United News of Bangladesh

Brent Christensen, confirmed by the US Senate as the next Ambassador to Bangladesh, is likely to arrive in Dhaka next month to take up his responsibility and lead the Embassy team to build strong ties with both the current interim government and its democratically elected successor to advance the Bangladesh-US relationship. “I am honored to be confirmed by the United States Senate and deeply grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to serve as the next United States Ambassador to Bangladesh,” he said on Friday in a message from his Linkedin account. During his nomination hearing at the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Ambassador Christensen said the United States supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future. He said the people of Bangladesh will go to the polls early next year – the country’s most consequential election in decades – to choose a new government and a new path forward. Ambassador Christensen also referred to his “over twenty years of experience working on US policy towards Bangladesh” across his Foreign Service career, including a prior tour in Dhaka. He served as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy here from 2019-2021, according to his official profile on the State Department’s website. Early on in his career, he also served as Bangladesh Country Officer in the Office of Pakistan and Bangladesh Affairs, which no longer exists under that name, at the State Department. His other appointments include Deputy Director, Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the Department of State (2016-2019), and as a Pearson Fellow on detail to the majority staff of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific (2015-2016). He has also been Special Assistant to the Special Representative for North Korea Policy, Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs Cyber Coordinator, Deputy Counselor for Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Manila, Deputy Economic Counselor at the US Embassy in San Salvador, Economic Officer at the US Embassy in Riyadh, and Vice Consul at the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The US Embassy in Dhaka has been running without an ambassador since Peter Haas wrapped up his tenure in the summer of 2024. Since then, a series of charge de affaires or CDAs have filled the role.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Friday urged the authorities to conduct a ‘prompt, impartial, thorough, and transparent’ investigation into the attack that led to Sharif Osman Bin Hadi’s death, and to ensure due process and accountability for those responsible. Türk said he was deeply troubled by the killing of Hadi, a prominent leader of last year’s protests in Bangladesh, who died of his injuries after being shot last week. Türk called for calm and for everyone to refrain from violence. “Retaliation and revenge will only deepen divisions and undermine the rights of all,” he said. Several protests erupted at various locations around the country after Hadi’s death was announced on Thursday, six days after he was shot. Some buildings were torched and vandalised, and a number of journalists have reportedly been assaulted. Udichi central office set on fire With the parliamentary elections scheduled for February, Türk said it was vital to ensure an environment in which all individuals can participate safely and peacefully in public life, and freely express different views. “I urge the authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and security of journalists at this critical time, and prevent further escalation of unrest,” Türk said. The High Commissioner said his Office stands ready to work with the authorities and all stakeholders to support efforts that uphold human rights and prevent further violence.  

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Friday welcomed former Iraqi president Barham Salih for being elected as the head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). Salih was elected by the UN General Assembly in New York through a competitive selection process involving candidates from several countries. He will assume office on January 1, 2026, with Geneva as his duty station. Grandi said Salih has been engaged in high-level public service for more than three decades and possesses resolute leadership qualities and thoughtful diplomatic judgment. “He comes from a country that has experienced conflict, persecution and displacement in recent years, which gives him a direct understanding of the challenges facing refugees today,” Grandi said. He added that Salih’s experience and background make him well suited to lead UNHCR at a time when global displacement has reached unprecedented levels. Grandi’s 10-year tenure as UN High Commissioner for Refugees will end on December 31. He took office in January 2016 and has since led the agency through major global displacement crises, including those in Syria, Ukraine and Sudan. Despite significant cuts to humanitarian funding this year, UNHCR continues to operate in 128 countries worldwide. Earlier this month, UNHCR marked 75 years of service dedicated to the protection of forcibly displaced people across the globe.

Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh (OCAB), a platform representing international media based in Dhaka, on Friday strongly condemned the violent attacks against journalists, editors, and media outlets carried out on Thursday night. Such brazen violence is intolerable and a direct threat to journalism as it strikes at the pillars of a free press and an informed citizenry, OCAB said in a statement. The platform demanded that authorities take concrete steps to ensure the safety of media professionals and launch a credible investigation without any delay to bring the culprits to justice. "The ability of journalists to work without fear and intimidation by both state and non-state elements is non-negotiable. Their protection is a prerequisite for upholding democratic values and the rule of law in the country," the statement reads. OCAB President Nazrul Islam and General Secretary Julhas Alam issued the statement.

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) on Friday expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the violent attacks, vandalism and arson at the offices of daily Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as well as the harassment of the President of the Editors’ Council and Editor of New Age, veteran journalist Nurul Kabir. In a statement, DCAB said it believes that independent and responsible journalism is one of the main foundations of a democratic state. "Violence, intimidation, attacks, or harassment aimed at silencing the media are in no way acceptable. Such actions are completely contrary to media freedom, the constitutional right to freedom of expression, and the rule of law," said the statement. The harassment of veteran journalist and editor Nurul Kabir, in particular, is a matter of grave concern, DCAB said, noting that this incident is not only an attack on professional dignity but also raises serious questions about the personal safety of journalists. DCAB strongly demanded that the perpetrators be identified and brought to justice through a fair, impartial and speedy investigation into these incidents. At the same time, DCAB expects effective and visible measures from the government and the relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of media professionals. Besides, DCAB expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the arrest of its former president Anis Alamgir and expressed solidarity with the statements issued by the Editors’ Council and other organisations regarding his arrest. Prof Yunus talks to Prothom Alo, Daily Star editors DCAB also expressed solidarity with the national mourning, to be observed on Saturday, following the tragic death of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, who passed away on Thursday while undergoing treatment in Singapore after being shot and injured. DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun jointly issued the statement.    

The Election Commission has invited applications from the International Election Observers or Observer Organisations and the Foreign Media intending to monitor the upcoming referendum and national election scheduled for February 12. International observers or observer organisations and the foreign media were asked to apply by January 17, 2026 in line with the ‘Guidelines for International Election Observers and Foreign Media 2025, said a notice issued by the Election Commission on Thursday. The notice signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said Bangladesh Election Commission is committed to hold free, fair, credible and participatory elections and for ensuring that the commission keeps all activities of the election process open to observations. “In this context, we expect Election Observers and Media across the world to observe the upcoming Referendum and 13th Parliamentary elections along with our local observers at their convenience,” it read. The ‘Guidelines for International Election Observers and Foreign Media 2025 and related forms are available in www.ecs.gov.bd. In the case of having any queries, the international observers and foreign media were asked to contact Ruhul Amin Mollik, Director, Public Relations, EC Secretariat as he could be accessed through email: [email protected] and cell phone: +8801715295046 (WhatsApp). Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). So far, two-three international organisations and countries, including the European Union (EU) confirmed that they would send their observer missions to Bangladesh. EU to deploy up to 200 observers for Bangladesh’s polls: EC Secretary The EC Secretary on Wednesday said the EU would send 175-200 observers to monitor the upcoming parliamentary election and the referendum and EU Parliament member Ivars Ijabs would lead its observer mission in Bangladesh.  “Some 175-200 EU observers will arrive here at different times to observe the polls,” he said. He said the EU observers would come here to watch the election following a tripartite agreement signed among the Election Commission, the Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh and the EU on Monday last. The High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the Bangladesh election and appointed Ivars Ijabs as its chief observer.      

