United News of Bangladesh

The Republic of Korea on Monday reaffirmed its support to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, for critical humanitarian assistance and protection for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, with a contribution of USD 5 million to strengthen disability inclusion and protection efforts, as well as provide essential gas for cooking. “This generous contributionfrom the Republic of Korea comes at a crucial time, when the needs and vulnerabilities of Rohingya refugees continue to rise, especially for those with disabilities,” said Ivo Freijsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh. Amid devastating cuts to life-saving aid, he said, they are most grateful for the steadfast support of the people and Government of Korea, which enables us to address critical needs and uphold refugees’ dignity and well-being in an increasingly uncertain time. Eight years since their large-scale exodus from Myanmar in August 2017, over 1.16million Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char remain dependenton humanitarian assistance to meet their daily needs. Since early 2024, renewed violence and human rights abuses in Myanmar’s Rakhine state have forced an additional 150,000 refugees to flee.

Bangladesh and Kuwait on Sunday agreed to strengthen cooperation in political, economic, defence, labour, development and cultural fields. The two sides, during their first-ever ‘political consultations’, reviewed defence cooperation, noting Bangladesh’s contributions under Operation Kuwait Punargathan. They agreed to enhance collaboration in training, disaster response and cyber security. They discussed expanding manpower cooperation, finalising pending MoUs, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035. Secretary (Bilateral), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Assistant Foreign Minister of Kuwait for Asian Affairs Sameeh Essa Johar Hayat co-chaired the consultations. The meeting reflected the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Kuwait to build a ‘comprehensive, forward-looking partnership’, guided by mutual respect and a shared vision for sustainable development under Kuwait Vision 2035. The consultations between Bangladesh and the government of the State of Kuwait were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, reaffirming the historic friendship that began with Kuwait’s early recognition of Bangladesh in 1973 and support for its OIC membership in 1974, according to the joint press statement. They decided to hold political consultations biennially, alternately in Dhaka and Kuwait City, and to promote high-level visits and exchanges among officials, business communities and cultural representatives. Both sides stressed the importance of enhancing trade and investment, especially in energy, infrastructure, ICT and halal food sectors. Bangladesh invited Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks. They agreed to reactivate the Joint Trade Committee and convene a Bangladesh–Kuwait Business Forum in 2026. The meeting expressed satisfaction over Kuwait Fund (KFAED) assistance and agreed to explore new cooperation in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure and aviation connectivity. Both sides emphasised the importance of education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, including MoU between the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy and the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute and agreed to expedite the diplomatic plot exchange process. They reaffirmed cooperation in multilateral fora, including the UN and OIC, and Bangladesh expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s support to the Rohingya humanitarian response. Bangladesh also reaffirmed support for Kuwait’s candidatures to UNESCO, UNHRC and IAEA.

Canada on Sunday expressed its support for Bangladesh as the country moves towards a “peaceful transition” through ‘free, fair, inclusive and participatory’ elections. The July National Charter, signed by the political parties recently, outlines key democratic reforms for implementation, said the High Commission in a post shared from its verified social media handles. On October 17, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh joined members of the diplomatic community to witness an 'important moment’ in Bangladesh’s history, the signing of the July Charter by political parties after over a year of consensus building by the interim government. Soon after signing the July Charter on Friday, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday said the signing of the ‘July National Charter 2025’ symbolises a tune of unity and this unity will guide them towards the upcoming national election. He expressed optimism that a fair and festive election would be held in February next year, maintaining the existing unity among the politicians. “We are talking about the elections. The tune we played together today is a tune of unity. We will move forward to the election with this same spirit. The election will be held in February, and it is essential that we maintain this unity,” Prof Yunus said.

