United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has met UN Secretary General António Guterres and highlighted the challenges faced by developing and vulnerable nations due to the ongoing global oil crisis and its disproportionate impact on poorer countries. On behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Dr Rahman extended an invitation to the Secretary-General to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time. The Secretary-General welcomed the invitation and expressed his appreciation. The Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations’ unwavering support and solidarity with Bangladesh. He extended the support during a meeting held at the UN Headquarters in New York with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on March 26. At the meeting, the Secretary-General has extended his warm congratulations to the newly formed government of Bangladesh, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. He also highly commended Bangladesh for its continued humanitarian leadership and generosity in sheltering forcibly displaced Rohingya people.  The discussions also covered a range of contemporary global issues. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Nations in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development.

In a move to mitigate the urgent demand of the country, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved emergency diesel import proposals amid the unstable Middle East situation. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for the current fiscal year held virtually with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. The meeting approved in principle two proposals of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply in the country in the context of the ongoing geopolitical instability following tensions involving in the Middle East. Bangladesh to receive 1.92 lakh tonnes of LNG in 10 days to bolster energy supply According to the decisions taken at the meeting, approval was given to procure 100,000 metric tons of EN590 (10 PPM) diesel from AP Energy Investments Limited through direct procurement under international purchase to meet the emergency fuel requirement. The committee also approved another proposal to procure 200,000 metric tons of EN590 Euro-5 (10 PPM) diesel from Superstar International (Group) Limited through direct procurement method under international purchase. The approvals were granted to ensure uninterrupted energy supply and maintain stability in the domestic fuel market amid the evolving global geopolitical situation, said a Finance Ministry press release. Officials said the government is taking necessary measures to secure adequate fuel supply to meet the country’s growing energy demand and maintain economic stability.

Bangladesh on Thursday said the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is ready to extend all out support to its trade partners so that Bangladesh’s image as a trading nation is brightened in the international arena. At the discussion that preceded the MoU signing ceremony, the Bangladesh side pointed out that expansion of trade and attracting investment are among the key areas of focus of the present government in Bangladesh. The Foreign Trade Institute of Bangladesh (BFTI) on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) with a view to enhancing cooperation in the arena of trade and investment. The signing ceremony took place at the ICDT office in Casablanca, Morocco, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Established as a subsidiary organ of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) in 1984, ICDT is mandated to work for promoting trade and investments across the OIC region. Bangladesh Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OIC MJH Jabed and Director General of the ICDT Latifa Elbouabdellaoui signed the MoU on behalf of the respective organization. Bangladesh Ambassador to Morocco Sadia Faizunnesa and senior officials of the ICDT attended the signing ceremony. The Bangladesh delegation requested the ICDT researchers to include different economic sectors and sub-sectors of Bangladesh in its research and policy advocacy portfolio. The Bangladesh envoys thanked the ICDT authorities for its forward-looking decision to sign the MoU which stands to pave the way for exchange of ideas, professionals and institutional collaboration between BFTI and ICDT. Both sides were upbeat that talented Bangladeshi professionals would have an opportunity to directly contribute to multifarious work programmes of ICDT. The ICDT Director General expressed her appreciation to the Government of Bangladesh for coming forward to sign a formal MoU with ICDT. El Bouabdellaoui noted that Bangladesh is a regular contributor to all OIC organizations including the ICDT and a very proactive Member at the different OIC forums. “The MoU signing is a historic occasion.” She expressed her thanks to Bangladesh Permanent Mission to OIC, Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce as well as the professionals of both BFTI and ICDT for the ground work leading to the fruitful negotiation and eventual signing of the MoU. She informed that as a recognition of Bangladesh's sustained commitment to the OIC process, her organization is considering to include Bangladesh as a pilot country in different trade promotion initiatives including designating Dhaka as a regional hub to carry out trade and investment matchmaking works of ICDT. She also informed that the ICDT country profile on Bangladesh will be updated soon and they would initiate talks with the Government of Bangladesh to implement a trade and investment country programme for 2026-27 which would include branding, showcasing, workshop, conducting sessions on trade negotiations and trade capacity building. Both sides expressed the hope that though it is initially operational for two years, subject to the concurrence of both parties, there would be the opportunities to expand the time horizon in future.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu celebrated the 55th anniversary of the Great Independence and National Day with due solemnity and festive spirit on Thursday. The day began with the hoisting of the national flag at the Embassy premises by Bangladesh Ambassador Md. Shafiqur Rahman, followed by a special prayer for the salvation of the martyrs of the Liberation War and for the continued peace and progress of Bangladesh. A discussion session on the significance of the Great Independence and National Day was also held, during which messages from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read aloud. Members of the Bangladesh community in Nepal actively participated in the session. In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Rahman paid rich tribute to the three million martyrs, 200,000 women, and all heroic freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices for Bangladesh’s independence. He recalled the history, essence, and spirit of the day, emphasizing the importance of unity under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to build a Bangladesh free from discrimination and injustice, ensuring democracy, peace, and prosperity. He urged the community to contribute to the nation’s progress from their respective positions.

