United News of Bangladesh

Indian-American security expert S. Paul Kapur was sworn in as US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. Kapur has directed an annual United States-India Track 1.5 strategic dialogue as well as other U.S.-India engagements for the Department of Defense. He succeeds Donald Lu who had served as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs until January 20 this year.2025. Kapur was on leave from the United States Naval Postgraduate School, where he was a professor in the Department of National Security Affairs and sworn in on October 22. Previously, Kapur was a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, served on the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff, and taught at Claremont McKenna College, according to the US Department of State. Kapur is author of Jihad as Grand Strategy: Islamist Militancy, National Security, and the Pakistani State (Oxford University Press); Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia (Stanford University Press); co-author of India, Pakistan, and the Bomb: Debating Nuclear Stability in South Asia (Columbia University Press); and co-editor of The Challenges of Nuclear Security: U.S. and Indian Perspectives (Palgrave Macmillan). His work has also appeared in leading academic journals, in popular news outlets, and in a wide variety of edited volumes. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and his B.A. from Amherst College.  

A total of 309 Bangladeshi nationals stranded in Libya were brought back to Dhaka on Friday with support from the stakeholders, including Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). They arrived at 9am on a chartered flight operated by Fly Oya International. Officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment said the returnees had been staying in Libya irregularly and many had entered the country with the help of human traffickers, hoping to reach Europe illegally by sea. Some of them had been abducted or subjected to torture in Libya. Officials from the ministries concerned and IOM welcomed the returnees at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The Foreign Ministry urged them to share their harrowing experiences publicly to help raise awareness against risky migration. 309 more Bangladeshis return home from Libya IOM provided each migrant with travel allowances, food supplies and primary medical support upon arrival. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to safely repatriate more Bangladeshis held in various detention centers in Libya.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday said the United Nations, which marks the 80th anniversary, must continue to evolve and adapt if it is to fulfill their collective aspiration for peace and multilateralism. "We join the call for reforming the UN to make it more agile, integrated, and equipped to deliver the aspirations of all people in an evolving global landscape," he said in a message marking the United Nations Day that falls on October 24. On this solemn occasion, Prof Yunus said they pledge that Bangladesh will continue to do its part to ensure a stable and peaceful world, as envisioned in the UN Charter. This year, they are celebrating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. On this day, on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, Prof Yunus wished all Member States, Partners in the UN System, and other stakeholders a happy United Nations Day. "This is an occasion for the international community to renew its pledge to build a world free from fear and want, and rejuvenate the spirit of multilateralism and consensus-building that the UN embodies," Prof Yunus said. Over the past eight decades, he said, the United Nations has expanded its scope of work and deepened its engagement around the globe. It has played an indispensable role in advancing peace and security, in protecting human rights and in promoting sustainable development, improving lives across the world. Since attaining its membership in 1974, Prof Yunus said, Bangladesh has assiduously built its reputation as an active, responsible, and contributing member of the UN. "Bearing the flag of the culture of peace, Bangladesh has been participating in the most perilous UN peacekeeping operations across the globe and has been one of the leading contributor countries under the UN blue helmet," he said. "Many of our valiant soldiers have made the supreme sacrifice for the sake of establishing peace," Prof Yunus said. Be it sustainable development, trade, or addressing the climate crisis, global South countries like Bangladesh thrive in a rules-based multilateral system, he said. "We, however, witness with concern the tensions of unilateral measures and unequal treatment in bilateral relations. The recent conflicts have plunged the world into collective uncertainty," said the Chief Adviser. He said they must acknowledge that multilateral diplomacy is under strain. "Extreme nationalism and indifference to human pain are destroying the progress humanity has built through decades of struggle," he said. Prof Yunus said the world has become an audience to live broadcasts of a genocide happening in Gaza. "In our own backyard, we have witnessed the deprivation of rights and persecution of the Rohingyas, rooted in cultural identity-based politics, for which we have called for renewed attention of the international community," he said. Building Future Together The United Nations is the most universal international organization, making it truly global in reach. By promoting peace, human rights and social progress, including access to healthcare and education, the United Nations has improved the lives of people around the world, creating better living standards for all, the UN said. Eighty years after its founding, the United Nations faces new challenges. The organisation is working on ways to adapt and strengthen itself. With the Agenda 2030, the Pact for the Future, and the UN80 initiative, the UN is looking to renew the foundations of international cooperation, and to ensure that it can deliver for people everywhere. A Symbol of Hope for Global Unity United Nations Day, on 24 October, marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being. There is no other global organization with the legitimacy, convening power and normative impact of the United Nations. "No other global organization gives hope to so many people for a better world and can deliver the future we want," said the UN. Today, the urgency for all countries to come together, to fulfil the promise of the nations united, has rarely been greater. UN Day, celebrated every year, offers the opportunity to amplify our common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided us for the past 80 years.