South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Park Young-sik on Sunday said Bangladesh and South Korea are currently negotiating the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and its conclusion will provide another opportunity to take the existing close relationship to a step further. Speaking at a seminar titled "Korean Investors’ CSR Activities and Future Together," the Ambassador touched on how both countries can further promote bilateral trade and investment. "Korea does not pursue strategic interests beyond our economic cooperation," he said, noting that both Bangladesh and Korea are committed to forging a brighter and more prosperous future for the two nations building on the achievements of the past 50 years. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted the seminar, reaffirming its dedication to promoting responsible business practices, people-centered development, and a stronger partnership between Korean investors and the people of Bangladesh. Stakeholders including President of the Korea-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KBCCI) Shahab Uddin Khan and Country Director of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Jihoon Kim, among others, spoke. The event brought together Korean companies, NGOs, business leaders, and development experts to highlight the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in promoting sustainable development and strengthening Korea-Bangladesh partnership. Ambassador Young-sik said Bangladesh continues to be a promising destination for South Korean investors, with its rapidly growing economy, strategic location, and abundant labor force. In order to fully realise Bangladesh’s potential as an investment destination, he said, Bangladesh needs to improve business environment for making efforts such as timely visa issuance and renewal, seamless customs clearance, reduction of high tariffs on raw materials and intermediate goods, resolving the problem of overdue payment in dollars after the completion of projects, and allowing repatriation of profits to home countries. The Ambassador emphasised the growing importance of CSR as a key driver of inclusive growth, social welfare, and responsible investment in Bangladesh. He also reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to continuing collaborative CSR efforts that contribute to Bangladesh’s sustainable development goals. Ambassador Young-sik said Bangladesh’s export to Korea is increasing steadily every year. However, he said, its amount is not satisfactory due to the limited range of export items. Items such as footwear, ICT products, leather goods, light industrial products and pharmaceuticals can be further exported to Korea. "A bilateral CEPA can provide an impetus to further increase Bangladesh's share in Korea's market, especially RMG items," said the Ambassador.

The bodies of eight Bangladeshi nationals, including seven expatriates from Sandwip upazila who were killed in a tragic road accident in Oman, arrived in Chattogram on Saturday night. Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-122, carrying the bodies from Muscat, landed at Shah Amanat International Airport at 8:50 p.m. District administration officials, on behalf of the government, handed over the bodies to the grieving families. Engineer Md. Ibrahim Khalil, public relations officer at the airport, said that all eight bodies arrived on the same flight and will be transported to Sandwip on Sunday morning. According to officials, the accident occurred on October 8 around 4:00 p.m. (Bangladesh time) in the Dukhum Sidda area of Oman, when a private vehicle carrying the victims was hit by a speeding fish transport truck en route to the sea. The impact was fatal, claiming the lives of all passengers on board. All the deceased hailed from Chattogram’s Sandwip upazila, except one from Raozan. The victims were identified as Amin Majhi, Md. Arju, Md. Rocky, Sahab Uddin, and Md. Bablu from Sarikait Union; Md. Jewel and Md. Roni from Rahmatpur Union; and another individual from Chikdair Union in Raozan upazila. Sandwip Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mangchingnu Marma said that a joint namaz-e-janaza will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at the East Sandwip Multipurpose High School grounds, after which the bodies will be buried in their respective localities. Families and residents of Sandwip have extended gratitude to the Bangladesh Embassy in Oman, Ambassador Md. Nazmul Islam, and the Omani authorities for their swift assistance in repatriating the bodies.

"Heartiest Congratulations to Lady Cadet Jannatul Mawa (Bangladesh Army) on passing out from Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) & receiving the coveted Commandant’s Overseas Medal. She was handed over the award by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), HJ," said the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka in a post shared on its X handle.  Passing out parade of cadets of 152nd PMA Long Course, 71st Integrated Course, 26th Lady Cadet Course, 37th Technical Graduate Course was held at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Abbottabad on Saturday. Cadets from several friendly countries including Iraq, Palestine, Qatar, Mali, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Bangladesh and Nigeria also graduated from Pakistan Military Academy. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) graced the occasion as chief guest. The Chief of Army Staff reviewed the parade and gave awards to distinguished cadets.

Twelve Bangladeshi sailors, rescued eight months ago by the Indian Coast Guard, returned home on Saturday afternoon through Benapole border of Jashore, under a special travel permit. The sailors were handed over to Benapole Immigration Police by Indian Immigration authorities around 5:30 pm. The returnees were identified as Shariful Sheikh, 20, Bappi Sheikh, 18, Mihat Fakir, 22, Shawon Molla, 25, Jihad Molla, 25, Ahad Sheikh, 26, Sagar Hossain, 26, Rajib Sheikh, 27, Tarikul Islam, 29, Al Amin Sheikh, 32, Mohammad Ali, 44, and Jasim Uddin Sheikh, 53. Benapole Immigration Officer-in-Charge Md. Tajul Islam said, “The sailors were handed over to Benapole Port Police after completing necessary formalities. Later, human rights organisation Justice and Care received them and will facilitate their return to their respective families.” According to Mohit Hossain, Senior Programme Officer of Justice and Care in Jashore, the sailors had set sail for India on January 31, 2025, aboard MV Sea World, a cement-laden vessel from Ghorashal Cement Factory in Narsingdi. The ship sank in the Ghormari Deep River in the Sundarbans area of West Bengal following an accident. Benapole Port police station without OC for 25 days The Indian Coast Guard rescued the crew and kept them at the Krishnanagar High School Cyclone Center. Following diplomatic coordination between the two countries and the issuance of special travel permits by the Indian government, the sailors were repatriated to Bangladesh on Saturday.  