Dhaka, Mar 26 (UNB) - Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has called for stronger global efforts to confront historical injustices and eliminate slavery and oppression. He made the call while addressing a commemorative meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade on Wednesday. The Foreign Minister paid solemn tribute to the millions of victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, while also honoring the extraordinary courage and resilience of those who bravely resisted it. Korean FM greets Khalilur Rahman; eyes enhanced ties with Dhaka Emphasising that the transatlantic slave trade remains a permanent scar on humanity, Dr. Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh’s firm stance against slavery, apartheid, genocide, and all forms of oppression. He underscored that the Constitution of Bangladesh rejects imperialism, colonialism, racism, and discrimination, and reiterated the country’s solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide, said a media release on Thursday. Recalling the centenary of the 1926 Slavery Convention and nearly 80 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Foreign Minister said that although slavery has been abolished, its legacy persists in modern society, economy, and politics with various forms still existing worldwide. Acknowledging the enduring impacts of the transatlantic slave trade, Dr. Khalilur Rahman emphasized that action must go beyond remembrance, calling for renewed efforts to combat human trafficking, coordinated measures in digital forensics, and greater investment in education and dialogue on the human and civilizational costs of slavery. Reaffirming this solemn commitment, he urged the global community to work together to build a world where slavery and oppression have no place.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has invited greater Singaporean investment in Bangladesh, particularly in sectors such as ICT and digital infrastructure. Singapore expressed interest in enhancing cooperation with Bangladesh in digital governance and capacity building, particularly in ICT-related sectors. The issues were discussed when Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) of the High Commission of Singapore to Bangladesh, Mitchel Lee met the State Minister at her office on Wednesday. The State Minister highlighted the government’s focus on increasing efficiency in public service delivery, ensuring transparency, and reducing costs through digital transformation. Both sides discussed potential collaboration in the energy sector, including investment in waste-to-energy power plants and renewable energy initiatives in Bangladesh. The Singapore side conveyed its interest in exploring opportunities in renewable energy, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister underscored the importance of reducing the existing trade imbalance and emphasised the need to identify and promote exportable products from Bangladesh. The Singapore side noted its interest in diversifying sources of food imports to enhance food security and highlighted potential imports from Bangladesh, including agro-products such as mangoes and seafood, with the involvement of supermarket chains. The State Minister also encouraged increased exports of Bangladeshi products such as jute, ceramics, and leather goods.Both sides discussed the importance of exchanging business delegations to promote targeted engagement. The State Minister welcomed potential Singaporean investments, highlighting the business-friendly environment and policies of the Government. The two sides also expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral engagements and welcomed the prospect of Bangladesh hosting the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in Dhaka this year. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the bilateral relations for the mutual benefit. The CDA congratulated the State Minister on her assumption of office. The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations. During the meeting, the CDA briefed the State Minister on ongoing bilateral engagements, particularly highlighting the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. He noted the positive reputation of Bangladeshi workers in Singapore and shared that new opportunities are expected to emerge with upcoming large-scale infrastructure and land development projects, including new Terminal of Changi Airport. The State Minister emphasised the importance of expanding opportunities for both skilled and semi-skilled Bangladeshi workers in Singapore, noting that employment generation and vocational training are key priorities of the Government. The CDA expressed Singapore’s keen interest in concluding the Bangladesh–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (BSFTA) at an early date and requested continued cooperation on the Bay Terminal project. The State Minister assured that Bangladesh would extend full cooperation and facilitate progress through coordination with the relevant government agencies.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Wednesday underlined that the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is the only viable solution to the crisis. "Bangladesh will continue to work with UNHCR and other partners to identify practical pathways while sustaining humanitarian assistance in both Bhasan Char and Coxs Bazar," she said. The State Minister made the remarks when UNHCR Country Representative Ivo Freijsen met her at her office. The State Minister welcomed him and expressed appreciation for UNHCR’s continued support for forcibly displaced Rohingyas, particularly for its lead role under the Rohingya Response Plan. 

