassador of the Philippines in Bangladesh Nina P. Cainglet. The report outlined strategic recommendations for strengthening institutional and business partnerships between the two friendly nations. It  highlighted prospects for enhanced bilateral trade, investment, tourism, ICT collaboration, agriculture, healthcare, education, and people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and the Philippines. The BPCCI delegation was led by President Raquib Md. Fakhrul (Rocky), accompanied by immediate past President Humayun Rashid during a meeting held at the Embassy in Dhaka recently. During the meeting, the delegation shared key outcomes, recommendations, and future cooperation opportunities arising from the successful high-level business delegation visit to Manila, Philippines held from April 26 to May 2, 2026. The meeting reflected the growing momentum of Bangladesh-Philippines bilateral cooperation and BPCCI’s active role in promoting trade diplomacy and private sector partnership, an official at the bilateral chamber told UNB. BPCCI President Raquib expressed sincere appreciation to the Embassy of the Philippines in Dhaka and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Manila for their valuable support and cooperation in making the delegation visit successful. He emphasised BPCCI’s commitment to further expanding bilateral economic engagement and creating new business opportunities for entrepreneurs of both countries. Immediate Past President Humayun Rashid highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue and private sector collaboration to unlock the untapped trade and investment potential between Bangladesh and the Philippines. The Ambassador appreciated BPCCI’s initiative and welcomed continued engagement to strengthen economic and commercial relations between the two countries.

Bangladesh and Thailand at seminar on Tuesday highlighted the immense potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment, strengthening regional value chains, and fostering deeper economic cooperation between the two friendly nations. The seminar titled “Enhancing Bangladesh-Thailand Economic Engagement: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward in the Future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Process” was held at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok. Bangladesh, Thailand keen to expand cooperation in trade, tourism, culture The Embassy of Bangladesh in Bangkok, in collaboration with UN ESCAP, Thailand’s International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) and Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI), organised the event. The seminar brought together policymakers, diplomats, trade experts, business leaders, academics, and development partners from Bangladesh and Thailand to exchange views on trade, investment, connectivity, and the future prospects of a Bangladesh-Thailand FTA, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok.

India on Tuesday said it closely follows all the developments that happen around the world, and it did the same in relation to the trip made by Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman to China recently. "As practitioners of international relations and diplomats here, and as officers at the Ministry of External Affairs, we closely follow all the developments that happen around the world, and we continue to do so in relation to the trip that you mentioned,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a regular briefing in New Delhi. India to host BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 14-15 The MEA Spokesperson also mentioned that India’s relations with its neighbouring countries stand on their own, keeping in view their mutual interests. “So that is where it is," he said. The Spokesperson made the remarks when an Indian journalist drew his attention to Dr Khalilur’s visit to China and discussions over the Teesta project. At the invitation of Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur visited China from May 5 to 7, during which the two sides held talks in Beijing. Bangladesh had a “very good and positive” discussion with China regarding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), said PM Tarique Rahman’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, adding that China’s EXIM Bank showed interest in financing the project. “There was a discussion on the Teesta Project, though not in full detail. I would say we had a positive discussion. China’s EXIM Bank has shown interest in financing the Teesta Project,” Kobir told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. Asked when work on the Teesta project would begin, the Adviser, who accompanied Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman during the recent China visit, said the study report is currently being reviewed and the recommendations are being looked into. Adviser Kobir said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will definitely visit China “at some point,” but the timing and itinerary of the Prime Minister’s first bilateral visit abroad have not yet been finalised. “Once finalised, we will let you know. At some point, the Prime Minister will visit China, which remains an important development partner for Bangladesh,” he said. The Adviser made the remarks amid speculation that the Prime Minister may visit China first, potentially linked to developments related to the Teesta project. Both sides agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen exchanges and collaboration in areas including trade, investment, industry, the digital economy, water resources, health, and people-to-people connectivity. Bangladesh also expressed appreciation for China’s long-standing support for the country’s development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kobir said Bangladesh’s relations with China are historic and that the relationship was initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman. China remains a very important bilateral partner for Bangladesh, and Dhaka is keen to further strengthen the relations and take them to new heights. “This is a new horizon.” Responding to a question, the MEA Spokesperson said, "Yes, border security is a priority for us and that is how we look at it." On illegal immigration, MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal on Tuesday said this is a subject of discussion between Bangladesh and India. “Over the last several years, we have requested Bangladesh to verify the nationality of over 2,860 people whom we believe are Bangladeshi nationals staying here in India,” he said, noting that they are yet to receive a response on this particular matter. The MEA Spokesperson said they are taking their relationship with Bangladesh in a ‘positive direction’ and have continued to meet Bangladesh’s additional fuel requests amid the energy crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict. "We have already indicated that we are taking the relationship with Bangladesh in a positive direction,” he said. The Spokesperson said Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur recently visited New Delhi, while Speaker of India's Lok Sabha Om Birla travelled to Dhaka. "That is the trajectory of the present relationship with Bangladesh." Jaiswal said India has continued supplying fuel to countries in the neighbourhood, including Bangladesh, through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline. "We have been supplying diesel to Bangladesh through the high-speed diesel friendship pipeline. We also received additional requests from Bangladesh, which we have met and continue to meet," he said.

