United News of Bangladesh

In a stunning shift in global military power, India has leapfrogged China to claim the title of the third most powerful air force in the world, reports Newsweek. While the United States continues to dominate, followed by Russia, India’s rise signals a dramatic recalibration in Asia’s strategic balance, the report said. China, long considered a major air power, now ranks fourth. The latest World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) rankings cover 103 countries and 129 air services—including army, navy, and marine aviation branches—and track a total of 48,082 aircraft worldwide. Newsweek has reached out to the State department as well as the Foreign Ministries of China and India for comment. Why It Matters Air power remains a decisive factor in global military strategy. The United States continues to lead, with its air capabilities surpassing the combined fleets of Russia, China, India, South Korea, and Japan. This dominance is supported by nearly 40 percent of global military expenditure concentrated in the United States. At the same time, nations such as India and China are rapidly modernizing their air forces amid rising geopolitical tensions. Janes, a leading global open-source defense intelligence provider, projects that global defense spending could rise by 3.6 percent by the end of the year, reaching approximately $2.56 trillion. This continued growth reflects intensified conflicts and strategic realignments worldwide, emphasizing the crucial role of air power in both modern warfare and international deterrence. What To Know India's air force now ranks sixth globally, with a TruVal Rating (TVR) of 69.4. This rating evaluates not only the quantity of aircraft but also factors such as attack and defense capabilities, logistical support, modernization and operational training. In its fleet of 1,716 units, India maintains a balanced force composition: 31.6 percent fighters, 29 percent helicopters, and 21.8 percent trainers. The Indian Air Force (IAF) sources its equipment from a diverse range of countries, including the U.S. and Russia, reflecting its complex geopolitical positioning. The operational effectiveness of India's air force was notably demonstrated during Operation Sindoor, a series of precision strikes carried out in May on infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Conducted in response to the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the operation showcased India’s ability to swiftly engage and neutralize threats beyond its borders. The mission underscored the IAF’s enhanced precision, coordination and strategic reach, reflecting its growing air superiority in the region.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has said the initiation of proceedings against those accused of carrying out enforced disappearances and torture under the previous government in Bangladesh was an important step towards accountability. “I urge full respect for the most scrupulous standards of due process and fair trial, as guaranteed in international law. The protection of victims and witnesses in these sensitive and significant cases must be ensured,” the High Commissioner said. Last week, the country’s International Crimes Tribunal submitted formal charges of crimes against humanity in two cases related to enforced disappearances and torture alleged to have occurred at the Task Force for Interrogation Cell and the Joint Interrogation Cell, respectively.  The Tribunal also issued arrest warrants for mostly former, but also some serving, military officers, including a number of former Directors-General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, as well as former officials of the Rapid Action Battalion. “This marks the first time that formal charges have been brought for enforced disappearances in the country. It is a significant moment for victims and their families,” High Commissioner Türk said. Bangladesh reaffirms its commitment to NAM principles On Saturday, Bangladesh’s army announced that it had detained over a dozen of its officers accused of serious crimes committed under the previous administration.  It is crucial that the army promptly produces these detained officers to a competent civilian court, for fair and transparent criminal proceedings, said the UN rights body chief in a statement issued from Geneva on October 15. One of the key recommendations of the UN Human Rights Office’s Fact-Finding Report into last year’s deadly student-led protests was that those responsible for serious violations of human rights, some of which may also constitute international crimes, must be held to account in accordance with international standards. The crime of enforced disappearances is now formally recognised in Bangladesh for the first time following ratification in August 2024 of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances and an amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Act. SAARC can unlock immense potential for trade and investment: GED Member The High Commissioner also urged the authorities to prioritise the handling of the large number of other pending cases – with some dating back to the previous administration and others since then.  It is crucial to ensure due process and fair resolution in each case, and to release promptly anyone who has been arbitrarily detained, said the UN human rights body. This includes survivors of enforced disappearances and others facing unfounded charges, including journalists and those perceived to be supporters of the former regime.  Many of them continue to face criminal charges, including under the draconian Anti-Terrorism Act. The High Commissioner has also urged the authorities not to pursue the death penalty in any of the cases before its courts, irrespective of the seriousness of the charges. “Beyond ensuring individual accountability, the best way forward for Bangladesh is a comprehensive process of truth-telling, reparation, healing and justice," he said. "Such a process must address the legacy of serious human rights violations and ensure that these abuses can never happen again. I also call on the interim Government to deal with ongoing concerns promptly in line with international law,” Türk said.   

