United News of Bangladesh

The government has directed four press officers posted at Bangladesh missions abroad to be relieved of their duties immediately and return home. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notification in this regard on Monday. The officers are: First Secretary (Press) Sufi Abdullahil Maruf at the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; First Secretary (Press) Md Arifur Rahman at the Bangladesh Consulate General in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Second Secretary (Press) Asaduzzaman Khan at the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Second Secretary (Press) Md Imranul Hasan at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. According to the notification, the four officials were initially withdrawn from their respective posts on March 17, 2025, and instructed to return to Bangladesh within 15 working days for subsequent posting. A later notification issued on April 13 revoked that decision, allowing them to continue their duties until new officers were appointed to the missions. The notification said that new officers have since been appointed to those missions and the necessary government orders have been issued in their favour. In view of this, the four officials have now been instructed to be mandatorily relieved from their duties with immediate effect and return to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have discussed a range of regional and global issues on the sidelines of the extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers' (CFM) meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on the sidelines of the extraordinary session of the OIC CFM meeting and discussed the issues of mutual interest. Both dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the robustness of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. They discussed bilateral relations in diverse fields, especially high-level exchanges, trade and educational collaboration. Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain also spoke with the Pakistani Foreign Minister ahead of the minister-level meeting of the OIC. The two counterparts reviewed bilateral matters and discussed recent regional developments, and appreciated the timely convening of the extraordinary session of the OIC CFM. The extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers was held on Saturday at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, to discuss the rapidly evolving and dangerous developments in the Federal Republic of Somalia. Foreign Adviser communicates with Pakistani counterpart ahead of OIC ministerial meet on Somalia The meeting came against the backdrop of recent developments, namely Israel's declaration – the occupying power – of its recognition of the so-called ‘Somaliland’ region as an independent state, a move that is considered an infringement on Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting formulated a unified Islamic position regarding these developments, and to reaffirm unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in accordance with international conventions and relevant resolutions of the OIC.

Canada has said it remains steadfast in its support for efforts to advance accountability, dignity and justice for the Rohingya. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh met three Rohingya survivors who will be travelling to The Hague to testify in the upcoming International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings in the landmark genocide case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar for atrocities committed against the Rohingya. The discussion focused on the long-standing persecution and violence faced by the Rohingya in Myanmar, their ongoing struggle for rights and justice, and the importance of international accountability, said the High Commission on Monday. UN court begins hearings on ‘genocide’ of Rohingya by Myanmar The Rohingya representatives expressed their appreciation for Canada’s support, including support to ensure Rohingya victims voices are heard in the landmark ICJ case. The High Commissioner acknowledged their courage in testifying and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to human rights, accountability and international justice. Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.3 million Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar camps and Bhasan Char.

A memorial meeting in memory of Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a key architect of the country's democracy, will be held in Washington DC on Monday (January 12, 2026). The programme is scheduled to take place at the National Press Club. Washington-based diplomats, senior US government officials, policymakers and media representatives are expected to attend the event. The event will be organised by National Press Club member and Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, who previously served as Assistant Press Secretary to Begum Khaleda Zia from 2001 to 2006 during her tenure as Prime Minister. The event will commemorate Begum Khaleda Zia's political life, her role in the restoration and consolidation of democracy, and her significant contributions to the history of Bangladesh with due respect and dignity.

