United News of Bangladesh

Riyadh will host the ministerial roundtable on Monday, as part of the third edition of the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC), which will be held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, under the theme “Furture in Progress.” Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul will represent Bangladesh at the event, said the organisers on Wednesday. The event will take place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, with the participation of 40 labor ministers from around the world, aiming to strengthen practical responses to the most pressing issues facing labor markets today. In its third edition, the ministerial roundtable will focus on moving from dialogue to implementation. Ministers will discuss actionable and immediately applicable employment pathways, exchange international best practices, and explore ways to enhance multilateral international cooperation in skills development, technology adoption, job quality, and social protection, contributing to strengthening labor market resilience. Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, said the ministerial roundtable represents a unique and important opportunity to harness the accumulated knowledge and expertise of participating countries and translate them into tangible and practical cooperation. "By bringing together ministers and international partners, we strengthen collaboration, exchange successful policy models, and work to develop regulatory frameworks that improve work environments, enhance competitiveness, and support labor market resilience," he said. The Saudi Minister said the impact of these efforts will not be limited to advancing the Saudi labor market alone, but will also contribute to creating positive and sustainable impact on labor systems worldwide. The ministerial roundtable will be chaired by Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, with the participation of Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General of the International Labour Organization, as part of the Global Labor Market Conference, which will be held in Riyadh from 26 to 27 January. The conference is organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in strategic partnership with several international organizations. The ministerial roundtable serves as a strategic global platform for the exchange of insights and expertise on the future of labor markets, building on the outcomes of previous editions of the Ministerial Roundtable. The Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) is an international platform that brings together governments, international institutions, the private sector, experts, academics, and youth voices to examine the current state of global labor markets and shape their future. Through year-round initiatives and a flagship annual event, GLMC promotes evidence-based dialogue, knowledge exchange, and cross-sector collaboration to identify practical and sustainable solutions that support fair, resilient, and competitive labor markets. Focusing on critical issues such as workforce development, technological transformation, economic mobility, and the evolving nature of work, GLMC is committed to translating insights into practical, sustainable solutions that deliver real-world impact.

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen on Wednesday said he is concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia, stressing that they have a host of options available to try to help their partner militaries meet their capability needs. ‘You know, as I said in my hearing…I am concerned about broader Chinese influence in South Asia. I think the United States government has been very clear about that," he said while responding to a question during an interaction with a small group of journalists. Bangladesh Polls: Ghana's ex-President to lead Commonwealth observer group "And as I committed to my hearing, I will always engage with our friends in the government—be it the interim government or the newly elected government-- to clearly articulate the risks of involvement with the Chinese in certain areas should the Bangladesh government choose to go down that path," Ambassador Christensen said. He said the US and Bangladesh have strong military-to-military cooperation, and it has been growing stronger. The envoy said they have partnerships across all branches of Bangladesh defense forces, working with the Navy on maritime security, with the Army, and with the Air Force on operational and emergency response readiness through a host of training and exercises. He said they are working with the Bangladeshi military in support of its plans for modernisation and developing its capabilities, especially as it looks to expand what it can do in peacekeeping, but also what it can do here for domestic security needs. ‘We don't take any side,’ says US Ambassador Christensen "You know, security issues are a topic..... of great interest to me given the prior role that I had as a senior official back in Washington and also my long experience here in Bangladesh," the Ambassador said. During his nomination hearing, Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, a Republican, asked Christensen about what he described as Bangladesh’s growing military-to-military cooperation with China. Saying he shared the senator's concern over Chinese influence in South Asia, Christensen at the hearing said if confirmed, he would engage with the Bangladesh government and military to “clearly articulate the risks from Chinese activity, involvement with their military activities in the maritime domain and in their critical infrastructure, as well as highlight the opportunities and benefits that come with a closer partnership with the United States, especially military-to-military.”

