United News of Bangladesh

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) is set to host its first-ever Media Networking Session and Roadshow (B2B) & Networking Evening in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh on April 5 and 6 respectively. This landmark initiative marks a significant step in strengthening tourism ties between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh while enhancing destination awareness among Bangladeshi travellers, organisers informed. They also said the Media Networking Session scheduled for April 5 is expected to attract over 40 leading media representatives from Bangladesh, providing a platform to showcase Sri Lanka’s diverse tourism offerings, including leisure, culture, wellness, and adventure experiences. The session aims to foster stronger engagement with the media and generate positive destination publicity in the Bangladeshi market. Following this, the Roadshow (B2B) & Networking Evening will be held on April 6 with approximately 150 Bangladeshi travel agents and tour operators in attendance. This business-focused event will facilitate direct interactions between Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi travel trade stakeholders, creating valuable opportunities for partnerships and business expansion. The Sri Lankan delegation will be led by Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, alongside Shirani Herath, Assistant Director – South Asia. The delegation includes representatives from 19 leading Sri Lankan travel and tourism companies, who will engage in productive networking sessions to promote Sri Lanka as a preferred travel destination among Bangladeshi travellers. Bangladesh continues to be an emerging and important source market for Sri Lanka Tourism. In 2025, Sri Lanka recorded 59,563 tourist arrivals from Bangladesh, contributing 3% of the total tourist arrivals. In 2026, up to 31st March, Sri Lanka has already welcomed 11,079 visitors from Bangladesh, accounting for 2% of the total arrivals. These figures highlight the steady growth potential of the market and the importance of targeted promotional efforts. Through these initiatives, Sri Lanka Tourism aims to further strengthen its presence in Bangladesh, enhance destination visibility, and build long-term collaborations with key stakeholders in the travel and media industries.

Bangladesh and Japan held the second round of talks on Friday to chart a path for operationalising the long-delayed third terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA). The discussions focused on revenue-related arrangements, with both sides planning further meetings to finalise decision. The bilateral meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs involved high-level officials from both countries to discuss the operation and maintenance of the nearly-complete terminal. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman chaired the meeting. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam (Rita), State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kabir, State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, and the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, among other senior officials, attended the meeting. The Japanese delegation was headed by Nakayama Riiko, Assistant Vice Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The meeting comes as the government seeks to resume negotiations with the Japanese consortium to operationalise the terminal, which is over 99 percent complete but has yet to commence full commercial operations. A preliminary discussion on the matter was held on March 13 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also chaired by the Foreign Minister.

