United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to hold the general election and the referendum as scheduled on February 12, no matter who says what. “No matter who says what, the election will be held on February 12—not a day before, not a day after,” the Chief Adviser said, adding that the vote would be free, fair and peaceful and held in a festive atmosphere The Chief Adviser made the remarks when two former senior United States diplomats—Albert Gombis and Morse Tan, both of whom served during the Donald Trump administration— met him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Tuesday night. Prof Yunus said there had been a flood of fake news and deliberately spread confusion surrounding the elections, but stressed that the interim government remained firm in its commitment to holding the polls on February 12 and handing over power to an elected government once the results are announced. Bangladesh’s three previous national elections not credible: Ivars Ijabs He said the interim government would remain completely neutral during the elections, ensuring an unbiased administration and a level playing field for all political parties. Albert Gombis, a former Acting Under Secretary of State, and Morse Tan, a former Ambassador-at-Large, are visiting Bangladesh ahead of the crucial elections. During the hour-long meeting, the Chief Adviser and the visiting diplomats discussed a wide range of issues, including the forthcoming elections, the July Revolution and its aftermath, the rise of young protesters, the July Charter and the referendum, fake news and misinformation targeting the vote, the Rohingya crisis, and the prospects for truth and reconciliation in a post-July Bangladesh. The Chief Adviser said his government was campaigning for ‘Yes’ votes in the referendum, noting that the July Charter—set to be endorsed by the people—would usher in a new era of democratic governance and leave no room for future autocracy. EU EOM chief stresses inclusive participation in Bangladesh polls, credible turnout Prof Yunus said supporters of the former autocratic regime were spreading fake news and misinformation in an attempt to create confusion about the elections. “But people are alert. Increasingly, they can detect AI-generated misinformation videos,” he said. Former Under Secretary Gombis agreed that fake news had emerged as “one of the main enemies” of democracy worldwide and stressed the need for greater efforts to combat the threat, according to Chief Adviser's press wing. Both diplomats praised the Chief Adviser for his crucial role in steering the country over the past one and a half years. They asked whether a truth and reconciliation initiative—similar to post-apartheid South Africa—was possible in Bangladesh. No election observers in Bangladesh without UNGA mandate: UN Prof Yunus said that as a friend of the late Nelson Mandela, he closely followed South Africa’s truth and reconciliation process, but he saw no possibility of a similar move in Bangladesh right at this moment due to the continued denial by the former regime of its crimes. “Time is not right. Where do you start? Truth and reconciliation come when you admit that you were wrong, when you repent and show remorse for your crimes, and when you create the right atmosphere,” he said. “But so far, there is no remorse, no repentance. Instead, they claim that the young people killed during the July uprising were killed by terrorists. There are stacks and stacks of evidence of their crimes—absolutely barbaric crimes—yet they remain in complete denial,” the Chief Adviser added. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.

The government has issued a set of special visa instructions ahead of the national election to ensure the safe and orderly arrival, stay and departure of foreign nationals. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the guidelines on Monday, aiming to streamline entry procedures while maintaining security and effective monitoring during the election period. According to the order, existing visa policies must be strictly followed when issuing all types of visas, including visas on arrival. The verification of required documents and coordination among concerned agencies should also be strengthened. The guidelines include: Embassies/Missions Abroad: Bangladesh missions abroad will issue specific visas only after adhering to the terms and conditions of the Visa Policy 2006 and subsequent notifications, and after proper verification of relevant documents. Visas on Arrival: Visas on arrival may be issued to eligible foreigners following the circular issued on September 15, 2016. The purpose of arrival, sponsoring institution or person, accommodation details, return ticket, and other requirements must be thoroughly verified. Any irregularity, deviation, or suspicion will result in visa denial. Foreign Military and Security Personnel: Prior permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs is mandatory for foreign military and security force members to enter Bangladesh. Election Observers and Journalists: On the recommendation of the Election Commission and relevant ministries, arrival visas bearing the seal “Election Observation” will be issued to foreign observers and journalists for the election period. Visa fees may be waived for election observers. Coordination and Monitoring: Special Branches will enhance coordination among intelligence and law enforcement agencies during visa issuance, arrivals, and departures at all international airports, land, and sea ports. Reporting Requirements: Bangladesh embassies/missions abroad, the Directorate of Immigration and Passports, Special Branches, and ports of entry have been instructed to send detailed daily reports in Excel format on visa issuance and the arrival and departure of foreign nationals to the Additional Secretary (Immigration Sub-Division) of the Ministry of Home Affairs.      