Nana Akufo-Addo, former President of the Republic of Ghana, will lead the Commonwealth observer group for Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July Charter.  The Charter is a post-uprising reform framework proposing political and constitutional changes. Both polls are scheduled for 12 February 2026. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey, announced the composition of the 14-member Observer Group in London, following an invitation from the Bangladesh Election Commission. She reaffirmed the fundamental importance of 'credible, transparent and inclusive' electoral processes in strengthening democratic governance and supporting long-term stability.  The Secretary-General said as they deploy their team to observe the elections and referendum being held concurrently in Bangladesh. ‘We don't take any side,’ says US Ambassador Christensen "Our presence in Bangladesh is guided not only by the responsibility to observe, but by a commitment to uphold the aspirations of the Bangladeshi people at this crucial moment in their democratic journey, acting independently and impartially to help ensure that their collective will is freely expressed.” She extended her sincere appreciation to these eminent Commonwealth citizens who have dedicated the beginning of their new year to preparing for this significant assignment in support of the people of Bangladesh. President Akufo-Addo will be joined by experts from across the Commonwealth, including professionals in politics, law, media, gender, and election administration.  The Observer Group will be supported by a Secretariat team led by Linford Andrews, Head and Adviser, Electoral Support Section. The mandate of the Commonwealth Observer Group is to observe the electoral process and provide an independent assessment of whether the elections and referendum are conducted in a credible, transparent, and inclusive manner.  The Group will report on the conduct of the electoral process in line with the standards to which Bangladesh has committed itself, including its national laws. Bangladesh, Afghanistan agree to boost ties through economic partnership Upon completion of its mission, the Observer Group will submit a report containing its findings and recommendations to the Commonwealth Secretary-General.  The report will subsequently be shared with the Government of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Election Commission, political parties, all Commonwealth governments, and made publicly available.

Expressing optimism over the future of the two countries, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Wednesday said his country does not take any side in Bangladesh elections and it is the 'sovereign decision' of the people of Bangladesh whom they actually want. “The key point I want to make is - the US doesn't take sides in Bangladesh’s elections," he said during his first interaction with a small group of journalists at the EMK Centre in Dhaka. Spokesperson of the US Embassy Dhaka Poornima Rai was also present. The Ambassador said he is optimistic about the future of the two countries and looks forward to Bangladesh’s historic elections next month. He said who is elected and who is selected to become the part of the newly elected government is a sovereign decision of Bangladesh’s people and no other country had a say. "We talk to everybody as you know...we have a long history of talking to everybody, " the Ambassador said. He said they are committed to working with whoever wins in the elections. "I am excited about the future of Bangladesh. We have seen massive changes here since August 2024. I think we will continue to see changes," said the US envoy, noting that the two countries can work together on economic, trade and security issues. Ambassador Christensen said it is a very exciting time to be back here ahead of the country’s most consequential election in nearly two decades. Very Hopeful of Great Relationship Ambassador Christensen said they had a very positive working relationship with the interim government and are very hopeful that they will have a great relationship with the next government, to be chosen by the people of Bangladesh. Asked about his expectation from the next elected government, he hoped that they will do their 'very best' for the people. During the interaction with the media, he spoke on the broader bilateral relationship, indicating that cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and security would be the priorities of the relationship. The Ambassador believes there are many opportunities for cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States. Talking about economic issues, the Ambassador said the US business is not just trade and investment, it brings international best practices. Regarding the Myanmar-Rohingya crisis, Christensen commended Bangladesh for hosting over a million refugees. He said the US’ ongoing support. In December, the US and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs signed a $2 billion funding framework, which includes Bangladesh, to ensure aid reaches vulnerable communities effectively. Honoured to Return Christensen said he was honoured to return to Bangladesh, a country he knows well and holds in the highest regard. For over two decades, he said, he has had the privilege of working closely on US policy toward Bangladesh and the broader region. As US Ambassador, he said, his primary responsibility is to advance the interests of the American people and the agenda of President Donald Trump, making America safer, stronger and more prosperous. “You might have heard this policy referred to as the America First foreign policy. I believe that elected governments should always put their people first,” the Ambassador said, adding that America First does not mean America alone. After his recent meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to hear his perspective on upcoming elections, he said the United States looks forward to working with all Bangladeshi political parties to advance shared peace and prosperity. The US Ambassador also met with Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury to discuss his plans for the judiciary and potential areas for cooperation to strengthen the security of both the countries. On January 15, Ambassador Christensen presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and said he looks forward to strengthening the Bangladesh-US relationship. "Today I had the honor of presenting my Ambassadorial credentials to President Shahabuddin. The United States is proud to call Bangladesh a friend," he said in a brief statement after the ceremony. In over 50 years of partnership, the US Ambassador said they have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth benefiting both the two countries, and the sovereignty of their great nations. "I look forward to continuing this work and further strengthening the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship," he said. “It is an honor for me to serve the United States as the 19th Ambassador to Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Christensen who along with his wife Deanne Dao arrived in Dhaka on January 12. In a brief statement shared by the US Embassy in Dhaka soon after his arrival, he said they both are thrilled to return to a country that holds many fond memories for them. The newly appointed Ambassador laid emphasis on enhancing the relations between Bangladesh and the United States. The US Embassy Dhaka welcomed Brent Christensen as the newly sworn-in Ambassador to Bangladesh. “I am thrilled to return to Bangladesh, a country I know so well," said Ambassador Christensen. The US Ambassador said he is excited to lead a great team at Embassy Dhaka, Americans and locally employed staff alike, to "enhance US-Bangladesh relations, advance President Trump's agenda, and work hard every day to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” Excellent First Week He had 'excellent first week' at U.S. Embassy Dhaka. "I’m proud to join the hard-working U.S. Embassy team and look forward to advancing President Trump’s priorities and further strengthening U.S.-Bangladesh relations." Ambassador Christensen was confirmed by the Senate as Ambassador on December 18, 2025. He served most recently as the Senior Official performing the duties of Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security from January-October 2025. In this role, he oversaw the Department of State’s global efforts on security cooperation, security assistance, counterterrorism,7 counternarcotics and nonproliferation. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Christensen previously served as the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commander of United States Strategic Command and as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ambassador Christensen has held additional assignments overseas in the US missions to the Philippines, El Salvador and Vietnam. His other domestic roles include serving as Deputy Director, Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, as Special Assistant to the Special Representative for North Korea Policy, as a fellow on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, and as Bangladesh Country Officer in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. Ambassador Christensen also served as one of two career Foreign Service members of the Foreign Service Impasses Disputes Panel, part of the U.S. Federal Labor Relations Authority. A distinguished graduate of the National War College, Ambassador Christensen earned a Master of Science in National Security Strategy. Bhutan among eligible countries as Bangladesh continues visa-on-arrival facility He likewise holds a Master of Science in Statistics from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University. He speaks Spanish, German and Vietnamese, and has studied French, Japanese, and Portuguese. Before joining the Foreign Service in 2002, he worked as a management consultant in Houston and New York City.  