Bangladesh on Friday reiterated its unwavering support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The government of Bangladesh strongly condemned the recent approval by the Israeli Knesset of draft laws aimed at imposing so-called “Israeli sovereignty” over the occupied territories in the West Bank of the State of Palestine. "Israel continues its unlawful occupation through the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, in blatant violation of international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a media release. Bangladesh reaffirmed that Israel has no sovereignty over any part of the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. Dhaka also welcomed the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), issued on 22 October 2025, which underscores Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law, including the prohibition on the use of starvation of civilians as a weapon of warfare.

Governments attending upcoming regional summits in Malaysia should reject the Myanmar military junta’s plans to hold “elections” in December 2025, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to all countries sending delegates. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN partner Summits will take place in Kuala Lumpur on October 26-28, with the Myanmar crisis on the agenda. The Myanmar junta has continued its repression of pro-democracy forces, carrying out arbitrary arrests, torture, and abusive conscription, and increased military attacks on civilians, said the New York-based rights body. The junta has intensified its crackdown ahead of the planned elections, which the authorities scheduled to begin December 28. ASEAN members and partner countries should strengthen efforts to address Myanmar’s human rights and humanitarian crisis and the plight of millions of its people displaced since the February 2021 military coup. “Myanmar’s junta has demonstrated neither the intention nor the capacity to organize and hold elections that would even remotely meet international standards,” said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director at Human Rights Watch. “The junta’s repression and unlawful attacks have created a climate of fear in which no genuine polls can take place, let alone voting that will be free and fair.” HRW raises concerns over legislative actions by Bangladesh’s interim govt The military’s widespread atrocities in recent years have included crimes against humanity and war crimes, arbitrary detention of opposition politicians, and the dissolution and criminalization of opposition political parties. On July 30, the junta issued a draconian law that criminalizes criticism of the election by prohibiting speaking, organizing, or protesting that “disrupt[s] any part of the electoral process.” Since large parts of Myanmar are not under military control but instead held by opposition armed groups, the junta would not be able to hold polls in most of the country’s townships. Senior United Nations officials, international election monitoring groups and several foreign governments have issued warnings about the planned elections. The UN secretary-general’s special envoy for Myanmar, Julie Bishop, said that, “There is a significant risk that the election planned for December, under current circumstances, will increase resistance, protest, and violence and further undermine the fragile state of the country.” Several former ASEAN foreign ministers issued a joint statement on October 11 calling on ASEAN to “unequivocally reject” the planned “sham election” and initiate a “complete strategic reset on Myanmar.” HRW raises concerns over legislative actions by Bangladesh’s interim govt “ASEAN and ASEAN partners should categorically reject the idea that free and fair elections can currently be held in Myanmar, and refuse to support the elections in any way,” Sifton said. “Other governments should also signal that if elections are held, any supposed results will not be considered credible.”

