United News of Bangladesh

UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Stefan Liller on Wednesday reaffirmed UNDP’s support for the Government of Bangladesh’s climate and development priorities. He met Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo and discussed areas of ongoing cooperation. UNDP strengthens Bangladesh EC with IT support for post-election capacity building

Seeking an early resolution to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Bangladesh on Wednesday conveyed to the US that it is difficult for a country like Bangladesh to bear the economic impact of this war if it lasts longer and spreads further. “We have discussed the crisis in the Middle East. I told him (US Assistant Secretary S Paul Kapur) that two of our Bangladeshis have lost lives and seven others have been injured. If this war is prolonged or spreads, this fear may increase further,” Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after his meeting with the US top diplomat. The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, who arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday night from New Delhi, is now paying a two-day visit. Briefing the reporters in the afternoon, Dr Rahman said they conveyed to the US official that they should try to resolve this conflict - this problem through dialogue as soon as possible by giving diplomacy opportunity. As the recent escalation in the Middle East came up during the exchange, the Foreign Minister stressed the need for exercising restraint by all parties and urged early resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomatic means in order to minimise loss of life, prevent further destabilisation in the region and beyond. During the briefing, a journalist asked whether the US Assistant Secretary of State had said anything about when the war would end. In response, the Foreign Minister said, "It is not even completely in their hands when the war will end. No one can say that." When the journalist commented in response that "they have started it," Dr Rahman said, "No, no - that cannot be a question." Responding to another question, Dr Rahman said defence matters were not discussed during the meeting and that neither GSOMIA nor ACSA was mentioned. “There has been no discussion with me regarding defence cooperation,” he said, adding that while the Indo-Pacific issue came up but it was not discussed in detail. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh will review its overall Indo-Pacific Policy and reiterated that the country will not enter into any military alliance. During the discussion, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, including economic engagements, based on mutual respect and shared interests. Dr Rahman emphasised the ‘Bangladesh First’ policy of the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He further highlighted Bangladesh’s approach to maintaining robust relations with regional and global partners to promote national interests and shared prosperity. Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur expressed happiness at the peaceful, free and festive general election in Bangladesh and felicitated the new government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on the assumption of its responsibilities. He also mentioned the congratulatory letter of US President Donald Trump addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahamn, and expressed the confidence that the ties between two countries will grow stronger in the coming days. Paul Kapur also underscored the importance of implementing the provisions of the agreement on Reciprocal Trade to foster greater bilateral trade and investment. The Foreign Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to policy continuity, particularly in the economic domain. The two sides also discussed the Rohingya issue. Defence issues not discussed in meeting with US assistant secretary: FM Khalilur The Foreign Minister thanked the United States for its continued humanitarian support for the Rohingyas and sought sustained international support for a durable solution to the crisis. Both sides expressed optimism that regular high-level engagements and institutional dialogues would continue to deepen Bangladesh-US relations in the years ahead. Prior to this meeting, Paul Kapur had a brief meeting with the State Minister, Shama Obaed Islam.

A Chinese company is set to invest US$22 million to establish a fashion and beauty products manufacturing facility at the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority Economic Zone. Adeline Beauty Technology (Bangladesh) Co., Ltd. signed a land lease agreement with BEPZA on Wednesday at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka to set up the factory. The company plans to invest US$22 million in the project, which is expected to generate employment for approximately 4,170 Bangladeshi nationals. Under the agreement, Adeline Beauty Technology will manufacture a wide range of fashion hair and beauty products, including wigs, eyelashes and cosmetic nails. The products will be primarily exported to major international markets such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Mexico, among others. The project is also expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the fast-growing global beauty and personal care sector, which has seen steady demand in North America, Europe and the Middle East in recent years. The agreement was signed by Md Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA, on behalf of the authority, while Managing Director Hang Sun signed on behalf of Adeline Beauty Technology (Bangladesh) Co., Ltd. Executive Chairman of BEPZA, Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, witnessed the signing ceremony. Bangladesh seeks more Chinese investments, security cooperation Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Chairman thanked the company for choosing BEPZA Economic Zone as its investment destination. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to providing a secure, compliant and business-friendly environment for investors.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday said defence issues did not come up for discussion during his meeting with visiting US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur and the words GSOMIA and ACSA were not even uttered in the meeting. He made the remarks while responding to questions on defence cooperation between the two countries. General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) are two foundational defence agreements which are "essential" to enabling a closer defence relationship, expanding opportunities for defence trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between our two countries. Korean FM greets Khalilur Rahman; eyes enhanced ties with Dhaka Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen were also present at the meeting.