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Tuesday said Bangladesh remains steadfast in its commitment to the NAM's (Non-Aligned Movement) principles and working with all members to build a just, peaceful and prosperous world for our present and future generations. 'It is only when we stand together, we can better address our shared vulnerabilities and those of our individual member states," he said. The Adviser made the remarks at the 19th mid-term Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, Kampala, Uganda. The theme of the meeting was "Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence."

Young political leaders from Norway and Sweden have completed a visit to Bangladesh, led by the United Nations Development Programme in Bangladesh, exploring the country's dynamic journey to democracy, climate resilience and inclusive development. The young politicians saw firsthand how Bangladesh is preparing for upcoming national elections in February 2026. The visit concluded with a joint reception hosted by the Embassies of Norway, Sweden and UNDP Bangladesh on Tuesday evening, celebrating the spirit of partnership, dialogue and shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable societies. From meeting Professor Muhammod Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, to engaging with women in Khulna and in Sundarbans and with youth leaders in Dhaka, the delegation experienced how Bangladeshis are shaping change - from the grassroots to national reforms. The delegation visited the Election Commission's Office in Khulna to learn about the preparations that are underway, said the Embassy of Norway in Dhaka on Wednesday. This preparatory work is being supported by Norway, Sweden and other development partners through the BALLOT Project which, among other things, is working to strengthen the institutional, technical and operational capacities of the Election Commission. In Dhaka they connected with young Bangladeshi political leaders in a 'Youth Adda’, and explored stories of courage at Drik Gallery, and visited one of Bangladesh's most iconic landmarks - the National Parliament. The young politicians also had the privilege to meet the Chief Justice, the Attorney General, and a member of the Consensus Commission.  

All travellers, including from Bangladesh, visiting Sri Lanka for short-stay purposes (tourism or business) are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via the official website www.eta.gov.lk with effect from October 15. As per reciprocal/bilateral arrangements, passport holders of Seychelles, Maldives and Singapore will be exempted from ETA fees for tourism purposes, according to a notification issued by the Sri Lankan government. Passport holders of China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan will also be eligible to obtain the ETA free of charge for tourism purposes, as per the existing regulations. The stipulated fee will be applicable to passport holders from all other countries and to those applying ETA under business category. A visa fee will be applicable for all Business Visa applicants from all countries.

Five more garment factories of Bangladesh have achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or green factory certificates from the United States. Through this, Bangladesh has significantly strengthened its position as the global leader in eco-friendly industrialization, with its ready-made garment (RMG) sector boasting an impressive total of 268 LEED-certified. According to the latest data from the US Green Building Council (USGBC), the country now has 114 Platinum-rated and 135 Gold-rated green garment factories. Perhaps the most remarkable highlight is that 68 of the world's top 100 eco-friendly factories are now located in Bangladesh, an achievement that elevates the country's apparel industry to a new echelon on the global stage. The total count recently climbed with the addition of five new factories receiving the prestigious certification: three achieving Platinum status and two securing Gold status. Three platinum LEED factories are Pakiza Knit Composite Limited, Fashion Pulse Limited, and GAVE Private Limited. Two gold factories are – Visual Knitwears Limited and Talisman Performance Limited at CEPZ, South Halishahar. Mohiuddin Rubel, former director of BGMEA and Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, underscored the significance of this milestone. 3 new LEED-certified factories added in Bangladesh; total now 261 “Bangladesh is now the global leader not just in garment exports, but also in eco-friendly production systems," Rubel stated. Bangladesh’s industrial sector has become a symbol of sustainable development, which will further increase the confidence of international buyers, he opined.    