Bangladesh and Pakistan on Thursday welcomed the forthcoming 9th meeting of the Joint Economic Commission, scheduled to be held in Dhaka on 27 October 2025, after a considerable gap. The two countries expressed satisfaction that the two sides have recently made progress in several areas of cooperation, including the simplification of visa procedures and resumption of air connectivity. High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Imran Haider paid his maiden courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed the issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, both sides noted with appreciation the recent engagements and exchange of high-level ministerial visits between the two countries, including the visit of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Bangladesh in August 2025, the successful holding of the 6th Foreign Secretary–level Bilateral Consultations in Dhaka in April 2025. Bangladesh cannot be turned into Pakistan: Tuku They also discussed various bilateral issues and the importance of strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors. The Foreign Affairs Adviser assured the High Commissioner of all possible cooperation during his tenure in Bangladesh.    

Brent Christensen, nominee for US Ambassador to Bangladesh, on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh will go to the polls early next year – the country’s most consequential election in decades – to choose a new government and a new path forward. "The United States supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future," he told the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in his opening statement during his nomination hearing. If confirmed, Christensen said, he looks forward to leading the Embassy Dhaka team to build strong ties with both the current Interim Government and its democratically elected successor to advance the US- Bangladesh relationship. He also referred to his “over twenty years of experience working on US policy towards Bangladesh” across his Foreign Service career, including a prior tour in Dhaka. Once Christensen and his fellow nominees had delivered their opening statements, they faced questions from members of the committee. Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, a Republican, asked Christensen about what he described as Bangladesh’s growing military-to-military cooperation with "Communist China”, referring to the country’s first submarine base that was recently built by the Chinese in Pekua, as well as the interim overnment approving a plan to buy Chinese J-10 fighter jets. “If they finalise the sale, it would lock Dhaka into a decades-long financial and strategic relationship with the Chinese defence industry. If confirmed, how would you engage with Bangladesh's military and political leadership to discourage further dependence on Chinese platforms, as well as promote greater transparency in their defence procurement process?” Ricketts asked. Saying he shared the senator's concern over Chinese influence in South Asia, Christensen 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.” Ricketts followed up with a question referring to the ‘Think Twice Act’, that is moving through the US Congress at the moment, and is meant to formulate a strategy to dissuade countries like Bangladesh from purchasing Chinese weapons. “What are some of the other things we can do, what other alternatives do we have to Chinese defence sales in South Asia that you can deploy as ambassador?” the senator asked. Christensen, in response, said: “One of the things we can do through our US military groups is also highlight some of the allied systems that might be more affordable for a country like Bangladesh, that perhaps cannot afford the premium US-made systems, as well as encourage their interoperability with other platforms as we conduct additional military exercises with them.” “Allied systems” in military parlance refers to weapons systems or platforms developed in collaboration between multiple nations. The questions put to ambassador nominees in these hearings is said to be indicative of the US administration’s concerns surrounding particular countries. Christensen faced no more questions. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, Christensen would be appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People's Republic of Bangladesh once confirmed. "Often referred to as one of the new Asian tigers, Bangladesh shows significant economic potential," he said in his testimony. "I am honored by this nomination and grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rubio for the trust and confidence they have shown in me. If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with you to advance US foreign policy interests in Bangladesh," Christensen said. His wife Deanne and Committee members were present. "For the past two decades, she has joined me around the world, from San Salvador to Dhaka to Omaha, and I am grateful for her sacrifice and support across my diplomatic career," he said. Bangladesh, as the eighth