US-Bangla Airlines will operate two special flights on the Dhaka–Dubai–Dhaka route to repatriate Bangladeshi nationals stranded in the UAE amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. According to a press release issued on Tuesday, the first flight will leave Dhaka on Wednesday, March 4, at 7:20 PM (BST), returning from Dubai at 12:20 AM (local time). The second flight departs Dhaka on Thursday, March 5, at 5:15 PM (BST), with a return from Dubai at 10:00 PM (local time). Both flights will use the 436-seat Airbus A330-300, flight numbers BS-341 (Dhaka–Dubai) and BS-342 (Dubai–Dhaka). The Dubai Airport Authority, along with carriers such as Emirates and Air India, has granted special permission for these humanitarian flights. Priority will be given to Bangladeshis whose visas have expired or are nearing expiration. Passengers seeking bookings or assistance can contact any US-Bangla Airlines Sales Center in Bangladesh or the UAE, authorized travel agencies, or call the hotline at 13605. Mobile support is available at +880 1777 777800–806.

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.6 million (about 400 million JPY) to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support a comprehensive program for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. The Exchange of Notes was signed by Saida Shinichi, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, and Giuseppe Loprete, Chief of Mission a.i., IOM Bangladesh. The project will assist roughly 565,000 people through integrated interventions, including shelter and non-food items, LPG distribution, healthcare, site management and development, and livelihood support for refugees. Disaster Risk Reduction measures will also be implemented to help displaced and disaster-prone host communities in Cox’s Bazar. Ambassador Saida Shinichi expressed his hope that the support from the Government of Japan will lead to improved living conditions for both Rohingya refugees and host communities. “Japan remains firmly committed to supporting the Rohingya refugees and the host communities in Bangladesh. Through our continued partnership with IOM, Japan hopes to help improve living conditions, strengthen resilience, and uphold human dignity in the face of this protracted humanitarian crisis..,” said Ambassador Saida. “Supporting humanitarian operations in Cox´s Bazar has become increasingly urgent in 2026, as the needs of the refugee population continue to grow while long term solutions are not yet available,” said Giuseppe Loprete, Chief of Mission, a.i., IOM Bangladesh. “We are deeply grateful to the Government of Japan for its continued and generous support. This contribution will enable IOM and its partners to respond to critical life-saving needs, including shelter and health services, while also supporting livelihoods and strengthening resilience to climate-related disasters and other challenges faced by Rohingya refugees and host communities. In close coordination with the Government of Bangladesh and partners, IOM remains firmly committed to supporting affected populations.” Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a consistent supporter of the Rohingya humanitarian response in Bangladesh, contributing over USD 250 million to IOM and other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, including through this latest contribution.

US Assistant Secretary S. Paul Kapur arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday a two-day visit to ‘strengthen strategic ties’ between Bangladesh and the United States and explore opportunities in diverse areas. “We warmly welcome Assistant Secretary S. Paul Kapur to Bangladesh. Assistant Secretary Kapur will engage with government officials and business leaders to strengthen US-Bangladesh strategic ties,” said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday night. He visited New Delhi, India (March 1-3) and discussed regional security and shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific. Assistant Secretary Kapur’s visit builds upon recent momentum to advance President Trump’s vision for robust and mutually beneficial US-India partnership. During his visit, Assistant Secretary Kapur will meet with new government officials and business leaders to discuss expanding bilateral trade and investment, enhancing security cooperation, and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region, said U.S. Mission Spokesperson Poornima Rai on Monday. Before Kapur’s arrival in Dhaka, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen had a series of courtesy meetings with the newly appointed Cabinet members over the past few days highlighting the opportunities in diverse sectors. Bangladesh’s aviation and tourism sectors are poised for growth over the next decade, and Boeing and US technology companies are the perfect partners, said the US Embassy in Dhaka after Ambassador’s meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita. “Had an excellent meeting with Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman. Stopping illegal immigration and human trafficking and strengthening border security are shared priorities for both countries,” said Ambassador Christensen. His meeting with Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed focused on strengthening their fight against illegal immigration, and deepening collaboration on security and counterterrorism. US warns of possible Iranian strike on Saudi oil hub as Trump says it’s ‘too late’ for talks The United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region. Paul Kapur was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs on October 22, 2025. US President Donald J. Trump has recently congratulated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on his assumption of office and expressed hope for stronger defence cooperation between the two countries. In his message to Tarique Rahman last month, President Trump said he expects the new Prime Minister to take decisive steps to complete the routine defence agreements that would enable Bangladesh’s military to access high-end American-made equipment, which he described as the best in the world. “I look forward to working with you to make the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh stronger than ever before,” he said in a letter to PM Tarique, shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Trump said the partnership between the two countries is based on mutual respect and a shared interest in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific where strong, sovereign nations can prosper. “As you begin your term, I hope you will help me maintain the tremendous momentum in our trade relationship through the implementation of our Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which benefits farmers and workers in both of our countries,” he said. President Trump said his Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent Christensen, has my full confidence. “Together, we have an opportunity to make both of our nations more prosperous and secure.”