In a move for international sports diplomacy, Bangladesh and Türkiye have officially signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports. State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Hoque and Osman Askin Bak, Minister for Youth and Sports of Türkiye signed the MoU on behalf of their respective filed, marking a new era of friendship, focusing on youth development, professional athletic exchange, and the modernisation of sports governance between the two brotherly nations. The MoU outlined a multifaceted framework for collaboration, prioritising the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Both nations committed to reciprocal visits of senior officials and experts to share best practices in the organisation and financing of major sports competitions. Meanwhile, the MoU emphasised the management and financing of world-class sports infrastructure, ensuring that both countries can benefit from shared technical data and teaching materials. In a significant commitment to social inclusion, the MoU highlighted the exchange of best practices for support programs and sports accessibility for persons with impairments and ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethics in their respective sporting environment. This milestone MoU is expected to significantly boost the performance of athletes on the global stage while fostering a deeper cultural understanding through the universal language of sports.

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh in Geneva Nahida Sobhan has called upon development partners to intensify efforts to mobilise investment to close the digital infrastructure gap, strengthen cybersecurity, counter misinformation and disinformation. She also called upon the development partners to address digital literacy, challenges including the gender digital divide, and support AI upskilling for the youth workforce in preparation for the future of work. The envoy highlighted Bangladesh Government’s initiatives to bridge the digital divide, strengthen public digital infrastructure, and expand financial inclusion during a roundtable discussion held at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquarters, said the Bangladesh Mission in Geneva on Tuesday. The roundtable was organised by ITU in participation with Ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, European Union, Gambia, Italy and Mexico to observe the 3rd UN Virtual Worlds Day. During the discussion, Ambassador Nahida  stated that the Government remains committed to advancing inclusive digital transformation and expanding access to technology-driven services for all, as reflected in its manifesto. Emphasising the growing impact of AI and emerging technologies on societies, the Ambassador highlighted the need to develop legal and governance frameworks for AI platforms, with focus on human rights, AI safety and security, prevention of the weaponization of AI, democratisation of AI, and enhanced international development cooperation.

Bangladesh has condemned in the strongest possible terms the heinous attack by Israeli forces in Southern Lebanon on May 11, which resulted in the tragic killing of two Bangladeshi nationals. They are late Shafiqul Islam of Satkhira Sadar, Satkhira, and late Md. Nahidul Islam Nahid of Ashashuni, Satkhira. The government of Bangladesh expressed its profound grief and deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the victims. The Bangladesh Embassy in Lebanon is working with the relevant local authorities to complete the necessary formalities for the repatriation of their mortal remains, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday. It is also in touch with the family members of the deceased persons. Bangladesh reiterated its deep concern over the continuing violence and loss of civilian lives in the region and called for maximum restraint and adherence to international humanitarian law.