most populous country in the world, often does not receive the attention it deserves, as it is overshadowed by its even larger neighbours, Christensen said. "With my over twenty years of experience working on US policy toward Bangladesh across my Foreign Service career, including a prior tour in Dhaka, I understand well its importance and the significant US interests there," he said. Bangladesh’s strategic location makes it an important participant in an open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, he said. "Bangladesh is also at a pivotal point. Student-led protests in August 2024 brought down a government that had been in power for 15 years," Christensen said. Having overcome tremendous challenges, he said, Bangladesh is now on the cusp of graduation from least developed country status, a true tribute to the resilience and perseverance of the Bangladeshi people. "If confirmed, I will work to promote opportunities for US business, reduce trade barriers and the trade deficit, and strengthen US-Bangladesh economic ties," Christensen said. For over eight years now, he said, Bangladesh has hosted one of the largest refugee populations in the world. Nearly 1.3 million Rohingya currently live in the Cox’s Bazar area of Bangladesh, after fleeing their homes in Burma’s Rakhine state. "Bangladesh and the international community, led by the United States, have done a remarkable job supporting the Rohingya people since 2017," he said. Christensen has been to the Rohingya camps, seen this work for himself, and spoken to the Rohingya people. "The disproportionate effort by the United States to fund the response, however, is not sustainable. We need more countries to increase financial support to ease the burden on us," he said. It will also be important to work through the UN and other partners to streamline operations, reduce duplication of effort, and deliver aid more efficiently. "If confirmed, I will work with the government of Bangladesh, the international community, and colleagues across the US government, including this committee, on a viable and enduring way forward," Christensen said. Christensen served as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy here from 2019-2021, according to his official profile on the State Department’s website. Early on in his career, he also served as Bangladesh Country Officer in the Office of Pakistan and Bangladesh Affairs, which no longer exists under that name, at the State Department. His other appointments include Deputy Director, Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the Department of State (2016-2019), and as a Pearson Fellow on detail to the majority staff of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific (2015-2016). He has also been Special Assistant to the Special Representative for North Korea Policy, Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs Cyber Coordinator, Deputy Counselor for Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Manila, Deputy Economic Counselor at the US Embassy in San Salvador, Economic Officer at the US Embassy in Riyadh, and Vice Consul at the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The US Embassy in Dhaka has been running without an ambassador since Peter Haas wrapped up his tenure in the summer of 2024. Since then, a series of charge de affaires or CDAs have filled the role.

T. Hangsang, Assistant High Commissioner of the Indian High Commission in Sylhet, on Thursday said the Indian government is working earnestly to resolve visa-related issues faced by Bangladeshi businessmen and tourists. He added that the two governments are addressing the matter at a high level, and all difficulties will be resolved in due course to simplify visa procedures and facilitate smoother activities between the two countries. He made the remarks while visiting the Bholaganj land port and customs office in Companyganj upazila of Sylhet. During the visit, the Bholaganj Limestone Importers Association organized a discussion meeting in his honor. Referring to Bholaganj as a hub for future business and tourism in the region, Assistant High Commissioner said, “With proper planning and coordinated efforts, the overall economic and natural development of this area will be further strengthened.” The discussion session at the Bholaganj land port auditorium was chaired by Bashir Ahmad, acting president of the Bholaganj Limestone Importers Association. The meeting, moderated by journalist Shabbir Ahmad, included remarks from association general secretary Nazrul Islam, businessmen Abdul Hashib, Akhtaruzzaman Noman, Abdus Salam Babul, journalists Akbar Redwan Mona and Faruk Ahmad, as well as other businessmen and local figures including Abul Fazal, Shahnewaz Liton, Akddas Ali, Nurul Islam, Sirajul Islam, Kawsar Ahmed, Sajjad Hossain Dudu, Abdur Rahman, Ataur Rahman, Sundar Ali, Abdul Matin Vherai, Ismail Hossain, Sohan Ahmad, Monir Uddin, and Zakaria. After the discussion, Assistant High Commissioner Hangsang inspected the Bholaganj land port area and the nearby Sadapathor tourism site.