US Secretary of State Rubio  spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday and exchanged perspectives on regional developments. They reaffirmed the United States’ and India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, said Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott. They exchanged best wishes for the New Year. The US Secretary of State congratulated India on enacting the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill. He expressed interest in capitalizing on this important development to enhance U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation, expand opportunities for American companies, advance shared energy security goals, and secure critical mineral supply chains. Venezuela puts Rubio at the center of Trump’s foreign policy playbook Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar discussed ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations and their shared interest in strengthening economic cooperation.

The government of Bangladesh has suspended the “Visa on Arrival” facility for Bhutan, with effect from January 15 to February 15, 2026. The Bhutanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, in a formal notification, informed the general public that the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Thimphu has officially conveyed that. In view of this, all Bhutanese nationals intending to travel to Bangladesh during the above period are advised to apply for a visa in advance through the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thimphu prior to their travel, the notification reads. The Bhutanese Ministry advised all travellers to take note of this change and make necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday said he is aware of the growing misinformation and offered the support of the UN human rights office to address what he described as a growing misinformation challenge. “There is a lot of misinformation. We will do whatever is needed,” Türk said, adding that the UN rights agency would work closely with Bangladesh to tackle the issue. The UN rights chief made the remarks as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus sought support from the United Nations human rights office to counter a surge of misinformation targeting the February 12 elections. “There has been a flood of misinformation surrounding the elections. It is coming from both foreign media and local sources,” Prof Yunus said during a telephone conversation with Volker Türk. “They have flooded social media with fake news, rumours and speculation. We are concerned about the impact this may have on the elections,” he added. During the conversation, the two leaders also discussed the upcoming referendum, the importance of institutional reforms, the work of the Enforced Disappearance Commission, the formation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the global geopolitical situation. High Commissioner Türk stressed the importance of establishing “a truly independent” National Human Rights Commission to carry forward the work related to enforced disappearances, according to Chief Adviser's press wing. In response, Prof Yunus said the NHRC ordinance has already been promulgated and that a new commission would be reconstituted ahead of the February 12 elections. “We will do it before we leave,” he said. The Chief Adviser said he had shared the final report of the Enforced Disappearance Commission with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, describing it as a crucial document that would go a long way toward ensuring accountability and justice for the victims of enforced disappearances during the autocratic regime from 2009 to 2024. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk praised the Chief Adviser’s efforts over the past year and a half. Conflicts in the Mideast and Ukraine will loom over Biden's farewell address at the United Nations He said his office had supported the work of the Enforced Disappearance Commission and would continue to do so. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was present during the conversation.  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday summoned Myanmar Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe and expressed deep concern of Bangladesh at the recent incident of gunfire from Myanmar towards Bangladesh near Whykong Union of Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. A 12-year-old Bangladeshi girl was severely injured during the cross-border firing on Sunday. Bangladesh reminded that the unprovoked firing towards Bangladesh is a blatant violation of the international law and a hindrance to good neighbourly relationship. Bangladesh asked Myanmar to take full responsibility and requisite measures to stop such cross-border firings in future. Bangladesh also asked to ensure that whatever happens between the Myanmar authorities and the armed groups in Myanmar should not anyway affect lives and livelihoods of the people in Bangladesh, according to the MoFA. The Myanmar ambassador assured that his government would take measures to stop such incidents and expressed their sincere sympathy to the injured and her family.

Sustained international assistance from countries such as Sweden remain crucial to bolstering Bangladesh’s Rohingya response, as it continues to host refugees until a durable solution is achieved, said the UN Refugee Agency. On behalf of UN partners, UNHCR reiterated its deep gratitude to the government of Sweden for its solidarity and long-standing commitment to refugees. On behalf of the UN agencies participating in SAFE+2 (Safe Access to Fuel  and Energy Plus, Phase 2), UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomed the  contribution of USD 2.9 million from the government of Sweden to support  lifesaving achieves and promote green energy solution for Rohingya refugees  in the Cox's Bazar camps. With this latest contribution, Sweden’s total support to the SAFE+2 initiative and its predecessor SAFE+ reaches USD 23.5million, according to UNHCR. SAFE+2 focuses on expanding access to clean cooking fuel, namely liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as well as restoring degraded forest areas, and promoting green skills development among refugees and local communities. The programme is jointly implemented by UNHCR, the Food and Agriculture  Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Organization for  Migration (IOM), and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in  close coordination with the Government of Bangladesh. “Sweden’s generous support comes at a crucial time, as needs remain high while funding continues to fall,” said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh. “Eight years into the Rohingya refugee crisis, 1.17 million Rohingya still rely on humanitarian assistance to survive. Rohingya families often tell me how essential LPG is to their daily lives — how women and girls are safer as they no longer need to fetch firewood. This contribution helps sustain and protect them until conditions are in place for a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar.” Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks said global humanitarian funds are shrinking, so we must focus on those in greatest need and prioritise saving lives, while upholding achievements made  over the past few years. This contribution allows refugees to continue cooking with cleaner fuel, preserving the forest and their health, the envoy said. "Until they can return to Myanmar in a voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable way, I am proud that Sweden stands in solidarity with Rohingya refugees and their Bangladeshi hosts, promoting human dignity and environmental stewardship, said the Ambassador.