Bangladesh and Afghanistan have agreed to elevate their relations from friendly ties to a practical economic partnership aimed at increasing trade, strengthening mutual trust and generating tangible economic benefits for both countries. Afghanistan has expressed its desire to strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh during the first official visit of Afghanistan’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ahmadullah Zahid. Zahid, who has been visiting Bangladesh since Sunday, has already held meetings with Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Mohammad Hasan Arif. He is leading a delegation of around 50 members to expand bilateral trade relations between the two countries, according to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce. During the visit, the two sides held comprehensive discussions on export and import facilities, joint venture opportunities, and ways to strengthen commercial cooperation. According to the Afghan side, the purpose of the visit is to explore new markets for Afghan traders, expand export opportunities for Afghan products, and strengthen regional economic cooperation. The Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce met EPB Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif while visiting the country’s international trade exhibition on Monday. Arif said Bangladesh is ready to export high-quality medicines and medical products to Afghanistan in a systematic and sustainable manner, saying that Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector is advanced and meets international standards, according to a statement from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce. The Afghan side welcomed Bangladesh’s readiness, describing it as vital for the country’s healthcare needs. Both sides agreed to elevate their ties from friendly relations to practical economic cooperation to boost trade volume and strengthen mutual trust. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce emphasized that such visits play an important role in economic growth, business development and strengthening the national economy. Bangladesh reiterated its interest in exporting quality medicines and medical products to Afghanistan on a regular and sustainable basis. The Afghan delegation highlighted the importance of this initiative for the country’s healthcare sector and noted that the economies of the two countries are complementary. The two sides also discussed joint business meetings, business-to-business (B2B) engagement, and official cooperation.

The government of Bangladesh will now continue to extend the ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility to all eligible countries, including Bhutan. Pursuant to the earlier notification regarding the ‘suspension’ of the ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility by the government of Bangladesh from Jan 15 to Feb 15, the Bhutanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade on Wednesday informed the public that Bangladesh’s Embassy in Thimphu has conveyed that the Bangladesh government will now continue to extend the ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility to all eligible countries, including Bhutan. Read more: Bangladeshis granted B1/B2 US visas to face up to $15,000 bond from Jan 21 Accordingly, Bhutanese passport holders travelling to Bangladesh may continue to avail themselves of the ‘Visa-on-arrival’ facility. All travellers are required to carry details of accommodation in Bangladesh and a return air ticket, according to a notification issued by the Bhutanese Ministry. Election observers, as well as military and security personnel travelling to Bangladesh, are required to contact the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thimphu to complete the necessary formalities prior to travel. The Bhutanese Ministry advises all travellers to take note of this update and make the necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Bangladesh issues special visa guidelines ahead of national election  “We are not stopping the issuance of visas. Those who wish to come may apply for visas, and we will issue them as long as their purpose is valid,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 14.  “You know, during the election period, there may be attempts to create unexpected situations. Some unwanted individuals may try to enter the country suddenly,” he said.