Member (Secretary) of the General Economics Division Dr. Monzur Hossain on Wednesday said by reducing non-tariff barriers, improving logistics, and expanding cross-border transport and digital connectivity, SAARC can unlock immense potential for trade and investment. “South Asia remains one of the least integrated regions in the world, with intra-regional trade below six percent of total trade,” he said, while inaugurating a two-day long Consultative Workshop on the preparation of the first SAARC Development Report (SDR) at a city hotel. The General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission hosted the workshop where delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka attended. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the SAARC Secretariat coordinated the overall arrangements of the workshop with the technical and logistical support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This event is being conducted as part of an earlier initiative of the SAARC Secretariat to finalize the SAARC Development Report (SDR) 2025. The theme of the workshop is "SDR 2025: Shaping the Future Together for a Resilient SAARC."  Prathma Uprety, Director, Information and Poverty Alleviation Division, SAARC Secretariat, and Dongxiang Li, Lead Regional Cooperation Specialist, Asian Development Bank, Manila, also spoke at the workshop. Dr. Posh Raj Pandey, Consultant, ADB, presented the draft of the SDR. Delegates of member countries also made country presentations on "Resilient SAARC to Shape Future Together Country Perspective". Dr. Monzur Hossain commended the SAARC Secretariat for facilitating the consultation. He emphasized that the SAARC Development Report must not remain a formality- rather it should be prepared with thorough analysis, broad consultation, and implemented efficiently to make a real impact on people's lives. He acknowledged and thanked the Asian Development Bank for its logistical and technical support in organizing the consultative workshop. Highlighting regional challenges, he stressed that poverty and inequality persist despite economic growth. Bridging the digital divide and promoting SME development should therefore be collective priorities to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth. Prathma Uprety, Director, SAARC Secretariat stated that, the SAARC Secretariat is committed to promoting deeper regional cooperation and resilience across South Asia. “Through the SAARC Development Report 2025, we aim to advance socioeconomic growth, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. She also added, together we will shape a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable future for our region.” Hoe Yun Jeong, Country Director, ADB emphasized the importance of strengthened regional cooperation in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for South Asia. He highlighted ADB's commitment to creating more jobs, promoting clean energy, and protecting public health to ensure long term stability and inclusive growth. The Country Director reaffirmed that collective efforts under the SAARC Development Report 2025 will drive shared prosperity across the region. Dongxiang Li, Lead Regional Cooperation Specialist, ADB addressed the SAARC-ADB Consultative Workshop on the preparation of the SAARC Development Report 2025: "Shaping the Future Together for a Resilient SAARC." He highlighted the importance of socioeconomic development, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and institutional strengthening to enhance regional resilience. Li reaffirmed ADB's commitment to deepening partnerships, promoting knowledge sharing, and supporting capacity-building initiatives for a stronger and more resilient SAARC region. In their presentations, the member countries highlighted their efforts related to poverty alleviation, inequality reduction, removal of regional trade barriers, post-pandemic recovery issues, human capital development, connectivity, and climate vulnerabilities. They also outlined key recommendations and way forward. Bangladesh underscored the interim government's initiatives to restore macroeconomic stability, bring discipline to the fragile banking and financial sector, and rebuild institutions. 17th SAARC Agriculture Centre governing board meeting begins in Dhaka The consultative workshop will continue until tomorrow and is expected to adopt a report, outlining recommendations and a timeline for the preparation of the SAARC Development Report 2025, which will serve as a guiding document to achieve SDG targets in SAARC countries. The workshop is being chaired by Bidhan Baral, Joint Chief (Joint Secretary), GED.  

