United News of Bangladesh

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday phoned Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and thanked him ‘for the support and expressions of solidarity’ following the devastating cyclone and floods that have killed hundreds and ravaged large parts of Sri Lanka over the past week. They had the telephone conversation at 6:45 pm (BST), said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Prof Yunus conveyed his condolences and deep sympathy for the victims. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to dispatch additional emergency aid and disaster-response experts to help Sri Lanka cope with the crisis. “We will be happy to do whatever is needed,” Prof Yunus said. Prime Minister Amarasuriya, who met the Chief Adviser on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC meeting in Bangkok earlier this year, said her government was currently assessing the damage caused by the heavy rains and widespread flooding. During the phone call, the Chief Adviser invited the Sri Lankan Prime Minister to visit Bangladesh in the coming months, saying Dhaka hoped to learn from Colombo’s political experience. Senior Secretary and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Foreign Ministry's concerned Director General were present during the conversation.

Greater collaboration between Bangladesh and China in the medical sector can significantly strengthen Bangladesh’s healthcare capacity, said Cosmos Health Founder and CEO Nahar Khan. She made the remarks at a forum titled “Bilateral Collaboration in the Medical Sector,” held as part of the event 2025 China-Bangladesh Symposium on Healthcare and Education Cooperation organised by Embassy of People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh in cooperation with Chinese Medical Alumni Association of Bangladesh and Bangladesh China Postgraduate Doctors Alumni Association. The session was hosted by Prof. Bulbul Ashraf Siddiqi, Local Director of the Confucius Institute at North South University. Speakers included Brigadier General Md Munirul Islam, Director General of Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP); Dr. Md Ashraful Alam, Deputy Director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH); Prof. Dr. Abdullah Shahriar, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist at Bangladesh Medical University Hospital; Prof. Dr. M.A. Shakoor; and Chinese experts including Jack Zhang, Co-founder and General Manager of Damiang Medical Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., and Dr. Guo Yulong. During the panel discussion, Khan highlighted the role of the private sector in strengthening China–Bangladesh medical collaboration, noting that Cosmos Health is actively working to advance new dimensions of cooperation. “As we celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations, education and health stand at the heart of people-to-people connectivity between our countries,” she said. She expressed her gratitude to the Chinese Embassy and co-organisers for arranging what she described as a “timely and meaningful” symposium. Khan noted that China has long been “a tried-and-tested development ally” for Bangladesh across multiple sectors, including healthcare. She pointed out that China is consistently among the top three sources of foreign medical graduates practicing in Bangladesh, and has supported Bangladesh in times of crisis—from the COVID-19 pandemic to emergency medical deployments. She shared her vision to contribute to a more modern, efficient, and accessible health system in Bangladesh. “Healthcare is one of our fastest-growing verticals, and our goal is to support Bangladesh’s ongoing evolution toward better technology, better training, and better patient outcomes,” she added. She also shared her own experience as a patient in Beijing, where she received treatment and developed a strong interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). “I am a firm believer in TCM, especially acupuncture. Cosmos Health is now working to establish a TCM training centre and treatment facility in Bangladesh,” she said. She noted that Bangladeshi culture already has a natural affinity for traditional medicine, and that China can play a transformative role in modernising this field. Khan also emphasised the sophistication and efficacy of Chinese herbal formulations, citing an example of a medicine she uses to treat common colds. Calling the present moment an “opportune time” for expanding healthcare cooperation, she said the Bangladeshi healthcare market is projected to grow to USD 10 billion by 2030–2032, creating new opportunities for investment, innovation, and partnerships. Bangladesh will also need to train over 400,000 healthcare professionals to meet WHO recommended doctor–patient and nurse–patient ratios, she noted, adding that Chinese institutions can significantly contribute to capacity building, knowledge transfer, and skills development. Expressing optimism, she said she hopes to contribute “a small and humble part” to the development of the healthcare and education sectors. Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh, attended the event as chief guest. Medical professionals, educationists, respected professors, leaders of the Bangladesh China Postgraduate Doctors Alumni Association and the Chinese Medical Alumni Association of Bangladesh, partners, media representatives, and other guests were also present. The symposium, a special initiative of the Chinese Embassy, aims to strengthen medical and educational exchange between the two friendly nations. The 2025 China–Bangladesh Symposium on Healthcare and Education comprised both a seminar and a conference, and featured four forums focusing on education, medical challenges, and opportunities for bilateral collaboration.