European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs on Sunday said he witnessed positive feelings and strong enthusiasm across the country regarding the upcoming polls and the referendum, noting that the previous three parliamentary elections were not considered credible. He made the remarks during his meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held at state guesthouse Jamuna. “There was no discussion during the meeting regarding the Awami League or its participation in the election,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam while briefing the reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad also spoke at the briefing. In response to an invitation by the authorities of Bangladesh, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission for the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. Bangladesh Election: EU Chief Observer clarifies ‘inclusive, participatory’ meaning The EU EOM, led by Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, a Member of the European Parliament from Latvia, commenced its activities in late December 2025 and is scaling up with the arrival of 56 long-term observers, who will be deployed to all 64 administrative districts of Bangladesh. This is the first fully-fledged election observation the EU is deploying to Bangladesh since 2008. The Chief Observer said the EU is going to send a large election observation team to Bangladesh, noting that the forthcoming election will be historic for the country. During his meeting with Prof Yunus, they discussed preparations for the upcoming national election and referendum. Press Secretary Alam described the meeting as very important, with extensive discussions covering election preparedness, the level playing field for political parties, and the referendum, particularly the ‘Yes’ vote. He said though the EU does not send election observer missions to many countries, it has decided to do so for Bangladesh because of the country's large population, its strong trade partnership with the EU, and the fact that Bangladesh is regarded as a close friend. Alam also noted that during the nearly sixteen years of Sheikh Hasina's tenure, the EU did not send any election observation mission. Bangladesh Polls: EC hearings restore candidacies of most petitioners Ijabs informed the Chief Adviser that the EU election observation mission will spread across the country, monitor all areas, and engage in discussions with major political parties as well as other stakeholders. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus assured the EU that the upcoming election and referendum would be completed smoothly and would be free, fair, credible, peaceful, and festive. He said the Election Commission and the interim government are fully prepared to ensure the smooth conduct of both the election and the referendum, adding that a level playing field will be ensured for all political parties and that he does not foresee any major problems in this regard. Prof Yunus thanked the EU for sending the election observation mission, describing it as "extremely important" for holding a credible election and for Bangladesh's democratic transition. EU EOM chief stresses inclusive participation in Bangladesh polls, credible turnout Regarding the ‘Yes’ vote for referendum, the interim government is conducting and will continue to conduct campaigns and awareness-building activities. SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, among others, were present at the meeting.  

President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has pardoned 25 Bangladeshi citizens who were previously convicted in the UAE. The pardon was granted following a request from Bangladesh, seeking clemency for Bangladeshi nationals arrested in UAE in connection with the events surrounding the July 2024 and subsequently sentenced by UAE courts. Read more: Disney to build its 7th theme park in UAE All 25 individuals have been pardoned and returned to Bangladesh, said the UAE Embassy in Dhaka on Sunday, noting that this act of clemency once again reflects the generosity of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The expatriate Bangladeshis were detained at different times in the UAE during the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh. This humanitarian gesture reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to compassion, tolerance and justice, as well as the deep-rooted, brotherly relations between the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh, the Embassy said. Read more: UAE President, PM mourn death of Khaleda Zia Earlier, the President had also pardoned Bangladeshi expatriates several times who were serving sentences for staging a rare protest in the UAE, underscoring the UAE’s humanitarian approach.

European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs on Sunday explained what exactly they mean by ‘inclusive and participatory’, stressing the inclusion of all social groups in the elections. "And as for the inclusive participatory, this is an important issue. I think the inclusive means, from our perspective first of all, the inclusion of all social groups of Bangladesh citizens - groups like women, groups like ethnic, religious, minorities, and also the regional groups to participate," he said. During a crowded media briefing, a journalist drew attention to the sudden shift in the meaning of the terms inclusive and participatory. In response, Chief Observer Ijabs said participation was precisely what they were seeking - a credible voter turnout in the elections. He also said such participation would signal that Bangladeshi citizens are actively engaging in the democratic process to decide their own future.  

Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) Ivars Ijabs on Sunday said these historic elections - referendum and national election - will be crucial to bolster democratic institutions through the ballot box and laid emphasis on participation of all social groups and credible turnout of voters for exercising their democratic rights. "Hence it will be important that the polls are conducted peacefully and in a credible and transparent manner. My hope is that our work here will also contribute to public confidence and trust in the electoral process," he told reporters at during a media briefing at a city hotel. Two days after the elections, on February 14, the EU EOM will issue a preliminary statement and hold a press conference in Dhaka. A comprehensive final report, including recommendations for future elections, will be published and presented to the authorities some two months later. All EU EOM observers are bound by a strict code of conduct, and the mission carries out its works in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation, endorsed under UN auspices in 2005, he said. In response to an invitation by the authorities of Bangladesh, the European Union has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) for the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12. The EU EOM, led by Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs, a Member of the European Parliament from Latvia, commenced its activities in late December 2025 and is scaling up today (Sunday) with the arrival of 56 long-term observers, who will be deployed to all 64 administrative districts of Bangladesh. This is the first fully-fledged election observation the EU is deploying to Bangladesh since 2008. "This Election Observation mission reaffirms the importance the European Union attaches to the partnership with Bangladesh, built on mutual respect and shared commitment to democratic principles," said the Chief Observer Ivars Ijabs. During his first visit to the country, he met a wide range of electoral stakeholders to receive first-hand information on the unfolding electoral process. In the course of its work the Mission will engage with election administration, political parties, judiciary. civil society and media, to observe and analyse various aspects of the process such as election preparations, the legal framework and its implementation, the conduct of campaign and electoral dispute resolution. The Mission will also assess the overall space for political and civic participation, including for women, youths and other vulnerable groups. The EU EOM has dedicated media and social media monitoring units, to weigh the degree to which those channels helped voters to make a well-informed choice. Overall, the EU EOM will assess the extent to which elections are conducted in compliance with national law, as well as with the regional and international standards for democratic elections Bangladesh has adopted. "Our technical assessment of these elections is guided by three core principles: independence, impartiality and non-interference. We will employ a robust, well-established methodology of long-term, nation-wide observation. We will observe the process but will not certify the results. These elections belong solely to the people of Bangladesh," said the Chief Observer. At full strength the mission will comprise around 200 observers from all 27 EU Member States, as well as Canada, Norway and Switzerland. This includes a core team of 11 analysts based in Dhaka, 56 long-term observers, 90 short-term observers, who will be deployed shortly before the polls, and observers from the diplomatic missions of EU Member States and partner countries. A delegation from the European Parliament will further reinforce the mission.

Bangladesh aligns itself fully with the collective resolve of the OIC to uphold international law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States, and the unity and solidarity of the Muslim world, said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. He was speaking at the 22nd Extra Ordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Inslamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday. The Extraordinary Session was convened to deliberate on recent developments concerning Israel’s recognition of the so-called “Somaliland” and its implications for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, as well as broader regional and international ramifications. Dhaka asks key missions in India to suspend visa services over security concerns During his intervention, Adviser Hossain urged the OIC to categorically reject and condemn Israel's recognition of the so-called "Somaliland" and reaffirm, in the strongest possible terms, its full and unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.

Bangladesh has achieved an 'important step forward' towards strengthening its mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States, opening the door to greater market access and new opportunities for its vital textile and apparel sector. In response to a request from National Security Adviser Dr. Khalilur Rahman who is currently visiting Washington DC, US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer has agreed to raise with US President Donald Trump the possibility of reducing Bangladesh’s current 20% reciprocal tariff rate, bringing it more in line with regional competitors, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Saturday. Even more significantly, he said, both sides have developed an innovative and forward-looking solution to support Bangladesh’s export priorities. Under a proposed preferential scheme discussed yesterday by Dr. Rahman and Ambassador Greer, Bangladesh would receive tariff-free access to the US market for textile and apparel exports equivalent to its imports of US-produced cotton and man-made fiber textile inputs, measured on a square-meter basis. This creative, win-win approach strengthens bilateral trade, supports Bangladeshi manufacturers and workers, and deepens supply-chain ties with US producers, said the interim government. It reflects ‘growing momentum and goodwill’ in Bangladesh-US economic relations and marks a promising new chapter for Bangladesh’s global trade prospects.