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Wednesday warned that six of its most critical humanitarian operations are facing severe pipeline breaks by year end, putting more lives at risk, as global humanitarian funding dries up. Without additional resources, millions of vulnerable people could be left without lifesaving food assistance at a time when global hunger has soared to record highs. The warning comes at a time when a new report issued by WFP, A Lifeline at Risk, finds that cuts to WFP food assistance could push 13.7 million current food aid recipients from crisis (IPC3) to emergency (IPC4) levels of hunger – a one-third increase. “The world is facing a rising tide of acute hunger that threatens millions of the most vulnerable – and the funds needed to help us respond are drying up,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “Every ration cut means a child goes to bed hungry, a mother skips a meal, or a family loses the support they need to survive. The lifeline that sustains millions of people is being cut before our eyes.” Six Critical Operations at Risk WFP’s operations in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan are currently facing major disruptions, which will only get worse by year-end. Ration cuts and reduced caseloads are hitting communities devastated by conflict, displacement, and climate shocks – particularly affecting children, women, refugees and internally displaced people. Afghanistan has seen dramatic reductions with assistance reaching less than 10 percent of food insecure people despite soaring malnutrition rates. DRC faces record levels of hunger; WFP has reduced its assistance this month to 600,000 people, down from a planned 2.3 million, with a complete pipeline break possible by February 2026. In Haiti, hot meal programmes have already stopped, and families are receiving half WFP’s standard monthly rations. WFP’s support in Somalia has been downsized repeatedly – reaching just 350,000 people in November, compared to 2.2 million a year ago. In South Sudan, all recipients of WFP assistance get a reduced ration, which will be missing some foods items from October as in-country stocks run out. In Sudan, WFP currently supports four million hungry people a month; while a significant operation, there are a total of 25 million people – half the population – facing acute food insecurity across the country. Preparedness – key to managing crisis response – has suffered too. WFP has no contingency stocks for the hurricane-season in Haiti for the first time since 2016, and no pre-positioning of food in Afghanistan as winter sets in. Record hunger, shrinking resources Global hunger is at record levels with 319 million people facing acute food insecurity, including 44 million in emergency levels of hunger (IPC4). Two concurrent famines have taken hold in Sudan and Gaza. Equally concerning, the number of people categorized as in famine, on the brink of famine, or at catastrophic levels of hunger (IPC 5), has doubled in just two years to 1.4 million. WFP’s funding has never been more challenged. The agency expects to receive 40 percent less funding for 2025, resulting in a projected budget of US$6.4 billion, down from US$10 billion in 2024. “The gap between what WFP needs to do and what we can afford to do has never been larger,” said Executive Director McCain. “We are at risk of losing decades of progress in the fight against hunger. It’s not just countries engulfed in major emergencies. Even hard-won gains in the Sahel region, where 500,000 people have been lifted out of aid dependence with integrated food assistance and resilience programs, could soon be wiped out without continued support.” WFP Calls for Urgent Action The impact of cuts is playing out differently across WFP’s operations, but one thing remains constant: WFP remains committed to delivering food assistance in the world’s hungriest places. “WFP will continue to advocate for all 319 million people facing acute food insecurity worldwide – not just the number we think we can raise the funds to feed,” stressed Executive Director McCain. “The devastating harm inflicted by cuts to food assistance not only threatens lives, but also risks undermining stability, fuelling displacement, and stoking wider social and economic upheaval. Swift and effective food assistance is a vital bulwark against chaos in nations already struggling to cope.” A successful response to the global food crisis requires a collective effort, involving governments, local civil society, public and private sector donors, and humanitarian actors. WFP is appealing to all parties involved to make every effort to support vital food security programs. The potential for tangible, meaningful results that positively impact the lives of millions is within our reach. Six critical operations at risk: Afghanistan: There are 9.5 million food insecure people in Afghanistan – a number that WFP fears will rise. WFP has a US$622 million funding shortfall over the next six months. Significant pipeline breaks are likely as early as November, with WFP likely to only reach 8 percent of its target for the winter humanitarian response. In the absence of adequate support, millions will suffer through the winter months. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): In DRC, a record 28 million people – one in four – are food insecure, including 10.3 million in the conflict-hit east. In 2025, WFP planned to assist all 2.3 million people in IPC 4, but only 1 million people have received support this year due to funding gaps. Assistance will be further reduced to 600,000 people from October, with a complete pipeline break looming in February 2026. The country operation has a US$351.7 million funding shortfall over the next six months. Haiti: In Haiti, more than half of the population – 5.7 million people - is facing acute food insecurity. WFP has been forced to suspend hot meals for recently displaced people and halve monthly rations to people facing emergency level hunger due to delays in funding. The country operation has a US$44 million funding shortfall over the next six months and further pipeline breaks are possible in early 2026. This could impact assistance for more than 300,000 people, with women, children and displaced people being worse hit. Somalia: In Somalia, 4.4 million people are facing high levels of food insecurity. Pipeline breaks are expected from November and WFP will be forced to reduce the number of people receiving emergency food assistance to just 350,000 people. This follows initial cuts in April which saw the number halve from 2.2 million to 1.1 million. The country operation has a US$98.3 million funding shortfall over the next six months. South Sudan: There are 7.7 million acutely food insecure people in South Sudan. WFP is operating under severe funding constraints, which have limited the scale of assistance and forced prioritization of communities in emergency and catastrophic levels (IPC4&5) of hunger. All 2.7 million people receiving WFP food assistance get a 50-70 percent ration and from October food baskets will be missing key food items – such as pulses, cereals, vegetable oil and nutrition products to prevent and treat malnutrition - as WFP faces further pipeline breaks. The country operation has a US$398.9 million funding shortfall over the next six months.   Sudan: There are 25 million people – half the population – facing acute hunger in Sudan with famine confirmed in areas. WFP assists an average of 4.2 million people each month – including 1.8 million in famine or famine risk areas. Pipeline breaks are imminent, and WFP urgently requires US$600 million over the next six months to further scale up support to around 8 million people per month – that’s what is needed to push back the threat of famine spreading.  