The Council of Advisers at a meeting on Thursday approved the drafts of three ordinances on enforced disappearance prevention, haor and wetland conservation and establishment of a new Bangladesh embassy in Bern, Switzerland. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presided over the meeting held at his office. Under Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Redress (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, a person missing for at least five years without returning alive can be officially declared ‘disappeared’ by a tribunal. The government may appoint the required number of public prosecutors for the ‘Disappearance Prevention and Redress Tribunal’ based on recommendations from the Human Rights Commission. Besides, victims or complainants may hire lawyers independently and a missing person’s spouse or dependent family member may use the missing person’s property with prior approval from the commission. The council also approved the draft of Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Conservation Ordinance 2025 both in principle and final form. The ordinance clearly defines the responsibilities, authority and jurisdiction of the Department of Haor and Wetland Development. It keeps provision for the issuance of protective ordinances to preserve biodiversity, environment, and ecosystems in haor and wetland areas and declaration of protected haor and wetland zones. The ordinance also lists prohibited activities in these areas, defines violations as offenses and sets penalties. It requires consultation with the department for development projects, subject to specific exceptions and empowers the formulation of rules and guidelines for coordination with other authorities, engagement of local stakeholders, and inclusion in conservation efforts. Besides, the council of adviser approved the proposal to establish a new Bangladesh embassy in Bern, Switzerland, aiming to strengthen relations with Switzerland, a key development partner and strategic ally. Initially, the embassy will operate with an ambassador, a first secretary, and a few officers and staff. Outgoing South Korean envoy calls on CA Yunus Bangladesh currently has 82 missions worldwide. The council of advisers also discussed the critical health condition of Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontline activist of the July Uprising and spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho. The council gave special thanks to the Ministry of Liberation Affairs for organising this year’s Victory Day celebrations smoothly and successfully.    

The government of Bangladesh has received commendation from the International Labour Organization (ILO) for its wide-ranging labour reforms. In a letter dated December 17, 2025, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo expressed his appreciation for the “clear outline of these developments” as communicated earlier by Chief Advisor’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi. In his letter, Director-General Houngbo wrote: "I would like to commend the efforts of the Government of Bangladesh in undertaking a wide range of labour reforms... In particular, I recognize the significant measures introduced in the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025”. The commendation follows a November 21, 2025, update from Special Envoy Siddiqi detailing actions towards workers' rights, including freedom of association, collective bargaining, social dialogue, and working conditions. He wrote that, following clear instructions from Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, “the pace, process and progress of these reforms had to make a clear break from the foot-dragging of the past”. Bangladesh becomes first Asian country to ratify all 10 ILO fundamental instruments Director-General Houngbo also referred to Bangladesh’s recent ratification of additional conventions on occupational safety and health and violence and harassment as “another historical milestone”. The instruments of ratification were deposited by Labour Advisor   Brigadier General (R) M Sakhawat Hussain in Geneva on November 20, 2025, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Thursday. “Taken together, these measures should irreversibly take the country’s labour standards to a much higher plane”, said Siddiqi at the conclusion of his letter underscoring “not just the outcomes but also the processes established along the journey’. Director-General Houngbo concluded by expressing gratitude for the trust placed in the ILO to support the government, workers’ and employers’ organisations through the provision of technical assistance throughout this process”.    

The government of Bangladesh on Thursday assured diplomats stationed in Dhaka that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic missions in the country as per the international norms. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam briefed the diplomats at State Guest House Padma this afternoon over the election preparedness and security measures. It was a short briefing, a diplomatic source told UNB. The first half of the briefing focused on preparations for the upcoming 13th national election and the second providing reassurance regarding the security of diplomatic missions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the briefing was organised to inform Diplomatic Missions in Dhaka about the updated preparations and security measures taken for the upcoming 13th national elections and referendum. In the briefing, they were also informed that the Election Commission would welcome foreign election observers and invited them to send election observers. They were also informed that the law enforcement forces of the country including the armed forces are on high alert and are working hard to maintain law and order. July Oikya blocks Rampura-Badda road over Hadi attack attempt In this context, the Missions were also assured of their security. About 40 diplomats stationed in Dhaka were present at the briefing. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited all heads of diplomatic missions and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office to attend the briefing session.  

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam will brief the diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon. The briefing is scheduled to begin at State Guesthouse Padma at 3pm, a senior official told UNB. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited all heads of diplomatic missions and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office to attend the briefing session. India summons Bangladesh envoy over security concerns However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its note verbale did not mention any specific agenda. It seems that the Foreign Secretary will brief the diplomats on the current situation in Bangladesh, a diplomatic source told UNB.