The United Nations in Bangladesh on Thursday briefed registered political parties on its technical assistance to the Election Commission (EC) for the upcoming national election. The UN team provided an overview to the representatives of political parties on the key elements of its electoral assistance, followed by a question-and-answer session. Through the BALLOT Project, the UN is supporting the Election Commission to strengthen its operational capacity and train BEC staff, support voter and civic education, supply critical materials and promote greater inclusion in electoral processes and information integrity. This assistance is guided by United Nations principles, including respect for national sovereignty and ownership, the promotion of human rights, and a commitment to impartiality, neutrality and independence.  

A Bangladeshi man was shot dead allegedly by members of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Patgram border in Lalmonirhat early Thursday (December 04, 2025). The deceased was identified as Sabuj Mia, 29, son of Sirajul Islam of Pochabandar village under Jagatber union in Lalmonirhat. Locals said Sabuj and a group of farmers had gone to the Shamshernagar frontier area at dawn to work on their croplands when gunshots were heard from the Indian side. Sabuj was found critically injured moments later. Shamshernagar Border Outpost Commander Kamal Uddin, quoting locals, said BSF members later took away the body. Read more: Bangladeshi man shot dead by BSF near border in Chuadanga He said a protest letter has been sent to the BSF. Meanwhile, Abul Kasem, company commander of the BGB-51 Battalion, said repeated attempts had been made to arrange a flag meeting, and high-level communication with the BSF was underway. Patgram Police Station OC Mizanur Rahman said they were aware of the incident and a flag meeting between BGB and BSF commanders may take place soon. Read more: BNP to prioritise water-sharing, end ‘Indian hegemony’: Fakhrul

Sweden-funded Ukrainian sunflower oil has reached Rohingya communities in Bangladesh through Grain from Ukraine, a humanitarian food programme launched by the President of Ukraine. Sweden’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Nicolas Weeks, together with Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, and Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, France’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, attended a handover ceremony in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday, arranged by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), marking the arrival of 3,000 metric tonnes of sunflower oil from Ukraine. The delivery was made possible through a USD 7 million contribution from Sweden, which ensured the procurement and transport of Ukrainian sunflower oil to Cox’s Bazar as part of the Grain from Ukraine initiative. The oil will be distributed by WFP to Rohingya refugees, meeting the cooking oil needs of approximately one million people for three months. France is also supporting the initiative, further strengthening the shared commitment to humanitarian assistance. “This initiative is unique: it helps meet urgent food needs for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar while supporting Ukrainian farmers and families enduring the immense impact of Russia’s war of aggression. It is solidarity and collaboration in its most practical form,” said Ambassador Weeks during the ceremony. Beyond its humanitarian impact in Bangladesh, Grain from Ukraine provides direct support to Ukrainian farmers and families, helping sustain livelihoods and the agricultural economy during wartime. This dual benefit – strengthening resilience in Ukraine while addressing global hunger – underscores the initiative’s role in linking solidarity with practical impact. The handover ceremony highlights the partnership between Ukraine, Sweden, France, Bangladesh, and WFP, said a media release. By integrating Ukrainian agricultural products into global humanitarian supply chains, the initiative strengthens food security worldwide while sustaining Ukraine’s economy and farming communities under wartime conditions. In addition to the handover of Ukrainian sunflower oil, Ambassador Weeks announced the upcoming disbursement of an additional USD 2.85 million to support the provision of cleaner cooking energy to Rohingya refugees, the continued rehabilitation of the environment and enhanced green skills development for refugees and Bangladeshi host communities. These activities are part of the Safe Access to Fuel and Energy Plus, phase 2 programme (SAFE Plus 2), a joint UN programme which brings together the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the World Food Programme (WFP), in coordination with the Government of Bangladesh. With this new contribution, Swedish support to the SAFE Plus initiative totals USD 23.85 million. In total, Sweden has supported the Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi host communities in Cox’s Bazar with over USD 146.55 million since 2017.

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh on Wednesday highlighted the importance of press freedom both for democracy and prosperity. Hosting a media and diplomacy ‘Meet and Greet’ event with the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) at the Canada Club, he referred to what journalist Walter Cronkite – “Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy,” apparently reminding that a free press is not optional to a democracy. CDA and Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Germany Anja Kersten and Center for Governance Studies (CGS) President Zillur Rahman also spoke at the event. The High Commissioner talked about the challenges that journalists face and said Canada proudly champions free, safe and independent journalism, a powerful force that strengthens democratic societies and protects public accountability. Through the MFC, he said they stand with journalists who courageously inform the public and defend the right to truth.