A sexual harassment response protocol has been launched to ensure a safer working environment in Bangladesh’s media sector. The protocol was developed by BBC Media Action Bangladesh and formally unveiled on Wednesday at a hotel in the capital. It was prepared under a project supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office aimed at strengthening women journalists’ networks. Speakers at the event said institutional weaknesses remain a major challenge in preventing and addressing sexual harassment in media workplaces. They stressed the need for strong commitment and accountability to ensure effective implementation. President of Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said sexual harassment has become a social problem and urged media houses to ensure accountability through active discussions in newsrooms.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu has said India looks forward to working closely with Bangladesh to further strengthen the bilateral partnership and to advance regional peace, stability and prosperity. “On behalf of the government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of Bangladesh on the occasion of your National Day,” said the Indian President in a letter to Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin. President Murmu said Bangladesh and India are bound by a shared history, deep cultural linkages and enduring linguistic traditions that form the foundation of our close partnership. “Through the years, we have made significant progress in advancing people-centric development across key sectors including connectivity, trade, development partnership, power and energy, capacity building and education, delivering tangible benefits to citizens on both sides of the border,” she said. Fuel prices rise in India amid Middle East tensions The Indian President conveyed her best wishes to the government and the people of Bangladesh. On the occasion of the great Independence and National Day that falls on March 26, Bangladesh President Shahabuddin extended his heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to all Bangladeshis at home and abroad.

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey has said business to business relations are important for enhancing intra-BIMSTEC trade and investment. Welcoming recent launch of India leadership of BIMSTEC Business Council, he said they are going to launch BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce and Industries and a platform for investment promotion authorities. Together with the leadership of ASSOCHAM, the Secretary General said, these platforms will provide momentum for business communities coming together, leading to better development in Bay of Bengal region. The BIMSTEC Secretariat welcomed the launch by ASSOCHAM of the new India leadership of BIMSTEC Business Council, which marks an important step towards deepening intra-BIMSTEC trade and Investment through enhancing business-to-business relations, said the BIMSTEC headquarters on Wednesday. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group based in New Delhi, India. The new leadership has set a strategic agenda focused on three core pillars: Trade Facilitation, Multi-modal Connectivity, and MSME Cooperation. These priorities align closely with the BIMSTEC "Bangkok Vision 2030," which seeks to transform Bay of Bengal into a resilient, open and prosperous region. Bangladesh, being the lead member State for cooperation under BIMSTEC in Trade, Investment and Development Sector has a significant role in enhancing business to business exchanges and dialogues. ASSOCHAM President Nirmal K Minda highlighted the organisation's vision of advancing connectivity, encouraging MSMEs and creating new investment and innovation opportunities across member States. ASSOCHAM Secretary General Saurabh Sanyal said this marks not just an institutional milestone, but a lasting commitment to businesses across seven nations. “Our focus is on turning intent into action through robust industry–government collaboration.” BIMSTEC Business Council India Chair Tribhuvan Darbari said BIMSTEC represents a USD 5 trillion opportunity. “The time is ripe to unlock this potential through deeper trade integration, stronger supply chains, and seamless connectivity. The real opportunity within BIMSTEC lies in converting policy alignment into business outcomes." BIMSTEC chief underscores Bangladesh’s leading role in regional cooperation Dr Shankar Prasad Sharma, Ambassador of Nepal to India, Penday Dorji, Counsellor (Economic), Royal Bhutanese Embassy, New Delhi, Thin Pyant Thida Kyaw, Deputy Chief of Mission/Minister Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, New Delhi, Geshan Dissanayake, Minister Counsellor (Commercial), The High Commission of Sri Lanka to India and Charoenporn Raksapolmuang (Counsellor), Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi, also participated at the event. BIMSTEC comprises seven countries of the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.