Amid increased engagement from both sides to retune bilateral relations, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and his Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishankar are set to meet in New Delhi next week, a move that could usher in a new phase of cooperation on a range of issues important to both Dhaka and Delhi and lend genuine momentum to the relationship, officials said. This will mark the first high-level visit to India since the BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, assumed office, following a period of significant strain in bilateral relations. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to make any official announcement regarding the planned brief visit. “The meeting between the two foreign ministers will be held in New Delhi on April 8,” a senior official told UNB, without elaborating further on his arrival and departure information.  The Indian side usually does not announce incoming visits but officially announces outgoing visits.   Bangladesh and India share deep-rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities, said an official, noting that in any bilateral meeting all issues of mutual interest come up for discussion.  The two Foreign Ministers are likely to discuss cooperation in the areas of energy, water sharing, border management, visa, people-to-people ties, he said adding that a future visit of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India may also come up for discussion at the meeting. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already invited Prime Minister Tarique, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman to pay a visit to India at a convenient time. “I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India,” Modi said in his letter handed over to PM Tarique by Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla who represented the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh. Bangladesh-US relationship matters more than ever: Paul Kapur Prime Minister Modi said he looks forward to working closely with Prime Minister Tarique to strengthen their multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance their common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Asked whether the Prime Minister would consider India for his first bilateral visit, a diplomatic source told UNB that Bangladesh would take a decision “creatively” on the matter. Water Sharing Issues The subject of water is widely seen as a sensitive issue and Bangladesh always keeps talking about its long pending request for concluding the agreement on the sharing of the waters of the Teesta River, the draft of which was finalised in 2011. The two countries share 54 common rivers, including the Teesta. In India’s federal scheme of things, nothing is done without consultations with the State Government and any agreement that they conclude will have to be acceptable to the State Government of India; at the same time, it would also have to be acceptable to Bangladesh, officials said. The Bangladesh-India Ganga/Ganges Water Treaty was signed on December 12, 1996 and is expiring in December this year. Dhaka, Delhi discuss defence cooperation As discussions for its renewal are yet to commence between the two countries, officials said this might be one of the issues to be discussed this time. In July 2024, the governments of Bangladesh and India had decided to begin discussions on renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty. The discussions are yet to commence in this regard and no fresh agreement has been ratified between the two countries. The Indian side had offered to renew it in 2024 but the interim government did not pursue it at that time, a diplomatic source in New Delhi told UNB.  Inputs on drinking water and industrial water requirements have also been received from all stakeholders including from the government of West Bengal, which have been taken into account while formulating the Indian government’s views. Visa Issues Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, in his recent meetings with the Ministers in Dhaka, explored new areas for future collaboration in people-centric domains aligned with the respective developmental priorities of the two countries based on mutual interest and mutual benefit. Bangladesh intensifies energy diplomacy with US, Russia amid diversification push The two sides also discussed various aspects of Bangladesh-India economic cooperation, including ways to strengthen transport, energy and digital connectivity between the two countries. At the foreign minister–level meeting, the Bangladesh side is expected to raise the visa issue as tourist visas for Bangladeshis have remained suspended since July 2024 on security grounds. Indian visa centres in Bangladesh are still understaffed, suggesting that a full resumption of services may take time, a diplomatic source said, adding that the restart will be announced once finalised. India thinks the two countries can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies. Bangladesh and India on Thursday discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives. The issues were discussed when Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah met Indian Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi at the South Block. They also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aimed at promoting regional peace and security. The envoy said he was pleased to meet General Upendra Dwivedi and reflect on Bangladesh-India ties, including defence cooperation.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur has highlighted the growing relations between Bangladesh and the United States (US), saying that Dhaka-Washington relationship matters more than ever. "Today, US-Bangladesh relationship matters more than ever," he said while speaking about relationship between the two countries at a recent programme hosted by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington. Assistant Secretary Kapur said cooperation between the two countries in areas including security, trade, and governance, as well as their shared values make the two countries more prosperous and secure.  In March, he paid a two-day visit to Bangladesh, discussing key US priorities, expanding market access for American businesses, strengthening cooperation on illegal immigration, and deepening collaboration on regional security and counterterrorism. He discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, enhancing security cooperation, and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region. During his recent meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright acknowledged the energy challenges Bangladesh is currently facing and expressed his country's commitment to support Bangladesh during these difficult times to help ensure its energy security. He said the US will consider the requests of Bangladesh and assured that he and his team would work closely with the relevant departments of the U.S. government to this end. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman met with the US Energy Secretary at the Department of Energy in Washington, D.C. on March 31. During the meeting, Dr Rahman explained the energy related challenges Bangladesh is going through due to supply chain disruptions. He requested the Energy Secretary for help and support to ensure Bangladesh's energy security.

The Embassy of Algeria in Dhaka hosted a condolence book signing in honor of former Algerian President Liamine Zéroual, drawing diplomats, government officials, and members of civil society. Ambassadors, high commissioners, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives of civil society and religious leaders attended the event, expressing deep sympathy and solidarity with the people of Algeria. They paid tribute to Zéroual’s leadership during a critical period in his country’s history. Speakers at the event highlighted his commitment to peace, stability, and international cooperation, noting that his leadership earned him widespread respect both at home and abroad. Civil society representatives also joined in honoring his legacy, reflecting the broad admiration he commanded globally. They also underscored the longstanding and friendly relations between Algeria and Bangladesh, recalling Zéroual’s role in strengthening international ties. Born on July 3, 1941, in Batna, Algeria, Zéroual began his career in the Algerian army at the age of 16. He rose through the ranks to command key military regions and later served as Algeria’s Ambassador to Romania, gaining significant diplomatic experience. In 1989, he was appointed Chief of Land Forces, marking a major milestone in his distinguished military career.

Bangladesh and India on Thursday discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, including joint training initiatives. The issues were discussed when Bangladesh High Commissioner to India M Riaz Hamidullah met Indian Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi at the South Block.  They also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aimed at promoting regional peace and security. The envoy said he was pleased to meet General Upendra Dwivedi and reflect on Bangladesh-India ties, including defence cooperation. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman is scheduled to visit India next week to hold bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar. This will be the first high-level engagement between Bangladesh and India since Prime Minister Tarique Rahman-led BNP government assumed power, following a period of strained ties. The Foreign Minister will visit Mauritius to attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference after his planned visit to India on April 7-8.

Highlighting the growing bilateral ties, Ambassador of Ireland to Bangladesh (resident in New Delhi), Kevin Kelly, has said that Ireland wants to do much more to further strengthen relations between the two countries. “Our past is something to be proud of, but our future is also very exciting… we really are on the rise. We want to do much more,” he said. The ambassador made the remarks while speaking at a reception in Dhaka on the occasion of St Patrick's Day, the National Day of Ireland. Although St Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17 in Ireland, the celebration in Dhaka was delayed out of respect for the holy month of Ramadan. The ambassador held a number of meetings in Dhaka and spoke positively about the future and how the two countries can collaborate in business and trade. “I hope there will also be stronger government-to-government links,” he added. Honorary Consul of Ireland to Bangladesh Masud Jamil Khan highlighted the vast untapped potential for broader cooperation between Bangladesh and Ireland.  