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Country Director in Bangladesh Jihoon Kim has reaffirmed KOICA’s continued commitment to work hand-in-hand with Bangladesh to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. Kim made the remarks while celebrating three decades of friendship and partnership with Bangladesh through the Korea Bangladesh Alumni Association (KBAA) Night 2025, held on October 16. Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh Park Young-sik who joined as the chief guest, highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations and the growing impact of KOICA’s development programs. The KBAA President, General Secretary, and other alumni members shared reflections on KOICA’s role in global talent development and the meaningful contributions of Bangladeshi alumni in various sectors after returning from training and higher education programs in Korea. The annual KBAA Night brought together more than 200 participants, including the KOICA alumni, government officials, development partners, and representatives from KOICA projects to commemorate 30 years of cooperation between Korea and Bangladesh. The evening concluded with a networking dinner, strengthening connections among alumni and reaffirming the shared vision of KOICA and Bangladesh for peace, prosperity, and a sustainable future. This year’s celebration carried special significance as KOICA marked its 30th anniversary of partnership in Bangladesh, a journey founded on trust, respect, and shared aspirations for sustainable development. The event began with a video presentation titled “KOICA & Bangladesh – 30 Years of Friendship”, showcasing KOICA’s contributions since its establishment in 1995. Over the years, KOICA has partnered with the Government of Bangladesh to advance progress in public administration and governance, public health, transport modernization, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and ICT innovation. Since 1993, more than 2,600 Bangladeshi government officials have participated in KOICA’s fellowship and training programs, while over 1,700 Korean volunteers have served in different institutions across Bangladesh, fostering mutual understanding and lasting bonds between the two peoples. In 2025 alone, KOICA is facilitating several capacity-building programs for Bangladeshi officials in diverse areas such as public finance, infrastructure development, social protection, and technology-driven policy innovation. KOICA, BMET collaborating with industry to enhance employment These include specialized training on “Capacity Building for ERD Officials in Bangladesh”, “Strengthening Sustainable Infrastructure Development Capacity”, and “Old-Age Income Security Systems”, among others — engaging more than 50 participants throughout the year.  

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Friday appreciated the signing of the July National Charter, noting that this was an important moment in the country’s political transition. He said the moment demonstrated unity of purpose as Bangladesh moves towards elections in early 2026. "I was delighted to join the signing ceremony of the July Charter, a document which sets out broad political consensus on fundamental reforms," he said. The July National Charter 2025 was signed on Friday by 25 political parties including BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus urged the political leaders to have talks for a fair and festive election, stresing thst the signing of the “July National Charter 2025” symbolises a tune of unity, and this unity will guide them toward the upcoming national election. Prof Yunus expressed optimism that a fair and festive election would be held in February next year maintaining the existing unity among the politicians. He described the signing moment of the July Memorial Charter-2025 as a ‘great day’ and sees it as the beginning of ‘New Bangladesh’. July Charter a social contract, says Prof Riaz "It's a great day. It's the beginning of New Bangladesh," he said in his speech soon after signing of the historic document. Prof Yunus, also the chief of the National Consensus Commission, thanked the politicians, stressing that they not only set an example for the nation but also for the world. "With this, they took the nation to a new height," Prof Yunus said.

The Embassy of Algeria in Bangladesh hosted a solemn ceremony to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the massacres of 17 October 1961, under the theme “Cohesion and Commitment.” The day has been recognized as National Emigration Day in Algeria since 2021, honoring the courage and sacrifice of Algerians who stood against colonial oppression. The ceremony began with the hoisting of the Algerian national flag, followed by a minute of silence to honor the martyrs of the massacre. Ambassador Abdelouahab Saidani delivered a powerful keynote address, reflecting on the historic significance of the 17 October 1961 events. He shared the story of how over thirty thousand Algerians, including men, women, and children, peacefully took to the streets of Paris to protest a discriminatory curfew imposed on Muslims in France and to demand independence for Algeria. Their march, which carried no weapons but only dreams of justice, was met with brutal force by the French police, resulting in numerous deaths and many being thrown into the River Seine. “This massacre is one of the most brutal acts of French colonial repression,” said Ambassador Saidani. “The state met peace with violence, humanity with hatred. Yet, the courage of the Algerian people did not perish that night. Instead, it lit the path to Algeria’s independence.”