United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and India on Tuesday completed the release and repatriation of 47 Indian and 38 Bangladeshi fishermen underscoring their shared commitment to humanitarian and livelihood concerns of coastal communities, said officials in Dhaka and Delhi. The repatriation process has been implemented through the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Police, local administration, and other relevant agencies, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. "Committed to the safety, security and welfare of our fishermen," said Indian Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal in message from his verified X handle. The government of India said it attaches the highest importance to the "safety, security and welfare" of Indian fishermen. To this end, the MEA in a media release said, it continues to work assiduously to secure the release of their fishermen from Bangladesh custody. Indian fishermen who happened to inadvertently cross the International Maritime Boundary Line had been arrested by Bangladesh authorities recently. Bangladesh fishermen had also been apprehended by Indian authorities similarly. The two governments successfully concluded the release and repatriation of 47 Indian fishermen and 38 Bangladesh fishermen, along with their operable vessel. In January 2025, the government of India facilitated the release of 95 Indian fishermen, and in a reciprocal manner, released 90 Bangladesh fishermen. The mutual exchange of fishermen and their vessel has been worked out keeping in mind the humanitarian and livelihood concerns of fishing communities on both sides. Indian fisherman lands in Rajshahi jail The reciprocal repatriation of 32 Bangladeshi fishermen detained in India and 47 Indian fishermen detained in Bangladesh has been completed in the afternoon. In the Bay of Bengal, on the International Maritime Boundary Line, the Bangladesh Coast Guard received 32 Bangladeshi fishermen from the Indian Coast Guard and handed over 47 Indian fishermen to them. Simultaneously, the Indian Coast Guard returned one Bangladesh-owned fishing boat, while the Bangladesh Coast Guard returned three India-owned fishing boats. At the same time, six Bangladeshi fishermen who were detained in Meghalaya, India will be repatriated through Nakugaon Land Port of Sherpur district under the supervision of the Border Guard Bangladesh. BGB and BSF are working towards that end.

The Canadian High Commission in Dhaka has said Canada values Bangladesh’s significant contributions to international peace and security and expressed its interest in expanding engagement with Bangladesh’s defence institutions. The High Commission says it explores opportunities for collaboration with reputable Canadian industry partners. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh recently met Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff of the Bangladesh Navy and Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, for productive discussions on Bangladesh-Canada defence cooperation.  

Wing Tai Garments (Bangladesh) Co. Ltd., a Chinese company, has signed a land lease agreement with Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) to set up a garment industry at BEPZA Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ) at Mirsarai in Chattogram. The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka with a proposed investment of US$ 10.32 million, creating employment opportunities for 3,158 Bangladeshi nationals. Wing Tai Garments (Bangladesh) will produce a diverse range of apparel, including knitwear garments like ladies, kids & men’s tops, t-shirts, trousers & shorts with an annual production target of 1.56 million pcs, alongside woven garments such as ladies, kids & men’s jackets, pants & shorts, with an annual production target of 4.01 million pcs, said a press release. Md. Ashraful Kabir, Member (Investment Promotion), signed the agreement on behalf of BEPZA, while Li Qingqi, General Manager of Wing Tai Garments (Bangladesh) Co. Ltd., signed on behalf of the investing company. BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain witnessed the signing ceremony. The signing ceremony was attended by A N M Foyzul Haque, Member (Finance); Md. Khorshid Alam, Executive Director (Enterprise Services); Samir Biswas, Executive Director (Admin); A.S.M. Anwar Parvez, Executive Director (Public Relations), Md. Fazlul Haque Mazumder, Executive Director (Investment Promotion-Addl. Charge); Company Advisor of Wing Tai Garments (Bangladesh) AZM Azizur Rahman along with senior officials of BEPZA and representatives from investing company.

Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh on Monday said with elections coming up, ensuring that the digital space remains safe, inclusive, and open is more important than ever. “It is a shared responsibility that demands local insight, local leadership, and local innovation,” he said, noting that Bangladesh’s next chapter will be written not only in its cities, towns, and institutions, but also in its digital public sphere. Speaking at a programme, the High Commissioner said Bangladesh’s digital space is growing fast. Such growth supports participation and transparency, but it also creates challenges, including misinformation, harassment, and weakened public trust. SecDev, with support from Global Affairs Canada, hosted the Build4Democracy Hackathon 2025 that brought together dynamic young technologists, civil society leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs to develop innovative tools that strengthen digital resilience in Bangladesh while maintaining information integrity. “Your work is ambitious, demanding, and necessary for building a strong, prosperous, and vibrant Bangladesh. As you build, I encourage you to remember three principles - first, anchor your work in the lived realities of communities; be guided by ethics and design for sustainability. This initiative was organized in collaboration with UNDP Bangladesh as the strategic partner; Peace Maker Studio as the implementing partner; Activate Rights as the knowledge partner; and Rupantar and Surge Bangladesh jointly serving as outreach partners, with Film4Peace as the prize partner. It was a broad coalition with a common goal: strengthening digital resilience nationwide. In particular, the hackathon highlighted the essential role of youth-led innovation in countering misinformation, online harassment, and coordinated digital manipulation. The hackathon united multidisciplinary teams from across the country to design practical and responsible digital solutions that reinforce information integrity, democratic participation, and online safety ahead of the 2026 national elections. The initiative reflects Bangladesh’s ongoing digital transformation and its commitment to cultivating transparent, safe, and resilient online spaces. The event was attended by high-level representatives from SecDev and the High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh, who spoke to the importance of protecting democratic processes and diverse civic voices in the lead-up to the elections. Participating teams were challenged to design technically sound solutions that could function effectively within Bangladesh’s real-world context and be ready for rapid deployment, with credible strategies for reaching users before the election. To this end, teams collaborated with expert mentors to develop prototype solutions aligned with two core themes - Preserving Diverse Voices and Creating Safe Digital Spaces. To make the hackathon unique, fun, and challenging, it featured a dynamic “Shark Tank”–style pitch arena, where participants presented their solutions to a distinguished panel of judges from diverse sectors. Judges engaged teams with rigorous questioning, evaluating both vision and viability under real-world conditions. These “SHARKS” assessed proposals based on technical soundness, democratic value, sustainability, ethical safeguards, and community impact. The high-energy pitch rounds—supported by live DJ transitions—created an investment-style atmosphere that challenged teams to refine, defend, and elevate their ideas. Winning teams will receive targeted support and financial resources to complete a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP) within one month. Canadian High Commissioner meets Prof Ali Riaz To maintain momentum and ensure progress, a second Build4Democracy Showcase Event will be held in January 2026, where all participating teams will present the advancements made during the development period. This showcase will provide an opportunity for partners, stakeholders, and potential adopters to review improved prototypes, identify pathways for piloting, and mobilize further support. Solutions will then be prepared for testing and deployment with relevant communities and institutions in early 2026, ensuring citizens and stakeholders have access to trustworthy, secure, and actionable digital tools ahead of the national elections.  

Forty-seven Indian fishermen released from Bagerhat District Jail will be handed over to the Indian Coast Guard on Tuesday. Following a court order, jail authorities handed them over to the Bangladesh Coast Guard on Sunday afternoon in the presence of officials from the High Commission of India, an executive magistrate from the district administration and police. Earlier, Coast Guard members left Mongla on Monday morning with the fishermen, who are expected to be transferred to the Indian Coast Guard at the Bangladesh-India maritime border on Tuesday. Sources said that the Indian authorities are also expected to hand over several Bangladeshi fishermen imprisoned in India to the Bangladesh Coast Guard at the same time. Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md. Baten said 34 fishermen with two trawlers and 14 Indian fishermen with one trawler were detained on July 14 and August 2 for trespassing and fishing inside Bangladeshi waters. The Navy apprehended them during routine patrols and later handed them over to Mongla Police Station. Later, a case was filed under the Marine Fisheries Act. Among them, an Indian fisherman named Babul Das, 25, died of illness on November 15. After completing legal formalities, his body was handed over to the owners of fishing boat (Jagannath Das and Mintu Das) from the District Hospital’s cold storage on November 25, in the presence of Indian High Commission officials. Sources added that between July 14 and October 23, the Navy detained 71 Indian fishermen along with five trawlers in four separate operations for intruding into Bangladeshi waters to fish. Earlier, on January 2, 64 Indian fishermen were released from Bagerhat District Jail and repatriated. Currently, 23 Indian fishermen remain in Bagerhat District Jail.

The Consultations on Development Cooperation between the Government of Bangladesh and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany were held in Dhaka on Monday at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in the capital. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division, while the German delegation was headed by Barbara Schäfer, South Asia,Head of Division, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).  Senior officials from relevant ministries, agencies, and development organizations were also present, said a press release. The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing bilateral development cooperation and discussed priorities for future collaboration in line with the Consultation Protocol agreed upon by both sides. In his opening statement, Secretary Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky expressed appreciation for Germany’s long-standing development partnership and its contributions to Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress.  He highlighted the Government’s priority areas, including climate change adaptation, renewable energy expansion, sustainable urban development, and skills enhancement. The Secretary stated that Bangladesh looks forward to deepening its engagement with Germany in the areas of renewable energy, solar rooftop expansion, climate-resilient infrastructure, good governance, and internationally recognized TVET certification programs to enhance global employability of Bangladeshi workers. In her remarks, Barbara Schäfer reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development priorities and commended Bangladesh for its progress in economic growth, climate resilience, and social development. She emphasized Germany’s readiness to continue its partnership with Bangladesh, particularly in climate adaptation, green transition, sustainable urban development, and skills development. Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the progress made and reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral development cooperation. The next round of Bangladesh–Germany Consultations on Development Cooperation will be held in Germany at a mutually agreed date.