Sri Lanka on Wednesday thanked the government and people of Bangladesh for the generous relief support sent to the South Asian country while the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh issued a heartfelt plea for emergency aid following the catastrophic floods and landslides. “Our heartfelt appreciation to the Government and people of Bangladesh for the generous relief support sent to Sri Lanka today,” said the Sri Lankan High Commission in Dhaka. “Your friendship and solidarity strengthen us in this challenging time,” it said as Bangladesh sent emergency humanitarian assistance to cyclone and flood-affected people in Sri Lanka. As instructed by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, under the coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka and the supervision of the Armed Forces Division, a transport aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force carrying emergency materials landed at Bandaranaike International Airport on Wednesday afternoon. The consignment was formally handed over by Andalib Elias, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, underscoring the continued solidarity of Bangladesh with Sri Lanka during this challenging period. The relief consignment includes: tent, dry food, mosquito nets, torchlights, gumboots, vests, hand gloves, rescue helmets, and essential medicines. “We can extend our compassion to the Sri Lankan families who have lost everything. Our immediate donation is a lifeline for them. Please donate today to the account name High Commission of Sri Lanka, account number 1804000073, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, Gulshan Branch, Dhaka. Our every contribution, large or small, will fuel the rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring hope prevails over despair,” said the Sri Lankan community in Bangladesh in a media release. Bangladesh sends emergency relief for cyclone, flood-affected people in Sri Lanka Cyclone Ditwah and relentless monsoon rains have tragically claimed over 450 lives, over 100 people are missing, over 30,000 homes have been destroyed, and over 850,000 people have been affected, they said in a media release. For decades, the bond between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has been a testament to South Asian solidarity, as they share common values and stand together in times of need. Now, it is time for the people and institutions of Bangladesh and the community to honor that friendship, said the community.  

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission on Tuesday said that concerns raised in recent media reports about the trial and sentencing of British MP Tulip Siddiq, niece of Sheikh Hasina Wazed and daughter of Sheikh Rehana, require a clear, fact-based examination. "Taken together, we believe these facts clearly and unequivocally demonstrate Siddiq’s continued involvement in aiding and abetting corruption under the laws of Bangladesh," said the ACC in its response to concerns raised over the trial and sentencing of Tulip Siddiq. In light of these facts and circumstances, there is no basis to suggest that she was not involved in corruption or that she is innocent of the charges brought against her, said the graft watchdog body. The ACC said they have conducted a thorough review of all prosecution materials filed against her by the Anti-Corruption Commission, an independent statutory body, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. ACC's Response From the case records, it appears that each matter involves allegations of corruption relating to the allotment of plots of land in the names of Siddiq’s aunt (the deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina), her mother Sheikh Rehana, and her siblings and cousins. In one of the pending cases, it further appears that Siddiq herself was allotted a plot during her aunt’s tenure as head of government. Of the three cases, the trial of the first has concluded, and Siddiq has been found guilty of corruption for influencing her aunt to secure land for her mother and siblings. In Special Case No. 18 of 2025 before Special Tribunal No. 5, the prosecution alleged, among other things, that Siddiq influenced, coaxed, and persuaded her aunt to abuse her position in order to obtain plots for Siddiq’s family. The prosecution examined thirty-two witnesses. Several of these witnesses testified under oath that Siddiq, known to be very close to her aunt, used her influence to obtain the allotments in question. Their testimony, together with circumstantial evidence of plot allotments in the names of Ms. Siddiq, her mother, and her siblings, indicates that she was deeply involved in the illegal process of securing plots—not only in the case already decided but also on other occasions. Such conduct constitutes abetment of offences under Sections 161, 163, 164, 165(Ka), 201, 217, 218, 409, and 420 of the Penal Code, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. This circumstantial evidence is further strengthened by the fact that Siddique also obtained a plot (Plot No. CWN (A)-27, later changed to Plot No. 05, Block NE(A), Gulshan, Flat No. B/201, House Nos. 5A and 5B, now renumbered as 115 and 11B, Road No. 71, Gulshan-2) by abusing the influence she wielded over her aunt, the deposed former Prime Minister. These are not remote parcels of farmland but extremely valuable plots located in one of the most expensive areas of Dhaka. The plots are large enough to accommodate substantial homes or compact apartment buildings. This government-owned land had been earmarked primarily for housing intended to ease population pressures in Dhaka, but instead was allocated to those closest to the Prime Minister, thereby continuing to contribute to the accumulation of familial wealth. Moreover, Siddiq has been linked to five London properties purchased with the assistance of offshore companies. This raises a fundamental question: how do individuals in public service acquire the resources necessary to purchase multiple properties and parcels of land in two major world capitals? "We were eager to hear answers to that question and others from Siddiq, but unfortunately she was tried in absentia," the ACC said. As for Siddiq's assertion that she was unable to respond to the charges, that claim is simply untrue. She was afforded the opportunity to attend the trial and present her case. She declined to attend or to be represented.