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has begun implementing its Targeting and Prioritization Exercise (TPE) for monthly food assistance across the Rohingya camps, marking an important transition toward needs-based support for over 1.3 million Rohingya people living in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char. The TPE analysis found that while all Rohingyas are food insecure, levels of food insecurity vary across households.  Under the new approach, food assistance is aligned with household level food security needs, said the WFP.  Extremely food insecure households will continue to receive USD 12 per person per month in Cox’s Bazar (USD 13 in Bhasan Char, reflecting higher market costs).  Highly food insecure households will receive USD 10 (USD 11 in Bhasan Char), and food insecure households will receive USD 7 (USD 8 in Bhasan Char).  Even at the lowest transfer value, assistance remains sufficient to meet minimum food needs, based on the food gap analysis. This approach reflects global best practice for protracted humanitarian crises. Families facing the greatest barriers to meeting basic food needs, including child headed households, women- and elderly headed households without an able bodied adult, and households with persons with disabilities, continue to receive the highest level of support. “This alignment reflects our continued commitment to the entire Rohingya community. We will still provide food assistance to everyone in the camps, but will target the highest levels of support to those who need it most. WFP’s food gap analysis shows us that everyone will still be able to meet their minimum food needs,” said Simone Parchment, WFP Country Director a.i. While not driven by funding considerations, the TPE supports a more effective, equitable, and proportionate allocation of food assistance, aligned with humanitarian food requirements.  This approach contributes to the overall effectiveness of the Joint Response Plan (JRP) for the Rohingya Refugee Crisis, particularly in a context of global funding constraints that require careful prioritization of lifesaving assistance. During the TPE, WFP consulted Rohingya communities to understand their perspectives on food security needs, which were then incorporated in the analysis.  Community-level sensitizations have been ongoing since 1 March to facilitate understanding and acceptance. With the TPE, and thanks to recent United States contributions through the OCHA managed Bangladesh Humanitarian Fund (BHF), as well as continued support from the European Union, Australia, and other generous donors, WFP will be able to sustain uninterrupted food assistance for the Rohingya population through November 2026. In addition to providing monthly food assistance to the entire Rohingya population, including close to 150,000 new arrivals since 2024 fleeing intensified conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State - WFP delivers essential nutrition support for children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women, school feeding programmes, and resilience and disaster preparedness activities to help families meet essential needs while strengthening community capacity.  Host community smallholder farmers also receive resilience support, gaining stronger linkages with local markets as well as with WFP’s food assistance supply chains for the Rohingya response. “WFP is deeply grateful for the steadfast support of all our partners. It is because of their solidarity and generosity that our lifesaving assistance will have no interruptions in the coming months. However, sustained support remains essential,” added Parchment. “Until a lasting solution can be found, the Rohingya need our continued support to save lives and safeguard dignity and stability.”

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Thursday thanked the government of Kuwait for ensuring the safety and security of the around 3 lakh Bangladeshi expatriates in Kuwait, reiterating Bangladesh’s stance of non-interference and peaceful diplomatic solution of conflicts. Ambassador of Kuwait to Bangladesh Ali Thunayun Abdulwahab Hamadah paid a courtesy call on Shama Obaed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed issues of mutual interest. The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and growing strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Kuwait, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador conveyed the appreciation of the government of Kuwait for initiating the phone call between the two Foreign Ministers of the countries and expressing solidarity with Kuwait at the early stage of the war. The State Minister emphasised the importance of enhancing trade and investment, especially in energy, infrastructure, ICT, and halal food sectors. She also invited the Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in Special Economic Zones and Hi-Tech Parks.  Ambassador Hamadah acknowledged the support of Bangladesh for Kuwait in multilateral fora, including the UN and OIC. The Minister expressed Bangladeshis appreciation for Kuwait’s support to the Rohingya humanitarian response.  The State Minister conveyed Bangladesh’s readiness to extend humanitarian support to Kuwait, as deem it useful. She stressed exchange of high-level visits and on holding regular meetings of existing bilateral platforms to identify opportunities and advance cooperation for mutual benefit. The Ambassador assured all sorts of cooperation for Bangladesh and its expatriates in Kuwait and foster Bangladesh Kuwait brotherly relations.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in a letter addressed to President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has conveyed Bangladesh’s firm solidarity with the leadership and the brotherly people of the country in the context of the ongoing conflict situation. The Prime Minister also expressed deep concerns over the attacks, the loss of lives, injuries, and damage to property. Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Humaiun Kobir, on Wednesday evening called on UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and handed over the personal letter from the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, addressed to the UAE President.