Bangladeshi nationals seeking Romanian student or family reunification visas will now have more options for submitting their applications, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. The Romanian Embassy in New Delhi, which usually receives these applications, has informed through a diplomatic note that Bangladeshis may also submit their visa files at Romania’s diplomatic missions in Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi and Bangkok, it said. 

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that carbon trading mechanisms must function simultaneously as investment channels, technology transfer instruments, and mitigation tools. “Even if we receive full adaptation financing, we cannot guarantee protection of our coastal regions unless mitigation is strengthened,” she stated, adding that adaptation has clear limits, making mitigation the ultimate pathway to long-term resilience. She made the remarks while addressing a workshop titled Business Forum on Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Project Matchmaking and Advancing Article 6 Implementation in Bangladesh at the Department of Environment, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, Japan on Sunday. The Advisor welcomed the revised JCM rules aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and noted Bangladesh’s pre-launch of its first national carbon market framework during COP30. She said the framework provides regulatory clarity, guidance on authorisation procedures, and a predictable platform for international investors. She called for further stakeholder consultations ahead of finalisation, emphasising that vulnerable communities must not be left outside policy and project decision-making. Highlighting Bangladesh's updated NDC commitments—6.39% unconditional emission reduction and an additional 13.92% conditional reduction by 2035—she urged the Department of Environment to promptly develop an implementation roadmap. “Submitting NDCs is not enough; an action plan must support them,” she stressed, asking relevant ministries to deliver sector-specific execution plans. Calling for strong private sector participation, she noted that export-oriented industries accelerate sustainability transformation when supply-chain requirements demand compliance. She urged private entities to develop innovative solutions that look beyond tree-plantation CSR and support renewable energy expansion, energy efficiency, resilient agriculture, and nature-based solutions. She also advised caution regarding waste-to-energy projects, underscoring the need for advanced technology, strict third-party monitoring, compliance assurance, proper site selection, and public disclosure of performance data.

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Sunday said a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Thailand could play a major role in strengthening maritime and logistics connectivity to boost bilateral trade and investment. He said this during a meeting with Thai Ambassador to Bangladesh, Thitiporn Chirasawadi, at his office in the afternoon. The adviser stressed the need for expanding existing trade ties and effectively utilising sea routes to enhance cooperation between the two countries. Bashir said Bangladesh is offering a favourable investment climate for foreign investors, adding that Thai businesses can explore opportunities in pharmaceuticals, shrimp, furniture and the tourism industry. Such investments, he said, would benefit both nations. Reiterating the commitment to work together on strengthening maritime connectivity, the adviser said an FTA would help increase the bilateral trade volume. The Thai envoy highlighted the importance of launching a direct maritime trade route between Ranong Port and Chittagong Port for the first time, alongside advancing the proposed Thailand–Bangladesh FTA. She said using Ranong Port in western Thailand could significantly reduce both shipping time and costs. Currently, goods shipped from Thailand to Bangladesh take around 14–15 days, whereas the western sea route would shorten the travel time to 4–7 days, she added. Similarly, shipments from Chittagong would reach Thai and neighbouring ports more quickly. Additional Secretary (Export) Md Abdur Rahim Khan and the Minister Counsellor of the Thai Embassy were also present in the meeting.

Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen on Sunday emphasised that digital spaces are now central to political engagement and must be safe for women’s participation and said women’s political participation is essential for inclusive democracy. “Women’s political participation is essential for inclusive democracy, sustainable development and lasting peace. When women are silenced - whether through digital harassment, character attacks, threats, or physical violence - entire societies lose out,” said the Ambassador while speaking at a dialogue. The dialogue laid emphasis on exploring how they can strengthen legal protections, promote digital safety, hold perpetrators accountable and empower women to participate in politics without fear. The Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, in collaboration with UN Women, hosted the high-level dialogue titled ‘Power Without Fear: Ending Digital and Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Politics’ as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) campaign under the theme ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’. The event convened political party representatives, young women leaders, civil society, academics, journalists, gender experts, development partners and diplomats to address the current threats women face in political life. Held at the Norwegian Residence, the dialogue focused on how digital violence has emerged as a modern barrier to democratic participation. As Bangladesh approaches its national elections, women engaged in political activities find themselves increasingly targets of online harassment, intimidation, gendered misinformation, and coordinated smear campaigns that often extend into real-world harm. Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Reto Renggli underscored that preventing gender-based violence is not only a crucial issue in general, but also especially relevant in view of the upcoming elections in Bangladesh.