Brent Christensen, nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh, on Thursday said the people of Bangladesh will go to the polls early next year – the country’s most consequential election in decades – to choose a new government and a new path forward. "The United States supports Bangladesh in its journey toward a bright and democratic future," he told the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in his opening statement during his nomination hearing. If confirmed, Christensen said, he looks forward to leading the Embassy Dhaka team to build strong ties with both the current Interim Government and its democratically elected successor to advance the U.S.- Bangladesh relationship. Christensen of Virginia, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People's Republic of Bangladesh once confirmed. "Often referred to as one of the new Asian tigers, Bangladesh shows significant economic potential," he said in his testimony as US President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the United States Ambassador to the  People’s Republic of Bangladesh. "I am honored by this nomination and grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rubio for the trust and confidence they have shown in me. If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with you to advance U.S. foreign policy interests in Bangladesh," Christensen said. His wife Deanne and Committee members were present. "For the past two decades, she has joined me around the world, from San Salvador to Dhaka to Omaha, and I am grateful for her sacrifice and support across my diplomatic career," he said. Bangladesh, as the eighth most populous country in the world, often does not receive the attention it deserves, as it is overshadowed by its even larger neighbours, Christensen said. "With my over twenty years of experience working on U.S. policy toward Bangladesh across my Foreign Service career, including a prior tour in Dhaka, I understand well its importance and the significant U.S. interests there," he said. Bangladesh’s strategic location makes it an important participant in an open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, he said. "Bangladesh is also at a pivotal point. Student-led protests in August 2024 brought down a government that had been in power for 15 years," Christensen said. Having overcome tremendous challenges, he said, Bangladesh is now on the cusp of graduation from least developed country status, a true tribute to the resilience and perseverance of the Bangladeshi people. "If confirmed, I will work to promote opportunities for U.S. business, reduce trade barriers and the trade deficit, and strengthen U.S.-Bangladesh economic ties," Christensen said. For over eight years now, he said, Bangladesh has hosted one of the largest refugee populations in the world. Nearly 1.3 million Rohingya currently live in the Cox’s Bazar area of Bangladesh, after fleeing their homes in Burma’s Rakhine state. "Bangladesh and the international community, led by the United  States, have done a remarkable job supporting the Rohingya people since 2017," he said. Christensen has been to the Rohingya camps, seen this work for himself, and spoken to the Rohingya people. "The disproportionate effort by the United States to fund the response, however, is not sustainable. We need more countries to increase financial support to ease the burden on us," he said. It will also be important to work through the UN and other partners to streamline operations, reduce duplication of effort, and deliver aid more efficiently. "If confirmed, I will work with the government of Bangladesh, the international community, and colleagues across the U.S. government, including this committee, on a viable and enduring way forward," Christensen said. If confirmed, he said, it would be an honor to return to Bangladesh as Ambassador to lead the talented men and women of U.S. Embassy Dhaka and advance the U.S.-Bangladesh partnership. At the time of filing this report, Chistensen and his fellow nominees were facing questions from members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Chistensen has already taken a question from Republican Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, who asked him about what he described as Bangladesh’s “growing dependence” for its defence purchases as well as other requirements in the sector on China, referring to the country’s first submarine base that was recently built by the Chinese in Pekua. Christensen has previous experience in Bangladesh, having served as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the US Embassy here from 2019-2021, according to his official profile on the State Department’s website. Early on in his career, he also served as Bangladesh Country Officer in the Office of Pakistan and Bangladesh Affairs, which no longer exists under that name, at the State Department. His other appointments include Deputy Director, Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the Department of State (2016-2019), and as a Pearson Fellow on detail to the majority staff of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific (2015-2016). He has also been Special Assistant to the Special Representative for North Korea Policy, Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs Cyber Coordinator, Deputy Counselor for Economic Affairs at the US Embassy in Manila, Deputy Economic Counselor at the US Embassy in San Salvador, Economic Officer at the US Embassy in Riyadh, and Vice Consul at the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The US Embassy in Dhaka has been running without an ambassador since Peter Haas wrapped up his eventful tenure in the summer of 2024. Since then, a series of charge de affaires or CDAs have filled the role, with Tracey Ann Jacobson, the current CDA, having been in the position since January.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz on Thursday said Bangladesh needs to hold a credible election with participation of a plurality of political parties as the country is set for the biggest democratic election in the world next year. “We think that the country needs a credible election in which a plurality of parties can participate,” he told reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. The ambassador said they had a very fruitful conversation with the election commission. “Bangladesh will next year have the biggest democratic election in the world. More than 127 million people are allowed to vote to express their democratic will (in the election),” he said. With that election, the country has a chance to join back into the League of Democratic Nations in Asia and in the world. “So, it's an enormously important step not only for the country but regionally and for democracy in the world,” he said. “So, this Election Commission is doing a great job in preparing that enormous challenge and I wish them good luck back to the people of Bangladesh in their return to democracy,” said the German envoy.