A Mexico-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Group was formed on Tuesday at a ceremony held at the Mexican Parliament with the participation of Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey and officials from the Embassy of Bangladesh. Ambassador Mushfiqul was welcomed in the Parliament during a plenary session, where acting President of the Parliament, Deputy Kenia López Rabadán, announced to lawmakers the establishment of the new Friendship Group. Earlier, the delegation led by Ambassador Mushfiqul Fazal observed a live legislative voting session in the Parliament. Ambassador Adli Qasem Alkhaledi of Jordan and Ambassador Robert Ly of Côte d’Ivoire, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, also joined, said the Embassy of Bangladesh on Wednesday. Deputy Francisco Javier Estrada Domínguez, President of the newly formed Group, opened the session, stressing that parliamentary diplomacy serves as a bridge for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding. He stressed Bangladesh’s economic trajectory and its key role in the global textile sector. Mushfiqul highlighted Bangladesh’s current political transition and the country’s path toward restoring democratic governance. “Bangladesh is preparing to hold national elections early next year under an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus. His (Prof Yunus) moral authority and lifelong dedication to human dignity have restored public trust at a critical moment,” he said. Addressing the democratic struggle that reshaped Bangladesh in 2024, the Ambassador said, “In August last year, our people—especially young students made extraordinary sacrifices to reclaim their democratic rights. Thousands gave their lives. Their courage has opened a new chapter in Bangladesh’s history.” Ambassador Mushfiqul also acknowledged the historic contributions of Bangladesh’s key political leaders. He noted that “the country’s first woman Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia restored the parliamentary form of government in 1991 and strengthened democratic institutions. Late President Ziaur Rahman declared our independence in 1971 and later introduced multiparty democracy. Their vision continues to guide our political identity”. The Ambassador added that Mexico’s robust parliamentary tradition offers valuable lessons for Bangladesh as it rebuilds democratic institutions. In subsequent interventions, several legislators articulated their support for enhanced bilateral relations. Deputy Irma Yordana Garay Loredo, Vice President of the Friendship Group, along with Deputy Pedro Vázquez González, Chairman of the Mexican Foreign Affairs Committee, and Deputy Jesús Valdés Peña, expressed their commitment to expanding political, economic, environmental, and investment cooperation with Bangladesh. In a video message, Senator Emanuel Reyes Carmona congratulated both sides, emphasising that the formalization of the Friendship Group comes as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Ambassadors of Jordan and Côte d’Ivoire also conveyed the messages of support. The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the foundational document establishing the Group. Ambassador Mushfiqul also signed the Parliament´s visitors' book, followed by an exchange of commemorative gifts and an official photograph.

A nationwide survey by the International Republican Institute (IRI) shows that Bangladeshis overwhelmingly approve of Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the Interim Government’s job performance. The survey found that 69 percent of respondents said Dr. Yunus is doing a good job, while 70 percent said the same about the Interim Government. Johanna Kao, IRI’s Senior Director for Asia-Pacific, said, “It is clear Bangladeshis see progress under Dr. Yunus’s leadership. Their confidence in him and the Interim Government reflects a strong desire for stability, accountability, and reform.” The survey also found high enthusiasm for the upcoming elections. About 66 percent of respondents said they are very likely to vote, and 23 percent said they are somewhat likely to vote. Eighty percent of respondents expressed optimism that the elections will be free and fair. Kao added, “The excitement of Bangladeshis highlights the importance of sustaining reform efforts and ensuring the elections are credible and peaceful.” IRI calls for sustained dialogue to build trust ahead of Bangladesh election The IRI conducts regular nationwide surveys in Bangladesh to understand public opinion on politics, governance, and policy issues. Ahead of the February elections, IRI has deployed a pre-election assessment mission and will field a limited observation team. The survey was conducted by a local research firm from September 1 to October 12, 2025. It included 4,985 respondents aged 18 and older from 63 districts across all eight divisions. The data was collected through in-home interviews and weighted by age and gender according to the 2022 census. The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus 1.4 percent, and the response rate was 46 percent.