Italy’s Undersecretary for Defence (Deputy Minister for Defence) Matteo Perego di Cremnago has described the Indo-Pacific as the new centre of global gravity, saying Italy is keen to strengthen ties with countries in the region, including Bangladesh, whose growing economy offers scope for charting a common path forward in the coming days. He said the Bangladeshi community is integrating well in Italy but raised concerns over illegal migration through the Mediterranean route. Italy expressed its full support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and the July Charter, which aims to introduce sweeping reforms for the country’s democratic renewal, the Italian Deputy Minister said on Tuesday during a courtesy meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. The two leaders held wide-ranging talks on issues including trade and defence cooperation, migration, the upcoming February 12 general elections and referendum, European Union election observation, and the July Charter, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Praising the July Charter, the visiting minister said Italy supports the comprehensive reforms outlined in the document. He also reaffirmed Rome’s backing of Bangladesh’s democratic transition through the February 12 vote.

The Indian government has advised the dependents of officials posted in its High Commission in Dhaka and Missions outside Dhaka to return home as a precautionary measure considering the security situation. However, the High Commission in Dhaka and other Missions outside Dhaka will continue to remain open and operational at full strength. "Given the security situation, as a precautionary measure, we have advised the dependents of officials in the Mission and Posts to return to India," a source at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs told UNB when his attention was drawn to media reports. The Mission and all Posts in Bangladesh continue to remain open and operational at full strength, he added. Bangladesh and India witnessed occasional tensions in their relations since the regime change in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024. In an unprecedented development, cricket, traditionally a symbol of friendly ties, has become a flashpoint after Bangladeshi star Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from IPL. Bangladesh responded by banning Indian Premier League (IPL) broadcasts, raising safety concerns for its players, and seeking to shift its ICC T20 World Cup 2026 matches out of India to Sri Lanka.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has expressed deepest condolences and sympathies following the devastating accident of high-speed trains in Adamuz, near the city of Córdoba, Southern Spain Sunday evening, stating that the grave tragedy has saddened them immensely. “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I extend, on behalf of the people and government of Bangladesh, and on my own behalf, our deepest condolences and sympathies to Your Excellency and, thorough you, to the victims and their families,” he said in a message to President of Spain Pedro Sanchez.   The deadly train wreck in southern Spain has cast a pall of gloom over one of the nation’s symbols of success. The collision on Sunday killed at least 41 people and injured dozens more as of Tuesday. Prof Yunus said the news of this tragic accident, resulting in the tragic loss of precious lives and leaving many injured, has saddened them immensely. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this terrible train crush and the people of Spain during this period of grief. May the Almighty bestow His mercy on the departed souls of the deceased and grant their family members the courage and fortitude to bear their irreparable losses,” he said. Prof Yunus said they also pray for the quick and complete recovery of all those injured in this grave tragedy.

Diplomats stationed in Dhaka have joined a Christmas reunion programme in the city and exchanged pleasantries. European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen and Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh, among others, joined the reunion held recently. At the initiative of Archbishop Vijay N. D’Cruze, OMI (Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate) of the Archdiocese of Dhaka, and organised by the Archbishop’s House, the Christmas reunion was held on Saturday evening in the hall room of the Archbishop’s House, said a media release on Monday. Ambassadors or High Commissioners from Spain, the Philippines, Singapore, Vatican City and Argentina were also present at the reunion. Some of them were accompanied by their spouses. Bishops, priests, brothers and sisters welcomed the diplomats at the Archbishop’s House. The reunion programme was conducted by Bishop Subrata B. Gomes. In his welcome address, Archbishop Vijay N. D’Cruze expressed his gratitude to the guests for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the event. He extended special thanks and greetings to the Ambassador of the United States, noting that he had only recently assumed his duties and was visiting the Archbishop’s House for the first time.