Highlighting the importance of channeling new funds, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the required fund mobilisation for the Rohingyas living in Bangladesh has become difficult as many countries are not willing to fund like before. “Recently, we have seen that fund mobilisation has become difficult. Many countries apparently do not want to fund,” he said. The Press Secretary referred to discussions between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and acting Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Carl Skau held in Rome where they focused on potentials for securing funds from new sources, including wealthy nations and multilateral financial institutions. The Chief Adviser returned home on Wednesday morning, ending his two-day visit to Rome, Italy.  Since the fighting reignited in Rakhine in 2024, another 150,000 individuals arrived in Bangladesh seeking safety. WFP reaffirms commitment to food aid for 1.3mn Rohingyas “Altogether, Bangladesh is hosting 1.3 million Rohingyas,” said Press Secretary Alam, noting that it is a huge task to deal with and it requires huge funding. And yet — despite enormous challenges — Bangladesh continues to host them, setting an example to the rest of the world. The Press Secretary said Bangladesh is highlighting the importance of new funding and new sources to diversify the fund mobilization and noted that the Western countries and wealthy nations had been extending support to the Rohingyas. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has recently said they will continue to work with Member States, regional bodies, civil society, and refugee-led organizations to raise resources and advance protection, resilience and solutions for all displaced people within and from Myanmar. "We have no other choice if we want to chart a new course for the people of Myanmar — one that is principled, pragmatic, and forward-looking and if we want to bring a lasting solution to the plight of the Rohingya people," he said, stressing that the UNHCR stands ready to support. Grandi said the prospects for funding next year are grim and unless further resources are forthcoming, despite the needs, they will be forced to make more cuts, while striving to minimize the risk of losing lives: children dying of malnutrition, or people dying at sea as more refugees embark on dangerous boat journeys. "We must do more, please. I call on all of you. And in addition to funding, it is critical to offer solutions, in line with the pledges made at the last Global Refugee Forum. Solutions such as resettlement as well as other pathways to hope, through education or labour mobility," Grandi added. Acting Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Carl Skau has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to mobilising food assistance for 1.3 million Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh, stressing that the crisis remains one of the top priorities for the Rome-based UN agency.    

Australian Minister for International Development and Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly on Wednesday pledged her country’s continued support to the Election Commission (EC) ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election. An Australian delegation, led by Dr Anne Aly, made the proposal at a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. “This was mainly a courtesy meeting, but the Australian side said if there is any scope to assist the Commission in any way, we should let them know,” EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters after the meeting. Akhtar Ahmed said the issue of possible cooperation came up during the discussion, particularly concerning the misuse of technology and misinformation. Bangladesh Election 2026: EC’s law-and-order meeting Oct 20 “We discussed matters like AI intervention, misuse and abuse of information, and fake information. They said that they too face similar challenges,” he said. The EC secretary said Australia is already supporting the Commission through a UNDP-sponsored project titled ‘the BALLOT Project’.   “They mentioned their ongoing involvement in that project and said if there’s any further scope for support, they will consider it,” he added.