Former Japanese First Lady Akie Abe has expressed interest in collaborating with Bangladesh on efforts to prevent marine pollution. “We have to prevent garbage from being dumped into the Bay of Bengal. We want to collaborate in these efforts. I hope we can do something in the future,” she said. Akie Abe, during her recent meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, also stressed the need for a large-scale public awareness campaign to educate people about the dangers of ocean pollution. Prof Yunus called on Japanese investors to expand investment in Bangladesh and recruit more Bangladeshi workers for employment in Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy. Akie Abe and a delegation of Japanese entrepreneurs paid a courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Sunday. Eyeing stronger ties with Dhaka to advance peace, prosperity: Ambassador Christensen Akie Abe praised Prof Yunus’s leadership in restoring peace and stability in Bangladesh and guiding the country’s economic recovery, said Chief Adviser’s press wing on Monday. During the meeting, the Chief Adviser and the former First Lady discussed potential cooperation in investment, marine research, and the recruitment of caregivers and nurses for Japan, which is facing rapid population ageing. Prof Yunus informed the Japanese delegation that he plans to visit Tokyo in the third week of March, after stepping down as head of the interim government, to participate in a joint ocean research initiative with the prestigious Sasakawa Foundation. At the invitation of the Chief Adviser, Sasakawa Foundation has also planned to sign an agreement with the newly constituted Maheshkhali-Matarbari Development Authority to establish three model fishing villages along the Chattogram coast. The Chief Adviser said his government has intensified efforts to train thousands of nurses and caregivers for employment in Japan and has expanded Japanese language training programmes to support this initiative. He said that Bangladesh has already signed agreements with Japanese investors to send at least 100,000 workers to Japan over the next five years and sought the support of Abe and the Japanese delegation to further increase worker recruitment. Bangladesh, Pakistan discuss regional, global issues Mitsuru Izumo, founder of leading biofuel producer Euglena, also addressed the meeting and expressed interest in supporting initiatives in Bangladesh, including social business ventures. Prof Yunus said the interim government is fully prepared to hold free, fair, and peaceful elections on February 12, after which he will return to his previous work. He reiterated that he has no intention of joining politics or holding any government or state position in the future.  Instead, Prof Yunus plans to focus on expanding quality healthcare, fostering entrepreneurship among young people, and promoting his vision of a “three-zero world” zero unemployment, zero net carbon emissions, and zero net wealth concentration. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was also present at the meeting.

US Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has said he looks forward to strengthening the ties between Bangladesh and the United States of America (USA) to advance peace and prosperity in the region. “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 Monday. In a brief statement shared by the US Embassy in Dhaka, 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 U.S.-Bangladesh relations, advance President Trump's agenda, and work hard every day to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” 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, 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. 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.  

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday (January 12, 2026) said they recognise the significance of the UN Security Council decision to establish the International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza and understand that some Muslim countries are interested in participating in the force.  “We are also carefully considering the matter,” he said while responding to a question, noting that as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces and an ardent supporter of the Palestinian cause, their interest in participating in the ISF is contingent on the fulfillment of a number of principles. Read more: Gaza reports 14 dead after Israel says it killed two top Hamas figures These include, among others, that the ISF should be temporary and operate under a clear UN Security Council mandate, he said, adding that there must be permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza; and the responsibilities for Gaza will be transferred to the Palestinians. The Press Secretary said they remain steadfast in their support for the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian State based on 1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. "As the third largest Muslim nation in the world, Bangladesh has consistently condemned Israeli genocide in Gaza, and called for its immediate end and the complete withdrawal of all Israeli forces from the territory,” Alam said. Bangladesh noted that the United Nations Security Council, on 17th November 2025, adopted resolution 2803 which provided for, among other things, the establishment of an ISF for Gaza. Alam said all Muslim countries members of the Security Council voted for the resolution. He also said a number of other Arab and Muslim countries jointly recommended the adoption of the resolution by the Security Council.   Read more: Fourth Palestinian baby freezes to death in Gaza amid winter crisis