The government of Japan has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Rohingya humanitarian response by approving JPY 500 million (approximately USD 3.2 million) in funding to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi expressed his hope that the support from the government of Japan would improve the living conditions of both Rohingya refugees and host communities. Home Minister seeks Japan’s support in police reform “Japan remains firmly committed to protecting the most vulnerable, particularly women and adolescents affected by displacement. Through our partnership with UNFPA, we aim to ensure continued access to essential health and protection services, even in the face of growing humanitarian and funding challenges,” he said on Tuesday. The government of Japan’s continued partnership comes at a critical moment for women and girls in the Rohingya response, said Catherine Breen Kamkong, UNFPA Representative in Bangladesh. “This funding will allow UNFPA to sustain life-saving services that protect the health and dignity of women and adolescents who would otherwise face devastating gaps in care. We are deeply grateful for Japan’s principled and consistent support.” Japan, UNICEF partner to support Rohingya children The new two-year project will aim at protecting the health and rights of women and adolescents affected by displacement in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, said the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka. The funding, Japan said, will enable UNFPA to sustain essential life-saving sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence services for Rohingya refugees and surrounding host communities. The Rohingya crisis remains one of the world’s protracted humanitarian crises, with Cox’s Bazar hosting over one million refugees alongside vulnerable host communities. Since 2024, a new influx of estimated 150,000 arrivals, over half of them women and girls, has further strained already cramped settlements. Despite these growing needs, the funding environment became increasingly constrained, leaving the 2025-2026 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis significantly underfunded. This shortfall has already forced the closure of six government-run health facilities that supported refugees, a 16% reduction in the midwifery workforce and over 50% reduction in the number of GBV case managers. Japan’s timely contribution will provide a vital lifeline, allowing UNFPA to maintain around the clock emergency obstetric care, GBV case management, and mental health support for approximately 180,000 direct beneficiaries. The new phase builds on tangible results from previous Japan-funded initiatives. More than 38,000 women and girls have accessed essential services at UNFPA-supported facilities across Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, helping to sustain critical care. The partnership also successfully expanded survivor-centred GBV services through Women Friendly Spaces and Women-Led Community Centres, reaching thousands of vulnerable women and girls.  In Bhasan Char, Japan’s support contributed to the operationalization of the 20-bed hospital, significantly reducing life-threatening referrals and helping maintain exceptionally low maternal mortality rates in the years following its operationalization. Adolescent empowerment initiatives strengthened life skills and gender equality awareness among girls and boys, supporting longer-term prevention of gender-based violence. Since 2017, the Government of Japan has contributed over USD 250 million to the Rohingya humanitarian response to UN agencies and NGOs in Bangladesh, including through UNFPA, making it one of the most consistent and reliable partners in addressing the needs of displaced populations and host communities in Bangladesh. UNFPA and the government of Japan partnership will aim at continuing to inspire international solidarity and sustained investment in the protection, health, and dignity of women and girls affected by the Rohingya crisis.

Algeria has expressed its support for Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as a candidate for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The announcement was made by Dr Abdelouahab Saidani, Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh, during a courtesy call on Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony said on Tuesday. He said the meeting, held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, discussed various aspects of the friendly relations between Bangladesh and Algeria. “Key issues included trade and investment, energy cooperation, education and cultural exchange, and strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums,” Rony said. He said the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser expressed Bangladesh’s interest in deepening and diversifying relations with Algeria and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation for the welfare of both countries’ peoples. The Algerian Ambassador also expressed his country’s strong interest in strengthening bilateral ties and hoped for joint initiatives in promising sectors. Both sides expressed optimism that future high-level visits and regular dialogues would further expand cooperation.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has sought Japan's cooperation in the reform and restructuring of  Bangladesh Police. The Minister requested this assistance when the Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, SAIDA Shinichi, called on him at his office at Secretariat this morning. The Minister said, "Japan is a tested friend and one of the largest development partners of Bangladesh. The country has invested in several major projects, including Metrorail and the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport through JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency),” he said. “There are many areas of cooperation with Japan. Japan has previously worked on the traffic safety of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). In the future, Japan can provide support in police reform and restructuring. We will provide several formal proposals in this regard," he added. During the meeting, various issues of mutual interest including law and order, security, police restructuring, traffic control, trade, and investment were discussed. At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister welcomed the Ambassador and the Ambassador congratulated the Minister on assuming his new portfolio. Assuring Japan's continued cooperation in the infrastructural development of Bangladesh, the Ambassador said, "The Traffic Safety Project of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) was completed last year. We are interested in further collaboration with the Police and the DMP." Marking the 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, the Ambassador urged enhanced security for Japanese nationals in Bangladesh. No safe haven for terrorists, extortionists: Home Minister Salahuddin The minister assured full protection for all Japanese citizens, including investors and businesspeople and said any request from Japan would receive the highest priority.   The meeting was attended by Rebeca Khan, Joint Secretary (Political-1) of the Ministry of Home Affairs; KOMINE Ken, First Secretary (Political) of the Japanese Embassy; MOCHIDA Yutaro, First Secretary (Economic), among others.